Okinawa Naha underwater sightseeing boat Orca
First stop of the day: let’s take a ride on the underwater sightseeing boat!
Inside the Naha Pier passenger waiting area, look for the blue counter where you’ll see “WEST MARINE” and “ORCA” written above it — that’s where you can purchase tickets.
※ Present the QR-code of Have Fun in Okinawa Pass to redeem a 1,000 yen discount coupon.
After purchasing your boat ticket, follow the signs to the boarding gate.
When visiting Okinawa without plans for water activities, you must try to take a special semi-submarine sightseeing boat. Explore the gorgeous underwater world and experience the marvelous sensation of being immersed in the sea.
This boat is the “Underwater Sightseeing Boat Orca” which we seek for!
After boarding, look for signs indicating the entrance to the “Underwater Viewing Room.”
Follow the stairs down to reach the semi-submersible cabin, which has quite a spacious interior.
In some parts of the sightseeing boat, the cabin submerges underwater. You can enjoy the view of Okinawa’s unique tropical fish through large glass windows!
Experiencing the underwater sensation and visual impact firsthand is absolutely different from viewing it in an aquarium! You’ll understand once you try it yourself.
There’s a chance to see beautiful coral reefs when the underwater visibility is good.
Image Source：©c 2018 West Marine
Okinawa Naha underwater sightseeing boat Orca
Address：沖繩縣那霸市通堂町2-1 Terminal (那覇港 旅客待合エリア WEST MARINE) Googlemaps
Experience Shuri Ryusen’s Coral Dyeing
The second stop, we aim to take everyone to experience Okinawa’s unique dyeing techniques.
Okinawa is an island with the most diverse types of coral, symbolizing good luck, happiness, prosperity, and longevity!
“Shuri Ryusen” is the only dyeing specialty store on Okinawa Island where you can experience coral dyeing.
On the first floor of the store, there are many dyed fabric products on display and seats available nearby for resting.
Different colors of dyed fabrics also have different meanings.
※ Present the QR code of the Have Fun in Okinawa Pass to the counter staff to redeem a 1,000 yen discount coupon for the coral dyeing experience. (Advanced reservation is required.)
Heading to the second floor for experiencing the unique coral dyeing.
There will be a basic tutorial first, introducing the color blending variations, the tools for dyeing, and the steps of Shuri Ryusen.
One thing to pay special attention to is using a tool like a powder puff to gently press the pigment during dyeing. Be sure to press lightly; pressing too hard may cause the colors to blend together into a patch.
Using coral as a stamping tool to create unique designs on clothing, scarves, bags, and other items is a truly enjoyable creative process!
There are various patterns and motifs available on-site that you can freely mix and match.
Shuri Ryusen
Address：沖縄県那覇市首里山川町 1-54 Googlemaps
※Resevation Link
Shuri Castle
The third stop is Shuri Castle, about a 5-minute walk from Shuri Ryusen.
The Ryukyu Kingdom was a monarchy that lasted for about 450 years. During that time, it developed a unique Ryukyu culture through trade and exchange with China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other countries.
At that time, Shuri Castle served as the political, cultural, and economic center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, witnessing the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
This Ryukyu-style castle was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000.
Throughout the Ryukyu Kingdom’s history of power struggles and wartime destruction, Shuri Castle has been destroyed four times.
The fifth destruction occurred in the early hours of October 2019, when a severe fire burned down the main hall, south hall, north hall, and other structures of the World Heritage site Shuri Castle.
In 2022, the restoration of Shuri Castle began, with a primary focus on fire prevention. The reconstruction is expected to be completed in 2026.
An illustration of the envisioned restored castle can be seen on the outer walls of the warehouse where the timber is stored within Shuri Castle.
The restoration process is fully open to the public. Visitors can walk in and observe the reconstruction of the palace from the ground up until completion.
There is also a display area for the remnants of the disaster, showcasing the impressive guardian dragon head decoration from the main hall, surviving tile decorations, and shisa lion roof tiles.
During the restoration period, there will be various experience activities offered periodically, such as palace reconstruction experiences and roof tile laying experiences.
Be sure to take the opportunity to experience the rebirth of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom!
Shuri Castle
Address：冲绳县那霸市首里金城町1-2 Googlemaps
※Please refer to the official website for business hours.
※Attractions in the Pass will be updated from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
