▲View of Ginowan City, Okinawa from PIXTA
Only 30 minutes by car from Naha. Located in the center of Okinawa Island, Ginowan City is a bridge between the north and south, and is a recommended tourist spot in the central Okinawa region.
Ginowan City, located in the center of Okinawa's main island, is an attractive place with beautiful seas and abundant nature. It is an area with good access, about 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport under normal circumstances. It is also an ideal base for sightseeing in Okinawa, as it is easy to get to both the southern and northern parts of Okinawa.
In this article, we will introduce recommended spots, gourmet food, and events in Ginowan City.
Ginowan
- Ginowan
- Tourism
- Central Okinawa
- Ocean View
Updated on: 2024/09/13
Recommended sightseeing spots and activities
in Ginowan City and other recommended spots
in the central Okinawa area
- Sightseeing spots
- Restaurants and sweets
- Events
- Accommodation
Recommended spots
Active! Recommended sightseeing spots in Ginowan City
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Recommended spot 1
A mysterious shrine with a limestone cave
1 Futenmangu Shrine
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▲"Futenmangu Shrine" from PIXTA
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▲"Futenmangu Shrine" from PIXTA
Futenma Shrine is one of the eight Ryukyu Okinawa shrines.
The grounds contain the 280-meter-long Futenma Shrine Cave, a city-designated cultural property.
The cave and the area around the east entrance are ruins, and many artifacts from the latter half of the early Okinawa shell mound period (about 3,000 years ago) have been excavated.Futenmangu Shrine
- Address
- 1-27-10 Futenma, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2202
- Access
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Car: 10 minutes from Kitanakagusuku Interchange
Walking: 3 minutes walk from Futenma bus stop - Business Hours
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All Year Round
*Amulet distribution hours: Usually 9:30 A.M.-6:00P.M. - Fee
- Free
- Car Park
- Parking entrance is located at the right side of the torii gate
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Recommended spot 2
A panoramic view of beautiful Okinawa from the observation deck
2 Kakazu Takadai Park
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▲"Kakazu Takadai Park" from PIXTA
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▲"Kakazu Takadai Park" from PIXTA
Kakazu Takadai Park was one of the fiercest battlefields during the Battle of Okinawa, and is a popular place for peace studies.
There is an observation deck in the park shaped like a globe, from which you can get a beautiful view of the southern to central parts of Okinawa Island.Kakazu Takadai Park
- Address
- 〒901-2226 1-5 Kakazu, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Access
- 10 minutes walk from the bus stop "Hiroei Danchi Entrance"
- Business Hours
- Year Round
- Car Park
- Free parking available. Closed at night
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Recommended spot 3
Enjoy the sea on a beautiful beach
3 Tropical Beach | Ginowan Seaside Park
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▲"Ginowan Seaside Park" from PIXTA
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▲"Ginowan Seaside Park" from PIXTA
Ginowan Seaside Park's tropical beach is characterized by its white sand and crystal clear blue water, and its beauty is unforgettable once you visit. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and beach volleyball, as well as barbecues.
Coin lockers, coin showers, and many benches are also available, making it a well-equipped facility. The benches along the beach are perfect for spending a relaxing time with family and friends. At sunset, you can see the beautiful view of the sun sinking into the sea, creating a romantic atmosphere.Tropical Beach | Ginowan Seaside Park
- Address
- 4-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, 901-2224
- Access
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By Bus: From Naha Airport Bus Terminal, get off at Okinawa Convention Center (travel time: 50 to 70 minutes under normal circumstances)
By Car: From Naha Airport, 40 minutes under normal circumstances - Business Hours
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Swimming season: late April to October 30th
Swimming hours: 9:00A.M. to 7:00P.M. (varies depending on the season)
Usage hours: 9:00A.M. to 9:30P.M.
Additional facilities: showers, toilets (for the disabled), lockers, shop, rest area - Fee
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Coin shower ：¥100 (14 rooms) Coin locker ：¥200 (200 lockers) Bench chair ：¥1,000 (during swimming season) Parasol ：¥1,000 (during swimming season) - Car Park
- 180 spaces
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Recommended spot 4
Fully Enjoy marine activities
4 Ginowan Port Marina
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▲"Ginowan Port Marina" from PIXTA
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▲"Ginowan Seaside Park" from PIXTA
Ginowan Port Marina is located near a tropical beach. It is a base for enjoying marine sports such as cruising, sailing, diving and parasailing. There is also a restaurant in the marina where you can enjoy fresh local seafood. A marina is a facility for mooring ships, generally yachts and boats.
Ginowan Port Marina
- Address
- 4-4-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2224
- Access
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Bus: From Naha Airport to the Convention Center (normal time): approx. 60 minutes
Walk: 3 minutes from the Convention Center bus stop - Business Hours
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Marina Management Office
April 1st to October 31st: 8:00A.M. to 6:30P.M.
November 1st to March 31st: 9:00A.M. to 5:00P.M.
Lunch break: 12:00 NOON to 1:00P.M.
Office closed: Every Tuesday - Car Park
- Paid parking: 590 spaces
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Recommended spot 5
A short trip from Ginowan to a World Heritage site with a magnificent view
5 Katsuren Castle Ruins
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▲"Katsuren Castle Ruins" from PIXTA
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▲"Katsuren Castle Ruins, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture" From PIXTA
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▲"Katsuren Castle Ruins (Okinawa)" From PIXTA
Katsuren Castle Ruins is a highly recommended tourist spot that can be accessed by car from Ginowan City in about 30 to 40 minutes under normal circumstances.
Katsuren Castle is known as the castle of Amawari, an anji (one of the official titles in the Ryukyu Islands before the Meiji era) who held over the Katsuren Peninsula during the Ryukyu Dynasty. It was built in the 15th century, the castle's beautiful curves, taking advantage of the hilly terrain, were registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000.
The view of Okinawa's beautiful ocean from the top of the castle is spectacular.Katsuren Castle Ruins
- Address
- 〒904-2311 3807-2 Katsuren Haebaru, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Access
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Okinawa Kita Interchange under normal circumstances
- Business Hours
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9:00A.M.-6:00P.M. (last entry at 5:30P.M.)
*Open all year round (except for temporary closures such as facility inspections) - Car Park
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Free parking
Large buses: 6 spaces
Standard cars: 125 spaces
*Parking is open from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
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Recommended spot 6
Enjoy the colorful and photogenic exotic atmosphere
6 American Village (Mihama Town Resort)
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▲"Okinawa American Village" from PIXTA
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▲"Sunset at American Village, Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture" from PIXTA
American Village is an exotic spot with colorful buildings along Chatan Town's Long Beach. There are plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants that will make you feel like you're in an overseas resort, so you can spend the whole day here having fun.
American Village
- Address
- 〒904-0115 Mihama, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
- Access
- From Naha Airport, head north on Route 58 and drive for about 35 minutes under normal circumstances.
- Business Hours
- Varies by stores
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Recommended Restaurants and Sweets
A must-see for food lovers! Recommended restaurants and sweets in Ginowan City
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Recommended Restaurant 1
Okinawan Tacos and Taco rice specialty store
1 King Tacos Nagata Branch
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▲"King Tacos" from PIXTA
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▲"King Tacos" from PIXTA
Okinawa King Taco was founded in 1984 by Matsuzo Gibo and is the birthplace of Okinawa's soul food, taco rice. Despite being quite reasonably priced, the tacos are filled with meat, vegetables, cheese and more, making them very filling and great value for money!
The menu is extensive, and in addition to tacos and taco rice, they also have burgers, hamburgers, spaghetti and fries, so you can't help but get excited.King Tacos Nagata Branch
- Address
- 3-1-1 Ginowan, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2211
- Access
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By car: Approximately 5 minutes from Nishihara IC on the Okinawa Expressway.
By walk: 3 minutes from Nagata bus stop. - Business Hours
- 10:30A.M.~9:00P.M. Open all year round
- Budget
- ¥1,000～
- Car Park
- 2-minute walk from the store
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Recommended Restaurant 2
Immerse yourself in the taste of Okinawa soba at this restaurant with popularity.
2 Umichika Shokudo
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▲"Close up photo of Okinawa soba, pork belly, red pickled ginger, at Umichika Shokudo, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture" from PIXTA
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▲"Fried island tofu, plate, single item, at Umichika Shokudo, Ginowan City, Okinawa" from PIXTA
Okinawa Umichika Shokudo is located near the entrance to Ginowan Seaside Park, "Kankaimon." You can enjoy Okinawan home cooking such as Okinawa soba and champuru set meals. The comfortable atmosphere inside the restaurant makes it popular with locals.
Umichika Shokudo
- Address
- 2-27-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2224
- Access
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Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Naha Airport under normal circumstances
Walk: 3 minutes from the Convention Center bus stop - Business Hours
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00A.M.-9:00P.M.
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 11:30A.M.-6:00P.M.
Closed: Irregular (mainly Mondays)
*Business hours and closed days are subject to change. - Budget
- ¥1,000
- Car Park
- 16 parking spaces
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Recommended Restaurant 3
Enjoy Taiwanese cuisine in Ginowan City! Xiaolongbao is famous
3 Taiwan Snacks Hualien
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▲"Close-up photo of Xiaolongbao, Taiwanese snacks, Hualien, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture" from PIXTA
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▲"Close-up photo of Lu Rou Fan, Taiwanese snacks, Hualien, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture" from PIXTA
Taiwanese snacks Hualien is a Taiwanese gourmet restaurant that you can enjoy in Ginowan. It is located near the shopping arcade in Futenma, Ginowan City. The manager is originated from Taiwan and used to be a pharmacist, so they also serve healthy dishes using medicinal herbs.
Taiwan Snacks Hualien
- Address
- 1039 Kiyuna, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 〒901-2222
- Access
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Kitanakagusuku Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway under normal conditions
- Business Hours
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Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11:00A.M.～9:00P.M. (Last order: 8:00P.M.)
Sunday: 11:00A.M.～6:00P.M. (Last order: 5:00P.M.)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Business hours and holidays may be subject to change, so please check with the store before visiting. - Budget
- ¥1,000～¥1,999
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Recommended Restaurant 4
Enjoy specially selected fresh fish dishes and Okinawan cuisine
4 Uomasu Ginowan Marina Front Store
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▲"Uomasu Ginowan Marina Front Store" from Instagram
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▲"Uomasu Ginowan Marina Front Store" from Instagram
Uomasu Ginowan Marina Front Store is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish and Okinawan cuisine. It is located near the Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan and is loved by locals.
Uomasu Ginowan Marina Front Store
- Address
- 3-22-16 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2224
- Access
- 3,535m from Urasoe Maeda Station
- Business Hours
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Monday to Sunday 5:00 P.M. ~ 12:00 Midnight
Irregular holidays - Budget
- ¥3,000～¥3,999
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Recommended Events
Experience local culture: Events in Ginowan City
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Recommended Event 1
The earliest summer in Japan! 10,000 fireworks with spectacular sight
1 Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival
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▲"Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival" from PIXTA
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▲"Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival" from PIXTA
The Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival is a traditional seaside fireworks display that has been held for over 20 years under the theme of "The earliest moving summer in Japan." It is one of the largest entertainment events in Okinawa, with folk songs and dances also being performed.
It is a world-class fireworks display, with artistic fireworks designed by world-renowned designer Junko Koshino.Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival
- Event Location
- Ginowan Seaside Park (for 2024)
- Event Date
- Saturday, April 13th (for 2024)
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Recommended Event 2
A festival named after the Hagoromo legend
2 Ginowan Hagoromo Festival
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▲"Fireworks at the Hagoromo Festival in Ginowan" from PIXTA
The Ginowan Hagoromo Festival is a traditional festival named after the legend that a heavenly maiden descended from the earth and took a bath there.
A gorgeous portable shrine is decorated with flowers and ornaments, and various events are held to enliven the festival, such as a food stall street where you can enjoy food stalls and local cuisine, and a Civic Cultural Center where local performing arts and traditional crafts are exhibited.Ginowan Hagoromo Festival
- Event Location
- Ginowan Seaside Park Multipurpose Square (for 2024)
- Event Date
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Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th
※No backup dates
※For 2024 - Car Park
- Available (550 spaces)
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Recommended Event 3
Okinawa's traditional eisa performing arts
3 Okinawa City Youth Eisa Festival
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▲"Okinawa Eisa Festival" from PIXTA
The Okinawa City Youth Eisa Festival is a large-scale festival for enjoying Okinawa's traditional dance, "Eisa." The powerful Eisa dance performance by local young people is a spectacular sight! Eisa is a traditional dance performed to the rhythm of the drums, and the dancers wear colorful costumes and perform a passionate performance. At the end of the festival, the audience joins in the dance, bringing the festival to a close.
Okinawa City Youth Eisa Festival
- Event Location
- Ginowan Seaside Park Multipurpose Square (for 2024)
- Event Date
- October 14th (Monday, National Holiday) and October 15th (Tuesday) 5:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. (for 2024)
- Car Park
- Available (350 spaces)
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Recommended Event 4
A traditional precious Japanese event held at the sea
4 Ginowan Hagoromo Hari Tournament
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▲"Ginowan Hagoromo Hari Tournament" provided by the on-site office representative
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▲"Dragon Boat" from PIXTA
"Hāli" is a traditional Okinawan event in which participants pray for safe voyages and bountiful catches and race in "dragon boats" decorated with a dragon head on the bow and a dragon tail on the stern, or "sabani," traditional Okinawan fishing boats.
It is held in various parts of Okinawa, including Naha, Itoman, and Kadena.
Ginowan will also host the "Ginowan Hagoromo Hari Tournament" in 2024, and is scheduled to hold it around the same time in 2025. There are also plans for a Hari trial event to be held, so you may have a chance to experience this traditional Okinawan event for yourself.Ginowan Hagoromo Hari Tournament
- Event Location
- Ginowan Port Marina (for 2024)
- Event Date
- Sunday, July 7, 2024 (for 2024)
- Car Park
- Paid parking available for 600 cars
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Recommended Accommodation
Stay here! Recommended accommodation in Ginowan City
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Recommended Accommodation
Infinite pool with the sea in front of you!
1 Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan
Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan offers a panoramic view of the crystal clear blue sea and beautiful Ishigaki Island, and you can enjoy a romantic evening view, especially at sunset.
The hotel is packed with luxurious facilities that you can only experience at Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan, such as a heated pool with the ocean right in front of you, Okinawa's famous Blue Seal Ice Mountain, and morning yoga on the rooftop.
At Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan, you can rent an electric three-wheeled tuk-tuk called "Emo-bi." Some of the tourist spots in Ginowan introduced in this article can be visited by "Emo-bi," so you can have an Okinawan experience that you can only get here.
In addition, there are tourist attractions and shopping areas in the surrounding area, making it the perfect location for enjoying activities. Please feel free to visit them when sightseeing in Ginowan.Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan
- Address
- 3-28-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, 901-2224
- Access
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Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Naha Airport under normal circumstances
Walk: 4 minutes from the Convention Center bus stop - Telephone Number
- 098-898-1110
- Car Park
- 210台
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Summary
If you're visiting Ginowan City, Okinawa
This time we introduced tourist spots and events in Ginowan City, as well as other recommended spots in central Okinawa.
When sightseeing in Ginowan, we recommend Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan.
There are many luxurious workshops where you can fully enjoy Okinawa, such as electric tuk-tuk rental services, restaurants where you can enjoy a wide variety of creative Okinawan cuisine, and even ribbon lei making and hula experiences.
When exploring Okinawa, be sure to check out Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan.
- Tourist Spots
- Restaurants & Sweets
- Events
- Accommodation
- ※The photos are for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual content.
- ※The content may be subject to change.
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