Sefa Utaki is Okinawa’s most sacred spiritual site — a UNESCO-listed forest sanctuary of towering rock formations, ancient ceremonies, and ocean views. Discover the history, walking route, and visitor details for this powerful Ryukyuan pilgrimage site.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins rises 160 metres above Okinawa, offering sweeping island views and some of the best-preserved stone walls of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Rich in history and dramatic stories of power struggles, this UNESCO-listed gusuku is one of Okinawa’s most impressive castle sites.

Perched high above Okinawa’s coastline, Katsuren Castle Ruins offers sweeping ocean views, impressive limestone walls, and a deep connection to the maritime trade history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A short but rewarding walk leads to one of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage castles.

Home to the massive Kuroshio Sea Tank and one of the world’s most famous whale sharks, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium offers an unforgettable marine experience in northern Okinawa. From deep-sea exhibits to dolphin shows and coastal park views, it’s a full-day destination.

Standing at the northernmost point of Okinawa’s main island felt like reaching the edge of something meaningful. Cape Hedo’s sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and unexpected symbols of friendship made the long drive north entirely worthwhile.

Cape Manzamo in Okinawa is famous for its elephant trunk-shaped limestone cliff overlooking the East China Sea. Located in Onna Village, this scenic coastal stop combines dramatic ocean views with modern facilities and an easy walking loop.

Zakimi Castle Ruins in Okinawa offer a glimpse into the Ryukyu Kingdom’s unique limestone architecture. Perched on a hill in Yomitan Village, this UNESCO-listed gusuku site features curved stone walls, early arched gates, and sweeping coastal views.

Cape Zanpa in Okinawa offers dramatic limestone cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and one of the island’s most scenic coastal walks. From the iconic lighthouse to the giant guardian shisa statue, this easy seaside stroll delivers panoramic beauty in under an hour.

Hike through sacred forests to Oiwa Shrine and Mt. Oiwa in Ibaraki Prefecture, enjoying ancient trees, panoramic views of the Hitachi Alps, and a glimpse into one of Japan’s oldest Shinto sites.

Experience the frozen beauty of Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki, Japan, and hike to the summit of Mt. Tsukiore for panoramic views. This winter adventure offers icy cascades, forested trails, and a glimpse of castle ruins, making it a unique and scenic escape.

Experience Mount Omuro, a perfectly conical dormant volcano on the Izu Peninsula. Take the chairlift to the summit for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the Izu Seven Islands, and Sagami Bay. A short visit makes it ideal to combine with nearby attractions.

Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, celebrates the birth of cultured pearls and the legacy of Kokichi Mikimoto. From elegant museum displays to live ama diver demonstrations, this small island offers a fascinating look at Japan’s pearl heritage.

A journey through Yoshino’s temples, shrines, and sacred peaks. From Kinpusenji’s towering wooden hall to the Sky Gate of Kinpu Shrine, this hike offers a glimpse of Nara’s spiritual heart—magnificent even without the cherry blossoms.

Nakatsu Castle in Oita offers a compact yet rich historical experience, from samurai artefacts and armour to panoramic views of Nakatsu city and the Nakatsu River. Its park, shrine, and surrounding museums make it a highlight for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Cliffside stone walls, sweeping views of Mount Aso, and layered feudal history make Oka Castle Ruins one of Kyushu’s most impressive fortress sites.

A nighttime visit to Takachiho Shrine reveals ancient myths brought to life through Kagura dance, set beneath towering cedar trees.

A quiet walk through sacred forests and riverside caves tied to the legend of Amaterasu, exploring the spiritual heart of Takachiho beyond the gorge.

Snow-dusted basalt cliffs and emerald water make Takachiho Gorge one of Miyazaki’s most striking landscapes.

A rain-soaked walk across Cape Toi revealed wild horses, a historic lighthouse, and a windswept shrine perched between cliffs and sea.

When high winds cancelled my ferry plans to Cape Sata, I turned my day into a spontaneous road trip around Ibusuki. From East China Sea viewpoints at Kamegaoka Hill to the coastal cliffs of Hinokami Park, the legend of Lake Ikeda’s Issie, the Golden Torii framed by Kaimondake, and the tidal sandbar of Chiringashima, this drive showcased some of southern Kagoshima’s most scenic landscapes.