Motobu: A Guide to Okinawa's Hidden Gem

Welcome to Motobu, a city tucked away in the northern part of Okinawa! With stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder tourists from around the world flock here every year. From sandy beaches to sprawling aquariums, there's something to suit every taste in Motobu. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best tourist attractions you can visit during your stay.

Kaiyohaku Park

One of the most popular destinations in Motobu is Kaiyohaku Park, a sprawling complex that includes an aquarium, museum, gardens, and a beach. For nature lovers, there's the Churaumi Aquarium, which features an incredible array of marine life, including sharks, coral, fish, and manta rays. You can also visit the Okinawa Oceanic Culture Museum Planetarium, which showcases the region's unique cultural heritage. If you're looking for something more laid-back, you can explore the park's botanical gardens or spend a lazy afternoon on the beach, taking in the stunning coastal views.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/

Bise-Fukugi Tree Road

For a taste of Okinawa's ancient past, take a stroll down Bise-Fukugi Tree Road. This sandy road is lined with centuries-old fukugi trees, which provide ample shade and a sense of tranquility. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take an ox-drawn cart ride along the road, or rent a bike to explore the area at your own pace. Along the way, you'll encounter local vendors selling Okinawan snacks and souvenirs.

URL: www.motobu-ka.com/tourist_i...

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

If you're a fan of marine life, you won't want to miss the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. This sprawling aquarium is one of the largest in the world and features an incredible array of sea creatures, including whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles. Visitors can explore the aquarium's various zones, including the Coral Sea, Sea of Tropical Fish, Kuroshio Sea, and Sea of Dangerous Creatures. There's also an outdoor area where you can watch dolphins and sea turtles up close.

URL: churaumi.okinawa/

Sesoko Beach

No visit to Okinawa would be complete without a trip to the beach, and Sesoko Beach is one of the best. This beautiful stretch of sand and sea is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of colorful fish, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear. After a day in the sun, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby seafood restaurants.

URL: www.sesokobeach.jp/

Bisezaki

For a more secluded beach experience, head to Bisezaki. This scenic spot is popular with snorkelers, thanks to its shallow waters and abundance of tropical fish. You can also take in the stunning coastal views or go for a hike along the nearby trails. There are a few local vendors selling food and drinks, but this is mostly a quiet, undeveloped area perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.

Maimai Shisa

If you're interested in Okinawan folklore and art, be sure to check out Maimai Shisa. This small museum showcases the region's famous shisa, a type of mythical creature resembling a lion-dog that is said to protect homes from evil spirits. Here, you can learn about the history of shisa, see a variety of shisa sculptures, and even make your own shisa to take home as a souvenir.

URL: www.mymy-si-sa.com/

Gorilla Chop

For a taste of Okinawan cuisine, be sure to visit Gorilla Chop. This cozy restaurant specializes in traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Some of the must-try items include the pork belly, gyoza, and bitter melon stir-fry. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable, making this a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

Sunset Square

If you're looking for a place to watch the sunset, head to Sunset Square. Located within Kaiyohaku Park, this open-air plaza offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Pack a picnic dinner or grab a snack at one of the nearby vendors and settle in for a peaceful evening watching the sun dip below the horizon.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/

Tropical Dream Center

For a botanical experience unlike any other, visit the Tropical Dream Center. This sprawling complex features over 2,000 orchids, as well as a variety of other tropical and subtropical flowers and fruit trees. The center is divided into various zones, including a greenhouse, an outdoor garden, and a butterfly house. There's also a gift shop where you can purchase orchids and other souvenirs.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/38

Kaiyohaku Park Dolphin Lagoon

For a chance to get up close and personal with dolphins, head to the Kaiyohaku Park Dolphin Lagoon. Here, you can watch as the dolphins play and perform tricks in their natural habitat. Visitors can also participate in various activities, including feeding the dolphins and taking photos with them.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/...

Motobu Izumi Kumeno Sakura

During the spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at Motobu Izumi Kumeno Sakura. This park is home to over 3,000 cherry blossom trees, which bloom in a riot of pink and white during the month of March. Visitors can stroll along the park's walking paths, admire the cherry blossoms, and take part in various traditional Japanese activities.

Ocean Expo Park Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum (Greenery Kingdom)

For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Ocean Expo Park Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum. This leafy park is home to a variety of tropical and subtropical flora, as well as several walking trails and picnic areas. There's also a small zoo, where visitors can see animals native to Okinawa.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/47

Water Stairs

For a unique water-themed experience, visit the Water Stairs within Kaiyohaku Park. This staircase features a series of fountains and waterfalls, which create a delightful play area for children and adults alike. You can even walk up the middle of the staircase without getting wet.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/

Okichan Theatre

Last but not least, don't miss the Okichan Theatre. This large aquarium features dolphin shows that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. You can watch as the dolphins perform impressive stunts and tricks, and even take part in interactive activities.

URL: oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/inst/77

With so many incredible tourist attractions, it's no wonder Motobu is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or culture, there's something to suit every taste in this beautiful city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Motobu today!