NEW! Grand Africa to Asia Explorer

Journey by motor coach on a scenic drive through the capital and view the city’s highlights. Take in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and admire the city’s modern architecture. Cross the famous Nirai Kanai Bridge. Actually two connected bridges, it offers breathtaking views over the ocean, and on a clear day you will see as far as the Kudakajima and Komakajima islands. Stop at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates one of the bloodiest battles of World War II: the Battle of Okinawa. An estimated 200,000 people were killed, including many civilians; the park was unveiled in recognition of all the fallen soldiers and civilians. Drive through the city and down Kokusai-dōri (International Boulevard), known for its range of global retail outlets, and through Tsuboya, prettily peppered with ceramic stores brimming with the region’s famous pottery. Return to the ship with your guide or enjoy free time before returning to your ship independently.

Explore the lasting legacy of the Battle of Okinawa, one of World War II’s deadliest. Gaining a foothold on the island was essential to the Allied forces’ drive to the Japanese mainland. Fighting commenced on April 1, 1945, when more than 240,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives. Visit Peace Memorial Park, a testimonial to those who died in the battle. Reflect as you stroll the grounds and view the Cornerstone of Peace—a monument inscribed with the names of the fallen. Continue to the Himeyuri Monument, a memorial to the Japanese high school girls who gave their lives tending to the wounded in army field hospitals. Travel to the former headquarters of Japan’s navy, now a memorial to those who served there. Japanese soldiers dug the more than 1,400 feet of tunnels lying almost 100 feet below the surface by hand. Explore the shrapnel-pitted walls and cramped concrete passageways before returning to the port.

Discover two sides of Naha with a tour of Shuri Castle and Kokusai-dōri, or International Boulevard. Travel uphill and enter Shuri Castle, the former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the 14th century, the gusuku, or castle, borrowed heavily from palatial Chinese design. It was a command base for the Japanese during World War II and was almost destroyed by shelling during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Though it was slowly rebuilt to its original appearance, a 2019 fire caused further damage. The castle is currently under reconstruction, allowing visitors a rare opportunity to see the restoration process in progress. Next, visit Shikina-en Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, formerly a favored retreat for the Ryukyu Royal family. Destroyed during World War II, it has now been lovin restored and donated to the City of Naha.

Discover more of Okinawa’s culture on a visit to Okinawa World. Through its exhibits, this theme park showcases the island’s nature and traditions via its natural cave, replica village and zoological garden. Explore the Gyokusendo Cave—the longest of its kind on Okinawa Island—along the 2,500-foot-long raised walkways that weave through spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Next, visit the Kingdom Village, designed to highlight the lives of the Ryukyu people. Step inside their culture and traditions as you witness various Okinawan crafts such as weaving, papermaking, pottery and glassblowing, and try your hand during an interactive workshop. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Valley of Gangala and enjoy a stroll through nature, in which dramatic caves are set amid unusual foliage including the 150-year-old Ufushu Tree.

Admire the coastline overlooking the East China Sea and visit an Okinawan village for a glimpse of local culture. The Ryukyuan king Sho Hei visited the cape and famously stated that the hillside was large enough to accommodate 10,000 men sitting on its grassland—hence the name Man (10,000), Za (to sit) and Mo (field). Enjoy a stroll along its clifftop and take in the stunning vistas. After lunch at an old-style Okinawan house—now renovated as a restaurant and famed for its local cuisine—head inland to Ryukyu Mura, a traditional folk village. Explore a living recreation of a typical Okinawan village and step inside Ryukyuan houses that have been brought here from across the island to preserve and educate visitors on Ryukyuan culture. See the traditions of life in Okinawa and enjoy performances of dance, music and song.

Explore castle ruins atop hillside locations and delve into the 18th century as you explore a preserved residence. Visit Nakagusuku Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the walls of this 15th-century ruin that was built by Gosamaru, who later went on to become the Lord of Nakagusuku. Standing at a height of more than 500 feet above sea level, it offers beautiful views of the west coast and islands of the East China Sea. Next, visit the old residence of the Nakamura family. This stunningly preserved mansion offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Okinawan family during the mid-18th century. Finally, enjoy a visit to Katsuren Castle. Explore the ruins as you imagine the life of the noble gentry at Okinawa’s oldest castle, and climb the stairs to the top. Your effort will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery and picturesque seascapes.

Explore the sights of Okinawa, calling at a historic castle, distillery and a popular shopping district. Drive by motor coach to Shurijo Castle, the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom between the 15th and 19th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site shows elements of Japanese and Chinese architecture, with its vibrant red walls and colorful eaves. After viewing this historic site, transfer to Chuko Distillery to learn about the traditional production of awamori, the oldest distilled liquor in Japan, and sample a taste of this local favorite. Next, enjoy lunch accompanied by a Ryukyu dance performance, before venturing to downtown Naha to visit the Makishi Public Market. Here, you will find an array of produce, meat and fresh seafood on offer, as well as household goods. Cap your excursion with a walk along Kokusai Street, the main shopping district, before returning to your ship.