This time, I visited a rather low-key attraction—Nago Castle Park.
It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Nago, and I didn't expect to find such a pleasant forest hidden in the mountains. The park is located around Mt. Nago, and from the observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of downtown Nago and the vast East China Sea. The view is really great.
There were hardly any tourists when I visited on a weekday. The entire park was so quiet that all I could hear was the wind blowing through the trees, making it perfect for a leisurely walk and clearing your mind. The park has forest trails, nature observation areas, and several rest areas. Walking along the lush green trails, I could really feel the laid-back atmosphere unique to northern Okinawa.
I heard this is also one of Okinawa's well-known cherry blossom viewing spots. Every winter, when the Taiwan cherry trees are in full bloom, the entire mountainside turns pink, and a cherry blossom festival is held.
Unfortunately, I came during the wrong season and missed the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. I'll just have to come back next time to take photos of the cherry blossom version.
If you like avoiding crowds and discovering lesser-known spots in Okinawa, this place is definitely worth saving. Sitting on the observation deck with the sea breeze blowing and looking out at Nago's mountains and ocean feels like unexpectedly discovering a treasure during your trip.
Nago Castle Park | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Neo Park Okinawa
This zoological and botanical garden is located about 10 minutes by car from downtown Nago. The vast site, nearly five times the size of the Tokyo Dome, features an area that reproduces the environment of a tropical region.
It's about a 10-minute drive from downtown Nago. How big is the park? About five times the size of Tokyo Dome! Walking in feels like entering a small tropical world, full of greenery and the presence of animals.
The biggest feature here is that instead of simply keeping the animals in exhibit areas, the park recreates their natural habitats as closely as possible. It has three main areas modeled after different regions: Lake Chad, the Amazon Jungle, and Flowers and Birds of Oceania.
As you walk around the park, you can see birds strolling leisurely and cute small animals. Some animals even roam freely right beside you, so you feel closer to them than at a typical zoo, often making you want to stop and take pictures.
One of the most interesting things is riding the small train around the park, enjoying the tropical plants while looking for animals hiding in the forest. It feels less like visiting a zoo and more like exploring the jungles of Okinawa.
Although it's not one of Okinawa's most popular attractions, there are fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a good place to spend half a day exploring at a leisurely pace. Kids will have a great time, and adults can rediscover their inner child at this lesser-known attraction. -
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Toyosaki Seaside Park Chura SUN Beach
Located just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport toward Itoman City, Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park is the closest beach to the airport. It’s a popular spot for watching airplanes take off and land, as well as for enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the horizon.
If you're looking for a beach where you can unwind without dealing with crowds, I highly recommend Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park.
It's only about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so it's super close. Many people stop by for a walk right after landing or before their return flight. Besides the deep blue ocean views, one of the biggest draws is being able to watch planes take off and land up close. In the evening, it's also a great place to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon, which is really soothing.
We visited on a weekday, and there were hardly any tourists. The entire beach felt especially laid-back. With the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, it really felt like we had the place to ourselves. Compared with the crowds at popular beaches, I actually prefer this quiet, comfortable atmosphere. It's well worth stopping by for a walk. -
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Nago City Hall
While performing administrative functions as Nago City Hall, it is a hidden tourist spot known for its famous architecture. Looking like an ancient ruin, you may not recognize it as a city hall at first glance. It is also known as an "energy-saving government building" because of its distinctive design that takes advantage of Okinawa's climate by allowing sea breezes to cool the building.
If you’re like me and enjoy looking for places that not everyone visits, Nago City Hall is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
I was genuinely stunned when I first saw it. It doesn’t look like a city hall at all, but more like an ancient ruin or temple. The rugged exposed concrete surrounded by lush greenery feels like a scene from The Legend of Zelda, and it looks impressive from every angle. The building also received an Architectural Institute of Japan award and is known for its design that makes use of Okinawa’s climate, allowing sea breezes to naturally cool the building. It’s a popular pilgrimage spot for architecture enthusiasts.
There are hardly any tourists on weekdays, so you can take your time walking around and taking photos without crowds. Every corner offers a different perspective, and the farther you go, the more it feels like an adventure.
If you’re already heading to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island, I recommend stopping by along the way. It’s not a popular photo spot, but it’ll quietly make you exclaim, “Who knew Okinawa had such a cool place hidden away!” -
