Okinawa World | Review by 楊雅雯

The museum isn't very large, but it has a charm all its own. The indoor galleries and outdoor spaces are beautifully designed, and the contemporary artwork is complemented by the surrounding greenery and natural light. Walking through it feels like moving through a series of three-dimensional paintings. There are some contemporary art group exhibitions and galleries here. The works are interesting and make you want to take your time looking at and experiencing them.

When I visited on a weekday, there were surprisingly few visitors. It almost felt like I had the whole museum to myself! Without crowds rushing around, I could leisurely appreciate each work. This kind of quiet time with art was really relaxing.

It's also a great place for photos. Every corner and every play of light feels thoughtfully designed. The café next door is another plus. After seeing the exhibitions, you can sit down for something to eat and a cup of coffee, enjoying the food and the artistic atmosphere. You could easily spend an entire afternoon relaxing here.

If you like art or photography, or just want a quiet place with a nice atmosphere, I think Nanjo Art Museum is well worth a visit.

This street was redeveloped from ruins after the war. Because it quickly regained its prosperity, it became known as the “Miracle Mile.” Today, around 600 shops line the street, offering everything from souvenirs and cosmetics to duty-free stores, restaurants, and izakayas. It's basically a shopping paradise for tourists.

This time, my hotel was right on Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which was incredibly convenient! Whenever I got tired from shopping, I could go straight back to the hotel to drop off my purchases, then head out and keep shopping.

The public market is also in the area, where you can buy fresh produce and prepared foods and sample local Okinawan cuisine. At night, you can also enjoy traditional music and dance, so there's never a dull moment walking around.

However, prices on Kokusai-dori are definitely geared toward tourists, and the same items can sometimes be cheaper elsewhere. Still, the selection is extremely concentrated, making it really efficient if you want to buy all your souvenirs at once.

I stayed for 3 full nights this time, shopping from day to night and eating from day to night too.

Arashiyama Observation Deck in Nago is a relatively lesser-known attraction that feels almost forgotten. The observation deck itself looks a little old and nearly abandoned, but once you go up, the view completely changes your impression!

When the weather is good, you can see the calm Haneji Inland Sea, Yagaji Island, and even Kouri Island in the distance. The blue sky against the deep blue sea looks beautiful no matter how you photograph it.

What surprised me most was that the restroom was cleaner than expected. If you're already planning to visit Kouri Island or northern Nago, this is a good place to stop by along the way. There are few people, the scenery is beautiful, and it's very relaxing to quietly enjoy the ocean views of Okinawa!