Central Okinawa

central okinawa information map

 

The Central Part of the Main Okinawa Island (Okinawa Honto) is one of the most popular destinations for people visiting the island and locals alike. The main reason for this areas popularity is the ever expanding development of such commercial areas like Mihama American Village. The shopping malls, movie theaters, ferris wheel, and video arcades in American Village help make Central Okinawa one of the Islands main entertainment and shopping districts. Such Cities as Ginowan have also been working hard at developing themselves into world class resort and convention destinations.
Beyond the modern developments in Central Okinawa there is also a rich history that dates back from hundreds to thousands of years.  This vibrant area has important sites like Zakimi castle (Zakimi-gusuku), Yomitan Pottery Village (Yachimun no Sato), Futenma Shrine, and many museums. So between trips to the shopping malls and markets make sure to take in the culture through the many traditional festivals and sights.
Central Okinawa also plays host to a large majority of the U.S. Military bases on the island. Most of the military instillations line the sides of the road on one of Okinawa’s main thoroughfare Highway 58. The influence of the Americans is quite obvious as many of the restaurants serve western food and there are even fast food places like A&W that can’t be found anywhere else in Japan. There are also many business geared towards the large foreign community such as car dealerships, real-estate agencies, and bars.
 

Ginowan Okinawa Japan

Ginowan Sightseeing
Ginowan Festivals

 Ginowan city
With a population of about 88,000 people it is a medium to large city by Okinawa standards. In recent years this Okinawa city has focused on increasing its profile as a convention and resort area. Hosting large domestic and international conferences in Ginowan’s “Okinawa Convention center” has helped it to achieve this goal.

chatan okinawa japan

Chatan Sightseeing
Chatan Festivals
Chatan Shopping

 Chatan
A population of just 26,500 people yet it is one of the most popular destination in the Okinawa Islands. Chatan is continually expanding as more busineses and comercial activities come to this busteling little beach town. Each year sees the opeing of new hotels, shopping complexes, recreation facitities, and tourist attractions.

YOmitan Village Okianwa Japan

Yomitan Sightseeing
Yomitan Festivals

 Yomitan Village
Sitting on the East China Sea Yomitan is about 28 km north of the Okinawa Capital, Naha. Yomitan is mainly an agricultural and crafts village with its economy supported by crops such as chrysanthemums, sugar cane, and the beni imo (purple sweet potato). Yomitan is famous for its Okinawan pottery, other hand crafts like textiles, and some of Okinawa's best beaches.