Motobu Okinawa Island Japan
6
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Frequently Asked Questions
In a rural setting on the Motobu peninsula in northern Okinawa, far from the bustle of Naha. Cruise lines generally arrange shuttles and excursions; taxis and local buses fill the gap for independent travellers.
Japan's most famous aquarium, about eight kilometres from the port inside the Ocean Expo memorial park. Its main tank, devoted to the Kuroshio current, is among the largest in the world: whale sharks several metres long pass manta rays in a wall of blue water.
A half-day at minimum. The aquarium alone takes two hours, and the surrounding site deserves lingering: tropical gardens, a dolphin theatre and a constant view of Ie island and its solitary peak.
Yes, at Emerald Beach at the far end of the Expo park: a crescent of white sand in green water, lifeguarded in season. It is ideal for a swim between visits, with no extra transport once you are on site.
One of Okinawa's most peaceful walks, just past the park's headland: sandy lanes shaded by rows of fukugi trees, planted generations ago to shield the houses from typhoons. You go through on foot or by rental bicycle, between coral walls and gardens.
Ruins with long limestone walls on the heights of the peninsula, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list along with the other gusuku sites of the Ryukyu kingdom. What remains are rampart curves following the ridge and a wide view over the East China Sea.
Late January: they are the first in Japan to flower, tinting the site dark pink. Residents picnic under the branches well before the rest of the country, which makes it a curiosity for winter itineraries.
Okinawa soba, served in a clear pork broth. The peninsula has made it a specialty and has several well-known counters: the lunch stop almost arranges itself between the aquarium and Bise.
By agreeing on your return in advance: taxis grow scarce late in the day in this rural part of the island. Churaumi is about fifteen minutes from the quay, Bise and Emerald Beach a few minutes further, Nakijin 20 to 30 minutes.
Yes, yen in cash is useful for buses and small rural businesses. The aquarium and major sites take cards, but soba counters and village shops often work on cash.
