Whether you are in the mood to enjoy marine sight-seeing in Naha Japan, or just want to spend the day taking in the sights, there are many things you can do.
You can visit the Ocean Expo Park, Naha Dragon boat races, or go whale watching.
Whale Watching In Naha Okinawa
Located in the Okinawa Islands, Naha is one of the best places to go whale watching.
These majestic creatures can be seen from the shore, but for a more up close look you will have to go on a boat trip. Fortunately, it is a great experience for both young and old alike.
Humpback whales can be found in Okinawa’s waters from December through April. They are about 30 ton creatures that are about 15 meters long. They migrate from northern waters in the spring and summer to feed and breed. They come to Okinawa to raise their young.
The simplest way to see a humpback whale is to hire a whale watching tour. They are available in many forms, including tours that take place on land and on board a boat.
A whale watching tour is a great way to enjoy a day or even an overnight trip. Most whale watching tours depart from Naha City, Yomitan, or Chatan. They can also be booked from nearby Kerama Islands.
Seeing a whale up close can be difficult, but it’s possible. The whales perform a number of cool tricks. They can breach, blow, tail slap, and more. They also have a large pectoral fin which propels them through the water.
Naha Dragon Boat Races In Naha Okinawa
Taking place every year in May, Naha Dragon Boat Races in Naha Okinawa are a traditional celebration that marks the start of summer.
The race is one of Okinawa’s most popular festivals. It also offers visitors a chance to ride a dragon boat for free on the second day.
The race is organized by the Naha Haryusen Shinkokai. The festival includes various musical performances, fireworks, and other activities. Organizers may alter schedules or cancel events. The Naha Port will be filled with cheering spectators.
The first day of the Naha Dragon Boat Race is dedicated to the Junior High School Tournament. On the third day, the main race is held. The boats are 14.5 meters long and decorated with dragon figureheads. The rowers wear traditional Japanese costumes. The boat races last about five minutes.
During the three days of the Naha Hari, more than 200,000 spectators usually watch the races. The festival features a variety of events, including music concerts, Sumo wrestling, and comedy shows. There are also firework displays at night.
The event was resurrected from a century-long hiatus. It now attracts sailors and Marines from Camp Schwab in Okinawa. The event also draws large numbers of tourists from mainland Japan.
The three-day festival attracted more than 130 teams. In addition to the U.S. military, local schools and private organizations participated. During the event, sailors and Marines sometimes learn about Okinawa culture for the first time!
Underwater Sight-Seeing In Naha Okinawa
Known for its clear waters, Okinawa offers snorkeling and diving tours year-round.
This subtropical island has numerous coral reefs and sea creatures for visitors to see.
One of the most famous dive spots in Okinawa is the Blue Cave. The entry is five to six meters deep, and the cave continues to about fifty meters. The entrance features beautiful blue light coming from the roof. Schools of baitfish and slender sweepers are also present.
The islands are also the habitat of more than 250 species of fish and coral.
Ocean Expo Park In Naha Okinawa
Located in northern Okinawa Honto, Ocean Expo Park is a large multi-attraction recreational complex.
It is a large 3-kilometer long park with a variety of attractions and facilities. The park includes an aquarium, a tropical dream center, a botanical garden, and an arboretum.
The main attraction of the park is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The aquarium features a number of marine species including whale sharks and dolphins. The aquarium is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and has two dolphin shows each day.
Other attractions include the Sea Turtle Pool, Kuroshio Sea, Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum, and the Native Okinawan Village.
The museum features a planetarium and exhibits ocean-based cultures from Asia and the South Pacific. It also has a replica of an ocean trading vessel.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has tanks that are large enough to accommodate whale sharks. Its tanks also have a large fish tank called the Kuroshio Sea. There are over 680 species of fish and marine life. The aquarium features a dolphin show and a shark feeding show.
The Ocean Expo Park also has a Tropical Dream Center. This botanical garden has a spiral stone viewing tower. It is 36 meters tall. There are over 2,000 orchids and plants from Okinawa. The plant species here are also resistant to typhoons.
Conclusion
When visiting Naha, Japan and its environs, it’s hard to deny you’re in the country of the Rising Sun. Aside from the obvious sights to see, such as the famous landmarks, the city is home to many lesser known perks.
Among them is the one-of-a-kind Okuma Private Beach & Resort, which features a complimentary shuttle bus to Naha airport and a stellar restaurant menu.
The beach is the perfect place to unwind, and the scenery is equally breathtaking. This beach is also a great vantage point to take in the symphony of the surrounding islands.
