NAHA SHORE EXCURSIONS: OKINAWA HIGHLIGHTS OR RYUKYU KINGDOM HISTORY

Okinawa feels different from the rest of Japan. It was its own kingdom, Ryukyu, until the 1800s, and it saw some of the worst fighting of the Second World War. The two routes below show those two sides.

Route 1: Okinawa highlights (about 5 hours)

• Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in the south of the island, where the Battle of Okinawa ended in 1945. The stone walls carry the names of everyone who died, from all sides. It is a quiet, heavy place.
• Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave. The walk through the cave is long, damp and on a fixed path with some steps.

Route 2: Ryukyu Kingdom history (about 5 hours)

• Shuri Castle Park, the old royal palace. The main buildings burned in a fire in 2019 and are being rebuilt. Depending on your date you may see the rebuilding work or the new hall; we will tell you what is open when you book.
• Tamaudun, the stone tombs of the Ryukyu kings.
• Shikinaen, the royal garden with a pond and stone bridges.
• Free time on Kokusai Street for shopping before going back to the port.

How our Japan shore excursions work

• Private tour for your group only, from about 5 people in a minivan up to 40 in a full coach.
• A licensed English-speaking local guide meets you at the cruise terminal.
• We plan the day around your ship's times and bring you back to the pier well before all-aboard.
• The times on this page are a guide. Send us your ship name and port date and we fit the day to it.

Included

• Licensed English-speaking guide
• Private vehicle with driver, highway tolls and parking
• Entrance fees for the sights listed in the route you choose

Not included

• Lunch and drinks (your guide will point you to a good place)
• Tips for the guide and driver

Price

The price per person depends on how many people are in your group: a group of 30 pays much less each than a group of 6. Tell us your ship, date and group size and we will send a price.

See all our Japan shore excursions.