Top 10 Tourist Spots in Motobu Town – Enjoy the Beautiful Ocean!

About a 2-hour drive from Naha Airport, the Motobu Peninsula juts out prominently in the central-western part of Okinawa's main island. This area is rich in natural beauty and is home to some of the most popular leisure facilities in northern Okinawa. Among them, Motobu Town, located on the western side of the peninsula, boasts famous tourist attractions such as the Churaumi Aquarium, where you can experience marine life up close, Motobu Genki Village, where you can interact with dolphins, and Sesoko Island, known for its beautiful beaches. In this article, we have carefully selected and will introduce 10 must-visit spots in Motobu Town.

1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

It is no exaggeration to say that this is the most famous tourist attraction in Okinawa. The "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium," which boasts the largest tank in Japan, opened in 2002 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan. "Churaumi" means "beautiful sea" in the Okinawan dialect, and as its name suggests, visitors can experience the stunning underwater world of Okinawa.

The massive "Kuroshio Sea" tank, where whale sharks and manta rays swim gracefully, was once listed in the Guinness World Records for its impressive scale. The tank measures 35m in width, 27m in depth, and 10m in height, with a capacity of 7,500 cubic meters.
Visitors can enjoy unique programs such as the "feeding explanation," where whale sharks gulp down their food, and the "Kuroshio Exploration," which offers a view of the tank from above.

The "Coral Sea" exhibit, bathed in natural sunlight, features about 800 coral specimens to recreate Okinawa’s marine environment. The open-top tank allows sunlight to shine directly onto the water, creating a dazzling, ocean-like experience.
With colorful tropical fish and vibrant corals, this area showcases a mystical underwater world.

When you're tired from walking, take a break at "Ocean Blue," a café next to the tank where you can relax while watching the fish. On the 4th floor, the restaurant "Ino" offers a buffet lunch made with local ingredients, overlooking the blue sea. Don't forget to check out the souvenir shop "Blue Manta," which sells original aquarium merchandise and Okinawan gifts.

2. Okinawa Ocean Expo Park

The "Okinawa Ocean Expo Park" is a national park built on the site of the 1975 Okinawa Expo. The Churaumi Aquarium, introduced earlier, is also located within this park. Many people focus solely on the aquarium, but there are plenty of other attractions worth visiting.

A short walk toward the sea from Churaumi Aquarium brings you to the "Sea Turtle House," "Manatee House," and the adjacent "Dolphin Lagoon." While these may look like part of the aquarium, they are actually free-to-visit areas. At the "Okichan Theater," visitors can enjoy four dolphin shows and observation sessions daily, as well as three diver shows, making it a lively attraction.

Another must-visit spot is the "Tropical Dream Center," which houses over 2,000 orchids and other subtropical plants. Visitors can join guided "Flower Tours" led by staff or participate in hands-on activities such as making accessories using tropical plants. The center also features a botanical corridor showcasing Savannah plants, the "Lotus Pond" with water lilies, and the 36-meter-high "Todomidai Observatory," all offering incredible sights.

Additionally, the park features a planetarium at the "Oceanic Culture Museum," displaying over 140 million stars, the "Okinawa Folk Village," and a children's playground called "Chibikko Fortress." With so many attractions, it’s almost impossible to explore everything in just one day. This park is a perfect place to experience Okinawa’s natural beauty!

3. Okinawa Folk Village

The Ryukyu Kingdom existed for about 450 years, from 1429 to 1879. During Japan’s period of national isolation, this kingdom thrived as an intermediary trading hub between China and the Qing Dynasty. While influenced by Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures, it also developed its own unique traditions blended with Japanese culture.

Located within the Okinawa Ocean Expo Park, the "Okinawa Folk Village" is an interactive spot that recreates a traditional Ryukyu-era village.
Spanning approximately 40,000 square meters, the village features red-tiled and thatched-roof houses unique to Okinawa, as well as sacred sites known as "Utaki," where guardian deities are worshipped. Visitors can learn about the daily life and community structures of the Ryukyu era.

One of the most popular activities here is the free daily "Traditional Okinawan Life Experience." Local grandmothers teach visitors Okinawan traditional dance and how to play the Sanshin, a three-stringed instrument. You can also enjoy casual conversations with them while having tea and Okinawan sweets, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Whether you are interested in Ryukyuan culture or just looking for a unique experience, this is a place you’ll surely enjoy.

4. Motobu Genki Village

"Motobu Genki Village" is a dream destination offering a wide variety of interactive programs. Among them, the "Dolphin Program" is particularly popular, attracting many visitors who come specifically for this experience.

Here, you can not only swim with dolphins but also observe and feed them in different settings.
There are also programs that allow guests to interact with dolphins without entering the water, and some activities are even open to children as young as infants, making it accessible for everyone. If you’ve ever wanted to get close to dolphins, this is the place to visit!

For those who love the ocean, marine sports are a must-try. You can enjoy thrilling activities like flying jetboards, sea kayaking over coral reefs, snorkeling, banana boating, and fishing—almost every popular marine activity is available.

If you prefer indoor activities, check out the Cultural Exchange Hall. Here, you can try playing the traditional Okinawan instrument "Sanshin," experience "Bingata" dyeing from the Ryukyu era, or participate in cultural workshops like making coral wind chimes and "Shisa" lion-dog figurines. Children as young as four can join these programs with parental supervision, making it a great opportunity for summer homework or creative projects.

Other exciting programs include animal encounters, "Uminchu" (fisherman) experiences, and traditional Okinawan cooking classes. With so many activities available, both kids and adults will have a fantastic time at Motobu Genki Village!

5. Yohena Hydrangea Garden

The "Yohena Hydrangea Garden" was created from the passion of its owner, Uto Yohena. What started as a hobby with just two hydrangea plants gifted by a friend has, over 40 years, grown into a magnificent garden spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, now home to approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants and over 300,000 blooms.

The breathtaking sight of endless blue hydrangeas carpeting the landscape is a rare and spectacular view in Okinawa, where hydrangeas do not typically bloom. When word spread about this unique phenomenon, it quickly became famous across Japan and even gained international recognition. Today, it is a renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The best time to see the hydrangeas is from mid-May to late June. During this period, the garden hosts the "Hydrangea Concert," featuring unique cultural events such as Okinawa’s traditional "finger whistle" performances.
In addition to hydrangeas, the garden also boasts over 100 varieties of rare plants, including begonias and Medinilla magnifica, ensuring that visitors can enjoy beautiful flowers no matter the season.

The garden is well-maintained, with clean restrooms and a café, making it accessible for elderly visitors and families with young children.
Enjoying Okinawan zenzai (sweet red bean dessert) or pizza at the café while admiring the hydrangeas is highly recommended!

6. Minna Island

"Minna Island" is a resort island located west of Motobu Town. Due to its croissant-like shape, it is also called "Croissant Island." Formed from uplifted coral reefs, this island is a haven of untouched natural beauty and is a popular destination. It takes only 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from Toguchi Port in Motobu to reach the island.

Even in winter, the sea remains warm and crystal clear, making it a paradise for tourists. The rich coral reefs and marine life attract divers all year round. Even if you are not a diver, snorkeling is more than enough to enjoy the stunning underwater world. Families can also enjoy various marine activities, including banana boat rides and glass-bottom boat tours.

On the beach, there are small eateries offering Okinawa soba, taco rice, shaved ice, and drinks. If you make a reservation, you can enjoy a beach barbecue without bringing any equipment. For those who wish to stay overnight, pensions and guesthouses are available for a relaxing stay. If you want to experience Minna Island’s natural beauty, it’s definitely worth the trip!

7. Bise Fukugi Tree Road

The "Bise Fukugi Tree Road" is a scenic path lined with approximately 20,000 Fukugi trees, forming a natural tunnel. Fukugi, or "happiness trees," are cultivated in Okinawa and the Amami Islands as windbreak and coastal protection trees. Their fruits are known to be a food source for large fruit bats. Aside from Bise, another famous Fukugi-lined area is located in Maja, Kume Island.

Stretching about 1 km from the north side of Churaumi Aquarium to Bisezaki, this tree tunnel is also considered a hidden power spot. The "Married Couple Fukugi Trees," two large trees that appear to be leaning toward each other, are believed to bring marital harmony and happiness, making this a popular place for couples seeking blessings.

Visitors can explore the Fukugi-lined path on foot, by rental bicycle, or by a water buffalo-drawn cart. At the end of the path, a breathtaking view of the bright blue ocean awaits. Nearby, you’ll find handmade craft shops, cafés, restaurants, and guesthouses, making it a great place for a relaxing and scenic stroll.

8. Ryugujo Butterfly Garden

The "Ryugujo Butterfly Garden" is home to the Great Mormon butterfly, Japan’s largest butterfly species. Here, visitors can see various species of butterflies, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a chrysalis of the Golden Great Mormon butterfly, which glows with a dazzling gold color. The garden also features tropical plants, insects, and even coconut crabs on display.

Besides butterfly watching, one of the main attractions is the observation restaurant inside Ryugujo. It offers a unique twist on royal medicinal cuisine, as well as Okinawa soba, taco rice, and other delicious slow-food menu options. The souvenir shop sells Okinawan specialties such as chinsuko (Okinawan cookies), original awamori (Okinawan rice liquor), and acerola syrup.

9. Sesoko Island

Sesoko Island is a small island located west of the Motobu Peninsula, with a circumference of about 7 km. Since the construction of the Sesoko Bridge in 1985, the island has been connected to the Motobu Peninsula, making it accessible by both car and foot. If you rent a car and drive across the bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the blue ocean on both sides and lush greenery ahead.

Located in the northwest of Sesoko Island, Sesoko Beach is one of Okinawa’s most beautiful natural beaches, known for its crystal-clear waters. The shallow waters and colorful fish make it a great snorkeling spot, even for children. For those looking for more adventure, jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides are also available.

What makes Sesoko Beach special isn’t just its clear water. The fine, soft sand is so pleasant that many visitors find themselves walking barefoot. Simply lying on the sandy shore and gazing at the ocean is a relaxing experience worth trying. With several cafés around the island, Sesoko is a perfect destination for a sensory-filled escape.

10. Acerola Fresh

Have you ever heard of acerola, a fruit rich in vitamin C? In Japan, acerola is grown exclusively in Okinawa, mainly in Motobu Town and Itoman City. While it is usually processed into juice and candy rather than eaten fresh, its nutritional and skin-beautifying benefits have recently gained popularity, leading to a variety of acerola-based delicacies.

If you visit Motobu Town, be sure to stop by Acerola Fresh, a specialty store dedicated to acerola products.
Here, you can enjoy fresh frozen acerola, acerola shaved ice, acerola sundaes, and other delicious sweets. The fruit is also highly effective in soothing sunburned skin after exposure to Okinawa’s strong sunlight!
Acerola frozen puree, jelly, and powder make great souvenirs as well.

◎ Summary

Motobu Town is a paradise for ocean lovers. Whether you’re at a leisure facility, a restaurant, a café, or even just walking along the roadside, you will always find the beautiful Okinawan sea nearby. It is the perfect place to relax and fully enjoy Okinawa’s charm. Whether traveling with family, a loved one, or even solo, you’re guaranteed to create wonderful memories. Be sure to visit Motobu Town and experience its beauty for yourself!

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Top 10 Tourist Spots in Motobu Town – Enjoy the Beautiful Ocean!