Nakagami District: Culture, Coast and History

When looking for hotels in Nakagami District, you can start by considering whether history, traditional crafts or coastal experiences will shape your trip. In Yomitan, the Zakimi Castle Ruins, the Yuntanza Museum and traditional crafts offer different cultural themes. In Chatan, Mihama American Village, neighboring Chatan Park Sunset Beach and marine activities provide a different focus. Nakamura House in Kitanakagusuku adds a historical perspective on Okinawan residential architecture from before the war. These places give you different points of reference when choosing your destination.

Zakimi Castle Ruins: World Heritage on the Hill

The Zakimi Castle Ruins were built in the first half of the 15th century on a hill 127 meters high. From there, the view stretches across Okinawa’s west coast. On December 2, 2000, the ruins were inscribed as one of the sites of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” The construction period, location and World Heritage status give the castle complex both historical and scenic significance.

The Zakimi Castle Ruins can be reached by car or bus. The bus ride from Naha Bus Terminal to Takashiho Iriguchi bus stop takes about 80 minutes; from there, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the entrance. If you travel by bus, check the current timetable in advance.

Under the visitor regulations, you may stand on certain sections of the castle walls. Along with Nakagusuku, Zakimi is one of only two castles in Okinawa where this is permitted. The permission applies to specific sections of the walls, not to the castle walls as a whole.

Yuntanza Museum and Yomitan’s Cultural Heritage

The Yuntanza Museum is located on the grounds of the Zakimi Castle Ruins. It showcases local history, art and culture from Yomitan, as well as topics related to Okinawa’s World Heritage sites. Original objects, models and photographs present the history and natural environment of Yomitan, along with life before and after the war. The collections comprise almost 60,000 historical materials and works of art. The museum’s focus therefore extends beyond the castle complex to include different aspects of the area.

Yomitan’s cultural traditions also encompass a range of forms of expression. Yomitan is considered the birthplace of Akainko, regarded as the founder of the sanshin and an important figure in the Ryukyu arts. Yuntanza Hana-ui is a traditional textile from Yomitan; Yomitanzan-yaki is traditional local pottery and is also called Yachimun. The two names represent different crafts: textiles and pottery.

Mihama American Village and Chatan Park Sunset Beach

Mihama American Village is designed after an American town. The district includes a cinema complex and a pool, as well as the only Ferris wheel in Okinawa Prefecture and a large shopping center. There is ground-level access to a beach from there. Chatan Park Sunset Beach is next to Mihama American Village, so the two places can be considered separate, neighboring focal points when planning your trip.

A tourism description updated on May 18, 2026, lists white sand, a swimming area and a BBQ area at Chatan Park Sunset Beach; it also describes the beach as a place to watch the sunset. The BBQ area is used for beach parties. If you plan to use it for this purpose, confirm current availability with the operator.

You can enjoy marine activities in Chatan throughout the year. Conditions and availability vary by provider. If you are planning a specific activity, check the specific conditions with the provider in advance.

Nakamura House: Prewar Residential Architecture

Nakamura House in Kitanakagusuku preserves characteristic features of Okinawan residential architecture from before the war. A property so completely preserved is extremely rare in Okinawa after the Battle of Okinawa and offers a glimpse into the life of wealthy farmers at the time. Nakamura House also contains a large Buddhist household altar and a Hinukan, a revered fire deity.

Yomitan: Crafts and Local Specialties

One of Yomitan’s culinary specialties is beni-imo, the purple sweet potato. It is used to make numerous sweets. At Gala Aoiumi, American pizza, Mexican burritos and creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients are recommended. This offers a culinary guide that includes both a local product and a variety of dish types.

Discover more destinations: Chatan, Kadena, Kitanakagusuku, Shimajiri District, Kunigami District, Yaeyama-Gun

Back to the main travel overview: Okinawa Prefecture.