In the modern age, it can be hard to catch your breath. Doing our best to manage work, family, friends, and aspirations, while the world around us evolves rapidly before our eyes, things move at such a breakneck speed—it’s no wonder we’re often left scrambling to put together the pieces as quickly as possible. Anxieties about the future are soon to follow, leaving us wondering if we’ll be able to continue the tightrope balance of our responsibilities. The thing is, we’ve made it this far, and so it stands to reason we’ll find a way to power on the next day. We know this, yet sometimes, it takes an extra bit of convincing. Sometimes a mantra can help, like this one coming from the Ryukyukan people of Okinawa: nan kuru nai sa (なんくるないさ)!
It communicates so much: “It will all work itself out in the end,” “Don’t worry,” “One way or another, you’ll make it through this,” “Even when facing tribulations, don’t forget to smile.” It’s a phrase that carries a strong connotation of perseverance unique to the natives of the Okinawa island, and serves as a reminder to not let anxieties sully the present; To live and enjoy living!
And the best way to do that is to take time for yourself. Either with the ones you love or perhaps on a solo journey for inner peace, if you ever get the chance, we implore you to discover that serenity in Okinawa! There aren’t many places like it in the world, and once there, you’ll come to understand the subtropical paradise from which our phrase of the day originates. Here are a couple of places around the island that embody the simple philosophy of taking it easy!
The spiritual forests of Sefa utaki – Photo Credit: Hiroaki Kaneko
Spots Where You Can Put This Saying into Practice
This most sacred prayer ground resounds with a sage serenity. It’s hallowed forest rustles with the soft whispers of the wind—the breath of nature—and carries in the light that shines through the canopy, the glow of auspicious divination. For time immemorial, Nanjo city’s Sefa Utaki has been a venerated place of worship for the indigenous faith. According to ancient Okinawan history, the goddess Amamikiyo (creator of the Ryukyu Islands) descended into this woodland to give birth, filling the land with her progeny.
In the age of the Ryukyu kingdoms, all but priestesses and those of the royal family were allowed to grace its paths. Important ceremonies, like the oaraori, which saw the inauguration of the kikoeokimi (high priestess), were performed here. Its hefty cultural significance has not gone unnoticed by the greater world, seeing as it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Location: Kudeken-270-1 Chinen, Nanjo, Okinawa 901-1511
Admission:
- Adults – ¥300
- Children above 6 years old – ¥150
- Children under 6 years old – Free
- Group rate – ¥200
Hours:
- November to February 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last ticket sale 4:45 / last admission 5:00 PM)
- March to October 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last ticket sale 5:15 PM / last admission 5:30 PM)
Website: https://okinawa-nanjo.jp/sefa/
Lighthouse sunset at Cape Zampa – Photo Credit: Daniel Ramirez
At Cape Zampa Park, watch the tides crash over this beautiful piece of rock. Built in 1974, its most recognizable landmark, the lighthouse, is a part of an exclusive list of the 16 climbable lighthouses in all of Japan. It stands at an impressive 30 meters tall. Sitting on Okinawa’s west coast, it offers a spellbinding panoramic view of the East China Sea. If, after taking in the sights, you feel the need to cool off, Zampa Beach is on the south side of the cape, with a nearby golf course if you feel so inclined.
Still up for some more fun? Well, the Zampa resort park has you covered—BBQ pits, a ballpark, a playground for the kiddos, the “Fureai Animal Plaza” where you can make friends with goats and rabbits by giving them little treats—you’ll watch the hours fly by.
Location: 675 Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0328
Admission: Check the website
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: https://www.vill.yomitan.okinawa.jp/soshiki/toshi_keikaku/gyomu/shisetsu/1331.html
The colorful storefronts of Mihama American Village – Photo Credit: Tomás Del Coro
1950s Americana and island paradise collide in this sprawling and vibrant circuit of hamburger joints, hot dog vendors, and clothing stores awash in the U.S. of A’s most chic looks. Hopping from establishment to establishment, you’ll find yourself getting blissfully lost in this wondrously expansive outdoor mall.
To all the cinephiles reading, you might want to check out Mihama 7 Plex movie theater—it has showings of both Japanese and American films for your viewing pleasure. Sounds like a nice way to cap off the evening, don’t you think? But if you’re not into the big screen, don’t fret, Sunset Beach is a breezy five-minute walk away. There you can catch the glorious and nominal sunset, and light up a grill for a tasty steak!
Location: Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115
Admission: Check the website
Hours:
- Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week
- (Most stores and restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.)
Website: https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
The entrance of Naminoue shrine – Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva
Naminoue, from the Okinawan Namin, translates to “Above the waves.” Sitting upon a cliff overlooking the waves of a beach is the aptly named Naminoue shrine. With its storied past, it is an interwining of Japanese and Ryukyuan customs. In all of Okinawa, it is by far the grandest shrine, held in the highest regard and the largest in the prefecture’s capital of Naha. Dating back to the Ryukyuan kingdom, those who came here to pray did so for a multitude of reasons. Sailors wished for safe travels, fishermen to ensure an abundant catch, farmers for a bountiful harvest, and, of course, there were those who wanted nothing but the flourishing of the kingdom.
In its original incarnation, Naminoue Shrine was deeply entrenched in the native religion. However, in 1890, following the Meiji restoration (a time of major political reconstruction), it saw major overhauls as the mainland’s Shinto beliefs were implemented. Years later, in the aftermath of World War 2, Naminoue Shrine would see further alterations, as the Shamusho (shrine office) and the Honden (main shrine) were rebuilt in 1953. And the Haiden (Church) followed suit in 1961. Walking through a building that has housed centuries of spirituality and the prayers of thousands of devotees, you no doubt find that your spirit has been enlivened with a sense of tranquility.
Location: 1 Chome-25-11 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031
Admission: Check the website
Hours: Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week
Website: http://naminouegu.jp/
A mouth-watering plate of a tankan rare cheese pancake – Photo Credit: Okinawan pancake
Enjoy a window view of the sea while chowing down on a hearty stack of pancakes crafted from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in this down-to-earth, mom-and-pop-style restaurant! Depending on what time of year you decide to stop by, there’s sure to be a menu item unique to that season—making the experience all the more exclusive, so be sure to savor it! It’s a simple joy, but hey, beloved by locals and tourists alike, it can’t get much better than this.
Location: 2224-1 Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0417
Hours:
- Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday – Closed
- Saturday/Sunday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.okinawanpancake.com/
Heart rock in Kouri Island during midday – Photo Credit: Skaterlunatic
We can all agree that at times, life can get pretty hectic. We all have ambitions, we all have responsibilities that can’t be avoided, and in the pursuit of fulfilling these duties, stress is inevitable. However, if you take a second to breathe, you’ll remember that we don’t live for deadlines or raises or promotions, but to enjoy our time here together. One way or another, through perseverance and with a smile, by taking stock of our past accomplishments and our current strengths, we will get through it. Nankurunaisa!
Featured Photo Credit: Hiroko Yoshii
If you’re interested in visiting any of these places or seeing Okinawa for yourself, be sure to contact our team of Travel Experts to build your personalized itinerary!
