なーふぁ（那覇）
Naa-fa
Naha
Usage
Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, called "Naafa" in Ryukyuan
Grammar Note
Historically the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom
しゅりぐすく（首里城）
Shu-ri-gu-su-ku
Shuri Castle
Usage
Palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Grammar Note
"Gusuku" means castle or sacred place in Ryukyuan; gusuku sites exist across Okinawa
ちゅらうみ（美ら海）
Chu-ra-u-mi
Churaumi (Beautiful Sea)
Usage
Ryukyuan expression for Okinawa's beautiful sea; used in the Churaumi Aquarium name
Grammar Note
"Chura" means "beautiful / pure" in Ryukyuan and is synonymous with Okinawa's image
いしぐん（石垣島）
I-shi-gun / I-shi-ga-ki
Ishigaki Island
Usage
Central island of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa
Grammar Note
Has its own dialect (Yaeyama language). Famous for emerald seas and coral reefs
くむじま（久米島）
Ku-mu-ji-ma
Kume Island
Usage
Island west of Okinawa's main island, famous for the "Hatenohama" sandbar
Grammar Note
Historically important as a waypoint in Ryukyu-China trade relations
みやくじま（宮古島）
Mi-ya-ku-ji-ma
Miyako Island
Usage
Central island of the Miyako Islands, famous for crystal-clear waters
Grammar Note
Has its own Miyako language and culture; its sea is called "the ocean closest to heaven"
いりうんてんざき（辺戸岬）
He-do-za-ki
Cape Hedo
Usage
Northernmost tip of Okinawa's main island, with dramatic cliffs and blue ocean views
Grammar Note
A historic site in Okinawa's reversion; on clear days you can see Yoron Island from here
たまうどぅん（玉陵）
Ta-ma-u-dun
Tamaudun (Royal Mausoleum)
Usage
Royal mausoleum of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage stone structure
Grammar Note
Means "gem palace" in Ryukyuan; the royal family tomb located near Shuri Castle
こうりじま（古宇利島）
Ko-u-ri-ji-ma
Kouri Island
Usage
Beautiful island off northern Okinawa, famous for the "Heart Rock" formation
Grammar Note
"Kouri" may have ancient Ryukyuan origins; the heart-shaped rock formation draws many visitors
ざまみじま（座間味島）
Za-ma-mi-ji-ma
Zamami Island
Usage
Island in the Kerama Islands accessible as a day trip from Naha, famous for humpback whale watching
Grammar Note
The Kerama Islands, known for their "Kerama blue" transparent waters, form Kerama Shoto National Park (designated 2014) — not a UNESCO World Heritage site
なはくうこう（那覇空港）
Na-ha-kū-kō
Naha Airport
Usage
Okinawa's main gateway, with domestic, international and LCC terminals. Naha Airport Station, the western terminus of the Yui Rail monorail, connects directly to the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal
Grammar Note
Naha is "Nāfa" in Okinawan, but airport signage, announcements and staff all use the standard Japanese "Naha"
ゆいレール（沖縄都市モノレール）
Yu-i-rē-ru
Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail)
Usage
The monorail linking Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi over 19 stations. It is the only railway on Okinawa's main island and is the way to get around Naha and reach Shuri Castle. IC cards and day passes are accepted
Grammar Note
The "yui" in the name comes from Okinawan "yuimāru", the custom of mutual help
なはくうこうえき（那覇空港駅）
Na-ha-kū-kō-e-ki
Naha Airport Station
Usage
Terminus of the Yui Rail (station 1), linked by walkway to the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal. About 12 min to Kenchō-mae, 27 min to Shuri
あかみねえき（赤嶺駅）
A-ka-mi-ne-e-ki
Akamine Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 2 and the southernmost railway station in Japan; a monument marking this stands in front of it
おろくえき（小禄駅）
O-ro-ku-e-ki
Oroku Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 3, in a residential and shopping district of southern Naha; a large shopping complex adjoins the station
おうのやまこうえんえき（奥武山公園駅）
Ō-no-ya-ma-kō-en-e-ki
Onoyama-Koen Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 4, serving Onoyama Park with its baseball stadium, athletics track and prefectural budokan
つぼがわえき（壺川駅）
Tsu-bo-ga-wa-e-ki
Tsubogawa Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 5, beside the Kokuba River and close to the north side of Onoyama Park
あさひばしえき（旭橋駅）
A-sa-hi-ba-shi-e-ki
Asahibashi Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 6. Naha Bus Terminal adjoins the station and is the starting point for local and express buses across the main island — the station to change at when coming from the airport
けんちょうまええき（県庁前駅）
Ken-chō-ma-e-e-ki
Kencho-mae Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 7, serving the prefectural and city offices and sitting at the western entrance to Kokusai-dori
みえばしえき（美栄橋駅）
Mi-e-ba-shi-e-ki
Miebashi Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 8. It opens onto the middle of Kokusai-dori and is a 10–15 min walk from Tomari Port, the hub for boats to the outer islands
まきしえき（牧志駅）
Ma-ki-shi-e-ki
Makishi Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 9, at the eastern end of Kokusai-dori and the closest stop for the Makishi Public Market, Heiwa-dori arcade and the Tsuboya pottery street
あさとえき（安里駅）
A-sa-to-e-ki
Asato Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 10, at the eastern end of Kokusai-dori. Sakaemachi Market, which keeps its postwar atmosphere, is just south of the station
おもろまちえき（おもろまち駅）
O-mo-ro-ma-chi-e-ki
Omoromachi Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 11, the heart of Naha's Shintoshin district and the stop for the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum and the large duty-free store
Grammar Note
"Omoro" refers to the ancient Ryukyuan songs collected in the "Omoro Sōshi"; the name is officially written in hiragana
ふるじまえき（古島駅）
Fu-ru-ji-ma-e-ki
Furujima Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 12, in a residential area of northern Naha and used as a bus transfer point
しりつびょういんまええき（市立病院前駅）
Shi-ri-tsu-byō-in-ma-e-e-ki
Shiritsu-byoin-mae Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 13, serving Naha City Hospital — worth remembering in case of illness
ぎぼえき（儀保駅）
Gi-bo-e-ki
Gibo Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 14, one stop before Shuri. It is the closer station for the lower end of the Kinjocho stone-paved road
しゅりえき（首里駅）
Shu-ri-e-ki
Shuri Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 15. Shurijo Castle Park is about a 15 min walk, and city buses to the park leave from in front of the station
Grammar Note
Shuri is "Sui" in Okinawan, but the station sign and announcements use the standard Japanese "Shuri"
いしみねえき（石嶺駅）
I-shi-mi-ne-e-ki
Ishimine Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 16, the first stop on the section extended in 2019, at the eastern edge of Naha
きょうづかえき（経塚駅）
Kyō-zu-ka-e-ki
Kyozuka Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 17, the first station inside Urasoe City
うらそえまえだえき（浦添前田駅）
U-ra-so-e-ma-e-da-e-ki
Urasoe-Maeda Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 18, serving the Urasoe Castle ruins and Urasoe Yodore royal tombs. The Maeda Escarpment — "Hacksaw Ridge" — where heavy fighting took place in 1945 is on the same hill
てだこうらにしえき（てだこ浦西駅）
Te-da-ko-u-ra-ni-shi-e-ki
Tedako-Uranishi Station
Usage
Yui Rail station 19 and the eastern terminus. It has a large park-and-ride car park, useful for leaving a rental car and continuing into central Naha
Grammar Note
"Tedako" means "child of the sun" in Okinawan; it was the epithet of King Eiso, who ruled from Urasoe
とまりこう（泊港）
Tu-ma-i-kō / To-ma-ri-kō
Tomari Port (Tomarin)
Usage
The hub in Naha for boats to the outer islands — Tokashiki, Zamami and Aka in the Keramas, plus Kumejima, Aguni, Tonaki and the Daito Islands. The passenger terminal is nicknamed "Tomarin". About 10–15 min on foot from Miebashi Station
Grammar Note
Tomari is "Tumai" in Okinawan, but port signs and timetables use the standard Japanese "Tomari"
なはこう（那覇港）
Na-ha-kō
Naha Port
Usage
Naha's international port. Cruise ships berth at the Wakasa passenger terminal and ferries to Kagoshima and Amami leave from the New Port wharf to the north. Note that boats to the nearby outer islands leave from Tomari Port instead
もとぶこう（本部港）
Mo-to-bu-kō
Motobu Port
Usage
The port in Motobu in northern Okinawa. Around four ferries a day run to Ie Island, taking about 30 min each way. The Churaumi Aquarium is a 10 min drive away
うんてんこう（運天港）
Un-ten-kō
Unten Port
Usage
The port in Nakijin village, with ferries to Izena and Iheya islands — the only scheduled route to those islands
あざまこう（安座真港）
A-za-ma-kō
Azama Port
Usage
A small port in Nanjo City. Ferries and fast boats to the sacred island of Kudaka run five to six times a day (15–25 min). About 50 min by car from Naha
いしがきこうりとうターミナル（石垣港離島ターミナル）
I-shi-ga-ki-kō Ri-tō Tā-mi-na-ru
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
Usage
The starting point for island-hopping in the Yaeyamas. Fast boats to Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima, Iriomote, Hatoma and Hateruma all depart here. It is in central Ishigaki, about 30 min by bus from the airport
ひららこう（平良港）
Hi-ra-ra-kō
Hirara Port
Usage
The port in Hirara on Miyako Island. Scheduled boats run to Ogami Island and cruise ships call here. Irabu and Shimoji islands are now reached by car over the Irabu Bridge, opened in 2015 (the ferry has been discontinued)
ぱいぬしまいしがきくうこう（南ぬ島石垣空港）
Pai-nu-shi-ma I-shi-ga-ki Kū-kō
Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport)
Usage
The gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, opened in 2013. About 30 min by bus to central Ishigaki and the ferry terminal, with direct flights from Naha, Tokyo and Osaka
Grammar Note
The nickname "Painushima" is Yaeyama for "southern island": "pai" is south and "shima" is island
みやこくうこう（宮古空港）
Mi-ya-ko-kū-kō
Miyako Airport
Usage
The airport near Hirara, the main town of Miyako Island, with flights from Naha, Tokyo and Osaka. About 10 min by car into town
しもじしまくうこう（下地島空港）
Shi-mo-ji-shi-ma Kū-kō
Shimojishima Airport
Usage
An airport on Shimoji Island west of Miyako. Long used only for pilot training, it opened a passenger terminal in 2019. About 30 min by car to central Miyako via the Irabu Bridge
くめじまくうこう（久米島空港）
Ku-me-ji-ma Kū-kō
Kumejima Airport
Usage
The airport at the western end of Kume Island, about 35 min from Naha. Roughly 15 min by car to the main settlements
よなぐにくうこう（与那国空港）
Yo-na-gu-ni Kū-kō
Yonaguni Airport
Usage
Japan's westernmost airport, about 30 min from Ishigaki with some direct flights from Naha. The main village of Sonai is a 5 min drive away
こくどうごじゅうはちごう（国道58号）
Ko-ku-dō Go-jū-ha-chi-gō
National Route 58
Usage
Okinawa's main artery, running north from Naha along the west coast to Nago. It threads through Ginowan, Chatan, Kadena, Yomitan and the Onna resort strip, and directions are usually given relative to it
おきなわじどうしゃどう（沖縄自動車道）
O-ki-na-wa Ji-dō-sha-dō
Okinawa Expressway
Usage
The tolled expressway running about 57 km from Naha Interchange to Kyoda Interchange in Nago. It is faster than Route 58 for reaching the north — about an hour end to end
きょだインターチェンジ（許田インターチェンジ）
Kyo-da In-tā-chen-ji
Kyoda Interchange
Usage
The northern end of the Okinawa Expressway, in Nago. Traffic heading for the Churaumi Aquarium, Motobu and the Yanbaru region exits here. The adjoining Michi-no-Eki Kyoda is known for selling discounted attraction tickets
かいちゅうどうろ（海中道路）
Kai-chū-dō-ro
Kaichu Road
Usage
A 4.7 km causeway in Uruma linking the Yokatsu peninsula to Henza Island. It is toll-free and continues by bridge to Hamahiga, Miyagi and Ikei islands. At low tide sand flats appear on both sides
こくさいどおり（国際通り）
Ko-ku-sai-dō-ri
Kokusai-dori
Usage
Naha's main street, running 1.6 km from Kencho-mae Station to Asato Station. Lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, it closes to traffic on Sunday afternoons
Grammar Note
Nicknamed the "Miracle Mile" for how quickly it rose from the ruins of the war. The name comes from the Ernie Pyle International Theatre that once stood on it
うちなー（沖縄）
U-chi-nā / O-ki-na-wa
Okinawa
Usage
The Okinawan word for Okinawa Prefecture and its main island. All signs, announcements and timetables use the standard Japanese "Okinawa", so look for the kanji 沖縄 on signage
Grammar Note
Okinawans call themselves "Uchinānchu" and mainland Japanese "Yamatunchu"; the language itself is "Uchināguchi"
すい（首里）
Sui / Shu-ri
Shuri
Usage
A hilltop district in eastern Naha that was the royal capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shurijo Castle Park, the Tamaudun mausoleum, the Kinjocho stone road and Shikinaen garden are all here. Shuri Station on the Yui Rail is the nearest stop
Grammar Note
"Sui" in Okinawan, but station signs, bus stops and road signs all read "Shuri" — match the kanji 首里 on signage
うらしー（浦添市）
U-ra-shī / U-ra-so-e-shi
Urasoe City
Usage
The city immediately north of Naha, served by three Yui Rail stations (Kyozuka, Urasoe-Maeda, Tedako-Uranishi). The Urasoe Castle ruins and the Urasoe Yodore royal tombs are here
Grammar Note
"Urashī" in Okinawan. It was the centre of Ryukyu before the court moved to Shuri; the name is said to derive from "ura-osoi", to rule over the bays
ぎのわんし（宜野湾市）
Gi-no-wan-shi
Ginowan City
Usage
A city on the central west coast whose centre is taken up by Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Ginowan Tropical Beach, the Okinawa Convention Center and the University of the Ryukyus are here
おきなわし（沖縄市）
O-ki-na-wa-shi
Okinawa City
Usage
The prefecture's second-largest city, in central Okinawa. It was called Koza until 1974, and the Koza and Nakanomachi districts are still known for live music and eisa drumming. It borders Kadena Air Base
Grammar Note
"Okinawa City" is a specific city, not the prefecture or the island — easy to confuse when giving directions to a taxi
うるまし（うるま市）
U-ru-ma-shi
Uruma City
Usage
A city on the central east coast, gateway to the Katsuren Castle ruins (UNESCO), the Kaichu causeway and the islands of Henza, Hamahiga and Ikei
Grammar Note
The city's name is officially written in hiragana. "Uruma" is said to be an old Ryukyuan word meaning "island of coral"
なぐ（名護市）
Na-gu / Na-go-shi
Nago City
Usage
The main city of northern Okinawa and the northern end of the Okinawa Expressway (Kyoda IC). It is the bus transfer point for Motobu and the Yanbaru region; the great Hinpun banyan tree marks the town centre
Grammar Note
"Nagu" in Okinawan; signs and timetables use the standard Japanese "Nago"
いちまん（糸満市）
I-chi-man / I-to-man-shi
Itoman City
Usage
The southernmost city on the main island, an old fishing town and the place where the Battle of Okinawa ended. The Peace Memorial Park at Mabuni, the Himeyuri monument and the Konpaku monument are all here — about 30 min by car from Naha Airport
Grammar Note
"Ichiman" in Okinawan; the phrase "Ichiman-ui" for the town's itinerant fish sellers survives in the language
とみぐすく（豊見城市）
To-mi-gu-su-ku-shi
Tomigusuku City
Usage
The city immediately south of Naha Airport, home to the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters and to Senaga Island just off the runway
Grammar Note
The name contains the Okinawan word "gusuku" (castle). When it became a city in 2002 the official reading changed from "Tomishiro" to "Tomigusuku"
なんじょうし（南城市）
Nan-jō-shi
Nanjo City
Usage
A city in the southeast of the main island, with the Sefa-utaki sacred site (UNESCO), Azama Port for Kudaka Island and the sea-view Nirai-Kanai Bridge. About 40 min by car from Naha
ちゃたんちょう（北谷町）
Cha-tan-chō
Chatan Town
Usage
A town on the central west coast. The Mihama district has shops, a ferris wheel and Sunset Beach; about 40 min from Naha along Route 58
Grammar Note
Written 北谷 but read "Chatan", not "Kitadani" — the reading comes from Okinawan
ゆんたんじゃ（読谷村）
Yun-tan-ja / Yo-mi-tan-son
Yomitan Village
Usage
A village on the central west coast and the most populous village in Japan. It has the Zakimi Castle ruins (UNESCO), Cape Zanpa and the Yachimun no Sato pottery workshops
Grammar Note
"Yuntanja" in Okinawan, historically written 読谷山 "Yuntanza". Signage uses the standard Japanese "Yomitan"
おんなそん（恩納村）
On-na-son
Onna Village
Usage
A long strip of resort coast in central Okinawa. Large hotels line Route 58, and Manzamo and Cape Maeda — site of the "Blue Cave" — are here
かでなちょう（嘉手納町）
Ka-de-na-chō
Kadena Town
Usage
A town in central Okinawa where more than 80% of the land is taken up by Kadena Air Base, the largest US Air Force base in the Far East. The observation deck at Michi-no-Eki Kadena overlooks the runways
なちじん（今帰仁村）
Na-chi-jin / Na-ki-jin-son
Nakijin Village
Usage
A village on the Motobu peninsula in northern Okinawa, with the Nakijin Castle ruins (UNESCO), the Kouri Bridge to Kouri Island and Unten Port for Izena and Iheya
Grammar Note
"Nachijin" in Okinawan; signs and guides use the standard Japanese "Nakijin"
もとぶちょう（本部町）
Mo-to-bu-chō
Motobu Town
Usage
A town on the Motobu peninsula with the Churaumi Aquarium, Ocean Expo Park and Motobu Port for Ie Island. About 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha
くんじゃん（国頭村）
Kun-jan / Ku-ni-ga-mi-son
Kunigami Village
Usage
The northernmost village on the main island. It contains most of the Yanbaru forest inscribed as World Natural Heritage, plus Cape Hedo and the rock formations of Daisekirinzan. About 2.5 hours by car from Naha
Grammar Note
"Kunjan" in Okinawan — the "Kunjan" in the folk song "Kunjan Sabakui" is this place
にしはらちょう（西原町）
Ni-shi-ha-ra-chō
Nishihara Town
Usage
A town just east of Naha facing Nakagusuku Bay, home to the main campus of the University of the Ryukyus
Grammar Note
In Okinawan "nishi" means north, not west; the name is said to come from the area lying north of Shuri
やんばる（山原）
Yan-ba-ru
Yanbaru
Usage
The forested north of the main island, spanning Kunigami, Ogimi and Higashi. Inscribed as World Natural Heritage in 2021, it is home to endemic species such as the Okinawa rail. Drive carefully at night — animals cross the roads
Grammar Note
"Yanbaru" is the Okinawan reading of 山原 (mountain fields) and refers to the wooded north; it is usually written in hiragana
きらま（慶良間諸島）
Ki-ra-ma / Ke-ra-ma Sho-tō
Kerama Islands
Usage
A group of islands about 40 km west of Naha, designated Kerama Shoto National Park in 2014 and famous for the clear water called "Kerama Blue". 35–70 min by fast boat from Tomari Port
Grammar Note
"Kirama" in Okinawan; timetables and signage use the standard Japanese "Kerama"
とかしきじま（渡嘉敷島）
To-ka-shi-ki-ji-ma
Tokashiki Island
Usage
The largest of the Kerama Islands, 35 min from Tomari Port by fast boat or about 70 min by ferry. Aharen and Tokashiku beaches make it a feasible day trip
くだかじま（久高島）
Ku-da-ka-ji-ma
Kudaka Island
Usage
A narrow island off Nanjo City, revered as the place where the creator deity Amamikiyo came down. 15–25 min by boat from Azama Port. Parts of the island are off-limits sacred ground, and taking away sand, stones or shells is prohibited
いえじま（伊江島）
I-e-ji-ma
Ie Island
Usage
An island northwest of Motobu Port, about 30 min by ferry. The peak of Gusukuyama — locally "Tacchu" — rises from the island's centre, is visible from northern Okinawa and can be climbed
いらぶじま（伊良部島）
I-ra-bu-ji-ma
Irabu Island
Usage
The island west of Miyako, joined to it by the Irabu Bridge since 2015 so it can be reached freely by car. Six short bridges link it to Shimoji Island next door
てーどぅん（竹富島）
Tē-dun / Ta-ke-to-mi-ji-ma
Taketomi Island
Usage
About 15 min by fast boat from Ishigaki Port. Its village of red-tiled houses and white sand lanes is a nationally designated preservation district, known for water-buffalo carts and the star-sand beach at Kaiji
Grammar Note
"Tēdun" in the Yaeyama language; timetables and signs use the standard Japanese "Taketomi"
いりおもてじま（西表島）
I-ri-o-mo-te-ji-ma
Iriomote Island
Usage
The second-largest island in the prefecture, nine-tenths subtropical forest and mangrove, inscribed as World Natural Heritage in 2021. 40–50 min by fast boat from Ishigaki, arriving at Uehara Port in the north or Ohara Port in the south
Grammar Note
"Iri" is Okinawan for west, literally where the sun enters; its counterpart "agari" means east and survives in place names such as Agarie
はてるまじま（波照間島）
Ha-te-ru-ma-ji-ma
Hateruma Island
Usage
The southernmost inhabited island in Japan, 60–80 min by fast boat from Ishigaki. The crossing is open ocean and is often cancelled, so allow slack in your schedule. It is one of the few places in Japan where the Southern Cross is visible
Grammar Note
Pronounced "Hatiruma" in the Yaeyama language; timetables and signs use the standard Japanese "Hateruma"
どぅなん（与那国島）
Du-nan / Yo-na-gu-ni-ji-ma
Yonaguni Island
Usage
Japan's westernmost island — 30 min by air from Ishigaki, or about four hours on the twice-weekly ferry. Known for the cliffs of Agarizaki and Irizaki, the underwater rock formation, and the small native Yonaguni horses
Grammar Note
"Dunan" in the Yonaguni language; signs and timetables use the standard Japanese "Yonaguni"
しゅれいもん（守礼門）
Shu-rei-mon
Shureimon Gate
Usage
The vermilion gate at the entrance to Shurijo Castle Park, pictured on the 2,000-yen note. It escaped the 2019 fire and stands in the free-admission area, so it can still be visited
Grammar Note
Named after the plaque reading "Shurei no kuni", the land that observes propriety. The present gate was reconstructed in 1958
しゅりじょうこうえん（首里城公園）
Shu-ri-jō Kō-en
Shurijo Castle Park
Usage
The park laid out over the Shuri Castle site. The fire of 31 October 2019 destroyed the main hall and other principal buildings, and reconstruction is still under way. A viewing deck lets visitors watch the work up close; the free and paid areas remain open, but what can be seen changes as the work proceeds, so check before going
Grammar Note
Shuri Castle is "Sui-gusuku" in Okinawan; all signs and tickets use the standard Japanese "Shurijo"
そのひゃんうたきいしもん（園比屋武御嶽石門）
So-no-hyan-u-ta-ki I-shi-mon
Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate
Usage
A small stone gate just beyond Shureimon. Kings prayed here for safe travel before leaving the castle; it is one of the components of the UNESCO "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu"
Grammar Note
An "utaki" is a Ryukyuan sacred site. The ground behind the gate is still a place of worship, so keep quiet when visiting
しきなえん（識名園）
Shi-ki-na-en
Shikinaen Garden
Usage
The Ryukyuan royal family's second residence and garden in southeastern Naha, built to entertain Chinese investiture envoys. A UNESCO component site, about 15 min by car from Kokusai-dori
せーふぁうたき（斎場御嶽）
Sē-fa-u-ta-ki
Sefa-utaki
Usage
The highest sacred site of the Ryukyus, in Nanjo City. From the triangular rock cleft called Sanguui you look out to Kudaka Island. A UNESCO component site; tickets are sold at the Nanjo City Chiiki Bussankan, a short walk away
Grammar Note
The name means "supreme utaki". It is still an active place of prayer — keep your voice down and do not touch the rocks or trees
なかぐすくじょうあと（中城城跡）
Na-ka-gu-su-ku-jō-a-to
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
Usage
A hilltop castle site straddling Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku. Its six enclosures are the best preserved of any gusuku in the prefecture. A UNESCO component site with views over both the Pacific and the East China Sea
かつれんじょうあと（勝連城跡）
Ka-tsu-ren-jō-a-to
Katsuren Castle Ruins
Usage
A castle site on a narrow ridge in Uruma, seat of the 15th-century lord Amawari. A UNESCO component site, easy to stop at on the way to the Kaichu causeway
ざきみじょうあと（座喜味城跡）
Za-ki-mi-jō-a-to
Zakimi Castle Ruins
Usage
A castle site in Yomitan built in the early 1400s by Gosamaru, the celebrated castle-builder. It retains what is considered Okinawa's oldest arched stone gate. A UNESCO component site, free to enter
なきじんじょうあと（今帰仁城跡）
Na-ki-jin-jō-a-to / Na-chi-jin
Nakijin Castle Ruins
Usage
A mountain castle in northern Okinawa, seat of the Hokuzan kings until about 1400. Its winding stone walls run some 1.5 km. A UNESCO component site; its cherry blossoms, from late January into February, are the earliest in Japan
おきなわちゅらうみすいぞくかん（沖縄美ら海水族館）
O-ki-na-wa Chu-ra-u-mi Sui-zo-ku-kan
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Usage
The aquarium inside Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, known for the huge "Kuroshio Sea" tank with whale sharks and manta rays. About 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha, or 2 hours by car
かいようはくこうえん（海洋博公園）
Kai-yō-ha-ku Kō-en
Ocean Expo Park
Usage
A national park on the site of the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Expo. Besides the Churaumi Aquarium it holds Emerald Beach, the Tropical Dream Center and the Okinawa Native Village; entry to the park is free, the aquarium charges separately
まんざもう（万座毛）
Man-za-mō
Manzamo
Usage
A cliff jutting into the sea at Onna, known for a rock shaped like an elephant's trunk. A walkway and visitor facility opened in 2020 and admission is now charged
Grammar Note
The element 毛 is Okinawan for open grassland: as a word it is moo (moo "a field, moor — neither cultivated land nor forest"), though this place name is conventionally read Manzamō. The name is said to come from a king's remark that it was a field wide enough to seat ten thousand people
ざんぱみさき（残波岬）
Zan-pa-mi-sa-ki
Cape Zanpa
Usage
The cape at the western tip of Yomitan, where 30 m cliffs run for 2 km. The white lighthouse can be climbed for a fee. A noted sunset spot, about an hour by car from Naha
こうりおおはし（古宇利大橋）
Kō-ri-Ō-ha-shi
Kouri Bridge
Usage
The 1,960 m bridge linking Yagaji Island to Kouri Island in Nakijin, opened in 2005 and toll-free. Shallow turquoise water lies on both sides, and the crossing is a destination in itself
いらぶおおはし（伊良部大橋）
I-ra-bu-Ō-ha-shi
Irabu Bridge
Usage
The 3,540 m bridge between Miyako and Irabu islands, opened in 2015 and the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. A short drive from central Hirara
かびらわん（川平湾）
Ka-bi-ra-wan
Kabira Bay
Usage
An inlet on northwestern Ishigaki, its white sand dotted with black-pearl culture rafts. Glass-bottom boats show the reef below. Currents are strong and swimming is prohibited
ひがしへんなざき（東平安名崎）
Hi-ga-shi-hen-na-za-ki
Cape Higashi-Hennazaki
Usage
A narrow cape reaching some 2 km into the sea at the eastern end of Miyako Island, with a footpath flanked by ocean on both sides and a lighthouse at the tip. About 30 min by car from town
よなはまえはまビーチ（与那覇前浜ビーチ）
Yo-na-ha-Ma-e-ha-ma Bī-chi
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Usage
A 7 km stretch of white sand on southwestern Miyako, looking across to the Kurima Bridge and Kurima Island. Often called the finest white beach in the East
なみのうえぐう（波上宮）
Na-mi-no-u-e-gū
Naminoue Shrine
Usage
A shrine on a cliff over the sea in Wakasa, Naha. It is the foremost of the eight Ryukyuan shrines and the guardian shrine of Okinawa. Naminoue Beach, the only swimming beach in Naha, lies directly below
つぼややちむんどおり（壺屋やちむん通り）
Tsu-bo-ya Ya-chi-mun-dō-ri
Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Usage
A stone-paved street in the Tsuboya district of Naha, a pottery quarter for over 300 years, lined with workshops, shops and old climbing kilns. About 10 min on foot from the Makishi end of Kokusai-dori
Grammar Note
"Yachimun" is Okinawan for pottery, a change from Japanese "yakimono"; it covers Okinawan ceramics generally
へいわきねんこうえん（平和祈念公園）
Hei-wa Ki-nen Kō-en
Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
Usage
A park at Mabuni in Itoman, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. It holds the Cornerstone of Peace, the Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum and memorial towers from each prefecture. A memorial ceremony is held every 23 June, Okinawa Memorial Day. About 50 min by car from Naha
へいわのいしじ（平和の礎）
Hei-wa-no-I-shi-ji
Cornerstone of Peace
Usage
The monument within the Peace Memorial Park inscribed with the names of more than 240,000 people who died in the Battle of Okinawa and related events, regardless of nationality or whether they were soldiers or civilians. Newly confirmed names are added each year
Grammar Note
"Ishiji" is the Okinawan word for foundation stone. The official reading is "Heiwa no Ishiji", not the standard Japanese "Ishizue"
おきなわけんへいわきねんしりょうかん（沖縄県平和祈念資料館）
O-ki-na-wa-ken Hei-wa Ki-nen Shi-ryō-kan
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
Usage
The prefectural museum inside the Peace Memorial Park, presenting the course of the Battle of Okinawa largely through the testimony of civilians who lived through it. Multilingual audio guides are available; the permanent exhibition charges admission
ひめゆりのとう（ひめゆりの塔）
Hi-me-yu-ri-no-Tō
Himeyuri Monument
Usage
A memorial in Itoman to the schoolgirls of the Himeyuri Student Corps, mobilised as nurses and killed in the Battle of Okinawa. The adjoining Himeyuri Peace Museum shows survivors' testimony and a recreation of the cave where they served. About 15 min by car from the Peace Memorial Park
きゅうかいぐんしれいぶごう（旧海軍司令部壕）
Kyū-Kai-gun Shi-rei-bu-Gō
Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
Usage
A hand-dug tunnel complex under a hill in Tomigusuku, used as the Japanese Navy's headquarters during the Battle of Okinawa. About 450 m is open to visitors, including the staff room still scarred by grenade fragments. About 15 min by car from Naha Airport
つしままるきねんかん（対馬丸記念館）
Tsu-shi-ma-ma-ru Ki-nen-kan
Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum
Usage
A museum in Wakasa, Naha, next to Naminoue Shrine. It tells of the Tsushima Maru, an evacuation ship carrying schoolchildren to Kyushu that was sunk by a US submarine in August 1944, killing about 1,500 people including some 780 children. About 10 min by car from Kokusai-dori
かかずたかだいこうえん（嘉数高台公園）
Ka-ka-zu-Ta-ka-dai Kō-en
Kakazu Takadai Park
Usage
A hilltop park in Ginowan where fighting raged for 16 days in April 1945. A pillbox and a bullet-scarred wall are preserved on site, and the observation tower looks down over the whole of MCAS Futenma
More Ryukyuan (Okinawan) phrases
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