The 10 Best Places for Stargazing in Okinawa, Japan

Do you go to bed quickly in preparation for the next day when on vacation? You might be missing something! You may be missing some beautiful night views. You may want to consider cutting back on a bit of sleep or delaying the start to your next day after you see the night views available in Okinawa.

1. Amagoidake

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During the period of the Ryuku Dynasty, it is said that the king of that time came here to pray for rain for the parched land. This is why it came to be known as “Amagoidake” or “mountain where rain is prayed for”. Due to the beauty from this vantage point it is also the subject of many poems.

From this viewing platform one can view the opposite direction from the Shuri Castle. This means viewing the night condition of the gardens. However, in the background you can also view Naha City and it is breath taking lights. There are plenty of light kept on for your safety after sunset so you can enjoy the view with concern.

2. Nago Chuo Park – Sakura Gardens

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This park is spread over Nago hill. This is where the cherry blossoms bloom first in Japan and in January. Every year in correlation with the blooming of the cherry blossoms the “Nago Cherry Blossom Festival” is held.

In the Nago Chuo Park, there are many areas that can be recommended to view the night sky. However, the most recommended is the “Sakura Garden”. The wide open space that you are able to view is amazing to view Nago City. Here you can find outdoor and indoor night sky viewing perfect for those of different preferences. During the day you may also look out on the emerald green ocean and enjoy this other view from Nago Chuo Park.

3. Shuri Castle Park – Azana of the West

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Named a World Heritage site in 2000, Shuri Castle Park is one of the sites most visited by foreigners. Here there are three famous lookout platforms. However, the most popular is the “Azana of the West”. “Azana” is a word meaning “observation platform” in the local island language.

Within the Shuri Castle Park grounds there are areas that require a fee to enter. However, “Azana of the West” is not one of them. It stands at a height of 130 meters allowing for a wonderful view of Naha City. The time when the sun sets and the city lights began to come on is the most recommended time to visit.

4. Kogane Forest

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At Kagone Forest Park you will find abundant track-and-field and baseball fields among other sports facilities. The parking lot is here plenty spacious and we can recommend visiting by rental car. You will follow the signs up the hill to where the lookout platform is located.

From here you can enjoy the view of Haebaru. The height of the platform is perfectly set so that the view of the city seems quite close. The lookout platform is not so large but there are no high gates making it easy to enjoy the night sky. There is a park in Naha City with the same kanji characters (黄金森公園) that is called “Kuganimui Park” so please be sure not to get confused.

5. Samukawa Ryokuchi

“Samukawa Ryokuchi” is located nearby Shuri Castle Park. There are parking spaces available and the viewpoint is only 1 minute from there so it is quite convenient. There are many lights in the park making a wonderful atmosphere.

From this view you can enjoy the light of the Hanta river part of Naha City. This is a look over point popular with the locals but not so well known by tourists. There are many areas for night views around Shuri Castle so be sure to check out the one that interests you the most.

 
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6. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters

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During the Ryuku Kingdom, this was the location where the notice would be shared that ships were coming. During the war this was where the Navy’s Underground Headquarters was located. Now it is used as a memorial park, general park, and ground for certain festivals.

Inside the park is extremely spacious making it perfect for enjoying the night view. We recommend the lookout platform. This is a great lookup spot to enjoy with kids or a loved one.

7. Oishi Park

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This is a park where many families visit during the week. There are different areas for children to play on. In the center of the park is a short hill where you can climb to the top to enjoy a 360 degree view. This is a truly special opportunity.

There are not any lights on the top of the hill so this makes for a all the more beautiful night sky. There are parking lots and benches avalible making it the perfect location to enjoy the night view from. Every April there is the “Yuri Festival”. In addition, this park is home to goats for children to enjoy.

8. Urasoe Park

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Within the park you can find the “Friendly Field Zone”, “Relaxing Field Zone”, and the “History Field Zone”. The total area of the park is approximately 37ha. Here you will find play areas as well as important national and prefectural items of importance. The city is nearby and yet once in the park you are completely surrounded by forests and rivers.

The “Friendly Field Zone” is where you can see a beautiful view from. It is from the round viewing platform that you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of Urasoe City and Yonowan City. On the first floor of the platform there is an Okinawan ramen shop. It is popular and closes once it is sold out so be sure to get here early to enjoy ramen before the wonderful night view!

9. Kakazu Koudai Park

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From here you can get a view of the Futenma military base. During the day you can enjoy a view all the way to the East China Sea from Kakazu Koudai Park. The parking in only a 5 minute walk away. There are quite a few stairs but think of the view beyond the walk!

Where the park is now located was a harsh battle field during the Okinawa war and the viewing platform is designed to a desire for world peace. From here you can view the orange glow of the Futenma base airstrip and the lights of Yonowa City. This is one of the best night views in the prefecture. During the day you may be able to see as far as Kitatachi-machi Yomitan-son.

10. SKYMAX60

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“American Village” in Mihama, Okinawa was created on what was once an American military base. It is one of the large resorts visited by many who come to Okinawa and includes restaurants, shops, and a movie theater. When the sun goes down the lights come on to illuminate the area.

SKYMAX60 is the ferris wheel within “American Village” from which you can enjoy a wonderful view. One time around the ferris wheel is approximately 15 minutes and at its highest point one finds themselves 60m above the ground. The view if different based on the time and season. Why not enjoy the night view from this ferris wheel?

Let’s Enjoy the Stargazing in Okinawa!

What do you think? Are you now going to have trouble which night view to visit? When you take the time to enjoy the nightview surely it will allow you to reset from the tiredness of the day and go into your next day with vigor. Please do enjoy the night views of Okinawa when you visit!