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- Driving around Okinawa in the X-Trail!
Driving around Okinawa in the X-Trail!
Departure
Naha Airport (Nissan Rent a Car Naha Airport 1st outlet)
Destination
Destination: Niraikanai Bridge, Shuri Castle, Kafu Banta, American Village
01
We arrived at Naha Airport! We took the shuttle bus from the airport to the Nissan Rent a Car Naha Airport 1st outlet. We get aboard our reserved black X-Trail and take off. We were worried whether we could drive an SUV, but we were surprised at how smooth it was to drive.
02
We first headed towards the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture. We were blessed with great weather and the perpetual summer of Okinawa as we visited famous sites along our driving route such as Niraikanai Bridge in Nanjo City. The exhilaration you feel as you watch the sea and go through the forest is wonderful and the observation deck was a popular place to take photos.
03
Next, we visited the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, also in the southern part of the prefecture. After learning about the Battle of Okinawa at the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, we took a stroll through the peaceful park. The breeze from the Sea felt great and there was also Butterfly Gardens that rid us of our travel wear.
04
We returned to Naha City and visited one of the symbols of Okinawa, Shuri Castle. There are a number of parking areas near it and we took our time touring it for about two hours. It's actually in a high ground area and you can see all of Okinawa from Shuri Castle.
05
Next, we went to the north. There is the famous Churaumi Aquarium around two hours from Naha City. They have not only dolphins, but also manatees, sea turtles and other rare animals. They also offer a variety of cuisine so it was the highlight of our trip.
06
Driving one hour from Churaumi, we reached Kourijima Island. We crossed the long and straight Kouri Bridge and parked the car in the parking lot next to the bridge. The blue coral reef and Kouri Bridge made a beautiful contrast from the nearby sandy beach.
07
Continuing on, we went to Kafu Banta. After touring the Nuchimasu Sightseeing and Salt Manufacturing Factory, we headed to the cliff. Kafu Banta means cliff of prosperity and in recent years has become a spiritual spot because it is famous as a seashore like those in Greece.
08
We went from Henzajima Island through Kaichu Road when returning to Uruma City from Kafu Banta. Both sides of the road were ocean and the beautiful scenery stretching out beyond the straight road above the bridge took our breath away. There are also some seafood bowl restaurants along the road where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
09
We suddenly came upon a cactus field when driving near Nanjo City! I thought I was in Mexico when I saw the cactus taller than me. Recently, it has become famous as a location to take photos.
10
To end our trip, we stopped by the American Village in the heart of Okinawa Prefecture. There are American military bases nearby and because of this there are shopping centers and restaurants with an American feel that we could only experience in Okinawa!
11
We had our last dinner at a hamburger shop in American Village before returning to the airport. Thanks to the solid driving of the X-Trail, we were able to enjoy Okinawa Prefecture from the north to the south! Thank you for these precious days we will treasure forever.
A Drive to Manazuru, the Most Southern Point in Kanagawa!
Spectacular Spots in Oita and Kumamoto!
