Temples, Caves and Mangrove Tour
Kin Kannon-ji Temple is a little-known treasure in Kin Town, famous for its walkable cave, golden Buddha statue, and ‘Buddha’s Parasol’ rock. Nearby is a well-preserved natural mangrove along the Okukubi River. Returning to Chatan, you can see a 150-year-old Okinawan house and go back 7,000 years in time to the island’s prehistoric settlements. Finish the day at a bustling tourist spot on the west coast.
Religion, Nature and Nightlife
Sunabebaba WW2 Monument
Stand in the very place where US forces first landed in the Battle of Okinawa.
Chatan Museum
Go back 7,000 years to prehistoric Okinawa.
Uchinaya Okinawan House
See how Okinawans lived in the 1890s.
Kin-Kannonji Temple and Cave (Kin)
Descend into a sacred cave and pay respect to a golden Buddha.
Okukubi River Mangrove (Kin)
Stroll a boardwalk through one of Okinawa’s best preserved mangrove forests.
Mihama American Village
Return to Chatan to enjoy the night view from one of Okinawa’s most ‘feel-good’ tourist hot spots.
Tour Notes
This route is spread out over two locales, Chatan and Kin Town. It is probably best to start the day in Chatan, visiting Uchinaya and Chatan Museum first before heading to Kin on the highway. The Temple and cave close at 5PM so we need to make sure to get there in time. The mangrove is open all the time, but is best seen before sunset. American Village is great to see at night.