(Day 3) 7-day road trip in Okinawa.

Day Three: Exploring Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

On the third day, we embarked on a journey from Naha to the heart of the island. Our first destination, just a few kilometers away, was the iconic Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent structure stands as the only remaining intact castle on the island, with other castles reduced to ruins.

A short five-minute drive brought us to our destination. The spacious, covered parking lot offered the convenience of a shopping mall. Despite the early hour, the site was already bustling with visitors. Capturing photos without crowds required patience and careful timing. The entrance fee of 800 yen (approximately 200 baht) was reasonable considering the historical significance of the site.

A small park is located near the castle, offering panoramic views of the city and the South China Sea.

After immersing ourselves in the World Heritage Site, it's time to head to the west coast of the island by driving uphill.

The first stop where we greeted the strong sea breeze was Ginowan Marina, Araha Beach, and Tropical Beach, which are all connected beaches. We drove, took pictures, ate delicious snacks, and talked in the car, creating a very happy family atmosphere.

Driving in Okinawa was unlike anything I've experienced in Japan. It felt more like driving in New Zealand, with stunning views and lush nature. As we cruised along, we stumbled upon the AMERICAN VILLAGE, a bustling tourist and commercial district dating back to the American occupation. We took a break and enjoyed a coffee at Starbucks.

Continuing along the coast for less than 20 km, a must-see stop is the Zakimi Castle Ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Okinawa. Admission is free, making it a great value for money.

A five-kilometer drive from here will take you to the highlight of my day, ZANPA BEACH. The reason is that there is a beautiful lighthouse and cliffs. I have been a fan of photographing lighthouses for a long time. Here, I had the opportunity to fly a drone to capture aerial shots. I love this place very much.

After waiting for the sunset, we returned to our accommodation and drove another six kilometers to our destination, BEST WESTERN OKINAWA ONNA BEACH. This excellent accommodation offers a small private beach for relaxation and a swimming pool behind the bedroom.

End of day three's journey. We will continue our journey north tomorrow.