Best things to do in Nago

Learn about the origins and cultivation of one of the world's most beloved fruits at Nago Pineapple Park, a theme park dedicated to this spiky tropical plant. Hop aboard the pineapple-shaped jeep for an English-language tour included in the price of admission, and ride through working pineapple fields for an up-close look at the life cycles and farming techniques used here. You'll also see a small cutting and canning demonstration at the onsite factory, and afterwards, you can explore the gift shop to sample a huge range of pineapple-based products, including juices and wines.

Explore what lies under the sea without ever getting wet at Busena Marine Park. To see the fruits of the marine park, visitors take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat, and head to the underwater observatory. Both experiences offer sights of a wealth of aquatic creatures, with the glass-bottomed boat primarily focusing on a coral reef and its colorful residents. The underwater observatory sits 170 m (558 ft) away from the coast, submerged at a depth of 5 m (16 ft), and offers sights of a sea grass habitat, populated by clownfish, damselfish, wrasse, and many more tropical and subtropical species.

Situated on the site of the 1975 World's Fair, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium continues to attract millions of visitors with its world-class variety of marine life. Touch tanks near the entrance of the three-story aquarium allow you to get up close and personal with starfish and seashells. Daily feedings and shows are open to the public; check ahead for relevant times. Make sure you stop at the massive Kuroshio Tank to see manta rays and giant whale sharks.

Next to a traditional village consisting of around 250 homes you will find Bise no Fukugi Tree Road, an exotic escape that relieves both heat and stress. Tread on the soft sandy path as a lush fukugi canopy blocks the sunlight, and distant ocean waves break against the shore. Observe the old fishers' homes, complete with traditional shoji doors and tatami matted flooring, which have utilized the surrounding trees to protect them from the typhoon season. You can also examine the green scenery by renting a bike, or better yet hitch a ride on a water buffalo-drawn cart and listen to folk stories from your eager guide.

Enjoy the scenic ocean vista as you drive across Kouri Ohashi. Completed in 2005, it stands out as the longest bridge in Okinawa, extending 1,960 m (6,430 ft) and connecting the islands of Kouri and Yagaji. Gaze upon the sea as you cross the open road bridge, and see it change color depending on the weather, from a deep green to vivid, clear blue. It will only take you 10-15 minutes to drive across the entire toll-free bridge.

Enjoy remarkable dolphin acrobatics set against the picturesque backdrop of the East China Sea at Okichan Theater. The pride of the park, the dolphins jump, play and even dance along with the local music. Best of all, the dolphins display a fun-loving attitude, and you might find yourself laughing hysterically at their antics. The relatively short, wheelchair-friendly, child-appropriate show offers a fully covered seating area to protect you from rain.

The northernmost tip of Okinawa Island, Cape Hedo combines far-reaching ocean views and a rocky coastline. Walk along lush green trails that hug the cliffs' edge, gazing over clear blue water crashing against the rocks. Drop a coin in one of the many boxes to pay tribute to the gods of sea and wind, and look for the white stone sculpture of a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a bird. If you're itching to get into the water, you'll find plenty of good spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Climb to the top of Kouri Ocean Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands. Reach the observation tower by choice of automatic cart or walking among tropical plant life and a man-made waterfall. On your way up, stop by the shell museum on the first floor, exhibiting over 1,000 rare and exotic shells from all around the world. On the observation deck, ring the tower bell and receive a professional souvenir photo. The onsite restaurant serves traditional Neapolitan pizza accompanied by outdoor ocean views.