Many people love Okinawa for its beaches. And why wouldn't they? The gorgeous pristine beaches, sandy with blue waters. The beaches are what tends to draw travelers, those looking for a warm getaway at an ultimate beach destination. 

But Okinawa goes beyond the beach. The natural beauty extends further than the shoreline, into the lush greenery of the island. For those wondering what other natural beauties Okinawa has to offer, here are a few things that aren't to be missed.

1. Waterfalls

It's no surprise that a subtropical island would have a relatively large amount of rainfall that fill intro rivers contributing to many beautiful waterfalls throughout the islands. The mossy green clinging to the rocks, surrounding the falling waters makes for a beautiful sight. Hiji waterfall is one of the best-known waterfalls of Okinawa. Visitors can take a bus up to a trailhead where they can walk up to the waterfall. 

2. Mangrove Forest

Okinawa is actually the keeper of the largest mangrove forest in Japan. There are even spots where you can kayak on the waters through the mangroves, making it a exciting activity where one can contemplate their thoughts in peaceful silence while enjoying the view.

3. Caves

Okinawa has about 500 caves throughout the island including one of Japan's largest limestone caves, about 30 minutes south of the city of Naha. This cave is one of the more popular natural attractions of Okinawa due to the fact that you can explore inside. Tours are available for visitors to have a fun little adventure walking through the cave and learning about the natural structure. 

4. The Night Sky

Ok when all is said and done, maybe all you want to do is enjoy the beaches in Okinawa - and that is perfectly ok! But imagine this. A beautiful starry night sky reflecting across the ocean waters. For those who have a interest in astronomy, Okinawa is a great place to observe the stars and constellations due to the little amount of light pollution. During the summer, you can view glimpses of the milky way. 

5. Wildlife

For those who get excited at the prospect of seeing animals and other wildlife, Okinawa is a great place to explore. Instead of walking along the beaches, you can instead get into the water and go diving or snorkeling to observe all the diverse amount of sealife in the waters. But going further into the island, there are many more creatures too. The island is high with biodiversity, there are birds, reptiles, and more!

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