2025 Kin Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Visited in December 2022 King Tacos Kin Main Branch A chain of tacos and taco rice with six stores on the main island of Okinawa✨ The main store is in Kin Town This store is the birthplace of taco rice😊 Vegetables overflowing from the pack😍 It was delicious and filling💓 It was just starting to clear up, so I took it out and ate it in a nearby park It was the best🙌 The unique atmosphere of the town is also nice, so please enjoy it🎵 #tripmemory2022#Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #OkinawaTourism #OkinawaGourmet #KingTacos

Kneading the first time riding in Iceland, riding for three hours, it is not enough; second Okinawa, riding from the morning to the sunset, I am tired, she still has physical strength; This is her third time riding, the hot sun can make us black 10 degrees, but my mother has been carrying a SLR record, it is her inverted rainbow-like rise The mouth of the mout Dad has been holding the sister in the hot sun, I am not afraid of sunburn has been taking pictures of my sister, children's summer, should not be indoors

Okinawa, Japan | Kinmu Village Stone Stele: History and Prayers Engraved in the Earth Walking through Kinmu Village, a stone stele stands quietly beside the road, its face etched with vigorous words. It's more than a simple memorial, but a vow that flows between the land and the hearts of the people. The stele records the development of Kinmu Village and the efforts of our ancestors. Like the weathering of years, these words are imbued with perseverance and conviction. This is not just a village nurtured by nature, but a home built by our ancestors with their own hands and faith. Behind the stele, lush green trees frame it like a guardian, allowing one to sense the power of the symbiosis between land and people. Gazing at the inscription, one can imagine the villagers' diligent cultivation, their prayers for favorable weather, and their heart and hope entrusted to this land.

Okinawa, Japan | The Sacred Cave Where Master Nihide of the Koyasan Shingon Sect's Kinpusan Sect Subdued a Giant Python Deep within Kinpusan lies a natural rock cave known as Nihide-do, long considered sacred. It's not only a place for monks to practice and chant sutras, but also hosts a captivating legend. It's said that in ancient times, a giant python lurked within the cave, terrorizing the villagers and even claiming to devour livestock and harm children. Later, the eminent monk Nihide-do entered the cave to practice mantras and ultimately subdue the snake, rendering it harmless. Since then, Nihide-do has been revered as a sacred site for warding off evil. Even today, upon entering the cave, one can still feel a sense of solemnity and tranquility. The sound of water dripping down the stone walls fills the air with a moist, cool air. While the giant python has long since passed into legend, the spirit of dispelling fear through compassion and the power of Buddha remains deeply etched within the cave.

Okinawa, Japan | The Suiten Buddha statue at Kinpusan, Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, offers protection and purity deep within the cave. Hishudo is not only a place of retreat for eminent monks, but also houses the majestic Suiten Buddha statue. Seated at the foot of the rock face, the statue appears to be one with the cave, emanating the purity of water and the vastness of the sky. The Suiten Buddha statue symbolizes "flowing protection." The water vapor within the cave shimmers under the illumination of the lights, like the Buddha's light, reminding us that even in the darkest places, faith can flow forth like a spring, nourishing the heart. Approaching the Suiten Buddha statue, the sound of dripping water echoes like the breath of the earth, while the Buddha statue before us represents the protection and peace of all beings for millennia. This atmosphere invites one to hold one's breath, and the mind gradually becomes calm.

Okinawa, Japan | Hihide Cave, a Shingon sect of Koyasan, Kinpusan: Buddhist Light and Tranquility Deep Within the Cave Tucked away quietly within the lush green forests of Kinpusan, Hihide Cave is a natural rock cave that has served as a haven for meditation, chanting, and retreat since ancient times. A faint light streams through the cave's entrance, illuminating the mottled marks on the stone walls, as if bearing the echoes of the profound meditations of generations of eminent monks. Entering, the air becomes instantly heavy, the only sounds intertwined with the murmur of dripping water and the beat of one's heart. This atmosphere evokes a sense of emptiness, evoking the feeling that "the cave is not empty, but the mind itself is." Hihide Cave is not only a natural wonder but also a place for Buddhist practice, bearing witness to the legacy of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism in Okinawa.

Okinawa, Japan | The Silence and Heritage of the Tombs of Successive Eminent Monks at Kinpusan, Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Deep within Kinpusan, beyond the Buddha statues and incense burning in the temple halls, lies a tranquil haven: the tombs of successive eminent monks. Stone tablets stand peacefully amidst the trees, bearing the marks of time, as if telling the world of the austere and fulfilling lives of these practitioners. There is no clamor here, only the whisper of the wind through the pine trees. Behind each tombstone lies a record of a monk's practice, wisdom, and contributions to the monastery. As you pause and gaze, a sense of solemnity naturally arises within you—not sadness, but a sense of peace that transcends life and death. Each generation of eminent monks has woven their lives into the continuation of the Dharma lineage, just as the inscribed words on the stone tablets remain clear even after long periods of wind and rain. Their figures may have departed, but their spirits live on in this mountain and on this place, abiding in the Buddha's light.

Okinawa, Japan | Koyasan Shingon Buddhism's "Kinpusan" temple: swaying lights illuminate the bodhisattva with devout devotion. Entering the hall, the first thing that catches your eye is the ancient bronze lamp. Its light isn't intense, but gently illuminates everything within. The light reflects between the Buddha's eyebrows, making him appear even more serene and majestic. The bodhisattva sits quietly on a lotus pedestal, hands clasped in a mudra at his chest. His expression is gentle, as if listening to the prayers of every visitor. The statue's color has become tarnished by the passage of time, but precisely because of this, it appears even more profound and genuine—a compassion that endures with time.

Okinawa, Japan | A Reverent Worship Before Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at Kinpusan, Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Entering Kinpusan, a sense of peace naturally descends. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, standing quietly beside a stone tablet at the entrance, watches over travelers. As I clasped my hands together and bowed before Him in obeisance, I felt not only the solemnity of traditional Buddhism but also a compassionate power that transcends time and space. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's vows derive from his compassionate heart, never abandoning all sentient beings. At that moment, worship was more than just an act; it was a heart-to-heart exchange—confiding the inner anxiety and the fatigue of the journey under His gaze. The wind rustled through the green leaves, as if answering prayers, bringing a sense of peace and protection.

Okinawa, Japan | Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at the entrance to Kinpusan, a Shingon sect temple in Koyasan, a compassionate figure protecting all beings Approaching the entrance to Kinpusan, a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stands majestically. With his hands clasped together, his expression is both solemn and compassionate, like a gatekeeper silently guarding this sacred place of faith. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is considered a "Great Vow Bodhisattva" in Buddhism, vowing to save all beings in the six realms, with a special regard for the helpless and helpless. Okinawa temples, influenced by the Shingon sect, embody this compassionate spirit at their entrances, ensuring a sense of security and protection for every believer and traveler who enters the temple grounds.

Okinawa, Japan | The Koyasan Shingon sect's "Kinpusan" Continuation of Esoteric Buddhist Faith: The Majesty and Tranquility of a Stone Monument Under a blue sky, a stone monument stands quietly, inscribed with the six characters "Koyasan Shingon sect Kinpusan." The powerful, robust handwriting exudes a solemn aura. Shingon Buddhism, a form of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, originated in Koyasan, Wakayama, emphasizing spiritual practice, prayer, and harmony with the universe. Kinpusan, as one of its branches, continues this ancient faith on the land of Okinawa. Standing before the stone monument, with lush greenery behind, the deep black stone and the pristine white inscriptions create a sense of slowness. Such small corners of the travel world serve as a reminder that faith resides not only in magnificent temples but also in a stone tablet and a single thought.

#TravelWithPochiKatsu GATE1 in Okinawa is a long-established restaurant famous for its taco rice and tacos. The flagship store, located in front of Gate 1 of the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Hansen, is especially famous and beloved by locals and tourists alike. The flagship store has an exotic atmosphere and is popular for its hearty taco rice and jumbo cheeseburgers. They also use 100% beef and Okinawan koshihikari rice, making them a perfect choice for their ingredients. In addition to the flagship store, they also have locations in Tomigusuku and Naha, where you can casually enjoy authentic flavors. We recommend stopping by on a drive or ordering takeout. Address: 4257 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, 904-1201 Phone Number: 098-968-3743 Access: To get to the center of Kin Town, take bus number 22 (Futenma Airport Line) or 77 (Nago East Line) from Naha Bus Terminal and get off at the Kin bus stop. We walked from the Kin bus stop to the main store. #OkinawaTrip Address: 4257 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, 904-1201 Phone Number: 098-968-3743

❶GATE1 🌮 📍4257 Kin, Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, 904-1201 🕰️10:00 AM - 10:00 PM 💰~¥1000 While many other restaurants open from 11 AM, this delicious restaurant is open from 10 AM, which is a blessing! ❷King Tacos 📍4244-4 Kin, Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, 904-1201 🕰️10:30 AM - 9:00 PM 💰Around ¥1000 The taco rice was delicious. This is Okinawa's most famous taco restaurant. It was bustling with customers from the moment it opened. ❸ Steakhouse 88 Chatan 📍 2F, at's chatan, 9-17 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0115 🕰️11:00 AM - 11:00 PM 💰 ¥2,000 - ¥4,000 Recommended for reasonably priced, delicious steaks. ❹ A&W Makiminato 📍 4-9-1 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa 901-2131 🕰️6:00 AM - 2:00 AM 💰 ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 A&W is synonymous with Okinawa, but the Makiminato location stands out for its cute design compared to other locations. The burger was also generous and delicious. ❺ Vegetable Roll Skewers Gururi 📍 1-13-9 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture 900-0013 🕰️ 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM 💰 Around 5,000 yen This izakaya serves delicious skewers. The owner and staff were cheerful and it was a great place.

One of the most memorable stops on this trip to Okinawa was visiting Kinbu Kakai Shokudo. Thank you for your warm and friendly hospitality. The food was fresh and delicious. From the seafood donburi to the freshly cooked sea grapes, every dish was filled with the sweetness of the ocean. The warm smiles and thoughtful cooking not only filled us up but also gave us a sense of human warmth. Thank you, Kakai Shokudo, for leaving us with wonderful memories! We will definitely be back! If you're visiting Okinawa, Kinbu Kakai Shokudo is a must-try for local cuisine! The seafood is freshly caught and served directly, ensuring impeccable freshness. The seafood donburi is colorful, and every bite is incredibly delicious. Beyond the delicious food, the friendly service is a bonus, making it feel like home. Whether it's a family trip or a get-together with friends, Kakai Shokudo is a place worth revisiting. When you visit Okinawa, remember to reserve a meal at Kakai Shokudo; it's guaranteed to satisfy!

Tucked away in the mountainsides of Kinbu Town in northern Okinawa, Kin-Kannonji Temple (金武観音寺) is an ancient Buddhist temple, little known to tourists but holding a pivotal position in local faith. 🪷 Temple History and Origins Kin-Kannonji Temple is said to have been originally built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the compassionate and savior-loving Guanyin Bodhisattva. Built within a rocky cave in the mountainside, the natural rock grotto forms the core of the main hall. This type of "cave temple" is extremely rare in Okinawa and lends it a unique spiritual atmosphere. 🌿 Tranquility and Cultural Experience Kin-Kannonji Temple is secluded from the hustle and bustle of life. The entrance is up a mountain path, and the main temple grounds are half-hidden in the forest. Entering the main hall, you're greeted by the moist air and the mingled scent of incense, a stark contrast to the outside world, inviting a sense of tranquility. ⛩️ A "prayer temple" for locals Kin Kannonji Temple is an important pilgrimage site for many Okinawans during New Year and transitional periods, particularly for women and families seeking blessings and peace. Special annual rituals are held here, showcasing the unique blend of Ryukyuan Buddhist culture and local beliefs. 🚗 Transportation and Tips The temple is approximately a one-hour drive from downtown Naha. It's recommended to plan your trip around nearby Kinmu Town attractions, such as Kinmu Caves and Kinmu Beach. The temple's atmosphere is solemn, so please dress neatly and observe quietness. ⸻ ✨If you're looking to delve deeper into a hidden Buddhist site in Okinawa, Kin Kannonji Temple offers a secret journey of spiritual tranquility. #OkinawaTravel

Igei Service Area, located on the coast of the Okinawa Expressway, is a great rest stop overlooking the East China Sea, located at the westernmost and southernmost point of Japan. You can casually enjoy a set of Okinawa soba and juushi during your trip. The parking lot is large and easy to park in, and the pleasant sea breeze and spectacular view blowing in from nearby make this a one-of-a-kind service area that we highly recommend! 📍Location: Igei Service Area, Okinawa Expressway 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: The parking lot is large, and there are also shops and restaurants 💞Reasons we recommend it: You can enjoy a view that you wouldn't expect from a service area! #IgeiServiceArea #Okinawa #ServiceArea #Okinawa

ASBO is definitely a good hotel that friends who like to soak in hot springs should not miss. The hot spring area is spacious and bright with a large space (the spring water is excavated from 1,500 feet deep in the sea). There are indoor pools (large floor-to-ceiling windows can be opened, so it won't be stuffy at all) and semi-open outdoor pools. Cold water pool, hot water pool, SPA oven. Soaking for a whole day is not boring. The room is spacious and the sea view is unbeatable. The bidet will spoil you and the bathtub is divided into two rooms. There is a capsule coffee machine in the room, and delicious coffee is available every day. Every service staff is kind, polite, warm and considerate. Free bicycles are available. An excellent long stay worth coming again and again. Good accommodation

During this time of year, Hari competitions are held all over Okinawa. This time, I participated in the Kin Town Hari!

🚗Recommended for those who use the expressway (Okinawa Expressway) on the way to the Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu Town, in the northern part of Okinawa's main island‼️ 📍If you stop by the Igei Service Area (Igei SA), you can purchase a discounted advance admission ticket✨ ⸻ 💸[Advance ticket price (as of June 2025)] ※A little cheaper than the local price🙌 ※Payment by cash only⚠️ 👨👩👧👦 Adults: 2,180 yen → 2,000 yen 👦 High school students: 1,440 yen → 1,300 yen 👧 Elementary and junior high school students: 710 yen → 650 yen 🎫 You can purchase tickets at the SA's convenience store counter, not from the ticket machine! *There is a POP in front of the register, so just ask the staff♪ ⸻ ✨[Recommended points of Igei SA] ・A spectacular view of the ocean, perfect for a break🌊 ・A wide selection of souvenirs and Okinawan gourmet🍍 ・The parking lot is large and easy to enter🚗 ⸻ ⏰[Advice on when to stop by] ・If you are going to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha, it is about halfway there ・We recommend leaving early in the morning, taking a restroom break and buying a ticket here☀️ #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Okinawa

#Okinawa Sakura The cherry blossoms in Wujia Children's Park are in full bloom. The trees are full of cherry blossoms like clouds and rosy clouds. The pink petals fall gently in the breeze, as if you have entered a dreamy sea of ​​flowers. Visitors took out their cameras to take pictures, laughter and cheers echoed in the air, filling the entire park with the breath of spring. 📸 In addition to the beautiful cherry blossoms, Yaka Children's Park also has a variety of children's play facilities. Playground facilities such as slides, swings and climbing frames attract many children to play here. Watching the children having fun in the playground with happy smiles on their faces makes me feel the carefree childhood. 🎈

Kin Town, the northernmost of the Ryukyu Hachisha Shrines [Kingu Shrine (Kannonji Temple)] Kingu Shrine, unlike the other Ryukyu Hachisha Shrines, does not have a shrine building, but is enshrined as Kin Gongen in a limestone cave within the grounds of Kin Kannonji Temple. There are no lights inside the limestone cave, so it is dim even during the day and you need to be careful where you step. I hesitated at first, but I used the light from my smartphone to descend the steep stairs. When you enter the limestone cave, you can be sensitive to the sounds, smells, and air flow inside the cave in the silence. There is no goshuin stamp for Kingu Shrine, but you can get one at Kannonji Temple. It is not well known, but it is a spot where you can experience the limestone cave in its natural state. If you are interested, please stop by during your trip. [Ryukyu Hachisha Kingu (Kannonji)] Address: 222 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Parking: Available #0yentravelFebruary2025 #domestictravel #Okinawa #Okinawatrip #Okinawatourism #RyukyuHachisha #limestonecave #powerspot

⸜ 🍴⸝King Tacos King Tacos is known by everyone in Okinawa. It's called Kintaco for short🌮 It's full of vegetables, cheese, and minced meat, so it's very filling.ᐟ.ᐟ It's filling, has good value for money, and is very satisfying♡♡ I've brought many friends here and they're all very satisfied. The tacos and taco rice are the best.ᐟ.ᐟ The only drawbacks are that it's hard to park and the portions are too big, so it's hard to eat. The slightly spicy taco sauce is also super delicious🌶 📍1-26-7 Kiyuna, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture #0 yen trip January 2025

KING TACOS is a very popular taco shop in Naha city🌮 This is the birthplace of taco rice and is extremely popular with locals and tourists‼️ It's filled with overflowing ingredients and the taste is, needless to say, exquisite. The price is also reasonable and you can eat it casually. There are many taco shops in Naha city, but this shop is particularly popular and there was a line. It's so delicious that you'll want to order more, so if you're sightseeing in Naha city, be sure to visit🌮 📍Address: 4244-4 Kin, Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-1201, King Tacos Kin Main Store 💰Price per person: 400-1000 yen #Domestic Travel Record

Kin Town is located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Kin Town, the birthplace of taco rice, is where you'll find King Tacos' main store! The store changed its name from Parlor Misato to King Tacos and has expanded throughout the prefecture. The specialty is taco rice that is so big it doesn't fit in a lunch box! The portions are so voluminous that a woman could eat two meals there...😓 For that reason, they offer it as a takeaway so that you can eat in and take it home (*^^*) They tried serving Mexican tacos with rice instead of tortillas, and it was a big hit! This is today's taco rice. There is a Coca-Cola vending machine in the store, so you can eat it while drinking a Coke 🫣 You can choose between spicy and non-spicy hot sauce! It's not spicy because it's ketchup, so even children can eat it with sauce✨ It satisfies the desire of those who don't like spicy food but want to eat it with sauce😍 If you come to Okinawa, please try the taco rice at King Tacos Main Store🌴 ⚠️Things to be careful of when ordering⚠️ If you want to eat regular taco rice with taco meat, vegetables and cheese, please order ▷▶Vegetable cheese taco rice! There is a photo on the ticket machine, but if you select taco rice, it only comes with rice and taco meat🌮 📍: King Tacos Kin Main Store 🚗: About 1.5 hours from Naha Airport 🅿️: Available (free) ※There is no parking lot near the store. There is a parking lot within a 5-minute walk, so please refrain from parking on the street. #FritabiWinter #Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #OkinawaTourism #TacoRice #KingTacos

#Okinawa Attractions The Hihide Cave in Okinawa is a natural wonder that amazed me! 🌌 When I walked into the cave, the first thing I felt was the cool air and mysterious atmosphere. The stalactites and stalagmites in the cave are of various shapes and flicker with faint light, as if you have entered a fairyland. Every step I took made me marvel at the wonders of nature, and the scenery here made me feel an indescribable tranquility. ✨#natural wonders In addition, the mysterious legends in the cave sparked a strong interest in Okinawa culture in me. This is a place that combines nature and history, which makes people fascinated. 📖 #CulturalExploration #OkinawaHistory This adventure not only allowed me to appreciate the beautiful natural scenery, but also gave me a deeper understanding of Okinawa's culture. I hope to come here again in the future and continue to explore more beauty and mystery! 🌺 #SpiritualJourney #OkinawaAdventure

A super hidden gem! It's not crowded, there are restrooms, and light snacks available. Plus, you can take as many photos and videos as you want with this breathtaking view... Since there are few people, we were able to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading to Nakijin! The Satsuma chips, which seem to be exclusive to this service area, were delicious! And of course, we also had Blue Seal ice cream. 💞Recommended because: It's not crowded, and you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 📍Location: 1261 Igei, Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-1202

Speaking of Okinawa, we went to King Tacos Kin Town Main Branch❣️ There was a line, but it was worth it!! I got takeout, but it was delicious even when cold! 📍Address: 4244-4 Kin Town, Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 🕰️Business hours: 10:30-21:00 #0 yen trip #Okinawa trip #Naha gourmet #King Tacos

ASBO STAY HOTEL, a stylish hotel in Kin Town The modern interior is like an overseas hotel, giving it a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. The room I stayed in had bunk beds and could accommodate four people, two on the top and two on the bottom. The large bath, where you can enjoy "natural hot springs and saunas," which are rare in Okinawa, is also attractive! The restaurant in the hotel serves dishes made with plenty of Okinawan ingredients. The course menu is packed with the chef's attention to detail and is truly delicious. The crepes fleurs are authentic, made by a chef who trained in France. I was impressed that this is the only place in Japan where you can enjoy authentic flavors. Kin Beach is right outside the hotel, and eating your breakfast box on the beach is a blissful experience. 📍ASBO STAY HOTEL 10907 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-1201 #aloedesse#asbostayhotel #creativefrench #frenchrestaurant #coursemeal #okinawadinner #okinawahotel #hotelrestaurant #okinawatrip #kintown #okinawa