Tucked away on high ground on Ikei Island, the Nakahara Site is a quietly remarkable place that carries Okinawan life from thousands of years ago into the present.
The pit dwelling remains and pottery fragments left on this quiet, sea-girt patch of land speak of the ingenuity of the people who lived here and of how they lived alongside nature.
Looking out over the blue sea while sensing something of the ancient world: that is what makes the Nakahara Site special.
Ratings for the Nakahara Site
*Ratings are the subjective view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other castles and castle ruins in Okinawa
The Nakahara Site at a glance
| Hours | None in particular |
| Closed | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 15 minutes |
| Parking | None (you can park on the open ground) |
| Restroom | None |
| Address | Yonashiro Ikei, Uruma City, Okinawa |
Highlights of the Nakahara Site
A rare window onto life in Okinawa’s Shell Midden period
The Nakahara Site is a settlement from the middle of Okinawa’s Shell Midden period, roughly 2,000 to 2,500 years ago, and an important record of how people lived at the time. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1986 and is known for pit dwelling remains on a scale unmatched anywhere else in the prefecture.
Large numbers of pottery pieces, stone tools and shell artefacts have been excavated, showing how the inhabitants drew on the resources of both sea and forest.
From food and shelter to toolmaking, it is a rare place to get a feel for the knowledge and culture of the islanders of that era.
Source: Wikipedia
Pit dwellings
Within the site you can see the remains of pit dwellings, built by digging down into the ground.
It was a way of sheltering from strong winds and heat, and a piece of everyday wisdom suited to Okinawa’s particular climate.
History and sightseeing in one trip
Ikei Island, where the Nakahara Site lies, is a popular small island reachable by car along the Kaichu-doro sea road.
After looking round the site you can head for beaches with wonderfully clear water, taking in nature and history on the same day.
It is a special spot where the appeal of a holiday destination sits alongside quiet time spent thinking about the distant past.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Yonashiro Ikei, Uruma City, Okinawa |
| Parking | None (you can park on the open ground) |
| Restroom | None |
There is an open patch of ground at the entrance to the Nakahara Site with room for one or two cars.
You can park there, though with a larger vehicle you will end up parking on the road.
What’s nearby
Activities on Ikei Island
Ikei Island offers all kinds of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkeling, parasailing and more.
If you would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling, why not see what is available on Viator or GetYourGuide?
Ikei Island Onsen AJ Resort Island Ikei
Ikei Island Onsen AJ Resort Island Ikei is a resort hotel on Ikei Island, one of Okinawa’s smaller islands.
Every room has an ocean view, and with an outdoor pool and a hot spring as well it is the finest resort hotel on Ikei Island.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around the main island of Okinawa.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan and the rest are scattered all over the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run to time, so whether or not you have a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Popular seasons book up quickly, so reserve early once your dates are set.
Summary
The Nakahara Site is a rare chance to touch on how people in Okinawa lived long ago.
On Ikei Island, ringed by beautiful sea and greenery, quiet time spent thinking about the past tends to linger in the memory long after the trip.
Do stop by while you are out driving or sightseeing. You should be able to take in the same view, and feel the same wind, as the people who lived here in ancient times.
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