A newly formed community group of foreign residents will embark on a guided tour of a German‑style castle perched on Miyako Island, part of Okinawa Prefecture, next Saturday. The castle, a faithful replica of a medieval fortress from the Rhineland, will open its gates for the first public visit this autumn, inviting participants to step inside a slice of Europe without leaving Japan’s southern archipelago. For expatriates living in Osaka and the surrounding Kansai region, the outing offers a rare chance to combine a tropical island getaway with an unexpected cultural surprise. While most visitors associate Okinawa with coral reefs and surf, the castle adds a historic European backdrop that appeals to families, history buffs, and photographers alike. The limited‑time opening means seats fill quickly, so those interested must act now to secure a spot before the weekend crowd swells. The castle sits on the western coast of Miyako Island, a short 30‑minute drive from the island’s main ferry terminal. Constructed in 2022 by a German architect who relocated to Okinawa, the structure features stone walls, a keep, and period‑accurate interior rooms, all equipped with English‑language audio guides. Visitors may explore the courtyard from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an admission fee of ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for students. Wheelchair‑accessible ramps and bilingual staff are on hand to assist non‑Japanese speakers. The project emerged from a collaboration between the Miyako tourism board and the German‑Japan Friendship Association, aiming to diversify the island’s appeal beyond its famed beaches. After a surge in inbound tourism post‑COVID, local officials sought attractions that could draw visitors during the off‑peak rainy season, and the castle’s European flair provided a distinctive alternative. Additionally, the presence of several statues of police officers—installed in recent years to honor community safety—has become a quirky photo backdrop that complements the historic theme.
ACTION: 1. Visit the group’s website at miyako‑castle‑tour.jp to register; spots are limited to 25 participants per day. 2. Book a round‑trip ferry from Naha to Miyako via the Okinawa Ferry portal, selecting a departure that aligns with the 9:30 a.m. meeting time at the terminal. 3. Purchase the castle entry ticket online to receive a QR code that can be scanned at the gate. 4. Bring a valid passport or residence card for identity verification, as well as a reusable water bottle for the island’s sunny climate. 5. Download the free “Castle Audio Guide” app before arrival to ensure seamless English narration. When the sun sets over the turquoise sea and the castle’s lanterns flicker on the stone walls, visitors will realize they have traveled from medieval Germany to a tropical Japanese paradise in a single afternoon—proof that Osaka’s expatriate community can still discover the world without leaving the archipelago.
📌 Affects You If
- Foreign residents in Osaka/Kansai, tourists, families, history buffs, photographers