- Uruma City was established in 2005 through the merger of Gushikawa City, Ishikawa City, and the towns of Katsuren and Yonashiro.
- The name 'Uruma' is an old poetical term for Okinawa, derived from the Okinawan words 'uru' (coral) and 'ma' (island).
- The city is home to the Kaichu-doro, a 4.7-kilometer road that runs across the sea, connecting the Katsuren Peninsula to the islands of Henza, Miyagi, Ikei, and Hamahiga.
- The region holds a significant historical connection to the Ryukyu Kingdom, evidenced by the remnants of several gusuku (castle) sites scattered throughout the area.
- Uruma maintains a strong tradition of bullfighting, known locally as 'togyu', which differs from Spanish bullfighting as it involves two bulls facing off in a ring.
About うるま市
Uruma City, located in the central part of Okinawa Island, is unique for spanning both the mainland and eight remote islands connected by the Kaichu-doro causeway. It serves as a hub for both Okinawan historical legacy and ecological tourism, offering sites like the ancient Agena Castle Ruins and the expansive Southeast Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes ranging from the serene waters at Kumuinagamidukuru to the elevated vistas of the Ishikawa Kogen Observatory. The city effectively balances its role as an industrial center with the preservation of natural habitats like Bios Hill.
Highlights of うるま市
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
Explore subtropical forests and interact with local animals in this expansive ecological theme park.
Places of interest
Traverse a natural limestone cavern that remains a significant geological site in central Okinawa.
Parks
Walk through vast gardens featuring thousands of plant species, including rare tropical palms and orchids.
Parks
Enjoy the calm reservoir scenery and surrounding recreational green space.
Places of interest
Capture expansive views of the city's coastal areas and the Pacific Ocean from this high vantage point.
Historical places
Walk through the stone foundations and historic ramparts of this 15th-century castle.
Historical places
Visit the archaeological remains of a hilltop fortress that once held strategic importance in the region.
Parks
Relax in this seaside square offering a unique perspective of the peninsula's coastal landscape.
Top things to do in うるま市
The 48 highest-rated places in うるま市, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
Bios Hill is a subtropical forest theme park in Uruma, Okinawa, centered on the theme of coexisting with nature. The fac...
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Places of interest
Cave Okinawa is a limestone cavern system located in the central region of the main Okinawa island, formed over millions...
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Parks
Southeast Botanical Gardens is a large-scale tropical park in Okinawa featuring thousands of plant species including a p...
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Parks
Iha Park is a public community recreational space located in the Ishikawa district of Uruma, Okinawa. The park is charac...
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Temples
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Museums
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Parks
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うるま市 on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to うるま市
Autumn, specifically late October to early December, offers mild temperatures and lower humidity, avoiding the peak typhoon season and intense summer heat.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore both the mainland historical sites and the remote islands connected by the causeway.
A rental car is the most practical way to navigate Uruma due to the city's geographical spread and the limited frequency of local bus services.
The area around the central Ishikawa district provides convenient access to both mainland attractions and the major roads leading to the eastern islands.
Uruma is generally a mid-range destination, with accommodation and dining costs consistent with regional Okinawan pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 48 curated attractions in and around うるま市, ranked by traveller ratings.
Bios Hill is the highest-rated place to visit in うるま市 right now.
The largest category is parks, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
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