Gaining popularity as a travel destination, Okinawa is a unique cultural hybrid and a tropical paradise of beaches and jungles. It continues to be a blend of the untouched and secluded, and the lively and developing, as it grows to be a popular beach getaway for travelers but works to keep the natural beauty and life of the islands.
Naha
Naha is the largest city in Okinawa, and is the cultural center of the prefecture. Historically, it was the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and has developed into a modern city that blends Okinawan and Japanese culture.
Ishigaki Island
It is an island paradise, with crystal waters and colorful coral and fish just beneath the surface. About 200 miles (ca. 322 km) off of the Okinawan mainland, Ishigaki-jima is covered in lush green mountains.
Miyako Island
Some of Okinawa's, and Japan's, best beaches are on the island, and they're great destinations for swimming and snorkeling. The land on the interior of the island is mostly sugar cane fields and a few small towns.
Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands are both the southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands of Japan. Together with the Miyako Islands and the Okinawa Islands they make up the three main island chains of Okinawa Prefecture.
Kerama Islands
hese islands are great for day trips, and with crystal clear, emerald green waters that are transparent at 50 to 60 meters deep, they make for some of the best diving in the world. Just a short boat ride away from the city.
The Islands of Okinawa
Okinawa consists of a series of small islands, off the coast of the southern most side of Japan. Because of its sub-tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches with clear waters, Okinawa has become a very popular spot for vacationers.
Churaumi Aquarium
In the Okinawan dialect, "Chura" means beautiful, and in Japanese, "umi" means ocean, or sea. Perfectly blending Japanese and Okinawan culture, the aquarium was named the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Peace Memorials
In late March 1945, the Main Island of Okinawa was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. It claimed the lives of 240,000 - and the civilian deaths far outweighed military deaths in the Battle of Okinawa.
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
This castle built by the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is especially interesting as it was divided into multiple citadels, and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan.
Go Scuba Diving
There are multiple dive spots in Okinawa, and there are also multiple scuba diving companies that will take you to those spots. Many of the companies offer training, as well as certification courses accompanied by a master diver.
Katsuren Castle
Katsuren Castle was the castle of Lord Amawari in the 1400s. Ryukyu legend has it that he was sickly as a child but grew up into a powerful leader and took over Katsuren Castle.
The Wildlife of Okinawa
There are some species that you should be aware of if you are planning a trip to Okinawa for safety reasons as well. Many of the untouched places on these islands continue to have a wide range of life.
Goya Champuru
Marketed as a super health food that is a refreshing dish to eat when it's hot.
Umibudo
Umibudou literally translates as "Sea Grapes." It's a kind of seaweed but instead of leaves it has little bubbles growing on its stems.
Okinawa Soba
Many times there is pork added to the dish, and this is often referred to as soki soba noodles, made out of wheat instead of buckwheat.
Taco Rice
Taco Rice in Okinawa has a Japanese twist. Taco rice is quite popular in Okinawa and is found in some local fast food eateries.
Rafute
This pork dish is a popular one that is commonly served, and people eat it with rice or on top of noodles.
Sata Andagi
This deep fried Okinawan doughnut is popular because it’s good to keep for a long time and that’s suitable as a souvenir.
Beniimo Tart
It is a sweet pastry which is made from Okinawa’s specialty crop for a very long time, Beniimo, also known as purple yum.
Awamori
Awamori is the local alcoholic beverage of Okinawa, a type of shochu. It is also used in cooking certain foods.
