OKINAWA

Okinawa – Japan’s Tropical Paradise

Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost region, is a tropical archipelago with a unique cultural identity, distinct from the rest of Japan. Once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa maintains a heritage influenced by China, Southeast Asia, and Japan. With its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and subtropical forests, the region offers a completely different experience from mainland Japan.

• Naha: The capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Naha is a vibrant city and is home to Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The city’s lively Kokusai Street is a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife, where visitors can experience Okinawa’s unique culture.

Interesting Facts About Okinawa

• History: Okinawa was once an independent kingdom before being annexed by Japan in 1879. The Ryukyu Kingdom thrived as a center of trade between China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, and many of its historical influences remain today. The Battle of Okinawa, one of World War II’s fiercest conflicts, took place here, and the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park now stands as a tribute to those lost.
• Temples & Shrines: While Okinawa has fewer traditional Japanese shrines and temples, it is home to Seifa Utaki, the most sacred site in the Ryukyu religion. This ancient rock formation was a place of worship for the Ryukyu royal family and remains an important spiritual site today.
• Nature: Okinawa boasts some of Japan’s most beautiful beaches and marine life. The Kerama Islands, just off the coast, are world-renowned for their coral reefs and vibrant underwater ecosystems, making them a top destination for diving and snorkeling. On the main island, Yanbaru National Park is a subtropical rainforest, home to rare wildlife such as the Okinawa rail, a flightless bird found nowhere else in the world.
• Food: Okinawan cuisine is vastly different from mainland Japanese food, with influences from China and Southeast Asia. The region’s signature dish is gōya champuru, a stir-fry featuring bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg. Rafute, a slow-braised pork belly dish, reflects Chinese culinary techniques. Okinawa is also known for awamori, a locally distilled spirit made from long-grain Thai rice.
• Activities: Okinawa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can kayak through the mangrove forests of Iriomote Island, explore underground limestone caves in Gyokusendo, or take part in Eisa dance festivals, a traditional Okinawan dance accompanied by drumming. The region is also famous for Hoshizuna-no-Hama (Star Sand Beach), where tiny star-shaped sand particles wash up on shore.

Okinawa’s rich history, distinct culture, and stunning natural landscapes make it a truly unique destination, offering a side of Japan unlike anywhere else in the country.