OKINAWA

 
 
 

ABOUT OKINAWA

The subtropical paradise of Japan, Okinawa is a favorite destination even among the Japanese people. Okinawa is a prefecture composed of a few dozen islands with sandy beaches and emerald green waters filled with wild marine life.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Safe in terms of not many earthquakes- Japan usually (and is known to have) has many relatively big earthquakes
  • Does not snow, and the climate is relatively mild year-round
  • Good for people with pollen allergy because there is not much pollen that flies around during the spring
  • The food is delicious and cheaper than other major cities (because there are many families living in Okinawa, high competition of bento shops resulted in very cheap bentos)
  • Not just food, but gasoline, property, alcohol, taxis are all much cheaper than the main land of Japan
  • Enjoy a relaxed, safe, more laid back environment to live in
  • Has an atmosphere much different from the other bigger, busy cities
  • There are many supermarkets, and most are open 24 hours
  • Many new apartments and condominiums

THINGS TO DO

MAP

 
  • Dive, swim, and snorkel in Okinawa's beautiful, crystal clear waters filled with coral reefs and marine life
  • Wander the 9 World Heritage Sites of Okinawa
  • Participate in the many exciting traditional festivals and events unique to Okinawa. Seasonal traditional festivals are an important part of the local peoples' lives.
    • Dragon boat racing and festival Haarii  (ハーリー、爬竜船) in the early summer. A festival for fishermen to express their gratitude towards the sea, and ask for blessings that they may return safely with an abundant catch
    • Famous traditional Okinawan dancing, Eisa ( エイサー), during Eisa season from June to September. Eisa is a lively dance where many young people dance to the powerful beat of drums wearing bright, colorful costumes
    • Giant tug-of-war festival, Otsunahiki (大綱挽) held in the fall. Tug-of-war is played against the Eastern and Western halves of the village
    • Listen to the sanshin, a musical instrument commonly played at festivals and events in Okinawa
    • Japan's earliest cherry blossom viewing from mid-January to mid-February. Cherry blossoms in Okinawa are a vibrant dark pink color
    • Various flower viewing festivals are held year-round in Okinawa thanks to the warm, subtropical climate (hydrangea, lilies, cherry blossoms, orchids, and more!)
  • Visit the Churaumi aquarium, housing approximately 740 species and over 21,000 marine life
  • Whale watching from January to March, when humpback whales migrate from the north to the Kerama Islands
  • Visit the many fresh fish markets and enjoy a meal of the daily fresh catch

TRANSPORTATION

  • Okinawa does not have a train system, but has a monorail that travels through the island, as well as public busses, taxis, rental bikes, motorcyles, and cars.

FAMOUS SITES

  • Shuri Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Katsuren Castle Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Ishigaki Island
  • Cape Manza
  • Murasaki Mura Entertainment Park
  • Mihama American Village
  • Churaumi Aquarium
 
 

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