Okinawa(沖縄) — prefecture consisting of160 islandsstretched over 1000 km in the East China Sea. Subtropical climate (23°C average), own cultureRyukyu(separated from Japan until 1879), turquoise sea, corals, beaches like the Maldives. A whole different Japan.
History — The Kingdom of Ryukyu
Until 1372, 3 kingdoms (Nanzan, Chūzan, Hokuzan). As of 1429 unitedRyukyu Kingdom, a complex maritime state trading with China, Japan, Korea, Philippines. 1609 — invasion of the Japanese Satsuma clan, vassalization. 1879 — formal annexation by Japan, last king of Shō Tai taken to Tokyo.
World War II — Battle of Okinawa
April-June 1945 — the bloodiest battle of the Pacific.240 000 dead(100,000 American, 110,000 Japanese soldiers, 100,000 Okinavian civilians — 1/3 of the island's population). Cities destroyed in 90%. U.S. bases still occupy 15% of the main island area.
Naha — The Capital
Shuri Castle (Shurijō)
The residence of the Ryukyu kings 1429-1879. Characteristic red architecture with Chinese influence. UNESCO 2000.NOTE: burned31.10.2019, currently being rebuilt (planned to be completed 2026). You can explore the remains and the square.
Kokusai-dōri (International Street)
1.6 km main street Nahy with restaurants, awamori shops (local rice vodka), souvenirs. In the evening, the most lively.
Makishi Public Market
Traditional market under the roof. Exotic fish, sea lentils, bitter melon (goya), pigs. Buy downstairs, upstairs the restaurant prepares you a dish (600-2000 JPY).
Tsuboya
Ceramic district of Meiji period. Workshops.Shīsā— a lion statue guarding houses. You'll buy a pair from 3,000 JPY.
South of the island
Peace Memorial Park (Itoman)
Okinawa Battle Museum.Cornerstone of Peace— stone plates with 240,000 names of fallen (soldiers of all sides + civilians). Museum admission 300 JPY. Emotionally heavy.
Himeyuri Peace Museum
MuseumHimeyuri Student Corps— 222 high school students forced to serve as nurses in military cave hospitals. Survivors: 32. Introduction 450 JPY.
Central and North Okinawa
Churaumi Aquarium
One of thethe world's largest aquariums. Main attraction:Kuroshio Sea Tank— 7,500 m3 water, 3 whale sharks 8 m + 4 mants + tuna. Asia's largest ocean tank. Introduction 2180 JPY.
Cape Manzamō
Elephant-shaped cliff, panorama of the East China Sea. Sunset #1 Okinawa.
American Village (Chatan)
US-style commercial and entertainment complex, former military base. California climate, burger-style restaurants, near the Ferris on the beach.
Beaches — top 5
- Emerald Beach(Motobu, near Churaumi) — 3 sections of white sand, emerald water
- Aharen Beach(Tokashiki Island) — 30 min ferry from Naha, “Maledives of Japan”
- Furuzamami Beach(Zamami Island) — snorkeling among sea turtles
- Nishihama Beach(Hateruma Island — Farthest South Island of Japan)
- Kondoi Beach(Taketomi Island, Yaeyama region) — 300 m of shallow lagoon
Diving and snorkeling
Okinawa has the best corals in Japan. Top spot:
- Blue Cave(Onna) — a cave with blue light, tropical fish. Snorkel 3,500 JPY/2 hours
- Kerama Islands(National park) — 20 min ferry, sea turtle, coral
- Yonaguni Underwater Ruins— controversial ‘old ruins’ underwater (natural formations may be). For experienced divers
- Ishigaki Island— Manta in Kabira Bay
Okiná kitchen
Separate from Japanese. Chinese, Filipino influences.Okinavians have the highest average life expectancy in the world— a diet of fermented tofu, fish, pork, bitter melon.
Characteristic dishes
- Gōyā chanpurū— fried bitter melon with tofu, egg, pig. Bitter-medical taste, attraction Okinawa
- Rafute— pork stewed 3 hours in awamori and brown sugar
- Sōki soba— thick noodles in a broth with pork ribs (not a buckwheat like a mere soba)
- Umibudō— ‘sea grapes’ — green algae looking like caviar. Crunchy, gently salty
- Taco rice— Mexican-Japanese hybrid (milled rice meat). Made for American soldiers in 1984.
Awamori
Okinava rice vodka (THAI rice, not Japanese). 25-45% alcohol. You can drink clean, with ice, with water (mizuwari), with coffee (coffee). Brands:Zuisen,Kumesen,Yaesen.
Yaeyama Islands — further south
1000 km from Naha (SAMOLOTEM 1 hour). Tropical paradise without tourists. Key:
- Ishigaki— hubs, beaches, caves
- Taketomi— 10 min ferry from Ishigaki. Ryukyu-style village, free only with bicycles and buffalo cars
- Iriomote— jungle, waterfalls, endemics (wild cat iriomote)
Practical information
- Directions: plane from Tokyo 2h 40min, from 15,000 JPY (Peach, Jetstar, Soled). From Osaka 2h.
- Season: April-June (best weather), August-October (THAYFUN RISK). October to the end of March — colder (15-20°C), less tourists
- Transport:RENTAL OF THE OBLIGATIVE CAR— no subway, weak buses. From 6000 JPY/day. International driving licence required
- Naha Monorail (Yui Rail): only in Naha, 340 JPY 1-Day Pass 800 JPY
- Dive season: April-October (water 25-28°C)
- Currency: JPY (there is no separate Ryukyu currency, although on the islands you can still see Ryukyu coins as souvenirs)