In need for some time-out that calls for sun, sand and the sea? Throw into the equation super fresh seafood and unique cultural charm for a vacation that will stand out from the rest – Okinawa!
Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, comprises a chain of small islands that stretch over one thousand kilometres.
With Japan always on the holiday map, but winter chills still lingering over most cities, Okinawa is just right if you want to pack your bags this week. This is a hot destination, but not literally though, as the temperature is currently hovering around 20°C. In fact, March and April are the best times to visit Okinawa which has mild winters of 14°C and not-too-hot summers that peak at 31°C.
Here are 10 things you can do, only in Okinawa.
1. Island-hopping
Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, comprises a chain of small islands that stretch over one thousand kilometres. There are 160 islands scattered across the three major groups – the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands. And if you can’t visit all, well, that’s reason enough to come back!
Perfect spot for diving and snorkelling.
2. Swim with the fish
With endless fine-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Okinawa is a great diving spot. If you haven’t yet taken up the sport, this is a great chance to start working on that PADI license.
The places to note in Okinawa include Kerama and Yonaguni, which are among the favourite spots for divers in the world. With rich sea-life and coral, Okinawa is also excellent for snorkeling.
3. Whale watching
After having fun with the little sea creatures, make an appointment to catch a glimpse of the one of world’s largest mammals – the whale.
Every year, from January to April, the Humpback whale makes its trip from the cold Artic to the warm waters of Okinawa. There is nothing more majestic than seeing this gentle giant up close or to hear them ‘sing’. Okinawa has a host of seasoned operators who team up with whale experts to offer an experience that’s hard to forget.
The Humpback makes its trip from the cold Artic to the warm waters of Okinawa every year.
4. Sea creatures on land
If you are travelling with children, didn’t get a chance to go diving or snorkeling or can’t enough of the underwater experience from diving and snorkeling – visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium that’s part of Ocean Expo Park.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has the largest fish tank in Japan. With one of the world’s biggest acrylic panels (8.2m in height, 22.5m in width and 60cm thick), it offers a close-up view of the amazing whale sharks, and graceful manta rays that have been bred in captivity. There are three themed zones, including the Coral Sea exhibit that showcases the beautiful Okinawa world (great if you didn’t get to dive) and a deep-sea world zone with its luminescent living creatures. This is a total underwater experience without getting wet. And since you’re in the area, check out Ocean Expo Park that showcases the rich history, culture and natural environment of Okinawa.
5. Click. Snap. Share.
Selfie queens and kings will be snap-happy with the stunning landscapes that are sure to trigger instant likes on any feed. Spark off Insta-envy too with the gorgeous sunsets and amazing Okinawa scenery. So even if you are not into sun, sea and sand, don’t cross out Okinawa from your must-visit list.
Selfie queens and kings will be snap-happy with Okinawa’s stunning landscapes.
6. Eat fresh fish
Famously known as ‘Tuna Island’, the seas surrounding Okinawa are rich in tuna, and the area boasts the third-highest catch of fresh tuna in the country.
Okinawa boasts the third-highest catch of fresh tuna in Japan.
Tuna in Okinawa are known for its fine and tender texture. There are numerous tuna specialty shops offering fresh catch at Tomarilyumachiin Naha City, and the best part? There is an area where you can observe the amazing techniques of tuna filleting through glass windows. But if you prefer to catch your meal, team up with local fishing charters available for world-class fishing that could land you marlin as well as mani mani, too.
7. Dine at the Fountain of Youth
Okinawa has a secret fountain of youth as most people live into their 90s and beyond. It’s called 'Kusuimun' (meaning “something which becomes medicine for longevity to life”) which, in the local Okinawa dialect, also refers to dining.
Don’t miss out on Okinawa’s secret “fountain of youth” specialties.
While pork is popular, Okinawa’s original hard and large tofu 'Shima-dofu' is often featured in dishes too. Meals also feature many vegetables including Goya (bitter melon) and Beni-imo (sweet potato), and kelp such Mozuku seaweed and Umi-budo sea grapes.
8. Discover Ryukyu heritage
Okinawa is rich in culture that is distinct from the Japanese mainland. The islands are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, that refers to the native culture, which is distinctly different from that of the rest of Japan in terms of language, cuisine and the arts.
Marvel at some of Ryukyu’s centuries-old heritage.
The independent and prosperous kingdom from the 15th to the 19th centuries had its power and cultural development centered on Shurijo Castle in Okinawa. Several castles or 'Gusuku' were built during the era and the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the 'Kingdom of Ryukyu' were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.
One of the oldest and most significant is the Nakijin-jō where the Ryukyu Kingdom was born after three nations in Okinawa – Hokuzan, Chuzan and Nanzan – were unified by Sho Hashi of Chuzan.
9. Cherry Blossoms and all-year blossoms
The much-loved Cherry Blossoms of Japan usually appear close to April. But in Okinawa, with its warm weather, these spring blossoms are usually in bloom between January and February. So if you want some Sakura viewing but prefer to avoid the crowd, Okinawa is where it happens.
All-year blossoms.
Even if you miss the Sakura, the mild, warm climate of Okinawa offers almost year-round beautiful flowers and floral festivals that well make up for it. There’s the Higashi Village Azalea Festival in March, and from April onwards, there’s the Lily Festival on Ie Island featuring one million lilies in bloom. Once summer arrives, it’s blossoms in the sky with fireworks galore as Okinawans come out to celebrate different festivals.
Join the three-day celebration of the more than 500-year-old Naha Great Tug-of-War.
The biggest (literally) festival is the three-day celebration of the more than 500-year-old Naha Great Tug-of-War. Everyone (including tourists) gets to take part in pulling the world’s largest straw rope (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) that’s 200 meters long and weighs 40 tons when given the signal to “Pull happiness to you!”
10. Memories are made of these
After the photos, amazing adventures and wonderful meals, there’s one more Okinawa experience that you can – and should – take home.
Sign up for a hands-on workshop at Naha Traditional Craft Center. This is where visitors can try their hand at making original glass decor, accessories and other ornaments, with the finished goods ready for collection the very next day.
Produced in collaboration with Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau