Okinawa

Naha Harbor

Okinawa is Japan’s southern most prefecture, consisting of over 20 small islands. Okinawa is distinctly different from mainland Japan. Often touted as the Hawaii of Japan, Okinawa is a beautiful tropical island with a slow-paced, easy going lifestyle.

Interestingly, Okinawa is home to the most centenarians in the world. Locals attribute the high lifespan to their unique island diet — you may want to eat, drink and live as Okinawans do!

Things to do

Take a day trip to one of the smaller, uninhabited islands such as Tokashiki or Nagannu
Explore the hidden twists and turns of Shuri Castle
Snorkel with manta rays in the crystal clear waters
Visit the beautiful Southeast Botanical Gardens
Join in on local festivities, like the World’s Largest Tug of War
Drink the native Okinawan distilled spirit, sweet Awamori
Shop for souvenirs on the famous “International Avenue” of Kokusai Dori
Taste fresh seafood and sashimi at the Makishi Public Market
Check out the stalactites inside Gyokusendo Cave
Sample the regional cuisine. Eat goya champuru, mimigaa (pig’s ear) and soki soba…and you might just live to be 100, too!

Tips:

Go island hopping

There are over 40 uninhabited islands off the coast of mainland Okinawa. Take a 15-30 minute ferry from Naha and spend the day at one of these beautiful, remote islands.

Rent a car

Okinawa is only 60 miles long and about 5 miles wide, but it doesn’t have the transportation system of mainland Japan. If you plan to explore the island, you probably want to rent a car for the day.

Learn about the local culture

Okinawans take pride in the regional dialect, cuisine, and traditions. Take some time to learn about what makes this special island so unique.