Okinawa — Subtropical Japan★★
Okinawa is a different Japan — a subtropical archipelago 1,600 km south of Tokyo, culturally influenced by China, Southeast Asia, and the USA (US military base to this day). The islands offer turquoise waters, coral reefs, a unique cuisine, and the longest-living people in the world (the "Blue Zone" Okinawa).
Naha, the capital, has the lively Kokusai-dōri (International Street) with souvenir shops, restaurants, and the Makishi Market (Okinawa's Tsukiji — tropical fish, pig's feet, exotic fruits). The reconstructed Shuri Castle (destroyed by fire in 2019, reconstruction until 2026) was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
The beaches are Japan's best: white sand, warm water (24–30 °C from April to November), snorkeling directly from the beach. The best:
- Kerama Islands: 30 min. by speedboat from Naha. Crystal clear water, turtles, pristine coral reefs.
- Zamami: Whale watching (January–March), perfect snorkeling.
- Miyako-jima: Japan's most Caribbean-like beach (Yonaha Maehama Beach, 7 km of white sand).
- Ishigaki: Gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, manta ray diving, starry sky (Japan's first star park).
The Churaumi Aquarium in the north of the main island is one of the largest aquariums in the world — the main tank with whale sharks and manta rays (8.2 million liters!) is overwhelming.
💡 Tipp
Okinawa is ideal in April/May (warm, before the rainy season) or October/November (warm, fewer tourists). In summer (July–September), it is hot and typhoons threaten. Rental car almost essential — public transport on the main island is weak.
