Holiday in Okinawa

About Okinawa

Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, is a tropical island paradise that significantly differs from the Japanese mainland in culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. The main island and its over 150 smaller islands stretch over 1,000 kilometers between Kyushu and Taiwan and were an independent kingdom known as Ryukyu until 1879 — a legacy that remains alive in the unique Okinawa culture today. The turquoise sea surrounding Okinawa is home to some of Japan's most beautiful coral reefs: The Kerama Islands offer world-class snorkeling and diving spots with visibility over 50 meters, manta rays, and sea turtles. The Churaumi Aquarium on the main island is one of the largest in the world and showcases whale sharks and manta rays in a gigantic 7,500-cubic-meter tank. Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo), a UNESCO World Heritage site and former palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, combines Japanese and Chinese architectural elements and testifies to Okinawa's unique position as a cultural bridge between Japan and the Asian mainland. Okinawa is also one of the five Blue Zones in the world — regions with above-average life expectancy. The secret: a plant-based diet featuring sweet potatoes, goya (bitter melon), and tofu, combined with a strong sense of community (Moai). The lively Kokusai Street in Naha offers shopping opportunities, street performers, and Awamori (Okinawa's own rice liquor). The culture of Eisa dance festivals and Sanshin music (a three-stringed lute) gives Okinawa a tropical charm that is unmatched in Japan.