Okinawa is a beautiful island chain in the East China Sea. It’s known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs and clear blue waters. Okinawa is also home to some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in all of Asia. Exploring Okinawa has no shortage of surprises. For example, did you know that Okinawa is also the birthplace of karate?
If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa, here are a few things you should know:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Okinawa is during the months of April, May and June. The weather is warm and dry during these months and there are fewer crowds than in the summer.
Two Islands
Okinawa has two main islands: Okinawa Island and Miyako Island. Okinawa Island is the largest and most populous island in the chain. It’s home to the majority of tourist attractions and resorts. Miyako Island is smaller and less developed, but it’s still worth a visit for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Two Currencies
When you’re planning your trip, keep in mind that there are two different currencies in use in Okinawa. The Japanese Yen is used on Okinawa Island, while the US Dollar is used on Miyako Island.
Safety First
Okinawa is a very safe place to travel. However, like any other destination, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
There are a few things that you should avoid doing while on Okinawa. First, don’t touch or step on the coral. Coral is very delicate and can be easily damaged. Second, don’t collect sand or shells from the beaches. This is illegal and it harms the environment. Finally, don’t feed the animals. This includes birds, monkeys and even fish.
Okinawa Food
Okinawa is a great place to try new foods. You must try food in Okinawa! Some of the local specialities include Okinawa soba (a type of noodles), sashimi (raw fish) and goya champuru (a stir-fry dish made with bitter melon).
Shopping in Okinawa
When you’re shopping in Okinawa, be sure to bargain. It’s common practice to haggle over prices, especially in open-air markets.
UNESCO Sites
Okinawa is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Shuri Castle and Nakijin Castle Ruins.
Okinawa Beaches
Okinawa is known for its beautiful beaches. Some of the best include Manza Beach, Kouri Island and Zamami Island. Did you know that Okinawa has more than 100 beaches?
Culture and History
Okinawa is a great place to learn about Japanese culture and history. There are a number of museums on the island, including the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum and the Okinawa World War II History Museum.
Scuba Diving
Okinawa is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. Some of the best spots include the Blue Cave, Yonaha Maehama Beach and Manta Scramble.
Festivals
Okinawa is home to a number of festivals throughout the year. The most popular include the Naha Matsuri (a festival celebrating the city of Naha) and the Okinawa World War II Peace Memorial Commemoration (memorial service for the victims of the Battle of Okinawa).
Unwind
Okinawa is a great place to relax and unwind. There are a number of spas and hot springs on the island, including the Ibaraki Onsen and the Nakijin Onsen.
Or Wind Up
If you’re looking for an adventure, consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands. Some of the most popular include Ie Island, Zamami Island and Kume Island.
Okinawa is a beautiful island chain with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for beaches, history or adventure, you’ll find it in Okinawa. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
We hope you enjoyed this short guide to Okinawa. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us. Thanks for reading!
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