Buzz
Although not as famous as Tokyo or Kyoto, Okinawa still attracts tourists thanks to its stunning beaches, being a paradise for marine diving enthusiasts, and offering opportunities to participate in numerous lively festivals throughout the year.
Why Visit Okinawa When Traveling to Japan?
1. Ideal Destination for Marine Diving
Okinawa is truly a paradise for those passionate about marine diving, where it's famous for the diversity of coral species. When diving in Okinawa, tourists can observe over 400 different types of coral along with various marine creatures such as sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays,…
2. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Don't Miss the Opportunity to Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the World's 2nd Largest Aquarium, When in Okinawa. Speaking of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium's highlights, it's the habitat of whale sharks, boasting an impressive 8-meter-long body. Additionally, visitors can enjoy regular dolphin shows here.
3. Enchanting Cherry Blossoms
If you want to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms without the crowds of Tokyo, Okinawa is the place to go. It's also the earliest spot in Japan to witness cherry blossoms blooming, usually starting in early March.
4. Stunning Beaches
Okinawa boasts numerous stunning and pristine beaches such as Kondoi Beach, Yonaha Maehama Beach, Nirai Beach, Aragusuku Beach, Sunayama Beach, and Okuma Beach. The seas in Okinawa are incredibly beautiful and clear, displaying a mesmerizing emerald green hue with pristine white sands.
5. UNESCO-Recognized World Heritage Sites
Okinawa takes pride in its numerous UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites, with the most famous being the 9 Gusuku sites and related Ryukyu Kingdom heritage. These cultural heritage sites include two sacred forests, the Tamaudun Mausoleum, a garden, five gusuku (castles), and most of them are ruins.
6. Paradise for Food Enthusiasts
The cuisine of the Okinawan archipelago differs significantly from the general Japanese cuisine due to influences from China, Southeast Asia, and the United States. It's often dubbed as a paradise for food enthusiasts with a wide array of delicious and enticing dishes such as sataandago cakes, soki soba, and sashimi. Moreover, Okinawa is where people have one of the highest life expectancies globally, attributed to their dietary habits.
7. Vibrant Festivals Galore
From fruit festivals to beer festivals, Okinawa truly doesn't lack colorful and exciting festivities like the Naha Tug-of-War Festival. This tug-of-war festival has a long history, spanning nearly 600 years, and has even been recorded in the Guinness World Records.
8. Ideal Retreat for Peace Seekers
Okinawa is considered an ideal destination for those wanting to escape the busy, noisy urban life. With its tropical weather and rural lifestyle, visitors here will feel the tranquility and serenity everywhere they go.
9. Home to the World's Longest Living Population
Okinawa is renowned for having the world's longest-living population. According to various studies, the islanders' longevity is attributed to their diet. On this island, sugar and salt consumption is only 25% and 20% respectively of the average consumption in Japan, while vegetable consumption is three times higher than elsewhere. You can visit Ogimi village, known as the “village of the elderly”. Most residents in the village are over 85 years old but still quite active, and they may even offer you some useful tips for living longer.
10. Birthplace of Karate Martial Art
If you're a fan of the renowned martial art karate, then Okinawa is a must-visit destination. Karate is the traditional martial art of the Okinawan region, later developed and became famous in Japan before spreading worldwide. Besides learning some karate moves, visitors can also have various exciting experiences here such as diving, surfing, paddleboarding, banana boat rides, and parasailing.
By Ha Mi (Source: Skyscanner)
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 30, 2015
