Tips for a Holiday on the Island of Okinawa

If you think of Okinawa, you might think of the Okinawa Diet and the island where people live longer anywhere else on earth. Two of the reasons for the longevity of Okinawans are good food and a relaxed lifestyle, and these are two positive signs that Okinawa is a great place for a holiday.

In fact, Okinawa consists of some 1000 islands that stretch for a thousand kilometers, from the southern end of Japan all the way to Taiwan. The largest island of the group, and the most common destination for tourists, is Okinawa Island, and the capital city Naha. If you base yourself somewhere on Okinawa Island, you’ll be in a good position to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

Okinawa feels quite different to the rest of Japan--especially because it was under US adminstration for 27 years following World War II, and there are still a lot of American troops based there. On top of that, the Okinawan culture itself is also quite distinct from mainland Japanese culture.

Tip 1: Learn about Okinawan Culture. There are a couple of interesting cultural parks you can check out – for example the Yomitan Village, which started life as the set for a TV drama series. Highlights of Okinawan culture include their great handcrafts (like glasswork, ceramics and weaving), Eisa music and great dancing. You’ll also see plenty of examples of the shisa, a round lion ornament sometimes found on roofs – the lion is said to protect people from danger.

Tip 2: Learn about Okinawan History. While some of the historical World War II sites on Okinawa are a little distressing – including the site of a mass suicide – if you’re interested in war history, then you’ll have plenty to explore. Beyond that, a visit to the Shuri Castle is a must. The Ryuku royal family lived here for over four hundred years and now you can tour it – it’s a fascinating complex and the bright red architectural style makes for great photos.

Tip 3: Relax on the Beach. There is no shortage of beaches on Okinawa Island, if you manage to get beyond the pool of your hotel. But to make a good day trip, try a ferry ride to one of the smaller islands. My pick is Zanami Island, with perfect white sand and (if your timing is right) green seas and blue skies. There are lots of opportunities to go scuba diving on Okinawa, too.