Gaining popularity as a travel destination, Okinawa is a unique cultural hybrid and a tropical paradise of beaches and jungles. It continues to be a blend of the untouched and secluded, and the lively and developing, as it grows to be a popular beach getaway for travelers but works to keep the natural beauty and life of the islands.
Okinawa consists of over 160 beautiful islands, off the coast of the southern most side of Japan. Because of its sub-tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches with clear waters, Okinawa has become a very popular spot for vacationers.
Churaumi Aquarium
In the Okinawan dialect, "Chura" means beautiful, and in Japanese, "umi" means ocean, or sea. Perfectly blending Japanese and Okinawan culture, the aquarium was named the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Peace Memorials
In late March 1945, the Main Island of Okinawa was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. It claimed the lives of 240,000 - and the civilian deaths far outweighed military deaths in the Battle of Okinawa.
Nakagusuku Castle Ruins
This castle built by the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is especially interesting as it was divided into multiple citadels, and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. It is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan.
Go Scuba Diving
There are multiple dive spots in Okinawa, and there are also multiple scuba diving companies that will take you to those spots. Many of the companies offer training, as well as certification courses accompanied by a master diver.
Katsuren Castle
Katsuren Castle was the castle of Lord Amawari in the 1400s. Ryukyu legend has it that he was sickly as a child but grew up into a powerful leader and took over Katsuren Castle.
The Wildlife of Okinawa
There are some species that you should be aware of if you are planning a trip to Okinawa for safety reasons as well. Many of the untouched places on these islands continue to have a wide range of life.
Okinawa’s subtropical climate and island heritage have shaped a unique food culture. From fresh seafood and pork dishes to the famous goya (bitter melon), discover some of Okinawa’s most popular local specialties.
