Tsuyoshi Miyagi: Okinawa is a Mecca of seaside recreation and an island of long-livers

Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa means "Rope on the High Seas" because it looks like Japan dropped a piece of rope into the sea where the islands are now.

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and consists of hundreds of islands called the Ryukyu Islands. In total, the archipelago of islands extends over more than 1,200 kilometers, with a total area of 2,275.71 km².

Okinawa has hundreds of islands, but most of them are uninhabited. Some islands are too small to live on and do not offer any amenities. The largest islands are divided into three groups. The islands of Okinawa, which consist of: Iejima, Kumejima, Kerama and Okinawa. The Miyako Islands, consisting of Miyakojima, Ikema, Irabu, Kurima, Minna, Ogimi, Shimojo and Tarama. Finally, the Yaeyama Islands; Iriomote, Ishigaki and Yonaguni.

The islands mentioned above are the largest and all are inhabited. The largest island of the Okinawa group of islands is Okinawa Island. This is where most of the people from this island group live. It is also the political center of the entire prefecture, where they make money by importing and exporting products. The airport is also located on this island near the capital Naha.

Did you know that the sport of karate originated in the islands of Okinawa? The styles of Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu, which later developed into many others internationally. The famous Mr. Chojun Miyagi, an outstanding Okinawan martial artist and founder of the Goju-ryu karate style, lived here. Karate is also one of the Japanese national sports.

Okinawa also has a large port that is famous for international shipping. The island group has a subtropical climate, making it an ideal holiday destination. Additionally, there are a huge number of tropical fish species swimming around the coast of Okinawa in Japan, making it extremely popular among divers. They compare diving in Okinawa to diving in the Bahamas and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia . Each island also offers different types of landscape and underwater life.

The many islands are home to just under 1.5 million people, and about 25,000 of them are American soldiers and host military bases run by the United States.

US base Okinawa

Resorts in Okinawa

Okinawa is the name of the prefecture, which includes more than 40 islands on which tourist infrastructure is located. For those who prefer to be a hermit in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there are several uninhabited pieces of land, on which, however, there is a comfortable bungalow with autonomous sources of water and electricity.

Naha: Okinawa airport

Major resorts in Okinawa:

Karama

Kerama is made up of thirty small islands with amazing landscape views. There are small hotels, cozy fishing restaurants, beaches whiter than snow and some of the best diving routes. Huge whales come to the shores of Karam for mating games. This is a rare opportunity to see these giant ocean animals from shore.

Kerama Islands Okinawa

Miyako

Miyako is one of the most remote islands from the capital of the archipelago and the main airport. Here tourists are attracted by coral reefs with a huge number of colorful, colorful fish, clean sandy beaches, and the best fishing in Japan for local mackerel and sea bass.

Miyako Island in Okinawa

Kume

Kume - it is believed that this island was least affected by civilization and wars. The most ancient buildings of the legendary Ryukyu kingdom have been preserved here. And for relaxation, the largest beach of the archipelago with white sand like fine salt is intended.

Resort on Kume Island

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands are located 500 kilometers from the island of Okinawa and are famous for the combination of new hotels with futuristic interiors with the medieval way of life of part of the population. Here in the subtropics, they still transport goods on buffaloes and wear national costumes in everyday life. And the surrounding jungle and long beaches only add a special flavor to a beach holiday.

The island resorts of Okinawa are a new and very trendy diving destination. Day, night and extreme diving are common here. Many ships on the seabed since the Battle of Okinawa make diving in local waters a real attraction.

Exciting diving in Okinawa

In addition to standard resort activities such as getting a special Okinawa tan, swimming in the ocean, excellent diving and visiting the water park and entertainment centers.

Okinawa is rich in monuments of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom:

Shuri Castle Okinawa

Shuri Castle in the Okinawa capital Naha
Mausoleum of the Kings of the Ryukyu Dynasty
sacred symbol of Okinawa - Sonohyan Gate
ancient castle Katsuren

Mysterious Katsuren Castle

Story

Okinawa has a long and bustling history. In the past, the islands were divided into three different principalities, which actually fought with each other. Hokuzan reigned in the north, Chuzan in the middle, and the Nansan family in the south.

In 1429 the islands were reunited and the clans were no longer rivals because they opposed the mainland clans.

In 1609, war broke out again, this time with the Ryukiu clan. Okinawa was eventually conquered by the Ryukiu Kingdom, but remained partially independent. Okinawa maintained good relations with China during those years and was very prosperous.

Since 1872, the islands officially belonged to the Japanese Empire, but only in 1879 were they completely annexed.

The archipelago, like Japan itself, has been governed by American rule since its occupation during World War II. It was not until 1972 that Okinawa was again transferred to Japan, but American bases continue to operate and occupy 18% of the island's main territory.

Facts about the Okinawa Islands

✅ The battles on the Okinawa islands were one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Both the Japanese and the Allies lost many lives; During World War II, 90% of all buildings on the islands were destroyed;

✅ The naval operation to capture the islands was called “Operation Iceberg”. 450 warships and more than 1,000 combat aircraft took part.

✅ The death toll on the Japanese side was significantly higher than that of the Allies. Almost 200,000 Japanese were killed (90,000 soldiers and 94,000 civilians). On the Allied side, 12,000 people were killed and more than 60,000 soldiers were wounded.

✅ Airplane and ferry are the only ways to get to Okinawa Prefecture.

✅ During high season, it is advisable to book a hotel in advance. The islands are popular not only among tourists, but also among the Japanese.

✅ Okinawa Japan consists of 49 inhabited islands and 111 uninhabited ones. ✅ Okinawa is the largest island of the Okinawa Islands; ✅ It is believed that the earliest settlement in Okinawa was about 32,000 years ago.

Okinawa Island

Naha, the relaxed capital of Okinawa, is known for its ceramics, textiles and the impressive Shuri Castle, once the residence of the Ryukyu kings. A large number of US military bases adds considerable fuel to the local nightlife, and the island itself retains many memories of the fierce battles that took place here during World War II: the southern coast of the island is dotted with war monuments.

On a trip to Okinawa, I especially remember visiting the amusement park “Ryukyu Mura” (“Ryukyu Village”), which recreates the atmosphere of a village from the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Here you can truly come into contact with the ancient culture of Okinawa: under the guidance of park workers dressed in traditional kimonos, you can weave a cricket cage, a hat or a basket with your own hands, try yourself at a loom, learn Okinawan songs, play an unusual musical instrument, the sanshin, with your own hands make a pot or mug. To visit the ancient Okinawan crafts workshops, you need to make a reservation in advance, but if you unexpectedly find yourself in this amusement park, you still won’t be bored. It’s interesting to just walk along it, admiring the old-fashioned huts and visiting all sorts of souvenir shops. You can take photos in traditional colorful Ryukyu clothing. In addition, the park often hosts performances of traditional music and dances, in which you have the opportunity to participate. Many Japanese, even if they have never been to Okinawa, enjoy the music of these warm islands, both ancient and modern. For example, singer Natsukawa Rimi is especially popular. Ryukyu food is also offered at Ryukyu Mura - the famous Okinawan soba - a hearty soup made from thick buckwheat noodles with fatty meat. Even the soba noodles in Okinawa are not the same as in other parts of Japan. Here it is thicker and lighter in color. However, Okinawa noodles are sold not only in the amusement park, but throughout Okinawa. In addition, an unusual vegetable, goyai, is common here, which looks like a large pimply cucumber and has a bitter taste, which it retains even after boiling and frying. You can use it to prepare many traditional dishes and drinks, even tea. Goyai is extremely healthy, which is why it is provided to the rest of Japan. In some restaurants in Okinawa you can taste all kinds of food made exclusively from goyai - from a sandwich to an entire lunch with ice cream. Natural dark sugar, pineapples and everything that can be made from them, as well as local types of alcoholic beverages, are also popular in Okinawa. The traditional alcoholic drink in Okinawa is a very strong sake called awamori. Some of its varieties are stronger than vodka. Okinawan beer "Orion" is considered one of the most delicious in Japan and is made at a factory in the city of Nago, where you can also go on an excursion, however, by prior arrangement (daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Those who come on a tour of the brewery are provided with free fresh beer. At Ryukyu Mura you can also try real coconut milk, which is drunk through a straw directly from a fresh coconut. Ryukyu Mura Park is open all year round from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. It is located in a place called Onna-mura, which is an hour's drive from the airport. It should be noted that, in addition to the entrance fee, you have to pay additionally for various entertainment in the park, and sometimes only local money is accepted, which is used only in Ryukyu Mura. They are called koban and are oval metal coins. It was coins of this shape, made of silver or gold, that were common in Japan in ancient times. You can exchange yen for koban upon entering the park. 1 koban is equal to 100 yen. On the reverse side of such coins are written wishes for happiness, health, wealth and other benefits. Another place in Okinawa that is etched in the memory is the Nago Painappuru Paiku (Nago Pineapple Park) amusement park - a real pineapple oasis! In this park, visitors sit on a small automatic cart shaped like a pineapple and ride through plantations filled with pineapples of all kinds. The cart is equipped with a speaker from which explanations can be heard in Japanese or English. Painappuru Paiku has a wonderful, albeit small, shell museum. In addition, pineapple wine is made and stored right here. You can purchase both young wine and a product aged for many years. The shelves on the walls are completely lined with bottles. Tasting of all types of pineapple wine is also possible here. It differs in both taste and color. After tasting the wine, it's time to try juices from pineapples, oranges, tangerines and other tropical fruits. Here, pineapple slices are laid out on wide dishes. You can also try Okinawan sake Awamori, as well as various types of dried fruits, sweets and dark sugar. The park is located near the city of Nago. He also has a small branch near the capital’s airport - a souvenir shop specializing in pineapples, and you can also taste various pineapple varieties there for free and endlessly. The Pineapple Park in Nago is open all year round, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also, undoubtedly, worthy of a visit to Okinawa is “Okinawa Churaumi Suizokukan” - “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium”. "Churaumi" is a word from the Okinawan dialect. It means “beautiful sea.” Here visitors are given the opportunity to come into close contact with the beauty of the sea and ocean. In a special pool you can even touch sea creatures with your hands. There are many aquariums, including huge sea turtles, different types of sharks, and colorful tropical fish. Dolphin shows are often held. The aquarium is open all year round, from 9.30 to 16.30 (opening hours may vary depending on the time of year).

You can feel the atmosphere of the history of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom by visiting the ruins of ancient castle-fortresses. In the Ryukyu language they are called gusuku. The construction of such castles began around the 13th century, and was completed by the end of the 14th - beginning of the 15th centuries. There are more than two hundred and fifty of them in total. The most famous are Nakagusuku and Nakijingusuku.

Where to eat in Okinawa Japanese Dining Agaribana - the best dishes of the national cuisine of the Ryukyu Kingdom according to an ancient recipe. Address: 3F Miyazato Bldg. 2-7-26, Makishi, Naha city, Okinawa 900-0013. Pena Amankai is a South American music bar, a legacy of the United States since World War II. Address: 1-5-7 Maejima, Naha city, Okinawa 900-0016 Russian restaurant “Perestroika” - if you are tired of Japanese cuisine and want home-made Russian food, then this is the place for you. Address: 900-0021 Izumizaki Naha, Okinawa 1-13-22

Hotels Okinawa Hotel Nikko Alivila Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa Top booking - Hotel Moon Beach

CHOOSE AND BOOK A HOTEL IN OKINAWA

Miyako Islands

The Miyako Islands are made up of many small islands, but the largest and most populous island, Miyako-jima, is particularly popular with tourists. The island is located approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Okinawa Island. With an area of almost 160 square kilometers, Miyako-jima is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.

Miyako-jima is known for its beautiful places, such as the eastern cape of the island, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan. The island also has good attractions such as Maehama Beach, German Cultural Center and Panagama Beach. In addition, the island has a large botanical garden called the Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden. The garden contains approximately 1,600 different plant species, with a total of more than 40,000 trees on an area of 120,000 m².

The Miyako Islands are also very popular among sun worshipers, divers and snorkelers. The underwater life has many different types of fish, corals and, in addition, the water is crystal clear. The nearby islands are connected to the main island by bridges.

Tsuyoshi Miyagi: Okinawa is a Mecca of seaside recreation and an island of long-livers

We are proud that Okinawa has the largest number of coral species in the world. Our waters are said to be home to over 200 species of coral, which are home to countless marine life.

— What part of the prefecture’s budget is income from the tourism industry?

— I can’t say exactly, but approximately 30-40%. In addition to tourism, an important component of the economy is everything related to information technology.

— Almost 1.4 million people live in Okinawa Prefecture, and about 6 million tourists come there every year. You talked about increasing tourist traffic, but how many more guests is Okinawa ready to receive while maintaining a comfortable environment?

— Even if the number of tourists increases to 10 million, there will be enough space for everyone on the islands. New hotel structures are currently being built; the Ritz Carlton hotel will be commissioned in 2012.

— What are the plans for the development of the tourism industry?

“We would really like that out of the 10 million tourists we hope to receive annually in Okinawa in the future, at least 2 million would be foreigners.” This is a plan for the next 10 years, and we will make every effort to implement it.

In order to attract Russians, it is necessary to do PR. In Moscow, we held the first seminar on tourism in Okinawa and plan to repeat similar events more than once. It is also necessary to cooperate as closely as possible with Russian media to attract audiences.

As a second step, with the goal of making Okinawa attractive to Russian tourists, we plan to try to simplify the procedure for obtaining visas. In 2011, after we simplified the visa regime for Chinese citizens, the flow of tourists from this country to Okinawa increased sharply. I think that, based on this experience, we will be able to do something similar for the Russians.

— Is there a budget item that determines the funds that will be used to promote Okinawa as a tourist destination?

— The Japanese government allocates a lot of money specifically for these purposes, but we do not divide it into areas. So I cannot say how much money will be spent on promoting Okinawa specifically in Russia. If converted into your currency, then this budget item per year amounts to 2.5 billion rubles.

— There are a lot of different attractions in Okinawa, what would you recommend visiting first?

— While remaining primarily a seaside resort, Okinawa has a distinctive history and culture. On one island you can see both Japanese and Chinese traditions, and the culture of Southeast Asia. You can visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, Churaumi, or the World of Okinawa park, where you can get acquainted with the nature of the island, see the Gyokusendo stalactite cave, a craft village, the Snake Museum, try the food that Okinawans ate many years ago and buy souvenirs. Another important attraction is Shuri Castle, which is located in the capital of the prefecture, Naha. It has long served as the residence of the kings of the Ryukyu state.

— How safe is it to vacation in Okinawa?

— One of the distinctive features of the islands is that it is best to relax here with children. Okinawa is a very safe place; tourists from other Asian regions prefer to come here, since nothing threatens them here. The beaches here are covered with fine white sand, so entering the sea is not only safe, but also very pleasant. There are no deep places near the shores, so divers have to move their boats further into the ocean to dive.

— What should tourists be afraid of?

— We always warn guests that they should be wary of sea snakes and jellyfish in the water. Sometimes tourists wonder why swimming areas are fenced with a net; in Okinawa they do this to prevent jellyfish and snakes from swimming there. You can swim in open waters, but in this case you need to be extremely careful to avoid painful troubles.

— Tourists from which countries most often visit Okinawa?

— Our most frequent guests are tourists from Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and the USA. Russian tourists love the sun, so we hope to attract them to the beaches of Okinawa. But, unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to Okinawa, which is why we want to organize such flights.

— In the area of Kerama Island, which is located 30 kilometers west of the city of Naha, whales annually organize mating games. Can tourists visiting Okinawa see them?

“Indeed, from January to March, whales come for the winter to the islands near Keram, where they organize mating dances and can be seen literally at a distance of 30 meters.

— There are so many interesting islands concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture... How is it like moving between them?

— Theoretically, movement between the islands is carried out using planes or ferries, if the distance between them does not exceed 100 kilometers.

— What souvenirs can you recommend bringing from Okinawa and what products should you pay attention to?

— The most popular typical product in Okinawa remains awamori, which is considered the oldest alcoholic drink in Japan. The history of making awamori in Okinawa goes back more than 600 years, although the method of making it has not undergone any changes during this time. It is made from rice starter, water and yeast.

We are also proud of our Ryukyu glass... As for local gastronomy, Okinawan cuisine is based on pork. Our archipelago is rightfully considered an island of long-livers; we believe that the well-being of Okinawans depends not least on how and what people eat.

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands are the last of the three island groups. These islands are the most distant from Japan and are even closer to Taiwan than to Japan itself. Because of the distance, they also developed their own culture. They speak a different language here: Yonaguni. Fun fact: Japanese is the second language of the residents.

The Yaeyama Islands are popular among beach lovers, divers and snorkelers alike. Sunset Beach is a popular beach on Ishigaki Island. Moreover, this island also has a wonderful museum about the history of the island. The museum has signs in English, so it's easy to understand if you don't speak Yonaguni.

Kabira Wan Bay is also located on the same island; It is a sheltered bay with crystal clear white beaches. Great for sunbathing and relaxing. Boat trips are organized along the island in boats with glass plates in the bottom to enjoy the underwater life!

The Yaeyama Islands are considered by many to be the best holiday destination in the southwestern islands; The climate is perfect for beach lovers, the interior of the island is covered with subtropical jungle, and the four inhabited islands are located close to each other. So you can easily combine these islands into a seamless tropical trip.

Because Okinawa Prefecture is so far south compared to the rest of Japan, the islands are especially popular for tourists. However, there are also cultural attractions such as Japan's most famous aquarium and Shuri Castle, where the King of the Ryukyu lived (burnt down in 2021).

Okinawa Prefecture has the world's highest concentration of people over 100 years of age relative to its population. The islands are also part of the so-called Blue Zone - the places in the world where people live the longest.