Okinawa

Okinawa

Updated

Okinawa | Statistics















Region: Okinawa
Capital: Naha
Population (approx.): 1.423 million (2012)
Area: 877 sq miles
Area Rank: 44

Okinawa | Major Cities

Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island

Subtropical island with beautifully preserved traditional Ryukyu villages

Miyako Island (Miyakojima)

Miyako Island (Miyakojima)

Japan's most beautiful beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling

Ishigaki-jima

Ishigaki-jima

Coral reef sea famous for its transparent waters and color coral in Okinawa

Iriomote

Iriomote

Subtropical Yaeyama island chain covered in jungle and mangrove

Tripadvisor Ranking 8
Naha

Naha

Largest city of Okinawa and once the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Okinawa | Destinations

Okinawa | Destinations

Okinawa, comprised of several small islands, is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Okinawa itself is divided into three sub-regions, Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands, and Yaeyama Islands. The sub regions are named after the major island the small islands surround. These islands are also collectively referred to as the Ryukyu Islands. Okinawa is best known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, considered the best in Japan. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities among tourists. The people in Okinawa are known to be one of the longest lived people in the world. Okinawa has a different dialect than standard Japanese, often incomprehensible by the average Japanese. Okinawa has a strong American influence that still exists today due to the numerous U.S military bases on the island. The American influence has had an influence on the culture, food, and atmosphere of Okinawa.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Aquarium with one of the largest glass panel tanks in the world; 26,000 sea creatures

Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village

Americanized shopping and entertainment complex in Okinawa

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle

Played a crucial role in politically unifying the island and as the center of foreign trade

Nakagusuku Castle

Nakagusuku Castle

Well preserved castle remains of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Nago Pineapple Park

Nago Pineapple Park

Okinawa Pineapple Theme Park

Okinawa | Local Food and Produce

Okinawa | Local Food and Produce

Okinawa has many local cuisines, Okinawan cuisine, including “soki soba” (Okinawan noodles) and “goya champuru” (bitter melon stir fry).

Popular Local Food & Drinks

  • Umi Budo
  • Awamori
  • Soki Soba
  • Goya Chanpuru

Awamori

Awamori

Alcoholic beverage from Okinawa made from distilling long grain indica rice

Soki Soba

Soki Soba

Okinawa noodles served with soki, boneless pork ribs

Goya Chanpuru

Goya Chanpuru

Bitter melon stiry fry; staple of Okinawa

Nago Pineapple Park

Nago Pineapple Park

Okinawa Pineapple Theme Park

Okinawa | Arts and Crafts

Okinawa | Arts and Crafts

Ryukyu Glass is a popular type of glassware that developed in Okinawa. Ryukyu Glass is known for its vivid colors and interesting shapes. Ryukyu Glass Craft is a great place to visit to view various types of beautiful Ryukyu Glassware on display.

  • Ryukyu Glass
  • Shisa
  • Shuriori
  • Sanshin

Shisa

Shisa

Okinawa's mythical Lion-Dogs protect homes and keep bad luck away.

Bingata

Bingata

Authentic Okinawa Ryukyu Island Fabric Dye Patterns

Okinawa Minsah

Okinawa Minsah

Traditional Okinawa textile to show eternal love

Okinawa Sanshin

Okinawa Sanshin

Three Stringed Okinawa Instrument

Okinawa | Festivals and Events

Okinawa | Festivals and Events

Okinawa Naha Hari Matsuri is a festival featuring dragon boat races that is said to date back 600 years when it was introduced by China. The dragon boats of Okinawa Naha Hari Matsuri is 15.25 meters long and seats 30 paddlers. A drummer is also on board, adding drum sounds to the excitement. Okinawa Naha Hari Matsuri is meant to pray for great harvest and safe fishing.

Okinawa | Movie

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