Comprised of 160 subtropical islands, Okinawa lies southwest of the mainland of Honshu. Okinawa ignites itself as a hidden treasure and allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland. 

Okinawa previously was its own Kingdom – the Ryukyu Kingdom – that lasted for more than 400 years. The dynasty brought an abundance of culture and historical artefacts that now feature amongst the islands we see today.

 

Imagine a destination that has the beaches of Barbados, reefs of the Maldives, the jungles of Malaysia and the starry sky of Chile in one place. That is Okinawa! Or the ‘Galapagos of Asia’ as some refer to it. 

The crystal-clear waters of Okinawa host an abundance of biodiversity that divers and snorkellers can explore in a tranquil setting. Not a fan of the water? You can use one of the many glass bottom boats to view the incredible coral reefs. The marine life doesn’t stop there; watch humpback whales put on a show as they migrate from Alaska to Okinawa during the winter months.

 

The rich, dense forestry of Yanbaru National Park is filled with rare endemic species and networks of twisting mangrove forests that form part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites. The protected and unique ecosystems allow for great exploration - either float through the jungles on kayaks or embark on hikes and trails amongst the peaceful and beautiful landscapes.

After a long day of kayaking and snorkelling, you can settle down on the white sand beaches and join in some of the most incredible stargazing that illuminates the night sky and the waters below. If that’s not enough for you, explore some of the ancient limestone caves that are rich in both history and minerals.

 

Castles, boat races and unbeatable food – Okinawa is a must visit for anyone interested in history, culture and art. Not officially part of Japan until the late 1800’s, the archipelago was built upon a fusion of influences from all over the world. This is known as ‘champuru’, referring to the Okinawa word for ‘mixed’ and often used to describe the culture of the islands. The traditions and values of the past are vital for the local people and have shaped the fantastic society we see today. Here are my top three cultural activities to do when you visit the islands:

1. UNESCO World Cultural Sites. Spanning over four centuries, the Ryukyu Kingdom gave rise to beautiful castles, temples and gardens that have been able to preserve the history and culture of that time. Shurijo Castle is a must visit on the mainland of Naha. This radiant masterpiece sends you back in time giving insight to both ancient and modern history, highlighting the islands involvement in ancient politics as well as its involvement in World War II. Another must see phenomenon is the Tama-udun Mausoleum where you can stand in awe of the resting places of the kings of the past and learn how their reign was one of the greatest in the world.

 

2. Live like the local people and join in Ryukyu Shinto rituals. Spirituality and festivals are key for the local people in their desire for peace – annually they host the Women’s Festival which (alike other events) have a strong focus on purity. Another must see is their annual dragon boat races and tug of wars, both of which are colourful and vibrant, fast paced events which showcase strength and courage. Finally, no trip to Okinawa would be complete without a lesson in karate! Now practised by millions, the majestic performing art is said to have originated in Okinawa, tracing through themes of peace and self-defence that the local people see as vital in their society.

 

3. Okinawa is a ‘blue zone area’, meaning that it is one of a few places on Earth where the people have an extraordinary long-life expectancy. Their secret? Eating habits, subtropical climate and the island mindset. Their cuisine is more than just food; locals see it as the ‘medicine of life’, as it is equally as important as traditional medicine on the body. From this, there is a strong emphasis on simple nutritional balance and superfoods. I would personally recommend engaging with the Okinawan cuisine and trying out Champuru, Taco Rice and Umibudo. With nourishing dishes like this, you can see how the locals have such a long-life span! Other than nutrition, it is believed that positive mental health has increased their life expectancy – with the locals engaging in ‘stress-free’ terminology and culture.

 

Historically, it has taken tourists days of long travel, layovers and ferries to scratch the surface of Okinawa. Now, thanks to Japan Airlines (JAL), we have a gateway to get you to the dream destination. With a twice-daily service from the UK to Tokyo connecting onto many of the 16 direct daily flights serving Okinawa Main, Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, there are a planet of options to reach the islands. 

Moreover, this October, JAL are introducing brand new A350-1000 aircraft between London and Tokyo - with completely new cabin interiors, greatly improved suites and exciting, new seating in all four classes of travel.  With market-leading products and services, you can see why JAL has retained its Skytrax 5-star Airline rating 7-years running.

 

Okinawa acts as the perfect point of relaxation and tranquillity after touring around Japan. However, with its abundance of activities, unique culture and easy connections – it now must be considered as a superb standalone destination ready for exploration. When will you visit?

For more inspiration, take a look at our Japan Holidays pages.