1. A natural paradise

A destination with a true respect for nature, Okinawa is home to coral reefs bursting with colour, glittering white-sand beaches and verdant mangrove forests.

Nature lovers will be enamoured with the lush forests of Yanbaru. Home to more than 1,250 species of plants and rare endemic creatures such as Japan’s largest beetle, these subtropical evergreen forests are included within Okinawa’s Unesco natural world heritage sites.

 
Visitors can also explore mangrove forests, found in the northern part of the prefecture, including Japan’s largest on Iriomote island. This combined with spectacular stargazing in Iriomote-Ishigaki national park – a certified “Dark Sky Sanctuary” – and ancient limestone caves in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, mean there’s something to explore at every turn.

2. Ancient arts

With unique traditions born out of a fusion of endemic cultural practices and outside influences, from mainland Japan, Asia, and the US, the Okinawan word champuru, meaning “mixed”, is often used to describe the culture of the islands.

Visitors will be enthralled by traditional performing arts such as the Kumiodori dance, Ryukyuan dance, classical Ryukyuan music and Okinawan folk music. They can also visit traditional Okinawan houses, which seem to have been built to co-exist with nature, and learn more about Okinawa as the birthplace of karate.

Art lovers will also be fascinated by the destination’s traditional crafts. From yachimun – a traditional pottery and colourful Ryukyu glass to kijoka bashofu – a traditional textile made from banana fibre, bingata – a fabric dyeing technique and the sanshin – a snakeskin-covered banjo-like instrument, there are myriad artforms to discover.

3. Active exploration

Adventurous types will find plenty to explore in Okinawa. One of the best ways to see the prefecture is on two wheels and there are plenty of companies that offer bike and e-bike rentals. Another highlight is the ancient practice of karate. Visitors can discover more about OIkinawa’s homegrown martial art with a karate experience at Asato Dojo.

Visitors can also explore one of the world’s five blue zones – areas with the healthiest, longest-surviving people. Clients can embark on a four-day tour with Okinawa Adventures to explore the Yanbaru Forest on Northern Okinawa Main Island and learn more about its people and their secrets of longevity.

4. Full of flavour

No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling some of its delicacies. In Okinawa the regional cuisine is considered to be the “medicine of life” and one of the secrets to its people’s long life.

To really get under the skin of the foodie scene, visitors can take a market tour and cooking class in capital city, Naha. They will shop for ingredients in Makishi public market before using them to create a delicious feast of home-cooked Okinawan food.

5. Beyond the shore

Thanks to the Kuroshio current, Okinawa’s waters are an ideal environment for flourishing flora and fauna. Keen snorkellers and divers may encounter aquatic wildlife such as anemones, tropical fish and several species of turtle. What’s more, each winter, whales migrate to the warm waters of the Kerama islands to give birth to and nurse their calves. 

Dive sites span the prefecture ranging from the Miyako islands, characterised by caves, and the Yaeyama islands with their manta rays to Yonaguni island, home to hammerhead sharks and mysterious underwater ruins.

Back on the white-sand shore, beach lovers will find plenty of spots to paddle, relax or try water-based activities such as banana-boating or kayaking.

 
With such spectacular natural beauty, nourishing food and long-standing traditions, it’s little wonder Okinawan people live so long and visitors who experience it will undoubtedly be keen to stay a little longer too.