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Okinawa is just one of the forty-seven prefectures, or areas in Japan. This is comprised of a chain of small islands. Okinawa is the largest island in size and population. It is also the administrative capital of the prefecture, Naha. Naha is the largest city both on the island of Okinawa and in the prefecture of the Okinawa Islands. There are also Nago and Okinawa City, which has the second largest population on the one island. Japanese is the language here, however there is an Okinawan dialect that is more preferred by locals. This can get interesting for tourists when looking to translate. In Naha there is a monorail that runs from the airport to the city center. This is the best way to get from one place to the other. Besides that it is a walking city and only taxi service can take you around to farther places. Okinawa is a big beach resort place. It is one of the few resort-type places in Japan for vacationing and this makes it very special. Being the largest island also means that there is more to do here and places to stay, eat, and explore.

Okinawa Pictures

Things to do in Okinawa

The beach is the best place to go when looking for things to do in Okinawa. The weather is always fairly nice so it is easy to get a good beach day. The best times of year to go is from late spring to early fall if you want the best beaching weather. The best places to find nice sand and great waves are Ikei Beach, Zanpa Beach, and Manzamo Beach. Here you can enjoy scuba diving, which is one of the most popular water sports on the island. Reef Encounters is a diving shop and offers lessons. It is the only place you can find fluent English speaking instructors as well with a good reputation. Glass Bottom Boat tours are also popular with tourists. You can see coral reefs from the floor of the without every having to leave the comfort of boat. Then there is of course surfing, spear fishing, and a little bit of skidooing. There are a few castle ruins throughout the island from when the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom ruled Okinawa. These sites are good for a different scene from the beach. Katsuren, Nakagusuku, Zakimi, and Nakijin are the four ancient ruins castles. You can rent a car or take a taxi to them. Once there explore the area and take a walk around the perimeter. This is a great photo opp as well.

Nightlife in Okinawa

Orion Beer is the locally brewed beer in Okinawa. The bars here are pretty good. Because of the chill, surfer attitude, the bars here are also very relaxed. If you want exciting nightlife go to Naha. There are a couple cool clubs. Club Cielo is a rooftop dance club with a strict dress code. Drinks flow all night here, however they only allow people in up until midnight and then allow those inside to party all night. So just make sure to get inside by then. The Rock in Okinawa, also located in Naha has live rock shows and performances almost every night. There is a small cover charge, but is well worth it.

Dining in Okinawa

Seafood and traditional Japanese food is most predominate in Okinawa, but not the only dishes served. Since this is an island, the seafood is abundant and therefore less expensive then say chicken or beef. Goma-aigo is an exotic, popular type of fish a little more on the pricey side. It is native to the area as well. Since Okinawa is farther from the coast and not connected to the rest of Japan it is able to incorporate flavors from other Asian regions like China. The Okinawans also love pork products. Delectable rafute is a local dish. It consists of pork bacon, which is cooked in rice liquor and soy sauce and dashed with brown sugar and ginger. Most restaurants serve their own variation of this. The local tasty hot sauce known as koregusu is yellow-tinted and very hot. Try a mixture of things and don’t be scared to experiment with flavors. The people here love to cook with a variety of spices and ingredients.

Shopping in Okinawa

Kokusaidori Street in Naha is some of the best shopping on the island. The Mihama American Village is another good place. Don’t expect to barter prices at either of these places, it’s not like that. You can only negotiate the price with cart salespeople. An Okinawan shirt, similar to the Hawaiian shirts men wear, is a popular item. Bring one back to show you had a great time at the beach in Okinawa. Also spices are bottled and ready to take with you. Or you can have it shipped to your home. They make for great cooking with your own recipes.

Okinawa Travel Tips

• Have a Japanese phrasebook handy.
• Be observant of gestures of locals and act accordingly.
• Remember a swimsuit and beach towel!