Hidden Gems: Okinawa
Discover the charm of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands with their diverse culture, stunning nature, and unique cuisine.
The Okinawa Islands comprise 160 total islands in the southernmost part of Japan. Formally part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived through trade with other East and Southeast Asian countries, the archipelago has boasted its rich history well before its establishment as a Japanese prefecture in 1879. After World War II and the newly formed alliance between Japan and the United States, there was an increase in U.S. military presence in Okinawa. Between the transition from the Ryukyu Kingdom to being a part of Japan and the more recent U.S. presence in Okinawa, this has allowed Okinawa to develop the vibrant and unique culture that is appreciated today.
Pristine Waters
The core of experiencing Okinawa is taking in everything the exquisite beaches have to offer. Across every island of this once kingdom, you’ll be stunned by breathtaking views, whether it's a serene stretch of white sand that meets the crystal-clear waters or the dramatic limestone cliffs that present a different, yet equally captivating, experience.
There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful beaches. You can soak up the warm sun, relaxing on the beach, witness a vibrant hue of colors by enjoying a sunset, try your hand at surfing some exceptional swells, enjoy a relaxing paddle by kayaking or standup paddleboarding (SUP), or dive in and experience another world under the sea with some of the best diving and snorkeling the world has to offer.
Diving is available for all levels, from absolute beginner to experienced divemaster professionals. You can immerse yourself in the diverse wild, various marine life, renowned coral reefs, mysterious caves, historic shipwreck sites that have been transformed into thriving marine ecosystems, and more. No matter where you venture off to, you'll be embraced by unrivaled, clear, emerald waters that surround all of Okinawa. Although the beach season is usually from March to October, thanks to the mild winters of Okinawa, these activities can be enjoyed year-round.
Whale watching is also an activity that can be enjoyed from late December to early April when humpback whales are migrating from the freezing, northern waters near Russia and Alaska to the warmer waters of Okinawa for breeding purposes. Individuals can embark on a short cruise and experience these majestic creatures up close.
Cuisine
Okinawa’s rich selection of food can be attributed to its subtropical climate as well as its unique history with mainland Japan, neighboring Asian countries, as well as the United States. With all of these factors considered, you will find that the flavors of Okinawa can differ greatly from those found on the mainland. Some representative main dishes include:
Champurū – An Okinawan stir-fry dish that generally includes tofu, vegetables, meat, or fish. If you want to try something adventurous, you can add the famous Okinawan goya, bitter melon, to further your Okinawa experience.
Okinawa Soba – Although the word “soba” typically refers to buckwheat noodles, Okinawa soba’s noodles are made with wheat flour and possess a texture that resembles a mix of ramen and udon. Okinawa soba is garnished with a variety of toppings, but common toppings include braised pork ribs or pork belly, green onions, ginger, shredded egg, seaweed, and fishcakes. These toppings demonstrate Okinawa’s fusion of land, using pork, and sea, using fishcakes and seaweed.
Taco Rice – With the presence of Americans in Okinawa, taco rice was born. This was inspired by the fusion of Tex-Mex cuisine (Texas and Mexico), which was and still is popular in the U.S.
For those who want to try something more daring, fresh umibudo, known as “sea grapes” or “green caviar,” and the famous Okinawan snake wine (Habushu) might be of interest. Additionally, talking about Okinawan food is not complete without mentioning the purple sweet potato (beni imo), which is a popular ingredient in many sweets that make for a great souvenir.
Okinawan Traditional Arts
Okinawan local traditions have been shaped by their diverse history and have fostered a variety of performing arts and traditional crafts.
Dyes and textiles – Despite being a small archipelago, Okinawa is proud to be the home of thirteen unique types of dyed and woven textiles, and owing to their exceptional range, they have even been labeled as the “Dye and Textile Kingdom.” When Okinawa was still part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, they were introduced to new techniques and materials through trade with other Asian countries, which they skillfully adapted to fit with their natural environment. A modern way people enjoy this traditional art is through the Okinawa Kariyushi wear. These shirts are similar to Hawaii’s “Aloha shirt” but they feature traditional Okinawan patterns such as the famous Okinawan mythical, lion-like creature, the shiisaa, as well as hibiscus, and other tropical images. These shirts have become a unique piece of culture that has even been recognized as acceptable work attire in Okinawa.
Okinawan Kumiodori – Okinawan Kumiodori is a Ryukyuan performing art influenced by Asian culture and is characterized by narrative, music, and dance that was used to entertain Chinese envoys in the eighteenth century. Over time, Kumiodori evolved and began to include aspects of Noh, Kabuki, and other representative traditional arts from the Japanese mainland. It is the pride of Okinawa that plays a crucial role in preserving their language and has also been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Although small, Okinawa offers a plethora of unique experiences. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, dive into thrilling marine adventures, savor its unique cuisine, or immerse yourself in the rich culture shaped by Ryukyuan, Japanese, and other foreign influences, Okinawa distinguishes itself from mainland Japan – making it an ideal destination for your visit.