Okinawa, the southernmost region of Japan, boasts an archipelago of nearly 150 islands. With a subtropical temperature throughout the year, the region is awaiting to be discovered.
The region was an independent kingdom in the 15th century; Ryukyu. After the Satsuma (Kagoshima) of Kyushu, Japan invaded Ryukyu in 1609, the region came under the power of China and Satsuma. In order to build a modern nation, and under Europe’s influence, Japan integrated the Ryukyu in its society and changed the name of the islands to Okinawa in 1879. Over the years, Okinawa has developed has boasts a rich collection of traditions with the arts, music and language and entices visitors from all over the world to discover more.
Sales Executive, Steve Lidgey tells us of his recent adventure to this magnificent destination.
“Thanks to an invite from the Okinawa Tourist Board and the Japan National Tourist Organisation in London I had the opportunity to discover a new and upcoming destination in Japan. A popular destination for domestic Japanese travellers, the Okinawan islands are almost unknown to the UK market.”
“Before the visit my only knowledge of this area was that some of the last major battles of World War II were fought here and that many American soldiers are based on the islands. The perfect chance to learn as I travelled.”
“Okinawa and the Southwest Islands comprises of a string of subtropical islands that stretch for many than 1000 km from the southern tip of Kyushu to about 110km from Taiwan. Also known as the Ryukyu archipelago, “Blue seas and blue skies” is the motto of the local tourist board.”
“The first stop of the tour was the main island of Okinawa, reached by a 2 hour flight from Kyoto. I was to learn that Okinawa has the highest concentration of centenarians on earth, probably down to the healthy lifestyle and diet of the islands inhabitants. Certainly with an anti-stress easy going approach to life, daily physical activity and fresh cuisine it is not a great surprise to see many elderly Okinawans. The blue skies and beaches certainly made me feel more relaxed! In fact being located so geographically close to China it is no coincidence that the history, culture and cuisine incorporates many Chinese, Korean and southeast Asian influences. Elsewhere on Okinawa I was to learn about the Ryukyu culture, experiment with local food and try the local spirit, “Awamori”, the oldest distilled liquor in Japan.”
“Okinawa has one of the worlds best aquariums where whale sharks have been successfully bred and has the second largest acrylic viewing window in the World. It is also possible to visit the memorial to the Battles of Okinawa in the south of the island. Thanks to a warm subtropical climate and good visibility world-class diving and snorkelling can be arranged. The whole area is very safe and hiring a car and self-driving is an excellent way to take in the main island. Everywhere I went I met welcoming, friendly people. In the local market I was given various types of noodle, seaweed and even pig´s ear to try! I would not recommend the latter but did pick up a liking for mozuku, a tasty brown seaweed! The delicious Okinawan beef should defiantely be tried….truly amazing!”
“The next island I visited was Ishigaki, a further 60 minutes flight from Okinawa. I was far closer to Taipei and Shanghai than to Toyko. There was plentiful diving and snorkelling sites and even more blue skies. One of the most beautiful places I visited was Kabira Bay, a picture perfect site where I took a glass bottom boat ride to get a closer look at the coral and colourful fish swimming in the warm waters. Kabira was the first place in the world to successfully cultivate black pearls. On neigbouring Taketomi Island I got the chance to see traditional Okinawan scenery and take a water buffalo cart ride along sandy roads amongst beautifully preserved houses with red-tile roofs and stone walls.”
“One more island before I had to say goodbye to Japan´s favourite tourist destination (at least for the Japanese, most others cannot even find it on the map!). This was Miyako Island with exceptionally hospitable hosts. The island is completely flat with no overland rivers. This ensured exceptionally good visibility in the sea waters. In fact I even had the time to snorkel here and explore the coral reefs. I wondered that if I stayed on the island perhaps I could become a centenarian as well! Another famous tradition on Miyako is the local drinking custom of “otori”. Meeting local tour operators and hoteliers in the evening I was encouraged to participate. Obviously wanting to set a good example I gave my speech and drank a glass of awamori. I then went from one person to another to fill their glasses until everyone had finished their drinks. I then found the another candidate to make a speech and the whole thing began again. It was probably a good thing that it was a weekday evening and everyone had to get home to their families. “Otori” sessions can only be escaped by heading to the bathroom and not going back!”
“The Okinawan and southwest Islands is a diiferent kind of Japan. The cherry blossom begins in February and the spring and autumn are the best times to travel. After the busy cities and sightseeing of mainland Japan it is a delight to relax and spend a week island hopping. For those with less time I would suggest just staying on one island and taking in the sights at a leisurely pace. It is a long way to go to Okinawa as a separate destination but as part of an extension to a mainland tour the blue seas and blue skies can be highly recommended!”
Why not discover Japan for yourself – Bales Worldwide have a fantastic selection of tailor made Japan holidays or call our experts now on 08456 345 115 to find out more.
About Steve Lidgey
Other articles by Steve Lidgey
I work in the India and Far East team where there are so many different memorable journeys to think about on every working day. As I can´t afford to do them all myself it is a privilege and a pleasure to work on planning other peoples holidays. My favourite destinations are the north-east of Thailand, southern Laos and Rajasthan. Away from my usual country portfolio Colombia and Brazil are places I love to visit…and then revisit again. 