Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan

The “Hawaii of the East” is a true gem on the vast sea. Azure sky, aquamarine seawater, brilliant sunshine, patchy rains – no nature enthusiasts can resist the temptation of Okinawa. Ride the surfs. Dive into the sea. Throw a party with your friends and family and please your palates with sea fruits. Gorge yourself on the amazing moments of the glorious sunrise and sunset. Listen to the gentle sound of waves lapping the sand when tides rise and fall. Stroll on a clean, shady flagstone-paved path.

Okinawa is best visited from the end of June to mid-July and in early October. Tired of your fast-paced life? Just mellow yourself out in Okinawa.

Getting around

• Shuri Castle

  The imperial palace of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom is an eye-pleasing blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural elements and is now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

• Cape Manza

  Get to the famous expansive lawn on a seafront sheer cliff and take in the sea which extends endlessly until it is indistinguishable form the sky and the amazing shapes of coral reefs below.

• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

  Measuring 34 meters long, 27 meters wide and 10 meters deep, Kuroshio Sea is one of the venue's myriad tanks and also the world's largest tank for sharks in captivity. Have a close encounter with that 7.5-meter-long sea creature swimming and foraging for food in front of your eyes.

• The Mihama American Village

  This huge resort town of the American style attracts leisure-seekers with its myriad cinemas, cafés, stores, restaurants and various entertainment facilities. Its Ferris Wheel is great tourist draw especially when lit up after nightfall.

• Sunset Beach

  The name drops an apt hint about how spectacular the sunset is over this manmade sandy beach. Algae appear on the coarse sands when the tide ebbs. It's open to the public from the middle of April to October. Admission is free.

  
  
  
• Emerald Beach

  This plot of white sandy beach still retains its original flavor, teeming with mosses and corals. It's Japan's only beach enclosed by a coral reef lagoon.