Top Things to Do, Eat, and Buy in Okinawa

Top Reasons to Visit Okinawa

Okinawa, located in the southernmost part of Japan, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding Okinawa to your Japan itinerary:

• Beautiful beaches: Okinawa boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs.
• Rich culture: Okinawa has a unique culture that is distinct from the rest of Japan, with its own language, cuisine, and traditions.
• Delicious food: Okinawa is known for its delicious food, which includes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique dishes like Okinawa soba and taco rice.
• World Heritage Sites: Okinawa is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Shuri Castle and the Ryukyu Kingdom Gusuku Sites.
• Warm climate: Okinawa has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.

Okinawa is a great place to visit for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural immersion experience, or a culinary adventure. With its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food, Okinawa has something to offer everyone.

Attractions

Okinawa has a wide range of attractions to offer visitors, including:

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

• Specialties: Whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, coral reefs
• Description: This world-renowned aquarium is home to a diverse collection of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. The aquarium also has a large collection of coral reefs, making it a great place to learn about the marine ecosystem.

Shuri Castle

• Specialties: UNESCO World Heritage Site, palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom
• Description: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle has been reconstructed several times over the centuries, and it now houses a museum that展示es the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Nago Pineapple Park

• Specialties: Pineapple-themed rides, attractions, and food
• Description: This theme park is dedicated to all things pineapple, with pineapple-themed rides, attractions, and food. Visitors can learn about the history of pineapple cultivation in Okinawa, and they can even pick their own pineapples.

Okinawa World

• Specialties: Traditional culture and history of Okinawa
• Description: This cultural theme park showcases the traditional culture and history of Okinawa. Visitors can watch traditional craftspeople at work, and they can learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

American Village

• Specialties: Shopping, restaurants, movie theater
• Description: This shopping and entertainment complex is modeled after an American town, with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Visitors can find a wide variety of goods, from souvenirs to luxury items.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Okinawa has to offer. With its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food, Okinawa is a great place to visit for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

Delicacies

Okinawa is known for its delicious food, which includes:

Okinawa soba

• Description: This noodle dish is made with thick, chewy noodles served in a flavorful broth. Okinawa soba is often topped with pork, kamaboko (fish cake), and green onions.

Taco rice

• Description: This unique dish is a combination of Mexican and Okinawan flavors, with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and lettuce served over rice. Taco rice is often topped with salsa and sour cream.

Soki soba

• Description: This noodle dish is made with thick, chewy noodles served in a pork bone broth with stewed pork ribs. Soki soba is often topped with green onions and beni shoga (pickled ginger).

Rafute

• Description: This dish is made with braised pork belly that is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Rafute is often served with rice or vegetables.

Sea grapes

• Description: These small, green algae are a popular delicacy in Okinawa, and are often served as a side dish or in salads. Sea grapes have a slightly salty and crunchy texture.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that Okinawa has to offer. With its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique flavors, Okinawa is a great place to experience the culinary delights of Japan.

Souvenir Guide

Here are a few recommended souvenirs from Okinawa:

Shisa

• Description: These lion-like statues are said to protect against evil spirits. Shisa are often placed in pairs, with one male and one female statue.

Ryukyu glass

• Description: This type of glass is known for its beautiful colors and intricate designs. Ryukyu glass is often used to make vases, cups, and other decorative items.

Bento

• Description: These lunch boxes are a popular souvenir in Japan, and Okinawa has its own unique varieties. Okinawa bento often includes local specialties such as Okinawa soba and rafute.

Kokuto

• Description: This brown sugar is made from sugarcane and has a unique flavor. Kokuto can be used to make sweets, such as cookies and cakes, or it can be used as a sweetener in tea or coffee.

Awamori

• Description: This distilled spirit is made from rice and is a popular drink in Okinawa. Awamori has a strong flavor and is often served with ice or water.

These are just a few of the many souvenirs that you can find in Okinawa. With its unique culture and history, Okinawa is a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your trip.

Detailed Itinerary

Here is a detailed itinerary for a 3-day trip to Okinawa:

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. Okinawa has a lot to offer visitors, so you’re sure to have a great time no matter what you do.