OKINAWA
The island of a thousand wonders — Pearl of the Japanese archipelago
Welcome to your guide to Okinawa
Welcome to your guide to Okinawa, the subtropical archipelago located at the south-westernmost tip of Japan, halfway between Kyūshū and Taiwan. Made up of more than 160 islands lined with turquoise waters and preserved coral reefs, the Okinawa Islands offer a unique mix of paradisiacal landscapes, age-old history and a gentle way of life.
Birthplace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, Okinawa was long a commercial and cultural crossroads between China, Japan and Southeast Asia. From this heritage came a distinctive language, traditional arts (Ryūkyūan dance, sanshin music, Eisa dance) and karate, which was born on these islands before conquering the world. Shuri Castle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still bears witness today to this lavish royal era.
On the nature side, Okinawa seduces with its white sand beaches, its Kerama Islands famous for their « Kerama Blue », the extraordinary Churaumi aquarium and the subtropical forests of Yanbaru National Park. On the food side, its cuisine — Champuru, Rafute, Goya, Tofuyo — is recognized as one of the healthiest in the world and is said to be one of the secrets behind the legendary longevity of its inhabitants. This guide invites you to explore all these riches, cultural, culinary and natural, to prepare a trip worthy of the « pearl of the Japanese archipelago ».
Culture
UNESCO-listed Ryukyuan castles, Okinawan karate martial arts, traditional Eisa dances and instruments such as the Sanshin.
Cuisine
Champuru, Rafute, Goya and Tofuyo are some of the iconic dishes of a cuisine renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants.
Tourism
Dream beaches such as Furuzamami, the Kerama Islands, the Churaumi marine park and the mysterious underwater ruins of Yonaguni.
Where is Okinawa?
Okinawa (沖縄) is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, made up of 160 islands in total, 49 of which are inhabited.
Okinawa in video
Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of Okinawa’s landscapes