Beyond its beaches, Okinawa’s main island holds dramatic coastal cliffs, one of the world’s most respected aquariums, and a UNESCO-listed subtropical forest home to rare, endemic wildlife. This guide covers three destinations that showcase Okinawa’s natural side, from ocean giants to ancient rainforest. 1. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Located within Ocean Expo Park in northern Okinawa,…
Okinawa’s history sets it apart from the rest of Japan — for centuries, it was the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, with its own language, customs, and trade relationships across East Asia, before being annexed by Japan in the 19th century and later becoming the site of one of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles. This guide covers…
Okinawa’s subtropical waters are unlike anywhere else in Japan, with coral reefs, white sand, and a color of turquoise more commonly associated with the Caribbean. This guide covers three of the prefecture’s standout beach destinations: Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, Manza Beach on the main island, and the Kerama Islands, renowned for some of the…
