Okinawa

Why Okinawa works

Okinawa Prefecture stretches across a chain of subtropical islands closer to Taipei than to Tokyo, and centuries as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom before annexation by Japan left the region with a culture, cuisine, and dialect distinct from the mainland. Naha, the prefectural capital on the main island, centres on the reconstructed Shuri Castle, once the seat of Ryukyuan kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Kokusai-dori street's shops selling Okinawan glasswork, awamori spirits, and shisa lion-dog statues. The main island's beaches around Onna and the Kerama Islands offshore draw divers for consistently clear water and healthy coral, but the true highlight for many visitors is Ishigaki Island in the remote Yaeyama chain, where Kabira Bay's swirling turquoise and jade water, framed by pine-covered hills, ranks among Japan's most beautiful coastal views (though swimming is restricted due to strong currents; glass-bottom boat tours cover the bay instead). Taketomi Island, a short ferry from Ishigaki, preserves a traditional village of red-tiled roofhouses and sand-covered lanes, best explored by water buffalo cart. Okinawan cuisine — built around pork, bitter melon (goya), and purple sweet potato — reflects the region's historic trade links across Asia, and the islands' notably long-lived population has made Okinawa a subject of longevity research worldwide.

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