Exploring Okinawa Prefecture and its Attractions

Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. It consists of many beautiful small islands that stretches over 1,000 kilometers long. Translated, Okinawa means “rope in the open sea” which is an apt description for this chain of islands. Although less well-known among tourists compared to other places in Japan, Okinawa is fast gaining international attention due to its gorgeous white sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Perhaps now is the time to explore this hidden corner of paradise before it becomes a crowded tourist attraction.

When to Go

Okinawa has a subtropical climate so it stays warm throughout the year with average annual temperatures in the low 20s°C and winter temperatures around 15°C. Best time to visit would be spring (March to Early May) and autumn (October to November). Times to avoid would be the rainy season in May and June, and the typhoon season in August and September.

Where to Go

Okinawa can be divided into three major island groups: 1) the Okinawa Islands 2) the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyama Islands. Okinawa Main Island is the busiest and most developed island where the capital of the prefecture – Naha is located. Over here you can explore the Ocean Explore Park, World War II Peace Memorial Park, and the Shurijo Castle Park. The Miyako and Yaeyama Islands are more rural and laid back. These islands offer wonderful beaches, snorkeling, diving and relaxation.

Map-of-Okinawa-Prefecture — Map of Okinawa Prefecture. Image credit: “Map-okinawa-pref” by Source is made by en:user:Jpatokal based on PD rendering from demis.nl map server. – en:Image:Map-okinawa-pref.png. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map-okinawa-pref.png#/media/File:Map-okinawa-pref.png

How to Go

Travelers can reach Okinawa by plane. Okinawa has both domestic and international terminals and currently there are direct international flights from Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. From Singapore to Okinawa, the best option would be to take one of the occasional direct charter flight as this will reduce traveling time from 8-10 hours to a mere 5.5 hours. If you are planning to travel this year, there are charter flights departing on 1st May, 2nd May and 24th June 2015.

What to Do

Here are some of the places you should visit in Okinawa

Shuri Castle – was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The castle gives you glimpses into the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom hundreds of years ago.

Shuri Castle, Okinawa, Japan. Image Credit: Kabacchi

Peace Memorial Museum – Visit the former Navy Underground Headquarters, which consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy’s headquarters during the war.

Okinawa Underground Headquarters. By 663highland (663highland) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

Churaumi Aquarium – one of the largest aquarium in the world. The highlights of Churaumi Aquarium is the the massive, 2-million-gallon Kuroshio Sea tank with manta rays and whale sharks. Be sure to also catch the dolphin and shark shows.

Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan. Image Credit: naosuke ii

Hiji Falls – getting to the falls is half the fun as you’ll have to hike for 1.5 km before reaching the falls. Along the trail, you get to experience Okinawa’s beautiful nature as you cross narrow bridges and small creeks.

Hiji Falls, Okinawa, Japan. Image credit: Ricymar Photography

Yonaha Maehama Beach, Yoshino Beach & Sunayama Beach of Miyako Islands – enjoy snorkelling, diving, swimming and other water sports at these white sand beaches with transparent waters

Iriomote Island – one of Japan’s most natural environments with over 90% of the island covered in thick tropical rainforests and mangrove swamps. Catch multiple waterfalls while trekking its jungle interior and kayaking in the tropical rivers.