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Discover Magical Okinawa
Okinawa's unique people, deep history, diverse culture and political leanings are just parts of what make a visit this island memorable. Its nearby tropical islands offer a welcome respite for travelers eager to escape the stresses of daily life, and iconic structures like Shuri Castle and Nakijin Castle provide a window to a centuries-old past. .
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» Hatoma Island
The tiny island of Hatoma is barely a kilometer wide and home to just 50 residents. But with three full-service hotels, long stretches of white sandy beach, crystal blue waters and classic tropical island views, Hatoma is a gem of a destination for travelers looking to escape. Visitors can relax into the cool shade of Hatoma's towering palm trees, snorkel in the shallow clear waters or explore the picturesque island on foot. Giant banyan trees in the northern part of the island and a tiny lighthouse are among the most popular attractions …
» Iriomote Island
Beautiful Iriomote Island is one of the most remote spots in the Japanese archipelago. Not a lot has changed on the island in recent decades, and 90 percent of it remains blanketed in jungle and mangrove forest, the abode of the rare Iriomote wildcat. While the interior of the island, the second largest of the Okinawa Islands, can be explored via kayak, riverboat or trek, the main draw for most of the island's visitors are the colorful reefs covered in virgin coral that ring the island …
» Ishigaki Island
Travelers looking to escape the energy and excitement of Okinawa can find a relaxing respite on the shores of Ishigaki Island. Although this popular destination ranks among the Yaeyama Islands' most populated centers - the silver shores of Ishigaki are a globetrotter's delight. Visitors can float across the emerald waters of Kabira Bay aboard glass-bottom boats and wander around Kabira Park promenade where epic views are prove to be more than photoworthy …
» Kohama Island
Rolling hills and uninterrupted views set the island of Kohama apart from others in the Yaeyama archipelago. Travelers can wander grassy passes and shaded trails to two of the island's most popular lookouts - Chura san's Point and Ufudake. Locals say Chura san offers some of the best views in the region, but travelers agree that the view from atop Ufudake, where the whole of Kohama can be seen, is equally incredible. Just like other nearby islands, Kohama is home to some beautiful beaches, including a long stretch of sandy shores called Haimurubushi …
» Kondoi Beach
Stationed on the west coast of Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach offers travelers unlimited access to vast turquoise waters and perfect white sandy shores. Kondoi is home to some of the best snorkeling in the area, too - but visitors say it all comes at a price. Travelers looking to unwind on the shores of Kondoi should be ready to shell out 1500 yen per day for access to snorkels, masks and beach umbrellas. And while tourists say the beach is quiet, peaceful and perfect for catching sunsets, most agree that greater Okinawa offers other equally beautiful options …
» Naha
This capital city of Okinawa Prefecture was founded in 1921 and is one of the most relevant destinations for education, politics, and commerce in Okinawa. Dozens of shopping centers, corporate flagships and centers of trade and industry exist in this populated city. But there's plenty of history and culture for travelers to Naha to explore. Shuri Castle, once the royal hub of the Ryukyu Kingdom, ranks high among the top sites in Naha. Visitors love the castle's rich history and story of reconstruction and rebirth. Nearby Lake Man is one of the city's natural highlights …
» Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The expansive collection of underwater wildlife living in the Churaumi Aquarium includes some 740 species and 21,000 animals - like three massive whale sharks - that represent much of the marine life indigenous to the oceans surrounding Okinawa. Travelers can explore the dark hallways lined with illuminated tanks and uncover mysteries hidden far beneath the surface of the sea. From coral reefs to the famous black current, known by locals as the Kuroshio, visitors can get up close with all the animals that live down below …
» Okinawa World
To some, the four areas of Okinawa World may look just like theme parks, but even locals know this popular destination offers seasoned travelers immediate access to almost all of Okinawa's culture, history and ecology in one easy spot. Visitors can spend the day exploring the dark and narrow passes of the impressive Gyokusendo Caves, which span some five kilometers underground. Kingdom Village, a vibrant replica of a traditional community grants travelers a passport to rural settlements and ancient times …
» Ryukyu Mura
A trip to Ryukyu Mura may not be as authentic an experience as a visit to Okinawa's rural hillside villages, but this popular destination still provides travelers with a taste of the region's more traditional lifestyle and culture. Visitors can wander through examples of old school mountain housing, watch dance and theater performances and sample a variety of home-cooked local foods. Traditional artisans offer hands-on workshops for travelers interested in learning the art of pottery making, cloth-dying, weaving or cooking …
» Taketomi Island
Located just southwest of Ishigaki in the Okinawa Islands, Taketomi Island is at once convenient yet remote. Quiet and charming, the small island has no cars and no chain convenience stores, and the population of only a few hundred still live in traditional coral-walled houses with red-clay tile roofs. Visitors wanting to get the full cultural experience can tour the village on a cart pulled by water buffalo, guided by a local who'll tell folk takes to the sounds of a local instrument. The island's beaches also make it worth a visit …
» Yubu Island
While the pebble beaches of Yubu Island may not be ideal for traditional sunbathing, this hidden paradise offers travelers a uniquely authentic island experience that is not to be missed. Visitors can explore the land aboard old-school ox carts and navigate the shallow waters, crystal clear fjords and lush foliage with the help of a local guide and his powerful water buffalo. In addition to Yubu's untouched shores, visitors can explore picturesque walking trails and well-manicured botanical gardens …
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