Okinawa is the most distinctive and least Japanese part of Japan. This string of islands is closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo, with a culture, history and even an ancient language all of its own. It suffered appallingly during the Second World War and was under American control until 1972 - US military bases still dominate its main island. Okinawans remain Japan's poorest people, but also its healthiest, thanks to the unique local cuisine, with its pigs' ears, goya (bitter melon) and awamori rice spirits. Over five million visitors flock here each year. Most flights go from Tokyo to Naha City on Okinawa's biggest island or to the island of Ishigaki.
Printable version
We've made a version for you to print out and take with you. Simply download and print.
01
Essentials
| 01 |
Learn to love spam. A relic of US occupation, it still pops up in Okinawan cuisine. |
| 02 |
See Okinawa beyond the main island - there are 41 inhabited and 16 uninhabited islands. |
| 03 |
If you like sake and shochu, try the fiery awamori. |
| 04 |
Wander through Naha's picturesque pottery district, Tsuboya. Look out for ceramic shisa - these ubiquitous lions are a symbol of Okinawa. |
| 05 |
Learn to dive. Manta rays swim off Ishigaki while the island of Yonaguni is famous for its hammerhead sharks and its mysterious underwater stone structures. |
| 06 |
Eat purple sweet potato (beni imo) ice cream - a local favourite. |
| 07 |
Naha's spectacular Makishi food market has everything from tropical fruits to freshly-caught squid. Buy the fish and meat downstairs and take it upstairs to be cooked. |
| 08 |
Drink Orion beer - perfect for Okinawa's sultry climate. |
| 09 |
Okinawan cuisine uses every part of the pig. Try goya champuru, an Okinawan classic - a goya, pork and tofu stir fry. |
| 10 |
Learn to play the sanshin; this three-stringed instrument is the sound of Okinawa. |
02
Hotels
Premium
The three Terrace Hotels:
Busena Terrace
1808 Kise, Nago City
+ 81 980 511 333
terrace.co.jp
Naha Terrace
2-14-1 Omoromachi, Naha City
+ 81 988 641 111
terrace.co.jp
Atta Terrace Club Towers
1079, Onna-son (Onna Village), Kunigami-gun
+ 81 989 833 333
terrace.co.jp
Island hotel
Kabira Garden
917-1, Taira
Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa
nikikabira.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Sata Andagii
Okinawan doughnuts - freshly made in Makishi market.
2-10-1 Matsuo, Naha City
Boulangerie Couques
1817-5 Namihira, Yomitanson, Nakagami-gun
+ 81 989 580 172
Ice cream pit stop
Blue Seal
1-3-63 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 988 672 290
Lunch on your own
Ten To Ten
4-5-2 Shikina, Naha City
+ 81 988 531 060
Café and zakka (craft) shopping
Mofgmona
Café
2-1-29, Ginowan
+ 81 988 937 303
Shop
2-2-11, Ginowan
+ 81 507 539 0473
Afternoon tea
Chadokoro Makabe
223 Makabe, Itoman
+ 81 989 973 207
Ayamon
3-25-13 Kumoji, Naha City
+ 81 988 617 741
Big dinner with friends
Akatafu
1-37 Shuri Akata, Naha City
+ 81 988 845 543
Late bite
Kijimunaa
2-3-1-2F Tomari, Naha City
+ 81 988 615 383
Drink after dinner
Kuusu Shot Bar Aoi
Maxim Building, 2-24-15
Kumoji, Naha City
+ 81 901 949 5143
Late drinks
Bekkan Celluloid
Second floor, 3-8-25, Makishi,
Naha City
+ 81 988 624 969
04
Reading
Tsutaya
4-2-8 Omoromachi, Naha City
+ 81 988 601 316
tsutaya-ltd.co.jp/english
05
Essentials
Nakaoji Pharmacy
1-3-21 Izumisaki, Naha
+ 81 988 616 402
06
Shopping
Lost luggage - where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Okinawa Mitsukoshi
2-2-30 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 988 625 111
Something for the kids
Mini Okinawan print shirts from Paikaji
K2 Building, 2-3-1 Makishi, Naha City
+ 81 988 635 670
paikaji.co.jp
Something for someone you love
Handmade silver jewellery from Kanzeeku Matayoshi
2-23-1 Shuri Ishiminecho, Naha City
+ 81 988 847 301
Something for yourself
Okinawan tableware from Tusboya Pottery Centre
1-21-14 Tsuboya, Naha City
+ 81 988 663 284
07
Two hour tour
Taxi Tour
Naha taxis offer tours that last from three to 10 hours. Sites to take in include Shuri-jo castle, the Bingata Okinawan textile workshops, Ryukyu Mura (a group of preserved Okinawan buildings), and the war monuments and battle sites in the south of the island.
08
Limousine/car
Car Rental
ToCoo
Cars can be collected at several locations in Okinawa including Naha Airport.
www2.tocoo.jp
09
Transport
Japan Transocean Air and its subsidiary, Ryukyu Air Commuter, operate flights between islands from Naha and Ishigaki. The Churashima ticket gives you five flights for ¥35,000 (€220). Alternatively, charter a plane or helicopter. Ferries run regularly from Naha to the islands.
www.islandlink.jp
10
Fitness
Diving School Umicoza
Based on the island of Ishigaki. English speaking instructors cover everything from snorkelling to diving alongside manta rays. They also run three-day beginner and advanced PADI open-water diving courses.
+ 81 980 882 434