general description
Blue sky and sea, picturesque nature, the history of the Ryukyu dynasty, unique culture, karate and many other attractions of Okinawa attract a large number of visitors every year.
Located in the southwest of Japan, Okinawa Prefecture consists of 4 large (Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, Iriomote) and 160 small islands stretching from Kyushu to Taiwan. Based on a total area of 2,275.28 km² (data from the prefectural statistical yearbook for 2007), Okinawa ranks 44th in Japan, but in terms of the size of its maritime domain (1,000 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south), Okinawa is the most extensive prefecture
Location and area
Located in the southwest of Japan between the islands of Kyushu and Taiwan, Okinawa Prefecture, with its center in the city of Naha, neighbors Taiwan and China (Shanghai), and is closer to the Philippine capital Manila and South Korean Seoul than to Tokyo. ?In the past, Okinawa Prefecture was a separate state called Ryukyu, which has long had active communications with China and the countries of Southeast Asia. Due to its favorable geographical location and connections with neighboring countries, Okinawa is called the “Window to Asia”. ?Total area - 2276 km². Ranks 4th among the smallest prefectures in Japan.
Modern architecture of Okinawa
If we are talking about Japanese architectural solutions, which, for example, are in the city of Naha, then there is no question, I really like everything and can’t be distinguished from Japan, but such houses in some kind of American style, personally, in my opinion, do not fit into the architecture of the island of Okinawa. Typically, such buildings are found more often outside the city of Naha, the capital of the island. Maybe this has nothing to do with America at all, but I don’t see any connection with Japan either. Although, for example, the city of Hiroshima was rebuilt entirely according to American architectural ideas and now it looks beautiful.
Nature and climatic conditions
Climate
Okinawa has warm weather all year round, and even in winter the temperature does not drop below 10oC. The average annual temperature is 22.4oC. Annual precipitation is 2000 mm. Warm and humid climate throughout the year. The water temperature in the sea even in winter remains at around 20oC. In summer, the thermometer rises to the “hot” mark, but because... The island is surrounded by the ocean, a fresh breeze blows and the temperature in August does not exceed 30oC. Again, the island lies in the path of typhoons coming from the ocean, bringing rain from mid-summer to autumn.
Nature
Okinawa's consistently warm climate is a major factor in the development of a rich and unique natural environment with diverse flora and fauna. Due to the diversity of the local flora and fauna, Okinawa is called the “Galapagos of the East”. Okinawa is a small island in the ocean. But in ancient times, the Japanese islands were connected to the mainland in the area of modern China, thanks to which rare representatives of flora and fauna were preserved and developed for more than 10 thousand years on the future islands of Okinawa, which were subsequently separated from the mainland.
Scenic Spots
Okinawa is surrounded by one of the most beautiful seas in the world - hundreds of species of corals, many colorful tropical fish. Okinawa has become a mecca for divers. The northern part of the island with impenetrable jungle, rich in many valuable species of rare plants, animals and insects, is called Yanbaru. Coastal areas and coastal coral reefs have been transformed by the wind into stunning natural landscapes and unique islands that make up spectacular landscapes. The coastal areas of the northern main island of Okinawa have many natural scenic spots that have become Okinawa Coastal National Parks, such as Zampa-misaki, Hedo-misaki and Manza-mo. Along the entire coastline of the central and northern parts of the national park, resort hotels are lined up, the beaches of which have a high degree of water transparency. During the summer season, all hotels are filled to capacity. The southern part of the main island of Okinawa offers an impressive panorama of the ocean. Okinawa is rich in these and many other picturesque natural landscapes.
The indescribable beauty of the seas and oceans.
The most beautiful seas and oceans are in Okinawa! I heard the Japanese next door say: “For the first time in my life I see such a beautiful sea and such a beautiful view!”
And this is the pure truth! I have never seen in my entire life a more beautiful view of the sea than here. This is especially noticeable at Cape Maeda or Zampa, as well as on the side near the Pacific Ocean, for example, the view from the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle.
Religion
In Okinawa, religions such as Christianity and Buddhism are not widely practiced. The exclusively Okinawan cult of ancestors has long been rooted here. A characteristic expression of Okinawan religion is the ancestral crypt (pictured). On the day of remembrance of the ancestors of “Simi”, all relatives gather at the family crypt, clean it, after which, while treating themselves to funeral dishes, they play the folk instrument “sanshin” and sing. This is the main distinguishing feature of Okinawan culture. Utaki are sacred places where divine energy descends. Noro (priestess) - During the Ryukyu Kingdom, a female priest serving in each settlement Yuta (high priestess) is a woman who serves the gods, reads omens, performs prayer ceremonies and fortune telling. Yuta recognizes women with psychic abilities who have undergone training. In the past, Okinawa Prefecture is the Ryukyu Kingdom, which flourished due to close trade relations with China and the countries of southeast Asia, with its own history and culture, which has become a rich heritage for modern Okinawans. The prefecture is also famous for the “Battle of Okinawa”, which became the worst tragedy for the island with thousands of innocent victims.
In Okinawa, tourists should...
See the ocean from the inside thanks to the Churaumi Aquarium!
The local aquarium is the 2nd largest in the world. Churaumi has several floors: descending from the third to the first, you plunge into the ocean, becoming closer to the bottom world. Right a few meters away from you are the largest whale sharks and 7-meter sea devils, and schools of unusual colorful fish are swimming. But don’t worry – the thick acrylic glass cannot be penetrated even by dozens of sea predators, and this rare species of shark feeds only on plankton. All kinds of tropical fish are bred here and shows with dolphins, manatees and killer whales are shown. You can feed and touch some of the “pets”, and you can watch the feeding of other sea creatures from the sidelines.
Ever touched starfish and cucumbers? If not, then be sure to feel them with your own hands. There are many iridescent coral ensembles in the aquarium, so you don’t need to dive with equipment to see them up close.
Giant 8 meter shark in a giant oceanarium in Okinawa
Take a trip back in time and visit the Ryukyu Village.
The village is a theme park that opens doors to the past of the Ryukyu Kingdom. You will be able to understand and see how the simple ancestors of the islanders lived. But you can feel the spirit of the Okinawan settlement of a bygone era not only as an outside observer. Park employees in disguise offer workshops on making pots, playing the sanshin, and weaving hats or cages for crickets. Feature: medieval equipment. Would you like to paint a figurine of a guardian spirit with your own hands? No problem! There are at least fifty such entertainments here. For example, travelers love to try on the traditional thin Okinawan ryuso kimono. Such photos get a lot of likes, by the way.
Story
Ryukyu Kingdom period
From the 12th century, feudal lords began to wage internecine wars in every part of Okinawa. At the end of the 14th century, Okinawa was divided into three states: Nanzan, Chuzan and Hokuzan, this time is called the “Three Kingdoms”. However, this period did not last long, and already at the beginning of the 15th century, Sho Hashi united the island, and in 1492 a new state called the Ryukyu Kingdom appeared. The Ryukyu Kingdom, centered at Shuri Castle, flourished, conducting active trade with China, Japan and Asian countries. During this period, the now traditional technologies for manufacturing textiles, ceramics and lacquerware were born.
Raising the “bamboo curtain” and overthrowing the Ryukyu
In 1609, the Ryukyu Kingdom was invaded by the Satsuma clan (currently Kagoshima Prefecture), resulting in Ryukyu falling under Japanese rule. Later, during the Meiji Reformation era (1868 - 1912), the territorial reform carried out to unify Japan in 1871 led to the fact that clans began to be called prefectures. As a result, the 450-year era of the Ryukyu Kingdom ended in 1879, and the modern Okinawa Prefecture emerged.
The Second World War. Battle of Okinawa
The Second World War, which broke out in the Pacific Ocean in 1945, spilled onto the lands of Okinawa, which became the scene of ground battles between the Japanese and American armies. The mostly American allied forces continued fierce fighting from April to June, devastating much of the Shuri region of Naha and the southern region of the island, and the local residents paid dear tribute with thousands of casualties to end the war.
Post-war period and modern times
After the end of the war, until its return to Japan on May 15, 1972, the island remained under American occupation for 27 years. During this time, American military bases were built on Okinawa, which to this day occupy about 20 percent of the territory of the main island of Okinawa. In the post-war period, Japan experienced an economic boom. But Okinawa Prefecture, compared to central Japan, lagged far behind in economic growth and industrialization. Thanks to this, picturesque nature was preserved in many places, the sea and rivers were not polluted, and the air remained clean. In addition, Okinawa's distinctive traditions, festivals, art and music were actively developing, which attracted many tourists to the island. This became an important factor in economic development and the start of a tourism industry on the island. Okinawa is proud of its rich nature, culture and ecology. Hence, based on measures to protect the environment, new types of eco-tourism are being created
Sisa, guards on the roofs
In an Okinawan village, the neighbors' vegetable gardens are gathered in one place on the no-man's land between the houses, which unites the villagers, and on the plots near the houses there are only tiny gardens that easily give a head start to English parks in aesthetic terms. On the roof of almost every house sits a pair of traditional Sisa lion-dragons: one with its mouth closed to prevent evil spirits from entering, and the other with its mouth open so that those who do end up in the house can leave.
When I arrived in Ogimi to visit my sisters, 90-year-old Hana was energetically digging some roots in the garden (as it turned out - daikon radish). And in the tiny kitchen, with the hood humming, Michiko and 85-year-old Misako fried purple vegetable cutlets and made soup. A low table was set in the living-dining room, where my attention was immediately drawn to an altar with a photograph of Michiko’s late husband and a bottle of 50-proof awamori rice pervacha, which is much more popular in Okinawa than sake. There is only one more room in the house - Michiko's bedroom, littered with stacks of old medical journals: her husband was a village doctor. But she didn’t hear anything from him about the high life expectancy on the islands: they lived as they lived, some left earlier, some later. The sisters’ husbands died a long time ago, but between all three of them they were left with no less than 27 children and nearly 90 grandchildren. “Back then there was no TV, and there was no electricity in the village either, as soon as it got dark, they went to bed,” Michiko simply explained to me that she had many children.
© Provided by: Around the World
Many of the children and grandchildren have moved “to the mainland,” as Okinawans call the islands of Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido, and come only on holidays. The sisters live separately and independently, they came together to receive me - at the request of the head of the municipality.
Reading room
Dan Buettner. Longevity rules. Results of the largest study of centenarians. - M.: Mann, Ivanov and Ferber, 2013.
© Credit: Around the World
While I was in Tokyo, Greg arranged lunch with Dr. Hirose. Short, eccentric, with a good sense of humor and a ringing laugh, Hirose described to me his 15 years of experience studying centenarians.
Over the past forty years, he noted, the percentage of centenarians in Japan has increased dramatically. I asked if he could give an explanation for this.
— The only common factor that we were able to identify is the heterogeneity of centenarians. In other words, they are all different.
Like all credible scientists, Hirose avoided drawing definitive conclusions. However, after several servings of sake, the doctor began to talk. Hirose found that centenarians tend to consume less fat, protein, carbohydrates and calories (mainly due to their lower body weight). Centenarians are also distinguished from the younger generation by their love of vegetables and dairy products. They don't necessarily eat more or less than others, but their diet is rich in calcium, vitamins and iron.
Hirose reached into his briefcase and pulled out a map with red dots showing the distribution of centenarians across Japan. Each dot represented ten centenarians. There were very few points on the northernmost islands. However, to the south their density increased, and on Okinawa the accumulation was so dense that it resembled a large red spot...
“Perhaps the reason is that in the colder north, older people are more likely to die from respiratory infections. Or the fact that in Okinawa, residents have the opportunity to grow fresh vegetables all year round and eat marinades and canned meat less often.
World Cultural Heritage of Okinawa
There are 9 World Heritage Sites in Okinawa Prefecture: Nakijin Castle, Zakimi Castle, Katsurzn Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, Shuri Castle, Tamaudun Mausoleum, Sonohyan Stone Gate, Shikina Garden, Safa-Utaki Sacred Site. On December 12, 2000, at the 24th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which took place in the Australian city of Cairns, these places were registered as “Gusuku Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom and associated heritage.” In Japan, it was the 11th heritage listed in the UNESCO cultural fund.
Shuri Castle During the Three Kingdoms period, the castle became the residence of the head of the Middle State. After the unification of the island into a single Ryukyu Kingdom in 1430 until the Meiji Revolution in Japan in the late 19th century, the castle was the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom for 500 years. Okinawa, Naha, Shuri, Tonokura-cho oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/english/
Sikinaen Royal Residence The royal residence with garden was built in 1799. It was used as a place to entertain envoys of the Chinese emperor and royal family. The garden is designed in the original Ryukyu style. Okinawa, Naha, Maji 421-7 www.edu.city.naha.okinawa.jp/bun … kinaen.htm (in Japanese)
Nakagusuku Castle Prince Gosamaru moved to this castle from his castle in Zakimi on the orders of the king in order to curb Prince Amawari from Katsuren Castle. Okinawa, village Kita-Nakagusuku, Ogusuku 503
Nakijin Castle During the period of the Three Kingdoms (Northern, Middle and Southern) before the unification of the island into the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429), the ruler of the northern territories was located in this castle. Okinawa, Nakijin, Imadomari, Hantabara rekibun.jp/ugoki/nakijinzyou1.html (in Japanese)
Katsuren Castle This is the castle of the influential Prince Amawari, who until recently showed open dissatisfaction with the king's authority during the period of established stability in the Ryukyu Kingdom. While trying to capture the castle, Shuri was defeated and died. Okinawa, Uruma, Katsuren, Haebaru 3908 www3.ocn.ne.jp/~ktm/ (in Japanese)
Zakimi Castle This castle was erected in 1420 by the influential Prince Gosamaru. The oldest arched stone gate in Okinawa is preserved here. Okinawa, village. Yomitan, Zakimi 2975
Tamaudun Mausoleum Tomb of the Second Royal Sho Dynasty, built by King Sho Shin. The original stone vaults of the tomb, along with the Sonohyan sacred site, testify to the high technology of construction of the Ryukyu Kingdom period. Okinawa, Naha, Shuri, Kinjo, 1-3 www.edu.city.naha.okinawa.jp/bun … maryou.htm (in Japanese)
Sefa Utaki The most sacred place in Ryukyu. According to legend, this is one of the seven sacred places founded by the divine ancestor Amamikiyo as the beginning of the state. Okinawa, Nanjo, Chinen, Aza Kudeken, Sayahabaru nanjo-taiken.com/ (in Japanese)
Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate The stone gate was erected by the 3rd king Sho Shin of the 2nd royal Sho dynasty. In a sacred place outside the gate, called "utaki", prayer ceremonies were held in the event of the king leaving the castle for important rituals. Okinawa, Naha, Shuri, Mawashi-cho 1-7
Okinawa: a trip to “non-Japanese” Japan
The first day
June 12, 2014
Thursday
We departed from Vladivostok at 19:30. In general, the flight to Okinawa is 3.5 hours, but we flew an hour longer. We flew around the storm front. At Naha airport, despite the late hour, we were given a warm welcome - with a banner in Russian and welcoming speeches. And among those who met there was even Miss Okinawa. At the end there is a group photo as a souvenir.
The weather was good. Warm, but not stuffy. But this is at night. Let's see what happens during the day.
From the airport we went to the Mercure Hotel, which is located in the business center of the prefectural capital, Naha. The rooms at the Mercure are small and cramped. In short, the hotel is designed more for business travelers than for tourists. On the other hand, the hotel has “our man” - Maruf (he is originally from Uzbekistan), who is always ready to help a Russian tourist.
Second day
June 13, 2014
Friday
In the morning we planned a walk along Kokusai-dori street. Translated from Japanese, Kokusai means “international”, that is, international street. It is also called the “magic mile”. Mile - because the length of the street is 1.6 km, and magical - because it was able to quickly recover from the ruins after the war. Kokusai-dori in Naha is like Broadway in New York.
It is full of souvenir shops, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, cafes. We stopped by Makishi Market.
They sell clothes and souvenirs here. Walking along the rows, I realized that the main souvenirs to bring back from Okinawa are the local Awamori vodka (or moonshine) and shisa figurines.
Shisa (Okinawan: Siisaa) (Russian: Sisa, Shisa, Shisha and even Shi-sha) is the traditional mascot of Okinawa Prefecture, a cross between a lion and a dog invented by the Gods.
Okinawans place Sisa figurines on the roofs of their houses or on the gates at the entrance to the house.
Very often, Sisa is in a pair - “Sisa the boy” and “Sisa the girl.” One of the paired Sis is depicted with an open mouth, and the other with a closed one. This is symbolized by the fact that with Sisa’s closed mouth she retains everything good in the house, and the open mouth of the second Sisa (which has a very menacing appearance - large bulging eyes and an excessively large mouth frozen in a menacing grin) - scares away everything bad from the hearth.
At the Makisi market there is a large pavilion where they sell fish and seafood. And on the second floor of the market there is a large food court, where they will prepare for you what you bought on the first floor. We decided to definitely stop by here one day and try local seafood delicacies.
After walking around Kokusai-dori for an hour and a half, we went to the airport. From Naha we move to Kume Island (or Kume-jima). This is a small island west of the island of Okinawa, which is only half an hour's flight away. Once again, a warm welcome awaited us at Kume-jima airport. They even found a Russian flag somewhere. Miss was not here, but the cook was there to meet her. Why exactly the cook remains a mystery.
In general, Russian tourists to Kumejima are a rarity. And then a whole group arrived immediately. But let's hope that the Russians will soon blaze a trail here.
Straight from the airport we went on a sightseeing tour of the island. The weather is not good. The sky is gray, and soon it starts to rain.
The first stop is Mifuga Rock. This is a rock with a hole. Moreover, this hole is not weathered or washed. These are two vertical plates, one of which seems to lean against the other.
This place, as our guide Andrey said, is sacred. Women who could not have children came here and prayed to the gods to get pregnant.
The second stop is a shrimp farm (Kuruma Prawn Hatchery). Kumejima is famous throughout Japan for its shrimp. The name of the shrimp is “Kuruma Ebi” (Kuruma means car, car in Japanese).
One of the farm employees, Katekaru Hiroshi, told us and showed us how they are grown. We were amazed by the process of sorting shrimp by size. This is how many years you need to do this to achieve such mastery!
I was struck by this fact: approximately $600 is spent on feeding the fry every day. They are fed plankton and fish. From here shrimp are shipped to Tokyo. 1 kg of shrimp costs about 7 thousand yen (about $70).
The third stop is “Go Eda Matsu” (Pine with Five Branches). Soulful place.
Next we go to the thermal resort Bade Haus. Along the way, we stopped at the Hiyajo Banta observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the coast of the island. But the fog spoils the whole impression.
Bade House Kumejima is a spa based on traditional German thermal bath therapy using mineral-rich deep sea water. By the way, the complex is located on the small island of O-jima, which is connected to the main island by a bridge.
At Bad House you can relieve fatigue by taking a thermal bath with hydromassage, a steam room or using a spa with locally produced essential oils based on medicinal herbs. It’s a pity that we only had an hour to take a bath.
There will be no photos, as we were forbidden to take pictures inside.
On Kume Island we stayed at the Cypress Resort Hotel. Not a bad, fresh hotel. In the evening we had a Japanese-style dinner and a concert by local musicians. Well, after that we had a pijama party. The hotel staff were shocked when they saw how crazy Russians in pajamas first jumped into the pool, and then went for a swim in the sea. Again in pajamas. But the most amazing thing is that when we went ashore, hotel staff were waiting for us with dry pajamas! I love the Japanese...
Day three
June 14, 2014
Saturday
In the morning, we planned a trip on a glass-bottom boat to the sandy island of Hate-no-hama (Hate Beach). The trip took place, but everything was ruined by the rain pouring down in buckets. The island is a long sand spit in the sea. I still managed to swim. The water in the sea seemed quite cool.
Before returning to the hotel, we stopped at the Umi-budo sea grape farm. This is another business card of Kume Island. It is no coincidence that even the Empress of Japan herself came to the farm.
Judging by the photographs on the wall, famous people from Japan are frequent guests here.
Umi-budo grapes are very beneficial for health. From Kume it is supplied to all parts of Japan.
At 12:30 we said goodbye to the hospitable Cypress Resort hotel and headed to the airport. Due to bad weather, the plane could not take off from Naha on time and we spent almost two hours at the airport.
Upon arrival in Naha, we immediately went to explore the historical site - Nakagusuku Castle. This is Japan's first stone castle, built by the feudal prince Gosamaru around 1450. Nakagusuku Castle escaped destruction during the Battle of Okinawa, so it is the best preserved of all the island's strongholds. In 2000, Nakagusuku was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The castle stands on top of a hill, from which a beautiful view of the city and the eastern coast of the central part of the island opens. However, our view was spoiled by fog and rain.
After visiting the castle we went to the Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay. Excellent hotel. Located on the seashore. You leave the hotel and immediately find yourself on a sandy beach. There are swimming pools, a sauna, a spa. We had just a huge room with four (!) beds. The advantages of the hotel include a large selection of restaurants (there are six of them) with different cuisines. We personally dined at Blue Lagoon. Buffet with an incredible number of dishes. We just rolled out of the restaurant.
Day four
June 15, 2014
Sunday
At 8:30 we checked out of the hotel. Today, according to plan, we have an excursion around the north of Okinawa island. So, in order:
1. Manza Cliff. A beautiful observation deck with a view of a rock that resembles an elephant drinking water. The Japanese value the beauty of nature and therefore there are always many tourists here. Manza Rock has been designated a Prefectural Natural Treasure.
2. Palace of Sweets (Okashi Goten). This is a shop that sells traditional Okinawan sweets. In particular, Benimo sweet potato tartlets, which are very popular in Okinawa.
And it is called a palace because the building was built in the style of Ryukyus castles.
All the sweets presented on the shelves can be tasted.
We bought sweet potato tarts and mango key lime brownies to take home. You can also try sweet potato ice cream here. Delicious stuff!
3. Pineapple Park in the city of Nago (Nago Pineapple Park).
I have never seen how pineapples grow in nature. It turns out these are small bushes.
You can move around the park in an electric car (in the shape of a pineapple, of course). Each car is equipped with an audio guide system, which explains in Japanese or English what types of pineapples there are and how they are grown.
The park not only grows pineapples, but also produces a variety of pineapple jams, pineapple dried fruits, pineapple juice and even pineapple wine and champagne.
We tasted all types of wine (some of the most delicious ones even two or three times) and bought several bottles for the evening (prices range from 1.5 to 2.5 thousand yen per bottle).
4. Lunch at the Ufuy restaurant. A very nice, somewhat authentic place.
When you get here, it’s like you’re transported back a hundred years. Everything is done in traditional Ryukyus style. And the cuisine here is also traditional Ryukyus.
There is an indoor hall with the usual European tables. Or you can sit on the open terrace at small Japanese tables and eat to the sound of a waterfall.
There is also a souvenir shop here.
Attached is a short video (not mine) about this restaurant.
According to the plan, today there was still a visit to the Churaumi aquarium, but the rain pouring in buckets made adjustments to the program. As a result, already at 3 o’clock in the afternoon we stopped at the Hotel Resonex Nago.
The hotel is located on the seashore, far from any entertainment. In the end we just sat in the hotel. Despite the rain, I swam in the sea. The water is nice. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant. Among the guests of Resonex there were many Russian tourists who arrived in Okinawa on a charter flight.
By the way, about hotels. They are pretty "tired" for the most part in Okinawa. Most of the hotels were built in the 70s, when the rapid development of tourism in Okinawa began. Rizzan Sea Park and Resonex are among them. But hotel staff are always courteous and ready to fulfill your every whim.
Day five
June 16, 2014
Monday
At 9:00 check-out at the hotel and go to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. This is one of the main attractions in Okinawa. But the Churaumi Aquarium itself is part of the large Ocean Expo Park. You can spend the whole day here. We have a maximum of three hours to do everything.
Before the dolphin show started, people came to see the pool with giant turtles. Moreover, they can be viewed both from above and through glass.
Then a 20-minute show with dolphins. What smart animals they are! And they perform very impressive stunts.
Well, then the Churaumi aquarium itself was waiting for us. I have seen more than a dozen aquariums around the world - in Japan, China, Singapore, on the island of Langkawi (Malaysia), in America. So there is something to compare with. But Churaumi amazed me. Large-scale!
"Churaumi" is a word from the Okinawan dialect and means "beautiful sea". Here you can really see all the diversity of the ocean and the beauty of the underwater world. Moving along the corridor, you seem to be descending deeper and deeper into the water. Here is an aquarium showing the life of a coral reef.
But the inhabitants of the mangroves.
Here is the marine life of the Kuroshio Current. Gradually moving forward, you finally find yourself in the main hall. Then I just opened my mouth in amazement. A huge aquarium with a height of 8.2 meters and a width of 22.5 meters, with durable acrylic glass 60 cm thick. The largest aquarium in the world! Three huge whale sharks (the largest sharks in the world), manta rays, and other fish species live here. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. However, it’s better to see once...
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the few aquariums that not only keeps whale sharks, but also tries to breed them in captivity.
I also liked that visitors to the aquarium can literally come into contact with the beauty of the sea and ocean. In a special pool you can touch sea creatures with your hands.
In addition to aquariums, Churaumi has educational pavilions with educational and interesting information about the life of sea and ocean creatures. A separate room is dedicated to sharks. Here you can learn almost everything about sharks and even look at a collection of shark teeth.
Finally, we took a walk through the tropical garden (Tropical Dream Center).
And that's it, it's time to move on. Meanwhile, Ocean Expo Park also has a national village (Native Okinawan Village) and various museums. The beach, finally. Eh...
The next point on our route is Ryukyu Mura Village. This is a theme park that recreates the atmosphere of a village from the Ryukyu Kingdom era and introduces visitors to the traditional way of life and ancient culture of the Okinawans.
The park often hosts shows - performances of traditional music and dances, in which you have the opportunity to participate yourself.
By the way, sometimes only local village money is accepted at Ryukyu Mura, which is used only in the territory of this park. They are called koban and are oval metal coins. It was coins of this shape, made of silver and gold, that were common in ancient Japan. You can exchange yen for koban upon entering the park. 1 koban = 100 yen. On the reverse side of such coins are written wishes for happiness, health, wealth, longevity and other benefits.
In the village we met the wonderful grandmother Yamashiro Umeto, who is 94 years old. Who doesn’t know, Okinawa Prefecture ranks first in the world in the number of centenarians whose age has exceeded one hundred years.
We asked Grandma Yamashiro for the secret of her longevity. The secret turned out to be simple: you need not to worry about little things, sleep well and eat well. And most importantly, enjoy life and every day you live!
By the way, Grandma Yamashiro officially works in the Ryukyu village! She plays the traditional musical instrument sanshin and dances during the show. And he dances with a huge bottle on his head. And this at 94 years old!
As Yamashiro’s grandmother admitted, she has already tried to retire several times, but the park director won’t let her go. Moreover, in July, she and her colleagues were supposed to go on a corporate trip to Taiwan. These are the miracles.
The weather turned bad again and it began to rain. We are returning to Naha. On the way, we stopped for an hour in the “American Village” in the Chatan region. It is called American because military personnel from American bases like to spend time here. In general, this is a popular tourist area. There are many shops, shopping centers, bars, cafes and restaurants. We wandered around the shopping centers a bit. There wasn't enough time for anything more. And it continues to rain outside.
On the way to Naha we passed the American military air base Kadena. Our guide Andrey told many interesting things about the history of the American presence in Okinawa and the relationship between the Yankees and the local residents.
From now until we leave, we will be staying at the JAL City Naha Hotel. The hotel is located on Kokusai Street. I personally liked it. Yes, the rooms are not very spacious. The main disadvantage is the lack of wi-fi in the rooms. Only in the lobby.
After a luxurious dinner at the hotel restaurant, we walked along Kokusai Street at night.
Day six
June 17, 2014
Tuesday
Today is our day to dive into the history of Okinawa. From the hotel we went to the sacred place of Sefa Utaki. It is believed to be the most sacred site in Okinawa and previously only female priestesses were allowed here. Later, kings came here every year to offer prayers to the gods for good hunting and a rich harvest. Today people also come here to pray, but each for his own reasons.
The triangle-shaped grotto, created by nature itself from giant rocks, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Then we stopped at the pretty Mibaru beach for literally five minutes.
According to the law of meanness, it was at that moment that the sun came out. But instead of relaxing and swimming, there are only photos for memory.
The third point is Okinawa World Park.
This park is interesting primarily because the underground stalactite cave Gyokusendo, formed more than 300 thousand years ago, is located here.
The length of the cave is 5 km! But only 890 meters are open for inspection. However, this is quite enough to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the cave.
There are a huge number of stalactites and stalagmites (about half a million), about 30 species. There are also stalagnates (these are pillars that are formed by combining a stalactite with a stalagmite). The cave has a freshwater river and a small waterfall.
There, in the park, we had lunch and performances by creative groups.
Looking at the local dancers, I finally saw that they were completely different in appearance from the Japanese. It is not the Japanese who live in Okinawa, but the Ryukyuan people.
Yes, still! The park has its own brewery (Nanto Brewery), where they brew the most delicious beer. Be sure to try it. There are three varieties of it - light, red and dark. There is also the Fruit Kingdom, where you can try various tropical fruits. And finally, here you can take a lesson in playing the traditional sanshin instrument and try on a kimono. In general, an interesting place.
Next we had an excursion to the Royal Garden of Shikina (Shikina-en). The garden was built in 1799 as the residence of the Ryukyu royal family and was used to receive Chinese ambassadors during the heyday of trade between the Ryukyu Kingdom and Asian countries. Shikina-en played an important role during the diplomatic receptions of foreign delegations. In the garden, a hexagonal Chinese-style pavilion and arched bridges awaited the dear guests, and trees and flowers were planted here in such a way as to please the eye with their blooms all year round. During World War II, the residence was badly damaged and was restored in 1955. If you're in Okinawa, be sure to check out Shikina Garden.
And finally, the main dish awaited us - Shuri Castle (Syuri-jo). This is the heart of Okinawa. The exact date of construction of the castle is unknown, but it is believed that it was built during the 13th-14th centuries. Until 1879, Shuri Castle was the political and ceremonial center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where government officials resided alongside masters of the fine arts. But after the annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom by Japan, the castle lost its significance.
During World War II, Shuri-jo was destroyed and restored only in 1992. And in December 2000, Shuri Castle was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. This is probably the first time that an object that was actually restored by a person from scratch was included in this list. All that remains of the old Shuri Castle is the foundation.
By the way, in the same 2000, the APEC summit was held in Okinawa, during which a meeting of the heads of the G8 countries was held at Shuri Castle, at which Vladimir Putin was introduced to the world community as the President of Russia. There is a photograph of the participants of that meeting hanging in Shuri Castle. And under the photo of Putin something like “His Excellency the President of Russia” is written. As Andrei said, Putin is highly respected in Okinawa.
On the way to Shuri Castle, we passed another iconic place - the Sonohyan Stone Gate. This stone entrance, known as Utaki, is a portal for the gods and a sacred symbol for the inhabitants and villages surrounding the gate. This gate was also destroyed during the war and later restored.
In the evening we had dinner at the cool Sam's restaurant. The restaurant is decorated like a ship.
At the entrance to the establishment there are girls in naval uniforms, inviting customers.
The specialty of the restaurant is the chefs who masterfully prepare meat on your table, turning this process into a show.
Drinks here are served in cool mugs.
When leaving the establishment, you are given the same mug as a gift.
Day seven
June 18, 2014
Wednesday
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. And today we are planning to visit the only karate museum in the world (although I doubt this fact).
But first we went to Budo-kan - the Palace of Martial Arts. Here we met a wonderful grandfather, a master of the Japanese sword Hamamoto.
The sword style is called hachimanryu.
Hamamoto Sensei is 78 years old, of which 70 he has been training with the sword. Grandpa is in great shape and just radiates cheerfulness and optimism.
His secret to youth is “sleep well, eat well and exercise a lot.”
Naturally, we all took a photo with the sword. By the way, this sword is 200 years old and costs more than 4 thousand dollars.
Hamamoto-sensei also has a sword that is over 700 years old and is passed down from generation to generation.
The next point on our program is the karate museum.
A person who is not a karate fan will not be very interested here. On the walls there are photographs, badges, medals, some newspaper clippings.
The founder of the museum is Hokama Sensei, a famous person in the karate world. Constantly travels to different countries and conducts seminars.
And finally, we stopped by to visit another karate master - Tamayose Sensei. By the way, he is also absolutely not like the Japanese.
At the time of our arrival, he was studying with a Russian student - Muscovite Vakhtang.
And although Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, according to Tamayose Sensei, karate is not as popular as baseball. It is not taught in schools, only in private sections. But the children are reluctant to go. And among Sensei’s students there are more foreigners - Americans, Australians, Russians...
Finally, we went to the huge Ashibinaa Okinawa Outlet Mall. It's a whole city. But everyone returned without purchases. The prices for clothes here are, of course, astronomical. We concluded: Okinawa is not for shopaholics. And now I understand why the Japanese are buying everything in Guam.
And outside the window it’s pouring again. Still, the rainy season is not the best time to travel to Okinawa.
Day eight
June 19, 2014
Thursday
Today we had a free day. We wandered around the shops, buying gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. We stopped by a restaurant at the Makishi market. True, it was not possible to buy some sea reptile from an aquarium and cook it. We ordered dishes simply from the menu.
I took the set, which included miso soup, sushi, sashimi and a huge shrimp. Delicious. And of course a glass of local Orion beer.
At 17:00 we said goodbye to Naha and went to the airport. And at that moment the sun came out...
And in conclusion I would like to express my gratitude to:
• for the opportunity to visit Okinawa.
•Watanabe Yuhei – to our Japanese friend and fellow traveler from the host company HIS for the opportunity to practice English and Japanese, as well as for good company:)
•Andrey Churilov, our guide and translator, for his incredibly interesting stories during our trip about the history and modern life of Okinawa. His love for this beautiful corner of the planet was passed on to all of us.
That's all. Thank you for your attention!
Culture
Okinawa is distinguished by its distinctive culture, formed due to relations with China and the countries of southeast Asia during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and by its climate and nature.
Karate Karate is a martial art of defense without the use of weapons. When exactly this art originated is not precisely established, but it is known that from ancient times in Okinawa there was a martial art of defense without weapons, and in the 14th century elements of some martial arts of Chinese “Kempo” and Asian countries were added. Together, the modern style of karate was formed.
Festivals and Traditional Celebrations Okinawa, which has a distinctive history and culture, hosts unique traditional festivals throughout the year. Let's introduce some of them. Ritual ceremonies and festivals in Okinawa are mainly conducted according to the lunar calendar, which was used before the transition to the Gregorian calendar, which is now used throughout the world.
Lacquerware, ceramics, Ryukyus glass and textiles
Ceramics It is said that the art of pottery making was transferred to Okinawa 500 years ago. It is believed that ceramics first appeared on the island during times of active exchange with China and the countries of Southeast Asia. Craftsmen in the Tsuboya area, near Shuri Castle in Naha, made pottery for the glory of the state in ancient times. To this day, Tsuboya is famous for its pottery. The village of Yomitan, in the central part of the island, also has a lot of ceramics. Because of this, the village is also called Yachimun Village, meaning “pottery” (Okinawa dialect). Lacquerware Lacquerware began to be made in Okinawa in the 14th century using technology transferred from China. Okinawa's hot and humid climate is ideal for making lacquerware, and Okinawa lacquer technology has been refined and developed to a high level of technology. Ryukyus glass The history of Ryukyu glass is not that old. The technology originated after World War II due to the recycling of glass containers from American military bases. The red setting sun, blue sky and sea - these and other expressive colors of Okinawa, combined with a simple and attractive shape, make Ryukyus glass popular. Fabric dyeing, textiles Thanks to the flourishing trade with China, Southeast Asian countries and India between the 14th and 16th centuries, textile dyeing techniques were obtained from these countries. At that time, these technologies were developed under the patronage of the Ryukyu king, thanks to which unique techniques and painting culture were subsequently developed. The colors in Okinawan Bingata fabrics are bright and colorful, rich in natural shades. Using materials of varying quality, each region of the prefecture has its own textile dyeing culture. Awamori Okinawa is home to world-class sake production. It is believed that the production technology was adopted in the 15th century, during trade with Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Thanks to many years of aging, the aroma of the drink becomes subtler. Since there are many varieties of Awamori, try different types until you find your favorite. Okinawan Language Compared to central Japan, Okinawa has a distinct environment geographically and ethnically, where the Okinawan dialect originated. But recently, knowledge of the island's dialect among young residents is limited to greetings. The reason for the alienation from the native language is associated with the forced introduction of Japanese as the official language, with the ban on the use of the dialect even within the family during the Second World War. Currently, there has been a re-evaluation of the identity of Okinawan culture and its dialect, and efforts have been made to revive the Okinawan mother tongue.
Folk art, music, anime
Okinawa is such a creative place that it is often called the dancing and singing island. While visiting the island, be sure to listen to Okinawan music and watch folk dances.
Traditional Arts Since ancient times, Okinawa has been a place where traditional performing arts have flourished, and Okinawa has been referred to as the “island of song and dance” or “treasury of the arts.” Okinawan art is divided into "palace art" and "folklore". Palace performances are songs and dances for the entertainment of honorary ambassadors from China during the Ryukyu Kingdom, which were performed in the palace of Shuri Castle. Folk dances and music were performed during festivals, and they reflected the lifestyle and way of life of the local people. Okinawan performing arts - folk dances, musical instruments - were created under the influence of the creativity of China, Southeast Asia and Japan.
Music Okinawan music is divided into Ryukyu classical music, which originated in the old days within the walls of Shuri Castle, and folk music. Classical music of the Ryukyu was intended to amuse the court nobility, and folklore became widespread among the masses, and in recent years has found its fans not only in Okinawa, but throughout the world. A special feature of Okinawan music is the so-called Ryukyuan scale. And the most popular instrument among the people has become the three-stringed sanshin, which is of Chinese origin. Sanshin is an integral part of every Okinawan home.
Eisa Every year during the Obon Ancestral Spirit Festival, the Eisa dance is performed. It is performed in honor of the souls of ancestors who come to visit their homes for a while, accompanied by the beating of drums and the chanting of the words “Eisa, Eisa.” Eisa is the most common image of summer Okinawa.
Okinawan manga and anime by Farus Eik The plot of the Okinawan series is based on the eternal theme of the importance of harmonious relationships between the human world and nature. The story of the Farus clan, manipulating the energy of nature and the earth to preserve nature from encroaching pests Official website: halser-acre.com/
Okinawan Manga There are 52 editions of educational comics about Okinawan history, culture, industry and historical figures. Okinawa manga is popular not only in Japan, but also abroad (England, Spain, China, France, USA, Brazil, etc.) Website: okinawa-manga.com/
Noise in the sky
The noise from American helicopters and airplanes causes slight irritation and stress.
When I had previously heard news from Okinawa that local residents were being bothered by aircraft noise, I didn’t feel the problem so strongly, but when I was in their place, I realized how much of a nuisance it could be.
And if in the city of Naha you hardly notice this, then when you are in the city of Ginowan, where military equipment flies, you create an unpleasant feeling of constant tension on the part of the auditory and nervous systems.
Kitchen
Okinawa is known throughout the world for its long-lived population. It is believed that the secret to Okinawans' long life lies in their cuisine.
Food Culture in Okinawa Since ancient times, thanks to close relations with China, Southeast Asian countries and Korea, Okinawa has adopted various elements of the cuisine of these countries. China had a particularly strong influence on the formation of Okinawan cuisine, from where pork came to Okinawa, which is included in the menu of almost every dish, thereby making Okinawan cuisine meat-based. Pork offal, ears, legs, blood - all parts of the carcass are used in the preparation of various dishes. ?Recently, under the influence of America and Japan, new elements have begun to appear in Okinawan cuisine, making it more original.
Food for Long Livers When Okinawan elders talk about food in Okinawan dialect, they use the words “kusuimun” (medicine) or “nuchigusui” (medicine of life). Since ancient times, Okinawa has believed that food can heal as well as medicine. When preparing Okinawan dishes, culinary recipes are used using health-promoting herbs and seaweed with medicinal properties.
Ryukyu cuisine In the diet of the so-called “Ryukyu cuisine” there are two types of dishes: “palace cuisine”, which only the residents of Shuri Castle could be satisfied with, and the universally accessible “folk cuisine”. “Palace cuisine” was formed under the influence of China and Japan. “Folk cuisine” reflects the modest way of life of the people: without luxury, but healthy and nutritious.
Okinawa Soba This dish is loved by everyone, from children to the elderly. This simple dish consists of noodles in a broth made from pork, chicken or dried tuna. It is so popular in Okinawa that October 17 is considered Okinawa Soba Day.
Umibodo, life-giving force
“You should definitely try umibodo,” Michiko tells me and smiles with lively green eyes, “this is the secret to a long and healthy life.”
© DIOMEDIA
The “secret” looks like a miniature sprig of algae on which frog eggs have been abundantly deposited. When they told me as a child: “Eat carrots and you will see in the dark,” I believed and ate, but then I still had to wear glasses. However, there is a convincing argument in favor of umibodo: Okinawans rank first in the world in terms of life expectancy. If in Russia, according to rough estimates, there are less than five centenarians per 100,000 population, and in the USA - 23, then in Okinawa there are 60 of them (and almost 90% of them are women)! Okinawa statistics forced the Japanese National Population Institute to revise the country's life expectancy indicators upward.
I use chopsticks to pick up a sprig of eggs and dip it in rice vinegar. The juicy balls of “sea grapes,” as umibodo is called in Okinawa, burst on my teeth, and I feel like seconds are being added to my life.
© Provided by: Around the World
I was invited to dinner by 86-year-old Michiko, who, like her two cousins, Hana and Misako, lives in the village of Ogimi. After umibodo, my cousins treated me to pig's foot soup with kombu seaweed. Thanks to long cooking, the legs released gelatin abundantly.
“It is very useful for preventing the skin from wrinkles,” Misako explained. Okinawans, unlike other Japanese, prefer pork to fish, which they eat in two polar versions: dipping raw lard in soy sauce - similar to sashimi - or boiling the pork until the fat completely melts. But Okinawans eat much more seaweed and soybeans than other Japanese, but they do not consume dairy products at all. Only cane sugar is used; I saw how at the market they used an ax to chop the required portion from a huge brown cube for the buyer. Antioxidants come from vegetables; Very popular is the bitter pimpled goya zucchini (better known in our country as momordica), which loses its bitterness during cooking, but retains a lot of useful substances that treat (according to Michiko) everything from AIDS to diabetes.
Beaches and islands
Around the main island of Okinawa there are many small islands, of which more than 15 are inhabited. They are connected to the main island either by bridges or by sea. Blue sea, white sand, tropical plants, rich in diverse nature, the islands attract many new and old guests with their beauty every year. Many islands can be visited and returned in one day, which is very convenient. Each island has its own unique image, peculiarities in customs and culture, that sometimes it is difficult to believe that this is the same province. Feel closer to Okinawa by spending time among the islands' wonderful scenery and diversity.
Rules of conduct at sea Precautionary measures when holidaying at sea 1. Sun rays. Be careful - the Okinawan sunshine should not be underestimated. We recommend using sunscreen and regularly taking fluids to avoid dehydration. 2. Ocean fauna. On paid beaches, safety measures have been applied against jellyfish and other poisonous animals, but on wild beaches you should be careful. Especially between June and October, cases of contact with jellyfish increase. 3. Behavior on the water. When snorkeling, we recommend using a life jacket. Follow the instructions of a professional before using water activities. Attention! Not every beach has an administration and lifeguards, and in this case all your actions are entirely your own responsibility. Be careful while swimming and please do not leave litter behind.
Ikigai, a reason to rise
© Provided by: Around the World
The next day after lunch with the sisters, I returned to Ogimi for the moai - regular gatherings with friends and neighbors. For a while everyone just sat in silence, and I thought: they have been sharing joys and sorrows for so long that they understand each other without words. Everyone brought some money. In the end, the collected amount was given to a funny, precocious 87-year-old granny for a new refrigerator, and next time the moai, as Michiko said, will be given to someone else. And so on in a circle. As a result, each participant receives a tidy sum once a year. At the same time, those who help experience joy no less than the one being helped.
Michiko gossiped that last year this grandmother had an argument with her daughter, took a bus and fled to Naha. There, a few days later, they found her with a friend who, at 82, runs marathons, but there was still a commotion.
— We have an expression “ikigai” - what you get out of bed for in the morning. Some get up to run marathons, others to nurse their great-great-grandchildren, and some are driven by responsibility and pride in the fact that he or she is the eldest in the family or in the village,” Michiko said when everyone began to disperse.
Shopping
Okinawa Outlet Mall Asibina This is the first outlet mall in Okinawa, which houses more than 100 boutiques of world brands
San-ei Naha Main Place A large shopping center that can satisfy the needs of both adults and children. Here you can find everything from electrical goods to cinema
American village of Mihama A popular place for leisure activities among young people and families with children. A Ferris wheel, a cinema, a large department store, many restaurants and cafes, moreover, Sunset Beach in a nearby park is a suitable place for relaxation and shopping
Okinawa DFS Galleria Japan's first large duty-free shopping center located in Okinawa, where the world's leading brands are represented
Okinawa Mitsukoshi Located in the heart of Kokusai Street, Mitsukoshi Department Store not only has a wide selection of food and fashion items, but also a souvenir department. The department store is also located at Naha Airport.
Paletto Kumoji In addition to the large Ryubo department store, the building houses the Naha City History Museum, the city's art gallery and theater, a cinema and other cultural venues, a gym and a complex of restaurants and eateries.
Makishi First Public Market The ground floor is a market and the second floor is a food area where you can enjoy dishes prepared from the fresh ingredients you buy: colorful fish and shellfish, heroic pork, local fancy vegetables and other components of Okinawan food culture.
Friendliness
As in all of Japan, everyone in Okinawa is very friendly. Even the bus driver speaks respectful Japanese to passengers, but still seems to be talking to the person as if he were a friend.
I'll say more! When I was driving from Cape Maeda, I asked in a shop: “how to get to the place I need,” and what do you think? When I found out everything, left the store and reached the traffic light, the owner of this establishment called me and kindly took me to the right place.
Wedding ceremonies
Choose a Ryukyuan-style wedding in Okinawa, surrounded by clear coral ocean and blue skies. The ceremony performed in traditional style with Ryukyu robes and accessories will leave indelible memories. We recommend a resort-style wedding in a beachfront reception hall overlooking blue skies and sea. Weddings and parties on board the boat are also possible. After your wedding, take your honeymoon to Okinawa.
Modo Mariage Ryukyuan Style Wedding in Shikina World Heritage Garden This is only possible in Okinawa - a palace style wedding. These traditions have been passed down since the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom: without a religious connotation, but a bright and colorful, and at the same time intimate and warm setting for the wedding ritual.
Okinawa World Wedding from the Ryukyu Kingdom is one of the services offered at Okinawa World. The wedding ceremony is held in front of the public in one of the buildings, which is a state-protected architectural monument, in a reconstructed village with red tiles, recreating the atmosphere of the Ryukyu times, in traditional ceremonial attire.
Bellfo The oath of eternal love against the backdrop of the beautiful sea. A wedding on a deserted island, 20 minutes from Naha port by boat. Make a confession on a beautiful island with a white sandy beach and crystal clear sea.
Hyakuna Garan Hotel is located on the tip of a cape, sandwiched between the sea and the mountain. The ocean panorama opens up to 220 degrees, making it possible to watch the sunrise and watch the sunset
Sisa is everywhere シーサー
Shisa (シーサー) is a mythical creature from Okinawan mythology. Sisa is a kind of mixture of a lion and a dog. Usually they are placed in pairs near the entrance, or on the roofs, to protect against evil spirits. Traditionally, the left sculpture has a closed mouth, and the right one has an open mouth.
Near every house and store you can find a Sis lion, even at a construction site the entrance was decorated with these creatures! And I also bought these cute creatures for my collection.
Now let's talk about the architecture of Okinawa. There is both a good side and a bad side. The good side is the traditional architecture.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions
Walk through the historical part of Shuri Let's walk through the old district of Shuri. Its history is inextricably linked with the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, in the heyday of which this place was the heart of Okinawa. A half-day itinerary option is offered with a visit to 4 places included in the UNESCO Cultural Foundation. Get in touch with the atmosphere of bygone times, with the life of old Okinawa.
Walking route from the pier for cruise ships in the port of Naha We offer a walking route for passengers of ships calling at the port of Naha, from the pier in Wakasa to historical and cultural places with shopping on the street. Kokusai and Tsuboya, etc. In a short time you can learn almost everything about Okinawa.
Monorail Ride If you purchase a one-day monorail pass, you can take a customized tour of Naha City, sightseeing and shopping. Here you will find information about objects located near monorail stations. You can buy fashionable clothes, luxury goods, local products, taste local cuisine here and walk around the city, all by using the monorail. One-day pass costs 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children.
To the battlefields of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Let's go to the battlefields and honor the memory of the innocent civilians of Okinawa who died in the Battle of Okinawa. Route duration: about 5 hours
Route along the southern part of the island View of the endless ocean from the Peace Park or a coastal cafe, walks through the mystical world of ancient forests, traditional Okinawa crafts, wild beaches - a relaxed journey through the south of the main island.
Route along the northern part of the island One of the main attractions of Okinawa is the world's largest aquarium, Churaumi. The northern part of the island, in comparison with the surroundings of the city of Naha, is absolutely different in its views. On the northern route, enjoy a visit to a brewery with tasting and a pineapple park.
Route around Miyako Island This route around the islands is for those who just want to have a relaxed holiday at sea. Enjoy local Awamori drinks and the stunning scenery.
How to get there
The best way to get there, of course, is by plane; there are flights from Moscow to Nakha, with transfers or stops. But if you plan to visit not only Okinawa, but also travel around Japan, then it is better to split the route into Moscow - Tokyo and Tokyo - Naha. It's cheaper and more convenient.
JAL, ANA and Skymark fly from Tokyo (Narita) to Naha. For JAL and ANA, one-way tickets cost around 41,000 yen (if you're lucky, the cheapest ones can be purchased for 17,000 yen).
Skymark's tickets are on average two times cheaper, but sales begin no earlier than three months in advance. If you try not to miss the start of sales, you can buy a ticket for the minimum price – 9,800 yen.
Travel time is 2.5 hours.
Diving
Okinawa is proud of its clear ocean. You can make the Okinawa sea and sky yours and, accompanied by a personal instructor, even without a license, enjoy diving in complete safety. Once immersed, your eyes will see an amazing world that is completely different from the world around us. Dive into the Okinawan sea and merge with the animal world of this element, and you can feel that there is no trace left of the accumulated stress. In Okinawa, you can even swim with a whale shark. Don't miss the opportunity to see the ocean that only Okinawa has!
Top 15 Dive Spots Main Island Okinawa 1. Cape Hedo Canyon Large fish are found, including sea turtles, and sometimes Napoleon fish can be seen. There is an underwater tunnel 30 meters long and a very dynamic surface. 2. Western Nakanose Corals and small fish in shallow waters. If you go deeper there is a good chance of seeing tuna, marlin and stingray. 3. Kananzeki Dome A coral dome with a diameter of 15 meters is connected to a coral tunnel. This area is one of the best geographically attractive dive sites around the island of Ie. 4. Onna Dive Site Various types of coral can be seen when diving from the shore. There is a wide choice of dives here: along the wall, through an arch, a crack and from the shore. 5. Kori Dzampa This place is famous for its plumb line. Attractive for its diversity of diving options for both beginners and advanced divers. 6. Sunabe number 1 There are corals and a sandy bottom with rich marine life. A good place for underwater photography. 7. Ojima Branched corals on a sandy bottom are the habitat of gobies. You can also find an orange dragonet and a sea serpent here. The islands closest to the main island of Okinawa are Kerama, Kume, Aguni 8. Underwater desert Endless expanses of snow-white sandy day. You can observe the amazing phenomenon of a sand tornado, formed by a strong current. 9. Ugan A huge 30-meter vertical wall falls into the abyss. Tuna and other large migrating fish often pass by here. 10. Arari Delightful branched red corals, reaching up to 2 meters in size, are scattered here and there. Sometimes a manta ray comes here for a visit. Yaeyama Islands 11. Manta aggregation on Ishizaki A famous manta sighting spot. A suitable place with a depth of 8 meters for beginners. You can meet turtles, reef sharks and cuttlefish. 12. Underwater hot spring On the eastern side of the island. Taketomi at the bottom of the sea has a hot spring of 48 degrees, as a result of which huge branched corals have grown in the area. Miyako and Irabu Islands 13. Coral Reefs At a depth of 15 meters, there are a large number of table-shaped corals, but there are countless types of corals here. 14. Tooriike On the island. Miyako is the most popular place among divers. The two lakes on land are connected by a tunnel across the sea. 15. Two Arches The unique geography of the huge coral reef features arches, tunnels and cracks in shallow waters. April to October is the best time to visit
