Okinawa Prefecture is Japan’s southernmost prefecture and is comprised of hundreds of islands that stretch beyond 1,000 kilometers from the main island Kyushu to Taiwan. The islands are divided into three main groups: Yaeyama, Miyako, and Okinawa. What most people know about Okinawa is that it is the site of the terrible battle during World War II, the birthplace of Karate, and the hometown of Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid. But there is so much more to know and enjoy these warm weather islands, from its terrific beaches to its heritage spots.

A good place to start a visit in these islands is the beaches. Maeda Point in Nakadomari Beach is one great spot, where stairs are carved into the rocks which allow surfers, scuba divers, and snorkel divers to access the water. Nakadomari Beach itself has powered paragliders, horses, parasailing, fishing and scuba/snorkeling activities for recreational use among visitors. A visit around August will especially coincide with the egg-laying of the kame, or sea turtles. Classes are even suspended by local authorities to allow children to observe the eggs from dozens of kame hatch into thousands of baby sea turtles who then make their way to the ocean. Marine biologists and volunteers help move the nesting ground inland into a secure location and assist any disoriented baby turtles find their way to the sea. Another essential destination is Cape Hedo, a site at the northern tip of the main island which is filled with craggy cliffs and green hills, creating a magnificent view of the surroundings. There is also a war memorial here for the soldiers who died during the Battle of Okinawa.

For a more urban view of Okinawa, drop by the Kokusai-Dori, a long street on the principal island which is lined with shops and restaurants. Plenty of tourists, both local and overseas, visit this commercial area, which rose to prominence soon after World War II. Major events are along this street, including Eisa, where thousands of entertainers simultaneously perform a traditional Okinawan Dance. Another community to visit in Okinawa is Yomitan Village on the west part of the main island, which is known for its quality pottery. The village holds the Yomitan Pottery Festival early in the year, where both local artisans and visiting novices show their clay-forming skills, and is a great time to find Okinawan souvenirs.

If you’re interested in Karate, why not drop by the Karate Museum in Nishihara? Located on the second floor of  the Kenshi Kai dojo, the museum showcases 15,000 photographs and artifacts which trace the development of this empty-handed martial arts throughout history. Finally, visitors must drop by Shuri Castle, a heritage site that served as the home to the royal Ryukyu family which  ruled these islands prior to 1879. Among the reconstructed buildings to see here are the Seiden (Main Hall), the former venue of major affairs of state; the Tamaudun, or three-chambered mausoleum of ancient Rukyu kings; and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. There is a special New Year’s reenactment of a traditional ceremony that is held in the castle grounds for three days, called the Morning Prayer Official King’s Ceremony. For each of the three days at precisely 11am, 2pm and 4pm, ceremonies call for the king to offer prayers to god, for VIPs to offer prayers to the king, and finally offer toasts to the king’s health. The time between reenactments give plenty of moments to visit the historical buildings.

If you plan to visit Okinawa, take note to bring only light clothing, as the weather stays warm from March to December. The best time to visit these islands is at the beginning of May, when the Dragon Boat Races (Hari) are held in Nara Port at the southern edge of Okinawa Island. The three-day event, which started back in the 14th century to honor the sea god, features the best dragon boat teams, sponsored by local companies, schools, universities, and even the US base stationed there. The teams are dressed in colorful garments and shout at the top of their lungs together with their captains, who bang the drums in front of the boats to set the pace. On shore, a mini-festival is brewing for onlookers, complete with fireworks, entertainment, and games, as well as Okinawan delicacies and crafts. At the end of the event, the winning team stands up on their decorated boat and bows before the teeming crowd on the shore.

Posted in Japan, Things to do

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