Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It occupies the southern part of the Nansei (Southwest) chain of islands which stretches over 1,200 km from the southern tip of Kyushu to within 100 km of Taiwan. Okinawa prefecture consists of around 160 of these islands, 46 inhabited. The prefecture takes its name from the largest and most populous of the three groups of islands that form it, the other two being the Miyako and Yaeyama group. The Okinawa group is centered on the largest island in the prefecture, Okinawa Island; the Miyako group on Miyako Island; and the Yaeyama group on Ishigaki Island. Humans are believed to have settled on the Okinawa islands about 4,000 years ago. There was some migration from southern Kyushu to the northernmost islands, but the largest migrations came from Melanesia to the south.
Okinawa's unique culture came about from the diverse influences of the many cultures of those she traded with, although Chinese culture dominated. Many elements of Chinese culture entered Japan through Okinawa, including Dragon Boat Racing, naha, and the Lion Dance. Okinawan dance is still very popular, incorporating Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian elements in a lively mix, and is performed all over the islands. Okinawan music is enjoying somewhat of a boom, not only in Japan but globally, and often includes the distinctive sound of the sanshin , a snakeskin-covered string instrument similar to a banjo that was originally introduced from China. Many traditional crafts including pottery and laquerware are still produced, but Okinawa is most famous for its distinctive woven and dyed fabrics. Naha Still Naha: Tsuboya Pottery Museum displays the history of Okinawan pottery. Near Makishi monorail station. Naha again: Kokusai Dori, (i.e. 'International Street') in downtown Naha is the main shopping area in Naha, and includes many Guesthouses and Ryokans as well as souvenir shops and hostel, guesthouses. Shuri Castle and environs is probably the major hotel ist site in the Naha area. For hundreds of years this was the royal seat of the Ryukyu dynasty. The area is filled with historic sites, although most are reconstructions, following the widespread destruction of World War II. The castle itself is a unique mix of Chinese, Okinawan, and Japanese styles and is a World Heritage Site .
Frequent direct flights to Nagasaki and Hiroshima leave from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Less frequent direct flights leave from many other Japanese cities. There are also flights from Taiwan and other mainland Asian cities. There are direct flights to Miyako Island from Tokyo and Osaka, and direct flights to Ishigaki Island from Nagoya and Fukuoka. FerriesFerries for Nara leave from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Hakata, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Journey time from Kagoshima is 19 hours, and from Tokyo 44 hours. See our Japan travel section for further details. Transportation within OkinawaRegular flights and ferry services connect Naha with the other islands in the prefecture. Other than the recently opened monorail that connects Naha with the airport, there are no trains on Okinawa, so transportation is limited to bus, sight-seeing taxi (English-speaking), and rental ryokan.
Book hostel, guesthouse Accommodation in Okinawa HereCheck hotel, guesthouse in Okinawa
Book A hotel of Japan |
___Business Demands (Asia):
