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Located in southern Japan, Okinawa is an archipelago of over 150 islands of varying sizes, boasting pristine and majestic natural beauty with long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
"The Green Gem" of Japan
Historically, Okinawa was once an independent empire before becoming part of Japan in 1879. Because of this, Okinawa possesses its own unique culture, language (later merged with the Japanese language system), and traditional arts, which have been preserved for generations.
Okinawa is known as the green jewel of the "Land of the Rising Sun".
One of Okinawa's most distinctive features is its culture (influenced by various cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian) and traditional arts, including music, literature, and festivals. Okinawa is also renowned for its diverse and appealing local cuisine, especially its fresh seafood and traditional dishes, often seasoned with rich, spicy flavors. Furthermore, its stunning beaches, scenic spots, and historical sites are unmissable attractions for tourists visiting Okinawa.
This place is famous for its traditional Japanese beauty.
Churaumi Aquarium
You can't miss Churaumi Aquarium when traveling to Okinawa. With over 740 species of marine life, including large whales and giant stingrays, it's considered one of the largest and best aquariums in the world. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and admire the stunning beauty of coral and the Kuroshio Sea at Churaumi. An underwater natural wonder will unfold before your eyes in the vast open space of the aquarium.
An underwater natural wonder
It seems this place is taking over the role of attracting tourists, replacing humans in its role.
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Okinawa. It served as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879.
Shuri Castle boasts a unique architectural style that embodies the essence of local culture. Surrounding the ancient space are red tile roofs; the gates and buildings are all covered in a red lacquer finish. The castle was damaged by fire in 2019 but has since been partially restored and is undergoing further renovation.
This ancient citadel, nearly 600 years old, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kokusai-dori Street
Stretching over 1.5 km, Naha's central street immerses you in a vibrant world of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Here, you can shop, enjoy delicious food, and explore the local culture. Kokusai-dori Street is a lively and bustling area that never sleeps, from early morning until late at night. It's an ideal destination for visitors who love the modern pace of life during their Okinawa trip.
Stretching for 1.5 kilometers, Kokusai Dori is a famous street in the heart of Naha city.
Shops and restaurants stay open until late at night, attracting both local and foreign tourists.
This street originated from the former Ernie Pyle International Theatre, which was built here by the American empire during the occupation at the end of World War II, and it became a familiar entertainment venue.
Green Cave, Onna Village
The Blue Cave is one of the most famous diving spots in Onna Village, Okinawa. It promises to offer you the most amazing and memorable experience during your Okinawa trip. With its magical blue hue created by natural light, the cave creates a dreamlike landscape, making you feel like you've stepped into another world.
Visitors can explore the cave by snorkeling or swimming, enjoying an underwater adventure. Inside the cave, visitors can observe various species of fish and coral, creating a diverse and beautiful ecological landscape.
Dubbed "Japan's magical blue," this place offers unforgettable sights for visitors.
Busena Marine Park
Busena Marine Park is a must-visit destination in Nago Bay during your Okinawa exploration trip. With a glass-bottom boat or underwater observation tower, you can admire the vibrant marine life and enjoy a relaxing experience amidst the vast blue ocean.
Busena Aquarium's opening hours vary depending on the season. From November to March, the park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. From April to October, the schedule is adjusted to close 30 minutes later. Please note that there is an entrance fee for all ages.
With its outstanding advantages, Okinawa is gradually establishing itself as an attractive tourist destination for international visitors. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and immerse yourself in pristine, unspoiled nature, Okinawa is the perfect choice.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Japan, Okinawa is a peaceful choice for travelers.
Tourist overcrowding is becoming a major problem at several popular tourist destinations in Japan. The influx of visitors seeking to take photos for social media is causing inconvenience to local residents and negatively impacting their quality of life.
Local authorities were forced to erect barriers on the Fuji Dream Bridge to restrict tourists from taking photos there. The reason was that the overwhelming number of tourists was causing traffic congestion and disrupting the normal lives of local residents. Similarly, the black netting placed opposite the Lawson convenience store with a view of Mount Fuji was punctured just days after installation. The netting was intended to prevent tourists from climbing onto the store's roof to take pictures, but it was vandalized after only a few days.
Local authorities' efforts to curb tourists' "social media-obsessed" behavior seem to be less effective than expected. This is due to many tourists lacking awareness and disregarding regulations. Tourist overcrowding not only inconveniences local residents but also negatively impacts Japan's image. Solving this problem requires the joint efforts of the government, businesses, and tourists.
