Where is Okinawa? And that's why Japanese and those in the know adore it.

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Sitting about 6. 40 kilometers south of Japan's Kyushu island, Okinawa's main appeal for travelers is that its two dozen or so islands are ringed with crystal- blue tropical waters and white sand beaches. Properly known as the Ryukyu Islands, after the name of the independent kingdom that once flourished there, Okinawa is home to a culture that's distinct from that of the mainland. Although “standard” Japanese is spoken here, there are also a number of dialects that are foreign even to native Japanese. Okinawa's Taketomi island, famous for its beaches, is a 1. Ishigaki. Its metropolitan area covers most of the southern portion of the main Okinawa Island, Naha (population 3. Other popular Okinawa holiday islands include Ishigaki, Taketomi, Irimote and Yonaguni. When Okinawa hits the news media it is mainly around a U.

S. When to visit Okinawa Weather- wise, the best time to visit is July through the end of September. At the tail end of that period travelers run the risk of getting caught in the dreaded, holiday- wrecking typhoon season.

Let’s look at diving spots that Okinawa is proud of in each area including Okinawa Main Island that easy accessible and popular for beach diving, Kume Island that.

October and November, and February through April, are also popular times to visit, though cooler than in peak months. We’re still talking 2. Celsius, a far cry from the chilly temps found in northern Japan. Times to probably avoid include the rainy season, which runs May through June, and the holiday of Golden Week, the first week of May, when crowds of Japanese tourists throng the islands and make getting reservations a nightmare. Getting there is becoming easier with ANA and JAL running multiple flights a day from most of Japan’s major cities to Naha - - the three- hour flight from Tokyo makes it a popular getaway from the big city. It's even closer to Hong Kong and Taiwan; Hong Kong- based Dragonair operates four flights a week.

In January until end of March winter season in Okinawa the most popular off shore activity is always the unbeatable whale watching excursion. Every whale watching.

Naha offers connecting flights to other islands in the archipelago. Okinawan cuisine.

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Goya champuru, made with green gourds, tofu, pork and eggs, is a signature Okinawa dish. Now that we’ve answered the “where is Okinawa” question, a look at another hot Okinawan draw - - the food. Japan’s southernmost prefecture has its own unique cuisine, the result of both its location and complex history. Because the Ryukyu Kingdom was an important trading hub linking China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, all those gastronomic influences helped form the cuisine that's still served in Okinawa restaurants today. From China came pork.

The Japanese contributed dashi, a stock made from kelp and bonito fish flakes, which serves as the base for most Okinawan soups and simmered dishes. Contact with Southeast Asia brought fruits, vegetables and spices commonly associated with the islands. A low- fat, low- salt diet - - filled with fish, pork, tofu, seaweed and veggies - - is one reason people here have the longest life expectancy in the world.

About 4. 00 centenarians call these islands home. Okinawan food may be difficult to define, but its bold, intriguing flavors are easy to love - - particularly when paired with a glass of local Orion beer or awamori, the area’s indigenous liquor. For specific dishes to try, check out our overview of Okinawa cuisine. What to do in Okinawa Humpback whales travel more than 5,0.

Okinawa's warm waters. Outdoor activities dominate the itineraries of most Okinawa visitors, with the island's blue waters a hot draw for snorkelers and scuba divers. Other popular pursuits include wildlife spotting, whale watching and even checking out the odd bloodless bull fight. Okinawa is also a popular destination for war buffs. Watch Online Watch Camp Takota Full Movie Online Film on this page. The battle of Okinawa was a major U. S. Across the islands, especially the main island in areas easily accessible from Naha, memorials and sites have been preserved to commemorate the tragic battle.

Read more about Okinawa's World War II history here. In terms of shopping, the best place to pick up Okinawa knick- knacks and maybe a bottle of awamori is Kokusai Dori (International Avenue), a massive shopping and eating strip that cuts a 1. Watch Submarine Online Hulu. Naha. Accommodation options. Okinawa doesn’t have much of a luxury hotel scene at present but that is changing rapidly.

Most options are small guest houses on the various islands, with Naha offering plenty to choose from. In the last couple of years a few high- end options have come on the scene. At the top end of the price spectrum is The Ritz- Carlton Okinawa, which blends the group's luxury style with local culture.

The property has 9. US$5. 10 a night), a pool and spa, and the property sits next to the Kise Country Club, a championship 1. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports.