Friday, 9 September 2022

Konnichiwa from Okinawa Prefecture

Today we're off to explore this chain of subtropical islands. A playground of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, coral reefs and mangrove jungles! Who's coming with us?

The first place you should visit is Tokashiki Island, the closest of the Kerama Islands to the main island. Discover Kerama Blue – the name given to its beautiful ocean – by jet ski, kayak or banana boat! Get there in just 35 minutes by high-speed ferry from Tomari Port in Naha.

Take a 1-hour flight from the main island to Ishigaki Island and from there, a ferry to Iriomote Island. Join a guided tour to snorkel and swim around the coral reefs of Ballas Island. The marine life is pretty spectacular too!

This one is for the adventure enthusiasts – explore mountainous jungle and mangrove forests while canyoning at Kura Falls on Iriomote Island.

Now that we've had our fill of nature (for now), it's time for some history, culture and tradition. Naminoue Shrine in Naha is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. This shrine has been around since the Ryukyu Kingdom and has been treasured by Okinawans since then.

Continue exploring the culture of this endearing prefecture and visit Tsuboya Yachimun Street to learn about Okinawan Pottery (yachimum). Wander the shops and cafes, watch the artisans hone their craft or even take a pottery workshop.

Lastly, savour a bowl of Okinawa soba. Featuring thick wheat noodles in a clear broth made up of a combination of pork and bonito (fish) stock, and toppings such as braised pork belly, kamaboko (fish cake), chopped scallion and pickled red ginger. Yum!

Discover more about Okinawa Prefecture by following the link https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/okinawa/okinawa/
Photo Images ©OCVB
#PrefecturesOfJapan

Japan National Tourism Organization

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

No comments:

Post a Comment