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Located at the southernmost tip of Japan, Okinawa Prefecture is an extremely attractive destination for foreign visitors, thanks to its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, unique culture and history. This blog post provides a comprehensive and thorough explanation of Okinawa's best tourist spots, experiential activities, gourmet food, accommodation information, transportation access, and travel etiquette, all carefully selected for foreign visitors. We'll also introduce shops and facilities with English support, so even first-time visitors to Okinawa can feel at ease. This single article provides all the information you need to fully enjoy your trip to Okinawa.

What kind of place is Okinawa? Explaining why it's so popular with foreign tourists

Okinawa is located about two to three hours by plane from Honshu, and thanks to its subtropical climate, it is warm all year round. For this reason, many Western and Asian tourists visit Okinawa in the winter in search of a tropical island. Another major factor that attracts foreign tourists is that Okinawa has a beach resort atmosphere similar to Hawaii or Bali, while maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and politeness that are unique to Japan.

A unique historical background where different cultures blend

Okinawa once flourished as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and its culture has been greatly influenced by trade with China, Southeast Asia, Japan, and even Europe and the United States. This history is deeply ingrained in its current architectural style, traditional performing arts, and local cuisine, creating a charm that is clearly different from other parts of Japan.

Travel destinations with advanced English support

Major tourist destinations on Okinawa's main island, Naha Airport, and around Kokusai Street have signs, menus, and tourist information centers in English. An increasing number of hotels, tourist facilities, and taxi drivers are able to speak basic English, making the language barrier relatively small, another attraction.

Okinawa Main Island: Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots

This is a carefully selected list of must-see spots for foreign tourists visiting Okinawa's main island for the first time. The selection offers a good balance of nature, history, and modern culture.

1. Shurijo Castle

This was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is a very unusual castle that combines Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. It was rebuilt as part of a restoration project after the war, and is currently undergoing restoration again following a fire in 2020, but parts of it are open to the public, allowing you to experience the splendor of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

2. Churaumi Aquarium

It is one of Japan's leading aquariums, visited by millions of people from both Japan and overseas every year. The large tank where the giant whale shark swims is extremely popular with foreign tourists. Not only can you experience the diversity of marine life, but it is also an opportunity to learn about the ecosystem of Okinawa's oceans.

3. Kouri Island

This small island, accessible by bridge from the northern part of the main island, is home to crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, making it a spectacular spot for drone photography. The color of the ocean seen from Kouri Bridge is said to be one of the most beautiful in Okinawa.

4. Manzamo

This spot allows you to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, with the contrast between the cliffs shaped like an elephant's trunk and the crashing waves being a breathtaking sight. The scenic beauty has made it a popular spot for many foreign visitors to take Instagram-worthy photos.

5. Kokusai-dori Street

This is Naha City's central shopping street, lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There is a lot of English signage, and it is always bustling with tourists from all over the world. It's also a great place to buy local Okinawan goods and traditional crafts.

Enjoy an extraordinary island hopping experience: Recommended remote islands other than the main island

Each of Okinawa's remote islands has its own unique character and landscape. The remote islands that are less known to foreigners can be said to be hidden places where you can experience the true Okinawa.

Miyakojima: A Diving and Snorkeling Paradise

The ocean, known as Miyako Blue, boasts some of the clearest waters in the world, and you can enjoy snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish. The island is dotted with resort hotels that are popular with foreigners, and the repeat rate for Western tourists is particularly high.

Ishigaki Island: Multicultural Crossroads

As the central island of the Yaeyama Islands, it is easily accessible from Taiwan, making it popular with tourists from all over Asia. In addition to marine activities, there are also plenty of options, such as buggy tours through sugarcane fields and stargazing tours.

Taketomi Island: Immerse yourself in Ryukyu culture

This nostalgic island is home to traditional red-tiled houses and white sandy roads. For foreign tourists, the experience of leisurely touring the village on a water buffalo cart is truly a journey to another world.

Recommended activities to experience in Okinawa

We will introduce a variety of activities that meet the needs of foreign tourists who value not only sightseeing but also actual on-site "experiences."

Ryukyu Glass Making Experience

In addition to just viewing, there are an increasing number of workshops where you can experience blowing your own glass. Many workshops offer English-language instruction, making it a popular souvenir of your trip.

Shisa painting experience

The experience of painting your own unique color and pattern on a Shisa, a beloved Okinawan talisman that wards off evil, is popular with families and art-loving tourists from Europe.

Sanshin experience + traditional dance

The plan to experience playing the sanshin (a traditional Okinawan instrument) and then performing traditional dance is popular with music-loving overseas travelers. Some tours also offer free video recording.

Enjoy Okinawan cuisine: Local foods popular with foreigners

Okinawan cuisine reflects its unique food culture and offers a fresh taste experience for tourists from overseas. The number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan menus is also increasing.

Goya Chanpuru

This stir-fry dish of bitter melon (bitter gourd), tofu, and pork is highly nutritious and popular among health-conscious foreigners. It can be ordered at many izakayas in Naha City, and a vegetarian version is also available.

Taco rice

This original food originated in Okinawa. It is a fusion dish that incorporates elements of Mexican cuisine and American culture, and consists of rice topped with taco meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It is very popular with American tourists.

Recommended accommodations where foreigners can stay safely

Okinawa has a wide variety of accommodations to suit tourists, from luxury resorts to guesthouses and private lodgings. It's convenient to choose accommodations based on factors such as English-speaking staff, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle service availability.

Resort hotels for a high-class stay

Resorts like The Busena Terrace have bilingual staff on hand and English guides are available. Pools, spas, and beaches are all within walking distance, making them ideal for travelers with limited mobility.

For an interactive stay, choose a guesthouse or dormitory

There are many affordable, international guesthouses scattered around Kokusai Street, and the shared kitchens and lounges are great places for travelers to interact with each other, which is also useful for exchanging travel information.

Useful transportation and travel advice for your trip to Okinawa

Okinawa does not have a railway system, so transportation is basically by bus or rental car. Transportation advice for foreign tourists is very important.

Important points to note when using a rental car

You must drive on the left side of the road, and have an international driver's license or one that is valid in Japan. There are also an increasing number of rental cars with navigation systems and English audio, so you can rest assured.

Local buses and monorails

There are various transportation options, such as the Yui Rail, which connects Naha city and the southern part of the main island, and the Okinawa Express, which travels around major tourist spots by bus, making it a great choice for travelers looking to keep travel costs down.

Cultural etiquette and things to know about Okinawa

Okinawa has a warm and friendly culture, but it is still necessary to observe basic manners.

Drinking and smoking in public places is prohibited

In some areas, drinking alcohol is prohibited in public places such as beach areas and parks, so be sure to check the rules beforehand.

Understanding the culture of taking off shoes

Travelers unfamiliar with Japanese culture can be confused by the requirement to take off their shoes at minshuku (Japanese-style guesthouses) and traditional inns. Be mindful of how you handle your footwear at the entrance to ensure a smooth stay.

summary

Okinawa is a tropical paradise offering a one-of-a-kind experience for foreign travelers. Packed with multifaceted attractions including history, nature, culture, and cuisine, the destination is becoming increasingly accessible, thanks to advances in English language support. By using the information presented in this article as a guide for everything from planning your trip to choosing accommodations and local transportation and activities, you can ensure a flawless and enjoyable trip. Be sure to visit Okinawa and experience its charms with your own eyes and heart.

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