Japan’s southern prefecture of Okinawa, a subtropical paradise comprising more than 160 islands in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean, is frequently described as the country’s version of Hawaii.
However, this beautiful area of the world is often overlooked by international tourists headed to Japan in favor of the crowded megalopolises of Tokyo and Osaka. Okinawa is an ideal place for a beach holiday while still offering many of the same attractions found elsewhere in the country, like ancient ruins, fine dining and beautiful nature, but in a relaxed, seaside destination.
Here are some experiences that are uniquely Okinawan to enjoy in one of Japan’s most picturesque locations:
Stay in the Halekulani Villas
Nakama boasts the most luxurious accommodations in Okinawa. The five minimalist-chic villas at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Halekulani Okinawa are on a crystal-clear stretch of beach on Naha, the main island of Okinawa. Each spacious villa has its own pool and an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot-springs bath.
Whether you stay in a villa or elsewhere in the luxury hotel, everyone gets access to amenities like five pools — one of which is covered with 1.5 million mosaic tiles in the shape of a cattleya orchid — and activities like painting shisas, lion-dog-like talismans that are believed to ward off evil, and a morning beach walk and stretch session.
Explore Karate Culture
As the birthplace of karate, Okinawa still honors the martial art, hosting more than 400 dojos and a Karate Museum in Nishihara. To learn more about it, Okinawan Karate Kaikan hosts demonstrations, seminars and competitions. Or visit Karate Okinawa, where custom historical tours and one-day training courses can be arranged.
Eat the Local Food
As with everywhere in Japan, you’ll find fresh, high-quality food in Okinawa. Seafood and pork are a large part of the local diet, and you can sample both at Chatan Steam Seafood. With wellness and a preservation of flavor in mind, the lobster, crab and other catches here are steamed. And if you want some spice, Cajun seasonings are available. Vegetables and local pork belly round out the menu.
Afterward, don’t miss the Blue Seal Ice Cream for a delicious local treat in fun flavors like Okinawa Salt Cookies and Blue Wave (ramune soda swirled with chunky pineapple).
Indulge at The Ritz-Carlton Spa Okinawa
A quiet sanctuary in the Okinawa forest on the grounds of the elegant The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, the spa offers hydrothermal experiences with rainfall showers, vitality pools and a hinoki-wood-paneled sauna. Services incorporate indigenous Okinawan ingredients such as essential oils, tiger clam shells and a mineral-rich silk salt. The Ryukyu Detox Treatment and other spa journeys are unique to the Four-Star hotel.
Adventure in the Jungle and Along the Coast
Apart from marine sports (like snorkeling, parasailing and banana boat riding), try something new in Okinawa, such as flyboarding (a water-pressure jet ski that propels you into the air from the sea) or zip-lining with an unforgettable view of the islands. The Panza Okinawa Zipline takes you over the beach while Forest Adventure in Onna zooms you through the jungle. The former even has games and water activities for groups.
Shop for Souvenirs
Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa is a beautiful shopping center with a tropical design and atmosphere. It is near the Okinawa Aquarium and has restaurants, international luxury brands, sports stores and Japanese labels. It’s the top place to pick up high-quality goods in Okinawa.
But for a uniquely Okinawan gift, go to Jeenar for handmade hotaru glass jewelry, an ancient method of lampwork beads produced in Japan for thousands of years. The glass is blue, with silver inside as a nod to Okinawa’s famed ocean. No two of the hand-made items are the same, making them one-of-a-kind keepsakes of the Okinawan islands.
