Japan is an island nation that stretches from north to south, and the climate is completely different depending on the region. The Okinawa region is located at the southernmost tip of Japan and is characterized by a mild climate and a unique culture. In recent years, it has been attracting attention as a popular tourist destination for foreign tourists.
We will introduce sightseeing spots and specialty foods in the Okinawa region that you should know about before traveling as well as a list of recommended souvenirs. If you are thinking of traveling to and around Japan, consider sightseeing in the Okinawa region.
Table of Contents
- What is the Okinawa Region?
- Best Sightseeing Spots in the Okinawa Region
- Famous Foods in the Okinawa Region
- Recommended Souvenirs to Get in Okinawa
- In Closing
What is the Okinawa Region?
The "Okinawa Region (沖縄地方 Okinawa chihou)" is a word that refers to the "Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県 Okinawa-ken)". This term is used to convey weather information, and sometimes combines the Kyushu and Okinawa regions. Sandwiched between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it is made up of several islands.
Climate
Most of the Okinawa region has a warm subtropical climate all year round. Even winters are warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0. Some areas with low latitudes are categorized as the tropics. When visiting the Okinawa region, be aware of the high temperature and prepare comfortable clothes.
Geographical Features
The Okinawa region consists of 160 islands including the main island of Okinawa. Of these, 47 are inhabited islands. Surrounded by the sea, it is rich in nature. The Okinawa region, which belongs to the subtropical climate and tropics, has a high sea surface temperature, and typhoons often occur due to the collision of westerly winds from Southeast Asia and trade winds from the Pacific Ocean. Especially around August and September, there are many typhoons, and transportation such as flights and ferries may be delayed or canceled, so please be careful when planning your trip.
※Okinawa Prefecture “離島の概況について”; Japan Meteorological Agency “台風の発生と沖縄への接近について”]
Writer's Pick
Best Sightseeing Spots in the Okinawa Region
The Okinawa region has a thriving tourism industry. With so many tourist attractions, it is suitable for both short visits and long trips. Here are some recommendations for sightseeing spots.
Shuri Castle
Shurijo Castle Park is a sightseeing spot that includes the ruins of Shurijo Castle, a World Heritage Site. Shureimon, which is a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture and one of the castle gates of Shurijo Castle, is used in the design of the 2,000 yen note. Shurijo Castle caught fire in 2019, and many buildings, including the main palace, were destroyed. From 2022, the remains as well as the restoration work will be open to the public. Except for some areas, it is free to view, so it is also recommended for those who want to take a walk in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sefa Utaki
Sefa Utaki, said to have been created by the god of creation that appears in Ryukyu mythology, is a spot where you can feel the “sacred atmosphere”. It's a place rich in nature designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. Sefa Utaki is believed to be a sacred place, so please refrain from wearing clothes that expose too much skin or high-heeled shoes.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which has one of the world's largest tanks that replicates the habitat of the actual ocean, is a particularly popular tourist spot in Okinawa Prefecture. There are many highlights, such as the aquarium where whale sharks and manta rays coexist, and the “aqua room” where you can see fish swimming from below. The aquarium faces the sea, so it would be perfect to visit before or after enjoying the beach.
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island, one of the remote islands that make up Okinawa Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot. It is characterized by many attractive places, such as Kabira Bay, which has white sandy beaches, and Hamashima, whose size changes with the ebb and flow of the tide. Also, at night, you can enjoy a sky full of stars. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling and canoe tours.
Miyakojima
Miyakojima is a remote island located about 300 kilometers southwest of the main island of Okinawa. Miyako Shimojishima Airport has excellent transportation access with regular flights from Narita and Haneda airports. With waters so clear its transparent, it is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the beach. In addition, it is full of attractions, such as Japan's largest coral reef. You can also enjoy eating Miyako soba.
Irimote Island
Most of Iriomote Island is covered with jungle, so it’s a great spot for those who want to enjoy the great nature of Okinawa Prefecture. You can also enjoy various activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and canoeing. You can also visit Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan's first Dark Sky Park or starry sky conservatory for a beautiful night sky view.
There’s many other places to explore in Okinawa, such as Yonaguni, so make sure to do your research, especially as some of them require extra traveling and careful planning to get to and around.
Famous Foods in the Okinawa Region
There are many specialties unique to Okinawa, so be sure to try them when you visit. Here, we will introduce various genres of specialty foods such as Okinawa staples, side dishes, sake, and snacks.
Goya Chanpuru
Goya Chanpuru is a stir-fried dish featuring goya, a bitter gourd that’s a specialty of Okinawa, mixed with pork and tofu. Chanpuru means "mixed" in the Okinawan dialect. The bitter gourd is a nice accent, and it is popular as a snack or rice accompaniment. When you visit Okinawa, please try it at least once.
Okinawa Soba
Okinawa soba is a specialty of Okinawa Prefecture. Although it is called soba, the noodles are made from wheat flour, whilst soba is made from buckwheat flour, so it is technically not soba. The taste of the soup varies depending on the shop that offers it, but it is common to use pork bones or bonito flakes for the broth. It is topped with kamaboko (fish paste), green onions, and pickled ginger. If you top the dish with soki (pork ribs still on the bone), it is called soki soba, not Okinawa soba.
Jimami Tofu
Jimami tofu, which is made from peanuts, has a chewy texture, and can be eaten as a side dish or as a snack. There are many kinds of tofu in the Okinawa region, such as Yushi tofu, Shima tofu, and Tofu Yo in addition to Jimami tofu. When you visit Okinawa, be sure to eat and compare various types of tofu.
Sata Andagi
Sata Andagi is a fried donut popular in the Okinawa region. In the Okinawan dialect, "sata" means sugar and "andagi" means fried food. It can be purchased at souvenir shops, roadside stations, and sata andagi specialty stores. Some stores sell sata andagi with a variety of flavors such as purple yam and pumpkin, so be sure to try them all.
Sea Grapes
Sea grapes, called 海ぶどう (umi budou) in Japanese, are a type of seaweed that look like grapes. It is also known as green caviar due to its chewy texture. Rich in dietary fiber and minerals, some people eat it for beauty and health reasons. It is a special product of Okinawa Prefecture that is delicious not only to eat with rice and sashimi, but also to put in salads.
Shikuwasa
Shikwasa is a citrus fruit popular in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture. There are many ways to enjoy it, such as seasoning sashimi or grilled fish with its juice, or peeling the skin and eating it as it is. In the dialect of Okinawa Prefecture, “shi” means sour, and “kwasa” means to feed.
Awamori
Awamori is a famous liquor made in the Okinawa region. Thai rice and black koji (rice malt) are generally used to make it, and it has an alcohol content of over 30%. In recent years, a mild type of awamori with an alcohol content of 25% or less has become popular, especially to drink it mixed with hot or carbonated water. The sweet aroma of rice and its rich flavor cannot be experienced from other alcoholic beverages, so definitely give it a try.
Recommended Souvenirs to Get in Okinawa
The Okinawa region boasts some of the best tourism in Japan, so it also has some great souvenirs. Here, we introduce sweets and trinkets unique to Okinawa, so refer to this list when purchasing souvenirs.
Chinsuko
Chinsuko is a baked confectionery, like a cookie, characterized by its crumbly texture. A famous confection from Okinawa, it comes in various flavors such as brown sugar, shikuwasa, and sea salt. Since they are usually individually wrapped, they are also recommended as souvenirs to hand out to friends and coworkers. Chinsuko is also popular as a snack in Okinawa so definitely try them.
Sweet Potato Tart
The purple sweet potato tart, made with plenty of beni-imo (Okinawan sweet potato), is a popular souvenir from Okinawa. It is almost always found in souvenir shops across Okinawa Prefecture. As it’s only partially baked, the expiration date is about one month from purchase. When giving them to family and friends, remind them to eat it sooner than later.
Salt
As Okinawa is surrounded by the sea, you can get a lot of mineral-rich salt. In addition to edible salt, there are many souvenir shops that sell bath salts, so be sure to check them out. You can also find multiple kinds of salt in sets as gifts.
Ryukyu Glass
Ryukyu glass, which is made mainly on the main island of Okinawa, is characterized by the bubbles and cracks that would be considered defects in ordinary glass products. Discarded bottles and glass are used as base materials, creating beautiful products with unique colors and textures. Cups and tableware are sold at souvenir shops which make nice gifts and souvenirs. At “Ryukyu Glass Village” and “Ryukyu Glass Museum,” you can not only purchase Ryukyu glass, but also experience actual glass making.
Yachimun
Yachimun, which is Okinawan pottery, is recommended as a souvenir. Yomitan Village on the main island of Okinawa has several studios and their works are sold at various shops. If you are interested in pottery, be sure to visit. Each workshop in Yomitan Village has different business hours, so we recommend checking in advance.
Shisa
Shisa, a legendary beast, is said to have the effect of warding off evil spirits, so many houses in Okinawa have them on their roofs or next to their gates. Shisa-shaped figurines, amulets, and sweets are sold as souvenirs. In recent years, Shisa with colorful and cute faces (as opposed to ferocious) are also sold.
In Closing
The Okinawa region consists of many remote islands, and is known as a tourist destination both locally and internationally, famous for its warm climate and beautiful sea throughout the year. It is a place that can meet the needs of all kinds of people, from those who want to enjoy marine sports, taste local specialities, to those who want to immerse themselves in resort lifestyle. Make sure to look up sightseeing spots, activities, and local foods in advance to fully enjoy your trip to Okinawa.
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