People here love to eat, although an overweight Okinawan is a rare sight indeed. This is because of their unique approach to food, which stems from the phrase hara hachi bu, which basically means: “stop eating when you’re 80 per cent full.” Okinawa’s cuisine is shaped by its past – its islands’ position meant they became a trading hub with strong connections to China, Korea and the rest of Japan. Fruits, vegetables and spices came from South East Asia, as did a love of bitter gourd, which is the base for goya champurū, Okinawa’s signature dish. Close ties with China (a country famed for using every part of a pig except for the squeal) led to the popularity of pork-based dishes, including mimigaa (shredded pig’s ear) and rafute – soft, juicy slabs of pork belly. Even the Americans had a part to play. After WWII, the US army sold surplus food – including spices used to make tacos – to locals, which led to the creation of the popular Okinawan dish taco rice – rice topped with spicy beef, cheese and salsa.
Okinawa’s long history as a centre for arts and crafts production makes it a fantastic place to pick up something a little different on your travels. Famous to the region are Shisas, lion-like creatures which come in various shapes and sizes and are placed outside homes as a form of protection. They’re widely available, and if you stroll down Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha (Okinawa’s capital) you’ll find several potteries where you can make your own version. Also check out Ryukyu glass – made using a glassblowing process developed after WWII using empty Coke bottles left by American soldiers.
Many travellers don’t associate Japan with beautiful beaches – until they reach Okinawa. You’ll never be far away from a sun-kissed stretch of sand here, whether you’re sticking to Okinawa island itself or heading to one of the outlying islands, such as Miyako Island, home to seven-kilometre-long Yonaha Maehama Beach (try saying that after a few swigs of Awamori, the local spirit). It’s incredibly popular with water sports fans, and there’s a campsite near the sand, too.
Okinawa’s balmy climate is the reason it’s hugely popular with twitchers, who come here to admire the wide range of bird species – including two which are endangered. This diversity stems from its past - the islands were once connected to mainland Japan, and when they shifted apart, new species evolved. One example is the Okinawa Rail (above), which was only discovered in 1981. This beautiful bird has a bright red beak and olive-brown feathers. Equally spectacular are Yamburu’s woodpecker, named after its home - the northern part of Okinawa Island, which is also the only region of Japan with more than one endemic species of bird. This stunning woodpecker has dark brown wings covered in white spots. If you’re keen to channel your inner twitcher, find out more through the Kunigami Village Tourism Association.
Okinawa prefecture is made up of 160 islands, including Okinawa Island itself. And getting from one island to another is simple with fast, cheap ferry services, or small plane transfers to reach far flung spots. The furthest islands you can visit while still remaining in Japan are the Sakishima Islands, 440 kilometres southwest of Okinawa Island.
If you prefer something more accessible, consider Kumejima – 4 hours ferry or 35 minutes by plane – a popular snorkelling spot with a the gorgeous Hatenohama beach, which is actually a seven-kilometre sandbar.
However, the highlight – and recent TripAdvisor Travellers Choice winner – must be Ishigaki, part of the idyllic Yaeyama islands and home to incredible white sand beaches, azure seas, coral reefs and world class diving.
Over the past few years, a growing number of airlines have launched internal flights to Okinawa. These don’t just operate out of Japan’s biggest cities, either – airlines like Cathay Pacific, which now flies to the islands direct from Hong Kong, make it wonderfully easy to get to.
Okinawa offers something for everyone – from its incredible beaches and wildlife, to stunning historical sites and its famed ‘Nuchigusui’ life philosophy.
Experience this other side of Japan with Cathay Pacific’s daily flights from London or Manchester from £619 return. Getting to Okinawa is easier than ever with UK flights via Hong Kong International Airport, consistently voted one of the world’s best. It’s also got a whole load more comfortable with Cathay Pacific’s award-winning inflight service and affordable Premium Economy class that balances budget and relaxation. For best rates book direct through the Cathaypacific.com flight booking tool.
