Okinawa is a place of beautiful nature andwarm-hearted people, where you can be your true self.
The Be. Okinawa symbol embodies
these facets of Okinawa.
“Be.” is a warm expression of welcome,and an invitation from Okinawans for guests to partakein an experience unlike any other.

Contents

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TIMELESS OKINAWA AWAITS
EXPERIENCE
NATURE & OUTDOORCUISINE
RELAXATION & LUXURYTRADITION
ART & CRAFTHISTORY

TIMELESS OKINAWA
AWAITS
These islands, jewels spread across a deep blue sea. Once the Ryukyu Kingdom,
today home to a proud, unique and beautiful culture. A fascinating, often turbulent history.
Jungled hills, mangrove-lined inlets, sandy beaches and rocky islets above the coral-filled crystalline waters.
It all awaits: often unchanged, always alive: Okinawa.

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History of Ryukyu
For 450 years, Okinawa was an independent Ryukyu
Kingdom (1429–1879) that prospered greatly from tradewith China and other Asian countries. Through trading, thekingdom imported technical skills and new ideas and skillfully fused what it learned into a unique Ryukyu culture. At
Shurijo Castle, the hub of politics and diplomacy and theresidence of the king, entertainment and music flourished.
The royal court spawned a culture of great hospitality andhigh-class entertainment, such as “kumiodori” musical plays,
2classical Ryukyu dance and music, Eisa, a vibrant traditional
Okinawan folk dance performed during the Bon festival
season, and unique court cuisine. Handicrafts, such as bingata
cloth weaving and pottery, flourished, along with Karate, a
Ryukyu martial art, which now has over 100 million practitioners throughout the world. In 2000, Shurijo Castle andeight other sites were registered as UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. Other unique sites on Okinawa include “Utaki” worshipsanctuaries, royal gardens, and the tombs of Ryukyuan kings.
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3

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Amazing Nature

Alluring Culture

The Okinawa Prefecture covers the Nansei Islands chain, an
area of about 400 km north to south and 1,000 km from east
to west. The islands are surrounded by seas and coral reefs
teeming with marine life from small tropical fish to mantas,
dolphins, and humpback whales. The exceptional beauty ofthe seas has inspired expressions like “Yaeyama Blue” and“Kerama Blue.” The Kerama Islands National Park boasts oneof the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. On landin the northern part of the main island, the Yanbaru National

Park became a registered Natural World Heritage sites in
2021. Almost the entire island of Iriomote in the southwestern Yeyama Islands group is also a National Park covered in
subtropical jungle, and about 90% of the whole island isuntouched nature. Both national parks boast unmatched biodiversity with many endemic species. Okinawa is called theGalapagos of the orient for a good reason.

4

The Okinawan culture evolved with Chinese and Japanese
influences into unique customs and traditions that mark lifeon the islands to this day. The center of Okinawan spiritual
life is “Utaki,” places of worship, where people worshipnature. On annual milestones, like Obon Festival and New
Year, people honor their ancestors. Add to that Okinawan
people’s “ichariba choday” (meet once, and we are a family)
attitude and positively curious view about outsiders andforeigners, so it’s no wonder that Okinawa has turned into afavorite tourist destination for Japanese and foreign visitors
alike. In addition, its rich culinary traditions range fromtraditional pork dishes to taco rice and hamburgers. And sipping some good Awamori, the oldest distilled spirit in Japan,
while listening to the sounds of Sanshin and the powerful
sounds of Eisa drums on a warm summer night after a day’s
work is as Okinawan as it gets.

5

EXPERIENCE
Okinawa’s unique culture is attractive to visitors. One of the real pleasures oftravel is the welcoming interaction with the locals, who have accepted people
from foreign countries throughout their history and are famous for their hospitality. Why not enjoy your journey to Okinawa for the sights, customs, andpeople you have never experienced before, listen to the sounds of Okinawan
sanshin relaxing your mind and body and enjoy the beautiful nature? Let us
introduce some ultimate Okinawa experiences of travelers who came to visit
Okinawa and became so attracted that they emigrated to this island.
6

7

EXPERIENCE

01

TRADITION

Spirit of Okinawan Bullfighting:
The Experience of a Karateka“It was very interesting to visit the stable and meet the owner. It is always
a pleasure to visit rural Okinawa that, in my mind, is the real Okinawa.”

From the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom throughthe Battle of Okinawa, and then under theoccupation of the U.S. and the tumultuous
times that followed, the people of Okinawa
have held their traditional culture very close to
their hearts. This feature focuses on Okinawa’s
bullfighting, a popular entertainment among
the local people since the pre-war days. We’ll
introduce the experience of Kevin Chaplin, a
Karateka hailing from England and an eight-year
resident of Okinawa.
Kevin recently had an opportunity to meeta family of bullfighting devotees and witness an
exciting bullfighting tournament. As a result, hefound something that connects the two seemingly very different traditions of bullfighting andkarate; the exceptional spirit of the people, aspirit that’s unmistakably Okinawan.
Okinawan bullfighting used to be extremely
popular in the rural areas and tournaments were
held throughout the island. Local bullfightingceased for a while during the war, but postwar
the tournaments soon resumed, and a great
number of “star” bulls were introduced to thescene. During those times, Uruma City washome to six bullfighting arenas, but the changing times brought new entertainment and the
popularity of bullfighting waned. Still, with the
only all-weather bullfighting arena in Okinawa,
Uruma City frequently holds all-island bullfighting tournaments to the delight of many locals
and visitors.
Okinawa’s bullfighting is unique in that it’s amatch between two bulls who lock their horns
and engage in a great test of strength, not amatch pitting a man against a bull.
The rules are simple. The bull that runs awayor doesn’t engage in the match loses. In thematches, the bulls display their diverse characters and that’s what makes bullfighting exciting
to watch. A bull may seem initially unengaged,
but suddenly it will charge with great force, andwin. Other bulls will endure the attacks, waiting
patiently for the opponent to tire, and in theend, win the match in a turnaround.
Kevin began learning combat karate inEngland when he was only 12 years old andenjoyed it as a sport. After moving to Japan, helearned that karate originated in Okinawa. Later,
he learned about the World Oshukai Federation
and became an instructor, which led to his relocation to Okinawa in 2011.
“As a Karate practitioner and instructor, I was keen

to learn more about how the bulls fight.”
On a typically hot Okinawan day, we visitedthe Kochi family, who has raised bulls in Uruma
City for generations. We also visited their bullshed that was built in the ‘70s on the family
property. The Kochis are passionate aboutbullfighting and have raised three Okinawa
champions.
The Kochis are determined to prevent bullfighting from becoming extinct. Already, theirseven-year-old son, Takuma, is determined to be
the 3rd generation bullfighter of the family andtakes their huge bull on daily walks. He tends tothe bull every day, cleaning the shed, gathering
feed, bathing, and doing all the other required
tasks. It costs about 40,000 yen a month to feeda bull and there are no days off. It takes about fiveto six years for a bull to debut as a fighting bull.
Kevin’s conclusion: bullfighting and karate,
two seemingly unconnected things actually havea common denominator; the spirit of Budo or
martial arts.
“Seeing the bulls up close was very impressive. Then
one caught my eye. He was huge and not at all bothered by our presence. I learned that this bull was aveteran and champion several times over.
“Talking with the owner was fascinating. For him
and other bull owners this is their hobby and passion.
They typically have other jobs and are not farmers
by trade, nor can they earn enough from competing tosustain the bulls.”
The owners have deep dedication and passion for
raising the bulls. Any of them is ready to speak indetail of how they are fed, cleaned, and trained.
“Overall, I think it’s an event and a part of culture,
which would merit greater exposure to the outside
world, and would leave visitors with a very memorable experience.”
On the day of the tournament, the owners transport the bulls to the arena in trucks. The temporary sheds at the venue are decorated with knots
called “san” made of Susuki, Japanese pampas
grass. The grass knots are believed to chase away
bad spirits and bring good luck.
Since the domed arena opened, morefamilies have showed up in the audience than
before. On the tournament day, the energy
was fantastic with large crowds of people of
all ages, and even some foreign visitors. The

8entertainment ranged from Shishimai lion danceto Eisa. A raffle was held midway with prizes
ranging from rice to a TV and even a small
truck!
When a bull wins a match, the owners who
have spent years caring for the bulls celebrate.
The bulls seem to share the joy too, as they happily carry children on their backs and people
around the winning bull break into happy
Okinawan Kachashii dance.
Kevin shared the excitement of the scene,saying,“What I saw today completely erased the common
conception of bullfighting I had before. Seeing the children riding the winning bull in joy and excitement
was such a pleasant surprise.
“I was intrigued by the body language of thebulls. In Karate, the more training and experience
you accumulate, the calmer and more composed yourfighting becomes. It seems to be the same with thebulls. When talking to the bull’s owner, he very muchagreed. He also pointed out that the young bull’scharacter largely decides his future fighting ability.
“In Karate, I am constantly reminded how
important character is in martial arts and in fact, thegoal of our training is to improve our character. It
was very satisfying to see that the same holds true forthese magnificent beasts.”

Uruma called bullfighting kingdom
More than 30 bullfighting tournaments throughout
the year take place at Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome,the prefecture’s first indoor bullring located in Uruma
City. The highlight of the bullfights are the three
annual all-island tournaments in the spring, summer,and fall, which are big events attracting about 4,500
spectators each. In addition to bullfighting, audiences
enjoy traditional Okinawan performing arts like Lion
Dance (Shishimai) and Eisa and appearances by bullfighting character “Bullfighter Wido.”
https://www.city.uruma.lg.jp/iina/2394
Curator Profile

Kevin Chaplin
Karate instructor
Originally from England, Kevin is a black-belt karateka who has been residing in Okinawa for eight
years. He is a dedicated instructor of Okinawan
karate at dojos through Okinawa Traditional Karatedo
and Kobudo International Study Center and World
Oshukai Federation.
https://oshukaijapan.jimdofree.com/

9EXPERIENCE

02

TRADITION

Feel the Spirit of Fishermen ofAges Past“Sailing on a Sabani allows the mind to rest while connecting with nature.”

Boats have always been a necessity for thepeople of the islands of Okinawa. Okinawa
prospered as a maritime state in the past as theKingdom of the Ryukyus, and its people traveled
the seas and engaged in trade with China andvarious Southeast Asian countries.
When supplies were scarce before and after
the Battle of Okinawa, fishermen used natural
materials such as wood, stones, and bamboo tocreate necessary fishing tools. They made innovative adjustments to things in their daily lives.
One of them was the invention of the original“mikagan” or underwater goggles, which muchhelped them in their trade. Regarding their fishing nets, Okinawan fishermen coated the nets
with pigs’ blood, as the fish would not go nearwhite cotton nets. That also prevented themfrom decomposing in the saltwater. The Sabani
boat-building techniques, fishing methods, andother landmark inventions of the seafaring forefathers paved the way to a maritime culture thatis genuinely unique to Okinawa.
The Sabani was commonly used for fishing and transporting daily goods to various
locations, and a necessity for the fishermen
on Okinawa. Not a single iron nail is used in
the building of Sabani, but they are sturdy andreliable, held together by wooden and bamboo
pins. The highly functional features are also
remarkable; the thick bottoms and the thinnerside planks allow the crew to pull the fishingnets on the boats with ease. Improvements havebeen made over the history, such as applying
shark liver oil on the bottoms to prevent decay.
On the Sabani boats, the Okinawan fishermen
set out to the high seas and traveled between
the islands.
Daniel López is a filmmaker charmed by thespirit of Okinawa. He sees himself working asa bridge inviting the world to learn and understand the culture and traditions of the islands
through his art. In his first full-length documentary, “Katabui – In the Heart of Okinawa”
that was released in 2016, Daniel captures thespiritual strength in the ordinary, everyday life
on Okinawa, as people live deeply connected tothe distinctive traditions of the islands.
“I wanted to tell people around the world about the wayof life of the Okinawans – so connected to nature.”
As he worked in the tourism industry in
Switzerland, he was able to travel wherever hisheart took him, always with his camera at hand.

He left his work and home and set out on a realjourney at the age of 30.
“As soon as I arrived on Okinawa, I thought, ‘I could
live here.’ I went to so many places, across Europe,
America, and Asia, and met so many people, but I’dnever felt that way before.”
He followed his inspiration and relocated to
Okinawa a year later.
On a beautiful beach along the Nago Bay innorthern Okinawa, Daniel met with the Yanbaru
Haruser Team and joined them on his first
Sabani sailboat experience. Although the Sabani
is a traditional fishing boat that supported thelives of the Okinawan people for generations
after the Second World War, boat engines
became readily available, and the number of
Sabani quickly dwindled.
In seeing the Sabani boat-building and navigating skills becoming lost, people got together
to find ways to bring back the Sabani. In theyear 2000, the first Sabani Sail & Paddle Race
took place, racing a distance of approximately
35 kilometers from Zamami Island to Naha. The
launch of the annual race, in part, brought about
the succession of techniques from a handful ofremaining Sabani builders to the next generation,and the Sabani culture is now on track for revival.
Men of the seas who are the driving force
behind the revival of the Sabani navigate the
Sabani sailboat experience tours and eachauthentic trip offers different excitement depending on the day’s weather and sea conditions.
The Sabani uses wind power to sail just likea yacht but is also propelled with paddles called
Ueku. With six to eight people on the boat, thecaptain skillfully reads the winds and tides tosteer. From his position at the rear, he calls out
directions for all onboard to row in unison.
The Sabani seemed to glide on the waters at
high speed when the wind began to blow andfilled the sail. When the wind was sufficient, it
allowed those on board to sit back and enjoy
the sailing, and when the winds calmed down,
the Ueku paddles pushed the boat forward.
Surrounded only by the sounds of the wind
and waves and no rumbling of engine, it was an
extraordinary experience to feel the courage
and spirit of the fishermen from the bygone era
and becoming one with the vast open sea.
Daniel reflects, “I felt my heart embraced by thisexperience. Okinawa is like a magnetic field. It isn’t

10easy to put into words. It’s the sense of gratitude
to the seas, to nature, animals, and all life forms.
It’s also the heart of the island people. They haveembraced and treasured the traditions passed onfrom their ancestors. While traveling around theisland, I’ve come across various festivals that areheld according to the lunar calendar. The locals haveoften invited me to join their celebrations. Of course,
approaching the people and culture with respect goes
without saying. The generosity of the people of theisland is something exceptional, and is really whatmakes Okinawa such a unique place.”
Although sabani are no longer a necessity to put
food on the table, many new ones are built totake part in races and offer unique experiencerides to guests at resorts. The recent popularityof the traditional boat hopefully ensures thatthe skills of building and sailing of these uniquewooden vessels will not disappear in the mistsof history.
Take a ride on a Sabani to experience aunique maritime culture. Feel the history and tradition that links the past to the future of Okinawa.

Yanbaru Haruser Project
Yanbaru Wild Diary-Sabani Version
A team made up of local experts in various fields
offer their knowledge and expertise for adults toenjoy outdoors. With their suggestions and ideas,
you can customize a unique experience you won’t
soon forget. The exuberant Sabani experience on
the waters of Nago takes about 1.5 hours when you
can experience a unique marine activity that’s deeply
rooted in the local history and culture. Their love
for this region inspires other fantastic experiences
besides Sabani sailing, like beach picnics and muchmore. Enjoy Okinawa and the Yanbaru area withall your five senses and make memories that you’llcherish forever.
Yanbaru Diary
http://wilddiary.haruser.jp/tourplan/ct01/
Curator Profile

Daniel López
Filmmaker & Photographer
Daniel López is a Spanish-Swiss filmmaker and photographer who moved to Okinawa in 2003. He madehis filmmaking debut with a full-length documentary,“Katabui -In the Heart of Okinawa.” The documentary
was highly acclaimed in Germany and Taiwan and
was a long-running film in Switzerland and Okinawa.

11

EXPERIENCE

03

ADVENTURE

Two-day ‘Treat For The Soul’ is a
Magical Experience in Yanbaru“I felt completely refreshed and rejuvenated in this truly wonderful andunique reserve of nature.”

The Okinawa main island is about 110 km longfrom Cape Kyan, its southernmost point, toCape Hedo in the north. Although the island isquite small, its scenery and environment change
drastically from one area to another. A drive ofjust under 3 hours from Naha Airport can takeyou to places with creatures and plants living
only on the main island of Okinawa. Miltos
Beratlis, a nature-lover from Greece, took a
two-day retreat in the northern region known
as Yanbaru.
“It was wonderful to find myself immersed in the deep
forests in Yanbaru and be soothed by the calming
sounds of the creeks and rivers,” says Miltos.
Yanbaru National Park spreads over three villages, Kunigami, Higashi, and Ogimi, which
together form the northernmost region of theisland. The Hidden Jungle Tour started thefirst day of the Yanbaru 2-day Retreat Trip
from Higashi Village that is 70% covered with
Yanbaru’s subtropical forest. As we approach
Yanbaru, old houses with tiled roofs and traditional small shops in small villages blend in
the natural scenery of the forest and sea. It’s
far different from the areas in the middle andsouth of the island. Its deep forests are also
home to many animals and plants that live only
there. After a briefing by our veteran guide,
Higa-san, we boarded the kayaks and headed forthe hidden forest while listening to Higa-san’s
explanation about the Fukuchi Dam, the largest
water reservoir in the prefecture. Intruding
deeper into the jungle, the waterway became
narrower and subtropical plants arched over thesurface. We paddled for about 30 minutes andset foot into the unexplored forest, where theuntouched nature was waiting.
“The further we paddled and the deeper we walked
into the jungle, the more adventure I felt. I was forgetting my sense of time while enjoying the beauty of thewater surface reflecting the blue sky and surrounding
forests.”
The tours started in 2018, allowing visitors toaccess the jungle only by kayak with a guide
approved by the local council. Even in the
scorching summer heat, the woods are cool, andthe sounds of a mountain stream, the breeze
blowing through, and the chirping of birds arepleasant in the clear air. As I was careful not toslip on a moss-covered rocky terrain.

12“One of the attractions of Okinawa is that you canescape from the hectic pace of modern life and enjoy
nature in an environment far from your everyday
surroundings.”
On our trek, we admired a giant 100-year-old
Quercus Miyagii-tree (Okinawa urashirogashi)with big plate roots that can hide a full-grownman. The tour ended with a smooth kayak rideback across the dam with the sun glittering on thesurface, a different experience from the morning.
Going north to Kunigami Village, feelingcomfortable but tired after the hiking tour,
we stopped on the way at the Kunigami Port
Shokudo run by Kunigami fishermen. We
enjoyed fresh sashimi and a butter grilled local
fish set. “I used my fingers to eat the fish’s headand cheeks, just like in my home country,”
Miltos delighted while talking with local patrons
as if they were old friends. “I felt very much athome!” Kunigami Village at the northernmost
tip of Okinawa faces the East China Sea to thewest and the Pacific Ocean to the east. It’s thefifth-largest village on the island by area while
about 90% of it is forest. Four forest therapy
roads are open throughout the year, leading toYasuzu Mountain, a holy place for local villagers, Mt. Yonaha, the highest peak of the mainisland, Hiji Falls in the Kunigami Village Forest
Park, and Yanbaru Learning Forest. Visitors canfind information and make tour bookings at theVillage Office.
We stayed at “Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa”
in the northernmost part of the main island on
the east side of Kunigami Village. It takes about
30 minutes by car from the west coast where
Cape Hedo and Okuma Beach are located on theeast coast. Locals rarely visit the region, where
the Yanbaru Kuina, a flightless bird and designated natural monument, inhabits the forests.
“I fully enjoyed the forest as all my senses opened up
as my soul delighted at the opportunity to enjoy its
mysteries and refresh.”
The Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa is in the subtropical jungle. When I was taking a break on
the hotel terrace, Ichiro Kikuta, an artist who
was to accompany me as a nature guide the nextmorning, stopped by. Kikuta is an artist who
draws Yanbaru scenery on hand-made Japanese
paper. He is a wild bird enthusiast and also amember of a team that, about 15 years ago, took
part in a successful artificial breeding program to

13

protect Yanbaru Kuina from extinction. On thesecond day in Yanbaru, in response to Miltos’
request, Kikuta took us to Ada Beach that offers
a dynamic view of the hills of Yanbaru along thecoast, and later, he guided us through various
nature spots that are subjects of his sumi-epaintings. On our several-hour tour, we foundedible wild grass growing on limestone cliffs
and listened to the drumming of ‘Noguchigera’,
which is a threatened woodpecker species living
only in Yanbaru.

Hidden Jungle Tour in Yanbaru
In addition to this tour, the seasonal “Ucor Mountain
Course” tour takes you on a trek through the subtropical forest to observe and immerse yourself innature. The destination is a hidden forest in thenational park accessible only by kayak. The tour
takes about 5 hours. A small group of up to 6 people
can fully enjoy nature on this tour.
Hidden Jungle Tour in Yanbaru
https://higashi-kanko.jp/hikyou/

YANBARU Birdwatching Tour
Ichiro Kikuta moved to Ada in 2006 after becoming infatuated with the nature around Ada Village
in Kunigami. His “Yanbaru Kafu” works depict
Yanbaru’s nature in monochrome sumi-e drawings
on handmade Japanese paper. His subjects feature a deep green forest, the bright red beaks andfeet of Yanbaru Kuina and expressions of nature.
Reservations for guided wild bird and nature tours
can be made at Kikuta’s website.
YANBARU Birdwatching Tour
http://kikutaichiro.com/

Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa
The long-established hotel, located in the northernmost part of Okinawa Main Island, was built in 2000
with construction materials and furniture imported
from Vietnam as a show of friendship between
Okinawa and Vietnam. Many bird lovers from Japanand abroad visit the hotel during the bird watchingseason from November through March.
Ada Garden Hotel Okinawa
https://ada-hotel.net/
Curator Profile

Miltos Beratlis
English teacher and nature lover“Born in Greece. I have lived in Okinawa for 5 years.
With its unique culture, wonderful nature, and worldclass entertainment, the island fills me with excitement
and curiosity. I have enjoyed such activities as Okinawa
karate, tea ceremony, surfing and street dancing.”

EXPERIENCE

04

ADVENTURE

Trek to the Most Spectacular
Sight on Iriomote Island“It’s a magical place, an amazing creation of nature.
It wasn’t easy to reach the waterfall, but it certainly was worth it.”

The breathtaking beauty of Okinawa’s ocean
cleanses our spirits and makes us feel one
with nature. The brilliant colors painted onthese transparent waters are often referred toas Okinawa Blue, describing the gradation ofcolors from clear blue to emerald-blue and deep
blue. Visitors and locals enjoy the many marine
activities available here, from diving and snorkeling to fishing, surfing, and more.
Okinawa’s seas and nature are what inspired
Hayato Maki, a professional surfer, to relocate
to Okinawa in 2011. Maki has traveled across theglobe to ride the waves and has lived in Tokyo,
Hawaii, and Chiba, a prefecture known for thebest surfing spots in Japan. Although he has yet
to visit Africa and South America, his passion forsurfing took him to places in America, Mexico,Papua New Guinea, and many other countries.
Out of all the places he’s visited in the world, hesays that Okinawa’s ocean is the best.
Maki runs a business that offers custom-madetours that take full advantage of the weather, sea
conditions, and other local factors in Okinawa.
He says,“Since coming to Okinawa, I feel closer to nature.
I feel the turn of the tides and the direction of thewinds. Throughout my days, I enjoy a lifestyle that’s
in sync with the rhythm of nature.”
On this occasion, he will be on an adventure
through the jungles of Iriomote Island, a placestill off the beaten track. We will trek to theMayagusuku Falls hidden deep in the forests.
Approximately 400 kilometers north tosouth, and 1,000 kilometers east to west, theRyukyu Archipelago consists of 160 islands,
small and large, floating on the crystal clear
waters. Forty-seven of the islands are inhabitedwith Okinawa Island being the largest and themain island of the Okinawa Prefecture.
Iriomote is in the Yaeyama Island groupand the second largest island in the prefecture.
Close to 40 rivers flow through the island,bringing life to subtropical jungles, which cover
90% of the land. Near the mouths of the rivers
are thick mangrove forests, making up about
25% of the mangroves in all of Japan.
The whole island is a national park andremains mostly untouched. It has no major roads
that would allow people to travel around theentire island in vehicles. The only way to get on
the island is through two ports at the southeastern and northern points of the island. Iriomote

14

is home to about 2,000 residents who live invillages that dot the island’s shores. Our destination, the Mayagusuku Falls, is deep in the lush
jungle that covers the interior of the island.
Mayagusuku Falls was only known to boar
hunters and a few other locals until a short timeago. The route there is a little challenging. The
tour is for those who are confident of their physical fitness.
Our guide nicknamed Naga is an expert in
outdoor activities and the owner of Sima Mari
Asibi. As a student, he was in a mountaineeringclub and focused his studies on fieldwork. He
also introduced the canoeing and caving activities to Iriomote, which are now major activities
for visitors to the island. Over the two decades
he’s lived there, he has learned much aboutboar hunting, harvesting edible plants in the forests, and fishing from the local elders. He wants
to show the visitors all the natural beauty of theisland. It was his love for Iriomote Island thatinspired him to start the business he runs alone,offering tours for small groups.
Upon meeting up at Uehara Port at 8:00 in
the northern part of the island, Maki and Naga
boarded an excursion boat to the upper reachesof Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa
Prefecture. After about a 30-minute ride, theboat arrived at the start of the 25-kilometertrekking course, which would take the groupthrough the thickest part of the island’s jungles.
After a 30-minute trek, the group arrived
at the observation point for Mariyudu Falls, a
popular sightseeing spot on the island. Further
along the well-traveled trekking course is
Kanbire Falls, and beyond the waterfall, the trail
becomes steeper and more challenging. The
trek continues through the dense growth. The
sounds of animals in the jungle are all around.
The terrain is challenging with fallen trees
and other obstacles along the way. Just before
the destination is the final obstacle, the Itakichi
River, a tributary to Urauchi River, which
you have to cross on unsteady footing. Then
finally, our eyes meet the magnificent sight ofMayagusuku Falls, with water flowing down thesteps that fan out to the sides. As Naga says,

hills and seas of Iriomote Island are ideal, with thenatural cycles turning the way it’s supposed to. It was
my first visit to Iriomote Island, but I felt so muchenergy from this extraordinary place where natureremains untouched. The people on the island were
warm and kind. The wild boar meat was too delicious, and I recommend everyone to try it. Next time I
come, I hope to enjoy the seas off Iriomote also.”“This is the reward for the hard work to get here.”CEO, Simple Life Adventures
Patagonia Ambassador

Upon completing the adventure, Maki wrappedup, “People often say, ‘to nurture the seas, we haveto nurture the mountains.’ On this trip, I felt that themountains and the seas are indeed connected. The

A professional surfer, spearfisherman, and founder of
Simple Life Adventures, a company that offers various activities on Okinawa like surfing, SUP, and snorkeling. Maki relocated to Chatan, Okinawa in 2011.
https://simplelife-adventures.com

15

This trip was Maki’s first time on Iriomote.
Before setting off on the adventure of trekking
through the dense subtropical jungle to reachthe mystical waterfall, he had these words in
mind: “Nature always has lessons for us. Actively
enjoying nature involves risks, but by understanding, being prepared, and experiencing
these risks, they make us grow.”
The best months to visit Mayagusuku Falls
are from November to March when the volumeof the water increases, and the waterfall is
dynamic. Take a break from your busy life andexperience something extraordinary in the mangroves, the trails, and at the waterfall. Immerse
yourself in the abundant nature, and feel yourbody and spirit detox from everyday stress.

Sima Mari Ashibi
The business is specializing in guided trekking tours
on Iriomote Island for small groups of five to eightpeople. The more challenging tours are conductedfrom mid-September to May to avoid the summertime
high humidity and temperatures. The guide carries
a satellite phone for safety. For people who are lessphysically fit, with children, or just looking to enjoy aleisurely time, the company offers more relaxed tours
to enjoy the fantastic nature of Iriomote Island.
Iriomote Island Jungle Trekking Day Tours
http://www.simamariasibi.com
Curator Profile

Hayato Maki

EXPERIENCE

05

LIFESTYLE

Discover Okinawa’s Food Culture
at its Vibrant Markets“A walk around a food market is a wonderful experience that taught mea lot about Okinawa.”

The Culinary Tour helps to discover the true
spirit of Okinawa through food, to know how
local people feel and think about food and how
they cook their everyday meals. The food experience of the “longevity island” makes one feelthe vitality. The island has always been energetic
even during difficult times, in the spirit of “Thisis nothing yet.”
American Pamela Ann who took the Naha
Food Walking Tour is a chef residing on
Okinawa and specializing in Greek cooking,specifically in making Greek cheese. The tour isa two-and-a-half-hour food experience.
“As a chef, I have a desire to learn more about thehistory and ingredients of Okinawan food.”
One of the attractions of Okinawa is its ‘champuru’ or ‘mix culture’ that also applies to food.
Okinawa has developed a unique food culturethat has been influenced both by the trade with
Asian countries during the Ryukyu Kingdom
era that lasted for 450 years and by 27 years ofAmerican rule after WWII.
In the Ryukyu Kingdom era, the court
cuisine was born to accommodate the envoys
from China, with which Okinawa had extensive
trading ties. About 400 delegates from China
stayed in Okinawa for about half a year at a time,and it was said that all the pigs in the kingdom
were eaten up every time. Each item in the meal
was delicately prepared, like, for example, the‘flower squid’, which is squid cut into the shapeof a flower and served on a red Ryukyu lacquerware plate, and ‘minudaru’, which is a thinly
sliced pork loin marinated in black sesame andsoy sauce and sugar, and steamed. The court
meal prepared over a long time was regarded as
the essence of hospitality.
On the other hand, the common cuisine wasbuilt with the wisdom to nourish even the poor,such as combining sweet potatoes, a staple at thetime, with seasonal vegetables, seasonal small
fish and seaweed.
In a hot and humid island environment
where food easily spoils, creative ideas wereborn, such as adding vinegar to fish when eating
it raw and stir-frying vegetables. That is oneof the reasons for Okinawan people’s famed
longevity.
A local dish that represents Okinawa themost is called “Champuru” that is simply a
combination of ingredients fried together.
Other popular foods include pork and egg riceballs made using canned pork luncheon meat,smoked, dried, and ground sea snake mixed withrice, and Okinawa soba noodles in bonito tuna
broth that is regarded as Okinawan soul food.
As the participants stroll around, they
can choose 5 to 6 food items from the market
to sample.
“Atmosphere at Naha’s Shitamachi-Dori was exotic
and exciting. It was precious to discover the relationship with various Asian countries and the lifestyle ofthe island,” Pamela said.
Pamela moved to mainland Japan in the latter
half of 1980 and lived there for nearly 15 years,
then for about six years in Greece, which she
had admired since childhood before moving toOkinawa. “Healthy and laid-back lifestyle in theblue zone by the beautiful sea, open-minded
and friendly locals make Okinawa and Greece
very similar,” she says. She believes she can live
here using only ingredients grown on the island
like in Greece. With help from local dairy farmers, she has succeeded in making fresh cheese
using Okinawan goat milk and keeping the
traditional manufacturing method without using
any additives.
Pamela’s experience of the Hidden Naha
Food Walking Tour, on which participants canenjoy sampling food while walking aroundthe market, began with the entry to an alley
from Kokusai Street, the main street of Naha.
Hirofumi Ozawa, also known as Hiro, is a chef
and hosted the tour.
The two chefs, Hiro and Pamela, made plansfor our tour discussing what foods were of interest. The tour features local dishes such as ‘goatsoup’ related to Greek cheese, which is Pamela’s
life work, and ‘Jimami tofu,’ which is made ofpeanuts and was used in court dishes, and various other foods.
The area around the market exudes a
genuine Okinawan atmosphere, exotic anddowntown-like. It satisfies both your stomach
and heart.

surplus goods, sprung up in the Makishi area,
and Naha City opened a public market toregulate them. (As of 2019, the rebuilding of
the market is underway, and it’s scheduled to
re-open in April 2022 at the same location).
Beyond the arcade, there are clothes stores,
shops selling side dishes, dried foods like kelp
and sea snake alongside souvenir shops. The
narrow back alleys that can only be reached bybike or on foot create a nostalgic atmosphere
where the time has stood still.
Pamela was most interested in the goatdishes. After the war, the goat milk and meat
were common local dishes eaten as a precious
protein source for nourishment, but nowadays
goat sashimi and other goat organs are available
only at specialty stores. This time we tried goatsoup, in which goat bones are cooked whole fora long time and seasoned with just a little salt.
In the fish shop, she was impressed by
Gurukun, the red Okinawan prefectural fish thatlooks blue when in the sea. Okinawa is the top
consumer of the fish in the country and it’s anindispensable part of local cuisine.
“Okinawa is an island where you can have funinteracting with local people. Especially in this area ofNaha, it was a lot of fun to meet people as I walked
around,” Pamela said.
In other words, enjoy the Culinary Tour withyour all five senses, from interacting with local
people to getting to know the local food.

Hidden Naha Food Walking TourAn experience tour by Hirofumi Ozawa, an Airbnb
host who has worked as a chef in New Zealand,
Australia, and Canada. The popular tour takes participants on a walk around the streets for about two anda half hours following the guests’ requests. During thetour, participants can sample 5-6 dishes and sweets.
The participation fee includes the price of the dishes.
Curator Profile

Pamela Ann“A walk around the market was full of surprises, discoveries, and local encounters. This is a recommended
spot every traveler should visit once,” Pamela
recommends.
The Makishi and Tsuboya areas are lined withtraditional markets and shops. After the war,
black market shops mainly selling U.S. military

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Greek restaurant chef-owner
Born in San Francisco, USA. 7 years in Okinawa.
Chef-owner of “Little Greek Kitchen,” a Greek restaurant. In 2018, “Little Greek Tilly” made of raw goat
milk following the traditional Greek recipe, won theSilver Prize at the “Japan Cheese Awards.” She has
also won awards and attracted attention in various
trade shows.
https://www.littlegreekkitchen.com

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EXPERIENCE

06

LIFESTYLE

Yanbaru Dining Is an Unforgettable
Okinawan Experience“Okinawa has allowed me to be a healthier, happier version of myself ”

The northern region of Okinawa Island is
known as Yanbaru. Lush green forests covermost of the area where streams and springs
flow through the untouched landscape full of
unique and precious wildlife. The region has
numerous tourist destinations, resort hotels, theworld-famous Churaumi Aquarium, and quaintlittle villages.
It attracts many visitors to take part in guided
walks on nature trails, birdwatching, and canoe
tours to places like the Mt. Yonahadake, thetallest peak, and Gesashi River, the largest mangrove forest on Okinawa. From organic vegetables, fruits, spices, honey, seafood to stock farm
produce, the gifts of nature from Yanbaru are
sure to nourish your mind and body.
Coral reefs surrounding Okinawa makeits soil fertile with minerals and vitamins.
Vegetables on Okinawa grow under the intense
UV rays of the sun that heightens their antioxidative potency making them very healthy
and often regarded as ‘superfoods’. In Ogimi,
a village up in the Yanbaru region and known
the world over for the longevity of its residents,
grandmothers over the age of 90 live in theirold Okinawan-style homes and lead simple,
yet healthy lives working on their fields daily
and enthusiastically taking part in various community activities.
When “The Okinawa Program,” a bookfeaturing the longevity of Okinawans, waspublished, it drew the world’s attention to
the healthy local centenarians and their diets.
Researchers from around the world continue
to come to Okinawa in search of the secrets
to longevity. Like the long-living people who
reside in the ‘Blue Zones’ around the world,
the Okinawans who enjoy long lives, eat healthily. Their diets are well-balanced and include
plenty of vegetables. They live an active lifestylethat is stress-free and also full of purpose andmotivation.
Christal Jade Burnette came to Japan from
Florida to study. While attending university
and living in Tokyo, she saw Okinawa as “anisland of longevity, surrounded by the beautiful
ocean.” She eventually relocated to Okinawa
and has embraced the healthy way of life here.
“My lifestyle here is more relaxed and has less pressure. There’s no need to rush, dress in the fanciest
clothes, or worry about things I used to. I enjoy being
more myself, in nature, the ocean. I feel healthier,physically, and mentally.”

In the far northern area of the Yanbaru region,
the land is bursting with nature. There are no
convenience stores or other familiar sightsof the city. At night, the moon and stars takecenter stage, accompanied by the sounds ofnature of the forests and seas. The lush green
subtropical forests, crystal-clear, emerald-bluewaters, and the warm and genuine people of
the area welcome the visitors. On this occasion,
local Yanbaru experts joined Christal for aunique experience harvesting various products
and enjoying a delightful picnic. The love andknowledge of this region inspired the experts toplan the activities for the day.
As Christal arrived at a coffee farm, thesounds of the breeze in the trees and the chirping of birds were the day’s soundtrack. On thefarm, ferns were growing alongside coffee plants,
which carried on their branches plenty of berries that contained the coffee beans. Okinawa’s
coffee harvest begins in December, and on thatday, Christal harvested coffee and honey frombeehives Yanbaru beekeepers had placed in
the forest. An expert in each field guided theharvesting and drying and roasting of the coffee
beans. That was a great fun experience.
“It was rejuvenating to breathe the fresh air and feelthe natural energy of the forests cleanse my spirits,”
Christal stated afterward.
Soon, the picnic table was ready and full of colorful, inviting dishes prepared using fresh local
ingredients. The chef took great care to bringout the natural taste of the ingredients for our
fantastic picnic lunch. The meal consisted ofa delicious hot grilled Agu pork sandwich andwhole milk cheese, together with sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The roasted
sweet potatoes were served with a drizzle offresh honey, and a cup of fresh coffee brewed
from the beans Christal herself had harvested
and helped to roast topped the meal.
For a delightful surprise, the Yanbaru Picnic
Team prepared ‘blue herb water,’ a tea extracted
from the flowers of wild butterfly peas. Needlessto say, the meal was beautiful, and the care andthoughtfulness of the team made the day perfect.
The picnic lunch had an abundance of dishes,
all made with ingredients nurtured and grown inthis area. All Christal had to do was to enjoy thiswonderful experience.
A word in the Okinawan language,“Nuchigusui,” literally translates “medicine

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for life.” This piece of wisdom from the pastremains regarding the healthy Okinawan foods
made with plenty of vegetables and soy products, as they are genuinely Nuchigusui. The
older Okinawan people often say, “Thank you
for the Nuchigusui,” when they enjoy a healthyand delicious meal or marvel a beautiful scenery or any other experience that they feel hasenriched their hearts and bodies. Upon enjoying
a day of Yanbaru and the picnic, Christal says,“Picking and roasting my own coffee beans, andeating real and natural honey made it all taste
even better. A picnic lunch made with the freshest
seasonal ingredients packed with delicious tastes of
Yanbaru. What could be more perfect on a nice day?
Thank you for the Nuchigusui.”Yanbaru Harusen Project
Yanbaru Wild Diary – Coffee Version
The harvesting and picnic experience in the forestof Nago takes about 5 hours. A “dream team” offarmers and master chefs who reside in Yanbaru
and truly cherish the region bring their knowledge,
expertise, and love of the area for visitors to experience all that it has to offer. It’s a chance to connect
with the land with all five senses. They’re happy tomake suggestions and provide delightful ideas forgrownups to enjoy the great outdoors, on the beachor in the forest.
Yanbaru Diary
http://wilddiary.haruser.jp/tourplan/ct04/*The contents of harvesting experience tours vary
according to season.
Curator Profile

Christal Jade Burnette
CEO/Founder of Kenko Leaf
Originally from Florida, USA, Christal came to Japanto study and attend university. The concepts inJapanese food culture and a healthy lifestyle influenced her, and she eventually relocated to Okinawa
in 2016. She earned her master’s degree at theGraduate School of Agriculture at the University of
the Ryukyus. She is the founder and operator of
the English language e-commerce site, Kenko Leaf,
which specializes in introducing and selling specialty
products from Okinawa. Christal selects all the products available on Kenko Leaf carefully. She emphasizes personally meeting the people who actuallygrow and make the products.
https://shop.kenkoleaf.com

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Relaxing trip across the water in awater buffalo pulled cart
Yubu Island is a small island with a circumference of 2.15
km, next to Iriomote Island. A shallow ocean shoal separates the islands, and to reach Yubu, visitors cross the shoal
on water buffalo pulled carts. The entire island is one large
botanical garden, where visitors can enjoy the fantastic natural beauty of Japan’s southern islands all year round. The
island has various facilities, including restaurants, shops, abutterfly garden, and a bougainvillea garden, and visitors
can take a stroll on foot around the island to visit them all.
Yubu Island
www.yubujima.com/english

NATURE &OUTDOOR

Although small in size, Okinawa is blessed with a great variety of nature, fromthe stunning ocean with its reefs and exotic life in the ocean to jungle-covered
hills in the north with a plethora of extremely rare species of flora and fauna.
Iriomote Island in the south is often called the last true wilderness in Japan.
White sandy beaches that are kilometers long make the islands a marine
leisure paradise. Scuba diving and snorkeling are next to none in the world.
Finally, the warm climate year-round makes it possible to engage in any
outdoor activity at any time anywhere on the islands.

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Superb sandy beach surrounded bystunning Kerama Blue
A trip to Tokashiki, one of the Kerama Islands, takes 70
minutes from Naha by ferry or 35 minutes by a high-speed
passenger boat. Aharen Beach on the southeastern partof the island impresses visitors with its stunning whitesand and super-clear ocean waters stretching as far as theeye can see. The beach offers a full range of activities,
including glass-bottom boat rides and day-long tours to theuninhabited island of Hanari. It’s a convenient destination
because of the numerous minshuku boarding houses andrestaurants nearby.
Aharen Beach
http://www.vill.tokashiki.okinawa.jp/

2223

Unforgettable time with horses on
Kume Island

Yoga at a majestic Katsuren Castle
World Heritage Site

Horseback riding on Kume Island is an activity everyone
who likes to spend time with horses should experience. A
ride on the beach, along one of the many trails through theforest or the village, is unforgettable. And there’s nothing
better than getting into the water and splashing aroundwith the horses. Trying island life with a farm stay andhelping take care of the horses is also something no one
experiences in a city.

A yoga event held under the morning sun at the Katsuren
Castle World Heritage Site is a special occasion. A professional yoga teacher leads the event, and beginners arewelcome. Yoga mats are available for rent, or participants
can bring their own. The historical surroundings make theexperience fantastic, as participants balance their body andmind and let their fatigue and stress float away.

Kumejima Horse Farm
http://kumejimauma.jimdo.com/

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Castle Yoga at the Katsuren Castle World Heritage Site
http://uruma-ru.jp

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Stand Up Paddling on
Kerama Blue waters off Aka Island

The ultimate holiday on acatamaran off Iriomote Island

The Kerama Islands consist of 20 islands of varying sizes.
Aka Island is a paradise a mere hour’s trip from Naha.
The crystal-clear waters around the island are known as“Kerama Blue,” and from April to October, the area is amecca for SUP boarders. Activities also include irregular
SUP yoga sessions at the Meenu Yoga Retreat.

Most visitors agree that boarding a catamaran yacht andsailing the deep blue waters off Iriomote Island or exploring surrounding coral reefs is the ultimate relaxing holiday.
They can choose from various plans, from leisurely half-day
tours to day-long charter cruises for a private group. The
uninhabited western area of Iriomote Island is excellent forsnorkeling and diving, and a deserted beach ashore is just
waiting for the curious.

Akajima SUP
www.h-enterprise.jp/marine

Nilaina Holidays
www.nilaina-holidays.com/

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The wonders of Kabira Bay
undersea world

A historic pier offers
Yaeyama’s best sunsets

Kabira Marine Service operates glass-bottom boats on
Kabira Bay, one of the most picturesque and scenic areas
on Ishigaki Island. As passengers gaze down through theglass-paneled bottom of the boat, they watch the colorful
undersea world of tropical fish swim and play among thecorals. The ships’ captains are very knowledgeable about
the bay, and it’s fun to listen to their unique commentary.
The rides that last around 30 minutes have earned the coveted 3-star rating of the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

The West Pier on the western side of the central settlement on Taketomi Island is a perfect place to enjoy thesunset, and many people visit the site to marvel at thegorgeous view. The pier was built in 1938, when people
from Taketomi Island, which had no arable land of its own,
used it on their way to rice paddies on other islands, like
Iriomote and Yubu. It was used as an actual working pieruntil around 1970 but has become a tourist spot today.

Kabira Bay
www.kabiramarine.jp

West Pier (Nishi Sanbashi)
www.painusima.com/en-taketomijima

The beaches of Miyako islandtake the breath away

Beautiful beach on Okinawa’s
northernmost island

On Miyako Island, a pure white beach stretches seven
kilometers and is as beautiful as a picture postcard. The
beauty of the waters and the shades of blue are unmatchedand takes your breath away. The expansive beach has all
the amenities a traveler could desire, including a diner,
bathrooms, and showers, not to mention activities, such as
jet skiing and parasailing.

Iheya Island is the northernmost inhabited island of
Okinawa Prefecture. Boasting untouched natural beauty,
Yonezaki Beach, the natural beach spreading around theisland’s southern tip, offers dazzling pure white sands and issurrounded with shallow shoals and coral reefs. The landscape on the coast changes from area to area, and visitors
can enjoy a full range of marine sports. A camping groundadjacent to the beach is fully equipped with showers andwashrooms, making it convenient and enjoyable to stay.

Yonaha Maehama beachwww.miyako-guide.net

Yonezaki Beach (Yonezaki Coast)
http://www.vill.iheya.okinawa.jp

Hiji Waterfall highlights
Yanbaru’s great outdoors

A stunning beach,tropical fish and sea turtles
Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island in the Keramas is,without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in
Okinawa. The bright white sand and clear blue waters
make swimming just a few meters offshore an unforgettable
experience. The many colorful tropical fish make the beacha popular snorkeling point. Ama Beach in the village is afamous sea turtle egg-laying ground, and lucky visitors may
even encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling.

At 25.7 meters, Hiji Waterfall in northern Okinawa is thehighest on Okinawa’s main island. Hiji River that leads
to the waterfall is blessed with a high volume of waterand is home to a diverse variety of plant and animal life.
A casual trek through a man-made walking trail leads up
to the waterfall as visitors marvel at the lush subtropicalsurroundings. The campsite at the beginning of the trail
requires campers to bring and pitch their own tents, but it’s
fully equipped with communal restrooms, pay showers, andkitchen facilities for cooking.

Furuzamami Beach (Old Zamami Beach)
http://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/guidemap/detail/154/

Hiji Waterfall
http://hiji.yuiyui-k.jp

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New Okinawan cuisine“Ryukyu Gastronomy”
Only eight buildings comprise this luxurious villa on alarge site on Irabu Island just off Miyako Island. Chefs
trained at prestigious restaurants and hotels in Tokyo andFrance ensure the restaurant on the premises serves authentic cuisine. When the restaurant first opened, the menu
was French, but the plans for the future call for developing
Okinawan food culture-based “Ryukyu gastronomy”.
Konpeki The Villa All Suite
https://www.konpeki.okinawa/restaurant/

CUISINE

Okinawan traditional cuisine is believed to play a big part in the famed
Okinawan longevity. The cuisine consists of a reasonable amount of protein,mostly in the form of pork, and plenty of fresh vegetables and seaweeds. Fish,mostly from coastal waters, is also essential. Even the common folk in Okinawa
have always understood the importance of a healthy cuisine as expressed in thesaying “Nuchi Gusui” meaning roughly “food is medicine.” To this day, foods
such as “Tofu Champuru,” stir-fried mix of vegetables and everything else, and“Okinawa Soba” are the staples of Okinawans’ everyday diet.

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Enjoy the delicious taste of fresh
Okinawan vegetables in style
Shokudo Faidama is an Okinawan restaurant near to
Makishi Public Market, also known as “Naha’s Kitchen,”and Ukishima Street that has rows of stylish shops selling awide range of fashionable items. The most popular dishes
on the menu are “Teishoku” set meals, which make extensive use of ingredients from Ishigaki Island, which is theoriginal home of the restaurant’s proprietress, and otherparts of Okinawa Prefecture. The restaurant has gained afollowing of numerous repeat customers who regularly visit
to enjoy its authentic Okinawan cuisine, which changes on
a fortnightly basis. The food, with its generous helpings ofvegetables, arranged beautifully on traditional Yachimun(Okinawan pottery) bowls and plates, is also very attractive,
making for fantastic snapshots.
Shokudo Faidama

A Taste of Modern Vegetarian
Cuisine at Ukishima Garden
Ukishima Garden is a restaurant in an old house where
you can enjoy meals made of fresh island vegetables grownwithout chemicals and specialty organic wine. Their surprising vegan meals, imitating the flavors of meat, fish, eggs,
and dairy products with grains, are well received even by
non-vegans. The food is also Kosher and Halal, and non-allergenic. You should try the sommelier-selected organic
wine together with the food.
Ukishima Garden
https://ukishima-garden.com

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Fine confectionery from the days of
the Ryukyu Kingdom
Jahana Kippan makes the renowned Ryukyuan confectionery kippan (mandarin cake) and toganzuke (winter melon
pickle) using recipes passed down through generations
since 300 years ago when they were brought to Okinawa
from China. Kippan is made of Okinawan citrus fruits suchas kaabuchii, and has a sophisticated, well-balanced sour
taste. A great deal of time and effort goes into the finishedconfectionery, and Jahana Kippan is the only store in
Okinawa to make and sell these delicacies.
Jahana Kippan
www.jahanakippan.com/en

Fresh ingredients with an emphasison the homemade fare
Be Natural is a café restaurant that serves dishes based on
Italian and French cuisine and prepared using seasonal
local ingredients. The restaurant takes care to display thenames of the producers of its vegetables wherever possible and purchases fresh fish and seafood caught in the
Okinawan waters directly from the port. The menu consistsof a single course, and diners can enjoy the excellent anduncompromising flavor of homemade bread and sauces,chosen specially by the olive oil sommelier-certified chef
to match the dishes served.
Be Natural
http://natural-blog.benatural.sunnyday.jp/3435

Traditional kaiseki cuisine with ataste of the contemporary

The perfect marriage of awamori
and island cuisine

Yaeyamaryori Tantei is a restaurant in the Shuri district inNaha, where diners enjoy luxurious multi-course meals featuring arrangements of traditional Yaeyama Islands cuisine.
The creative meals use mostly Okinawa-produced ingredients and include such dishes as saihan (vegetables on
rice, a recipe dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era) andvegetarian options made using wild greens. Many of thedishes served are only available here. The restaurant also
pays particular attention to serving its food in Ryukyuan
lacquerware, ensuring that its guests have a luxurious andextravagant dining experience.

Awanami to Shimanoaji Hateruma is a highly specialized
restaurant operating in an old traditional-style house on
Iriomote Island. The restaurant uses mostly ingredientsgrown or procured on the island, including homegrown vegetables and fish caught by the owner himself. The populardinners make excellent use of the flavor of the fresh ingredients, and the restaurant enjoys an endless stream of reservations from diners enchanted by their delicious and exquisite
taste. The rare “Awanami” brand awamori, produced on
Hateruma Island, will delight visiting Awamori lovers.

Yaeyamaryori Tantei
http://www.yaeyamaryouritanntei.jp/

Awanami to Shimanoaji Hateruma

Yaeyama with all your five senses
but a focus on foodFunakura no Sato restaurant serves local Okinawan cuisine
based on the concept of wanting guests to experience theculture of Okinawa and the Yaeyama Islands. By relocating
and rebuilding old houses of various sizes on the spacious
premises (approximately 9,917 square meters), the owners
have recreated a landscape similar to that of the “goodold days” of the Yaeyama Islands. The restaurant’s food isprepared mainly with local ingredients, and on traditional
Ryukyu pottery (yachimun) and glass tableware. At dinnertime, guests can enjoy Okinawan folk songs and dance
performances while enjoying their meals.
Funakura no Sato
http://www.funakuranosato.com/

Savor the flavor of craft beer as you
watch the sunset
Enjoy Chatan Beer, a craft beer brewed on site while
watching the sunset overlooking the Chatan Harbor.
The restaurant offers seafood and meat dishes based on
American cuisine. Crusing on catamarans or having a party
on a boat is also available.
Chatan Harbor Brewery & Restaurantwww.chatanharbor.jp/en/

Communicating the culinary
culture of Okinawa to the world

Meticulous makers of specialty
chocolate from beans to bar

Taste of Okinawa offers cooking experience programs in
English for foreign visitors. The first stop is the “Ingredients
Tour,” where participants take a tour around the various
butchers, fishmongers, and food sellers’ stalls at Makishi
Public Market. A hands-on food preparation demonstration
under the direction of the program instructor follows. The
programs enable participants to learn about the ingredientsand dishes that underpin the long-life culture of Okinawa.
The night-time restaurant also offers an extensive lineup of
local alcoholic beverages and a variety of Okinawan craft
beers for diners to enjoy an authentic island drink with
their meals.

Specialty chocolate makers at Timeless Chocolate control
every process in the making of their fine chocolate, fromcocoa beans to a chocolate bar. They procure cocoa beansfrom countries around the world, including Madagascar
and Cuba, through their proprietary channels before
roasting and blending them with shimazarame (“island
raw sugar”) or dark brown sugar from sugar cane grown in
Okinawa and Kagoshima. Visitors definitely want to spendsome time in the café, tasting the difference between chocolates from various origins.

Taste of Okinawa
https://tasteof.okinawa

Timeless Chocolate
http://timelesschocolate.com

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RELAXATION &LUXURY

Recently, Okinawa receives about 10 million tourists every year, and officials
expect the number to grow even further. This influx of visitors has spawned aboom in developing resorts, hotels, and other tourist facilities throughout theprefecture. Almost all major world-wide resort hotels have facilities on Okinawa.
They offer spas, beaches with every imaginable marine leisure activity, andsuperior dining facilities. Hotels and resorts are also going up on smaller islands
as operators compete, trying always to find new destinations to offer toincreasing numbers of vacationers who want to have their share of paradise.

Uza Terrace has private villas in a
beautiful, natural setting
The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas opened in March 2016.
All of its 48 luxurious guestrooms have their own private
pool for a thoroughly satisfying stay. Relax and soak up
Okinawa’s natural beauty as the unspoiled beach stretchesout before you. Facilities also include restaurants and spa.
The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas
www.terrace.co.jp/en/uza

3839

An international resort hotel
complex in Onna Village
Located in Onna Village, the Hyatt Regency Seragaki
Island is a resort that has transformed the entire Seragaki
Island into a hotel complex. All guest rooms have an openair balcony that offers a magnificent close-up view of the
Okinawan ocean. Guests can enjoy facilities such as thehotel’s pool, spa and restaurants, and a full range of activities. The Hyatt Regency Seragaki offers a broad lineup offeatures befitting of a destination hotel dedicated to energizing the bodies and minds of its guests.
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa
www.hyattregencyseragaki.com

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Halekulani Hotel represents
Hawaiian-born Luxury
The first overseas expansion of Halekulani, a Hawaiian
luxury hotel with over 100 years of history, opened in
Okinawa in 2019. From each of the guest rooms, allwith an ocean view, guests can enjoy views of the lush
nature of Onna Village and the magnificent East China
Sea. Halekulani’s world-famous hospitality ensures yourhigh-quality stay. The up-to-date facilities include the innovative SHIROUX restaurant with a Michelin two-star chef
as a consultant, other restaurants and bars, and five pools.
Halekulani Okinawa
https://www.okinawa.halekulani.com/en/

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Transform from a traveler toan islander
When the Hoshinoya Taketomi Island was
designed, the aim was more to create a hotel
like an Okinawan village melding into the island
landscape than an accommodation facility.
Every guestroom is a detached bungalow witha Ryukyuan red-tile roof and private garden
where a guest can feel just like an islander. The
acclaimed, original dishes in the restaurant are
prepared with a touch of French flair but using
ingredients familiar in Okinawa.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island
https://hoshinoya.com/taketomijima/en/

Spa resort for a healthy bodyand a healthy mind
The Terrace Club at Busena is a wellness resort
built in an outstanding location. The resort’s
thalasso pool is filled with seawater, warmed
to a comfortable bathing temperature, and its
various flowing water zones and massage jets
enable guests to reinvigorate and reenergize
their bodily functions. The resort also offers afull range of programs to suit the purposes of
its guests, from active programs in which guests
move their bodies to those where they can relax
both their minds and bodies. Enjoy a delicious
meal in the dining room which offers a full
lineup of healthy dishes, before retiring to yourroom to relax.
The Terrace Club at Busena
https://www.terrace.co.jp/en/clubatbusena/

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Gourmet meals and private luxury

Premium hotel – Luxurious suites

The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Ginoza is proud of its
gourmet cuisine. It also offers fully furnished rooms, apool, jacuzzi hot tub, and other facilities. Guests can enjoy
dining on light and delicate French cuisine, prepared using
the freshest hand-picked seasonal ingredients produced
locally in Okinawa and other locations in Japan. The
luxury guest rooms are designed in a stand-alone villa stylewith an emphasis on privacy. Each room has its own oceanview, ensuring the guests enjoy a relaxing, stress-free stay.

Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda on the southern coast of
Miyako Island features a golf course and emerald green sea
stretching out right in front of the hotel. All guestrooms
are suites and the hotel boasts 86 guestrooms with a privatepool, the largest number in Japan. The Jacuzzi Suites,featuring a jacuzzi, kitchen, and washing machine openedin spring 2015 to accommodate travelers staying for an
extended period.

The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Ginoza
http://www.hiramatsuhotels.com/eng/ginoza/

Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda
https://www.nanseirakuen.com/en/allamanda

A fantastic resort to savor the
luxury of utter relaxation
Cypress Resort Kumejima offers luxurious stays for guests
simply to relax and enjoy doing nothing in the peacefulenvironment of Kume Island. From each of the hotel’sguest rooms, all of which have ocean views, guests canenjoy one of the best and most beautiful sunsets in allof Okinawa. The hotel’s dining area also has a complete
ocean view, and it serves creative cuisine that enables
guests to savor the delicious fusion of fresh Kume Island
ingredients, compliments to the hotel chef ’s culinary skills.
The hotel also has an infinity pool that seems to flow seamlessly into the beautiful Kume Island ocean, and a large
communal hot bath filled with carbonated spring water.
Cypress Resort Kumejima
https://www.cypresshotels.jp/kumejima/en/

Okinawa-style city life experiencein the middle of Naha
Novotel Okinawa Naha is a modern hotel overlooking thecity of Naha from an elevated hilltop location in Shuri. In
addition to enjoying the resort lifestyle at the hotel’s infinity pool or BBQ terrace, guests can take advantage of a fullrange of other facilities that include a gourmet bar serving
hamburgers made with Okinawan Agu pork (popular withvisitors), a Japanese-style restaurant with teppanyaki hotplate cuisine dining, suite rooms, and a premiere lounge
reserved exclusively for premiere floor guests.
Novotel Okinawa Naha
https://novotelokinawanaha.com/

The first authentic Japanese-style
hotel in Okinawa

Getaway for adults focuseson privacy

Umi no Ryotei Okinawa Nakamasō is Okinawa’s firstJapanese-style hotel. It stands at the foot of a hill overlooking the East China Sea. The hotel pays particular attention
to the food, giving guests a chance to savor and enjoy
traditional Japanese washoku cuisine, including lunchtime
meals served in a three-tier stacked bento lunchbox. All
25 guest rooms have ocean views, and the hotel is fully
equipped with a large communal bathhouse with a stunning view of the surrounding areas. It is one of a handfulof places where guests can enjoy an authentic Japaneseenvironment in Okinawa.

Built to blend harmoniously in the surrounding naturallandscape, this Japanese-Ryukyuan style inn makes use of
Okinawan materials, such as red tiles and Ryukyuan limestone. All rooms look out over the sea and offer sweeping
views of Kudaka Island, the sacred island of Okinawa.
Another attraction, Japanese-Ryukyuan banquets, are prepared with select local ingredients and complemented bypanoramic views. Guests can reserve an open-air bath on
the top floor for their private use and relax while soaking in
the ocean view.

Umi no Ryotei Okinawa Nakamasō
http://www.okinawa-ryotei.jp/en/

Hyakuna Garan
http://www.hyakunagaran.com/English/

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TRADITION
Okinawan culture is the result of hundreds of years of contacts and influencesfrom East-Asian countries that have mixed here with the indigenous beliefs andcustoms evolving into traditions that are in practice to this day. Performing arts
were often born in the royal court and later absorbed into everyday life. Needfor self-preservation resulted in karate and its philosophy, while indigenous
religious beliefs spawned such customs as Eisa. Most recently, as a result ofAmerican occupation, rock music invaded the islands. All this combined has
resulted in the most genuine Okinawan tradition of all, champuru (mix).

National Theatre Okinawa carries
on Ryukyuan culture
The National Theatre Okinawa presents the many facesof traditional Okinawan performing arts. Its programs
include Ryukyu dance, sanshin music, Okinawan plays, folk
performing arts, and the traditional narrative dance, Kumi
Odori, which the National Government has designated an
Important Intangible Cultural Property. The Theatre also
houses a free exhibit on the history of traditional performing arts in Okinawa. The up-to-date performance scheduleand ticketing information is on the theater website.
National Theatre Okinawa
www.nt-okinawa.or.jp/english

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Karate is a genuinely
Okinawan martial art
Okinawa, famous as the birthplace of karate, every year
attracts an increasing number of visitors to study and practice the sport. Yagi Karate Dojo trains students in traditionalmartial arts and offers instruction on healthy lifestyles anddiets. The dojo tailors all training according to individual
aims and age and keeps its intensity at a comfortable level.
As the headquarters of a karate association with over 70
training centers in 20 countries worldwide, the dojo welcomes overseas visitors, including beginners, to learn aboutor try karate.
Yagi Karate Dojo,
International Meibukan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
Association Headquarters
www.okinawakarate.site

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Tenbusu Hall presents culture andperforming arts

Okinawa’s art, culture, and history
under one roof

Naha Bunka Tenbusu Hall on Kokusai Street is a facility
where visitors can experience the culture and performing
arts of Okinawa. It regularly runs numerous reservation-type
programs that invite visitors to learn about traditional culture. For example, the sanshin demonstration class teaches
participants to play a piece of sanshin music after 90 minutes of practice. Every Thursday the hall runs a diverse arrayof other art performances, including traditional Ryukyu
dance. The same building also houses the Naha City Tourist
Information Center and various souvenir shops.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is somethingof a rarity in Japan, as it combines both a museum and art
gallery into a single combined facility. The Prefectural
Museum displays approximately 3,000 artifacts in its permanent exhibits, which seek to communicate the history,
culture, and natural beauty of Okinawa. The Art Museum’s
collection gallery presents the progression of modern andcontemporary Okinawan art up to the present day. It holds
special exhibits and workshops from time to time. The facility also has shops and cafes where visitors can relax, either
before or after viewing the displays.

Naha Bunka Tenbusu Hall
www.tenbusu.jp

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Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum
https://okimu.jp/en/

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Okinawan music and cuisine
at a beachside dinner theater
Since 1977, Okinawan artist Rinken Teruya has
successfully fused traditional Okinawan music
and instruments, such as sanshin and shima
taiko, with modern music creating a music stylecalled Okinawan Pop. The Rinken Band has ashow every Saturday at Kalahai, a theater restaurant right next to the Sunset Beach in Mihama,
Chatan. “Tink Tink,” an all-female quartet produced by Rinken, plays at Kalahai on weekdays.
The shows entertain men and women of all ages
with the traditional sounds and unique rhythmsof eisa, taiko-drums, and sanshin.

This new hot spot banks on theappeal of Eisa

Dinner Theater Kalahaai
http://www.rinken.gr.jp/kalahaai/

The Eisa Museum is a cultural experience center in
Okinawa City, created to enable people to learn more
about Eisa, a traditional Okinawan Bon dance performedby youth groups. In addition to the Eisa of Okinawa City,an area with a vibrant Eisa culture, the museum houses
a collection of materials relating to Eisa in other parts of
Okinawa, Japan, and even overseas. Visitors can viewrare and valuable movie footage, try on costumes and try
dancing for themselves, making the museum an enjoyable
destination for both adults and children alike.
Eisa Museum
https://eisa-museum.jp/

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Sefa Utaki is the Ryukyu
Kingdom’s most sacred place“Utaki” is a collective name for sacred places
scattered throughout the Ryukyu Islands. Sefautaki was one of the most sacred places in the
Ryukyu Kingdom, and many worshippers andother visitors still journey to this World Heritage
Site today as part of the “Agariumai” pilgrimage, which echoes the ritual pilgrimages of the
Ryukyu kings and “Kikoe Okimi” priestess of thepast. There are six sanctuaries within Sefa-utaki,
three of which share the same names as rooms in
Shurijo Castle, pointing to the deep connection
between Sefa-utaki and the castle itself.
Sefa-utaki
http://okinawa-nanjo.jp/sefa/en/

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Find your favorite pottery in Yomitan
Yachimun is traditional Okinawan pottery. Not to be
missed at Yachimun no Sato in the village of Yomitan
are the ascending kilns with beautiful red-tile roofs
unique to Okinawa. Be sure to check out the joint stores,
Yomitanzanyaki Yuntanzangama and Yomitanzanyaki
Kitagama as you stroll amid the lush green setting. Discover
the variety of Yachimun and its history as you visit the various studio galleries, and find Yachimun for you.
Yachimun no Satowww.yomitan-kankou.jp

ART & CRAFT
Because of its status as a maritime trading nation during the Ryukyu Kingdom
era, arts and crafts flourished. People made goods for tributes and presents
that were necessary when trading, performing arts flourished especially at the
royal court in Shuri when visiting dignitaries had to be entertained. Especially
textile making, such as Bingata, Bashofu and Kumejima Tsumugi are highly
regarded to this day. Yachimun potters, first at Tsuboya in Naha and later in
Yomitan, make wares for everyday use. Lately, many young artisans areexperimenting with ways to fuse traditional with the contemporary.

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A souvenir shop introduces visitors
to the new Okinawa
Garb Domingo is a shop that features a wide selection ofartworks and wares for home, especially craftworks madeby Okinawan makers. A range of pottery, lacquerware,
Bingata (a uniquely Okinawan dyeing technique), woven
goods, Ryukyu glass, and plenty of other items made with
Okinawan traditions at heart and new sensibility are forsale. Garb Domingo is a unique shop where visitors can get
Okinawan souvenirs that are both simple and highly functional and available nowhere else.
Garb Domingo
www.garbdomingo.com

Original dresses combine traditional
techniques with novel designs
Yokang Fashion brand offers a boutique collection that incorporates the traditional Okinawan Bingata dyeing techniqueswith modern fashion design. The collection ranging fromcasual to formal styles focuses on dresses, all designed withthe concept of “clothes to be proud of.” The bridal gowns
made with original coral fabrics that stand out in a resort
environment are a highlight of the collection.
Yokangwww.yokang.jp

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The oldest weaving craft in
Okinawa
Bashofu weaving is a textile-making craft with the longest
history in Okinawa. It’s made from threads from the fiberof banana plants. Kijoka in Ogimi Village has long beenrenowned for making Bashofu cloth. It’s nationally designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property and its
weaver Toshiko Taira is recognized as a Living National
Treasure. Visitors can follow the process of making Bashofu
in a gallery in Ogimi where Bashofu items are also available
for purchase.
Ogimi Village Bashofu Workshop
www.Bashofu.jp

A new style of lacquerware
expresses traditional beauty
KAKUMAN LACQUERWARE is the oldest, longest-standing Ryukyu lacquerware shop in Okinawa. The shop
continues the skills and traditions of its founder, a lacquer
craftsman in the royal court of the Ryukyu Kingdom, whileat the same time, incorporating the latest techniques andcontemporary sensibilities. Recently, KAKUMAN launched
its own accessory brand named Nui Mun that is drawing
acclaims with its modern designs born out of the concept
of “wearing lacquerware” daily. The accessories makeuse of the unique glossy beauty of lacquer, and uniquely
Okinawan “tsuikin” lacquering techniques.
Kakuman Lacquerware
www.kakuman.jp/en6263

Hands-on pottery making at
Tsuboya Yachimun-doriTsuboya Yachimun-dori (street) has a history spanning morethan 330 years. Numerous workshops and potteries line thestreet where visitors look for Okinawan Yachimun (pottery)treasures. Tableware and Shisa (lion-dog statues) guardian
deities unique to Okinawa, are popular souvenirs. At
Ikutoen, a renowned pottery with a long history, visitors canparticipate in one-hour long, hands-on pottery making workshop to make themselves a great memento of their travel.
Ikutouen Yachimun Dojo (ceramic workshop)
http://www.ikutouen.com/english

The world of Kumejima Tsumugi
traditional fabrics
Kumejima Tsumugi is a silk woven fabric that local weavers create passionately from thread dyed using naturaldyes made from vegetation that grows indigenously on
Kume Island. Kumejima Tsumugi’s distinctive feature isits smooth, flexible texture. The Japanese government
has designated it an Item of Important Intangible Cultural
Heritage. A shop at the Yuimaru-kan Center exhibits andsells various items made of Kumejima Tsumugi. It also
houses booths where visitors can observe the history
and production processes involved in creating the cloth.
Hands-on demonstration classes where visitors can try theirhand at dyeing and weaving are also available.
Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan
www.kume-tumugi.com

Local goods from central Okinawa
at Gallery Haraiso

Wear the world’s best hemp clothfrom Miyako Island

Gallery Haraiso is a shop displaying and selling products
designed to fit modern lifestyles, with the primary focus on
Okinawan arts and crafts produced in and around the cityof Uruma, in the central part of Okinawa Island. It offersa diverse range of items, from traditional Okinawan wares(such as Yachimun pottery, Ryukyu glass, Bingata stencil-dyed cloth and dyed woven items), to new creations,such as Green Turban shell jewelry. The gallery staff also
provide tourist information to visitors, making it well worth
a visit for those in the Uruma area.

Known as the world’s highest quality hemp cloth,
Miyakojofu is designated a National Important Intangible
Cultural Property. Visitors can take a workshop tour thatshowcases everything from thread making to weaving andtry dyeing a shawl with indigo or other plant dyes. They
can also take a photo wearing a vintage kimono made of
Miyakojofu for a lasting memento.

Gallery Haraiso
http://haraiso.gallery

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Miyakojofu and Indigo Dye Experience
www.plannet4.co.jp/hitotokisampo/

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ART & CRAFT

INTERVIEW

Okinawan Crafts

Dyes and Textiles Communicate Ryukyuan Aesthetic Sense

Ms. Ichiko Yonamine has worked as a curator at the Okinawa Prefectural
Museum & Art Museum for many years and has organized many exhibitionsof Okinawan dyes and textiles. She says that even from a global perspective,
it is rare that there are so many variations to these crafts in such a limited
geographical area. We sat down and interviewed her about many things,
including the charm of cloth from Okinawa, dubbed the “Dye and Textile
Kingdom,” the connoisseur’s ways to enjoy crafts in general, and advice totravelers. Join us in the journey to follow craftwork under the keyword,“The Aesthetic Sense of the Ryukyuan people.”swatches of the textiles from all over the prefecture. We would love you tocome to take a look at them. In a permanent exhibit, there are lacquerwareand ceramics from the Ryukyu Kingdom era to modern times. It’s certainly aplace that would delight you if you like crafts.
Okinawa has many crafts that have a unique style of their own. When you
include the performing arts like Ryukyuan Dance, you see that Ryukyu was acountry that regarded “beauty” as essential.
Yonamine: Speaking of “beauty,” when you look at the patterns on theclothing and lacquerware, the ones from the Ryukyu Kingdom era are often
asymmetrical. In fact, the same can be said about Sanshin (traditional threestringed instrument) and ceramics. The gifts given to the Chinese emperor
and shogun of the Edo shogunate were exceptional items that utilized themost sophisticated techniques of the time. Looking at those, it’s unlikelythat Okinawan craftsmen were technically incapable of making symmetric
designs. Yet, many of the clothes left from the royal family show slight misalignments of the patterns in the backs and the sleeves.

It’s extraordinary that there are so many variations of dyed textiles in this tinyisland country, Ryukyu.
Yonamine: Just on Okinawa Island itself, there are various types of dyed
textiles, including the Bashofu (banana fiber) textile, Yuntanza Hanaui(Hana-ori (float weaving) in Japanese and Hanaui in the Okinawan language) and Chibana Hana-ori. There are also the Ryukyu Kasuri (madewith cotton and hemp threads in the past, but now with silk) produced in
Haebaru (a town in the Shimajiri District of Okinawa Main Island) and the
Shuri-ori (produced mainly in the Shuri area in Naha City). At the sametime, on the remote islands there are Kumejima Tsumugi, Miyakojofu,
Yaeyama-jofu, and the thick Minsa-ori for obi (sashes). Yonaguni Island also
has a form of float weaving. Even on a global scale, it’s rare to be able totravel through production sites with such a rich and wide variety in such ashort amount of time.

So, you are saying that they were technically capable of aligning them, but they
purposely didn’t?
Yonamine: My hypothesis is that they felt like symmetrical things felt too
constrained. I think that the Ryukyuan sense of aesthetics required to have alittle looseness in the things they used.
So, not “Yuru-kawa” (short for “loose (yurui) and cute (kawaii)”), but“Yuru-bi” (“loose” and “beautiful”) (laugh)? That’s innovative!
Yonamine: If you look at the artwork, architecture, dyes, and textiles withthat in mind, your enjoyment will deepen too.

Visiting these sites feels like it would be a journey that will give you a whiff of
Ryukyuan culture.
Yonamine: Nowadays, there are production sites throughout the prefecture. You can learn about the production process and observe actual weaving at places like the Bashofu Hall in Ogimi Village and Yuimaru-kan on
Kumejima. Some of these places also have programs where you can experience parts of the production process. I encourage you to give them a try!

ProfileIchiko Yonamine

That sounds like fun!
Yonamine: Most of these places also sell small items made with the original textiles. We would love you to use them daily to feel how wonderful
Okinawan textiles are. At the Fureai Taiken (Touch-and-Experience) Roomin the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, you can try on areal kimono (traditional dress). Entering the room is free. There are also

Ichiko Yonamine was born on Yonaguni Island andgraduated with a major in Okinawan textiles from the
Department of Fine Arts and Craftworks, Faculty of
Education, University of the Ryukyus. As the Chief
Curator of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art
Museum, she has planned and organized multiple
exhibitions centering on Okinawan textiles.

What to Look for in Okinawan Crafts With Yonamine’s notes

Bingata-zome

Bashofu

Kumejima Tsumugi

Miyakojofu

Yaeyamajofu“The vibrant colors that shine
in Okinawa’s bright sun leave astrong impression. It is a color
sensibility unique to a subtropical zone.” During the Ryukyu
Kingdom era, only people ofa specific class were able towear these.

This is weaved from threads
made from the stalks of a
type of banana tree known as
itobasho. “Now it’s considereda luxury item, but up until acouple of decades ago, every
household had some Bashofu‘belonging to grandma’ tuckedaway somewhere.”

Kumejima Tsumugi is asplash-patterned fabricweaved with silk threads anddyed with natural ingredients.
The classic color combination
is deep black and a color
ranging from brown to yellow.

This is a fabric dyed almost
black and very intense indigo
made by weaving a threadcalled vu made from Ramie
that is dyed with indigo several
times. Another unique point isthat the whole cloth is given
luster and a firm texture.

Linen specialized in the Kasuripattern of plant-based dyes
on a white background, madewith Ramie thread. “In termsof both the ingredients for thedyes and style of exposure, itstrongly evokes a lifestyle thatwas integrated with nature.”

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ART & CRAFT

INTERVIEW

Yachimun

The Love for Traditional “Yachimun” Continues Over Generations

The Okinawan dialect word “Yachimun” means pottery. The Tsuboya
district in Naha is the Yachimun area where potters traditionally lived andworked. The Shimabukuro family is one of the potter families from Tsuboya
and the father, Joei, still operates the Shimabukuro Ceramics Studio there.
His son, Katsushi, founded his own studio on Miyagi Island in Uruma Cityin 2009. We talked with the Tsuboya-native potter father and son duo
about their love for Yachimun, thoughts about pottery techniques, and how
they would like to see their art to develop in the future.

pottery because of the nature of the fire or minerals in the glaze.
Katsushi: The coloring can change not just because of temperature, butalso because of the amount of oxygen in the kiln. There are times I purposely change the flow of air in the kiln to create some change.
Joei: Kilns each have their own peculiarities, so even if I give advice to him,
it wouldn’t matter because our kilns are different. You just have to figureout each kiln’s characteristics on your own. I just fire it from the beginningin an old-fashioned way. I fire it for about 5 hours at around 300 Celsius
and then I gradually raise the temperature. My son fires in his own way.
There will never be two Shisa with the same color.
Katsushi: Depending on the level of concentration of the oxygen, the celadon (ceramics with a blue-green colored glaze) will change to purple, to akind of fuchsia pink, to then whitish, and then to red.
Joei: Gas kilns are like that too, but kilns that cause most discoloration arewhat we call noborigama (connected pottery kilns built on a slope). In
those, you use wood for firing, so you have no idea what the results look
like until you take the pottery out of the kiln and look at it.
Katsushi: As my father says, it might be more interesting to use the noborigama for the Shisa. Eventually, I would like to have a noborigama, too.

Joei, you were certified as a traditional craftsman because the Shisa you makecompletely in the traditional way are held in very high esteem. Is that correct?
Joei: My devotion to the traditional technique is based on the influenceof my teacher and father, Jokei Shimabukuro. In my father’s days, theShimabukuro Ceramics Studio made both dishes and Shisa. I successfully
mastered the techniques of the Shisa making and concentrated on the Shisa
division of the business. I also recommended my son, Katsushi, to go into
making pottery.
Katsushi: Making pottery was the natural choice for me, having grown
up watching my father. I make both dishes and artwork. The attraction ofdishes to me is that using them daily enriches the user’s life. When I want toexpress myself more, I create artwork. I choose what I want to make in a natural way. I think people say that my dishes are modern because of the coloring, but I use traditional techniques like pouring and the two-color methodand don’t really do anything new. I just think that my style has developed
the way it did because of the times we live in and my sensibilities.

I think there are many tourists who would be interested in Shisa as a typicalartifact of Okinawan culture.
Joei: In Naha, there is a “Big (ufu) Shisa” that stands more than threemeters tall in two places – one in front of the Makishi monorail stationand the second one in Tsuboya. We planned to make them when I was theboard chairman of the Tsuboya Ceramics Business Cooperative. When I
see tourists taking photos in front of them, I’m really proud of it. It’s said
that the face of the Shisa starts looking like the Shisa-chukuya, the craftsperson who makes the Shisa, so if someone says to you, “Yankai, kunu Shisa
ya nichossa (This Shisa looks like you),” then you know you’ve become afull-fledged craftsperson. I’m in my 70s now, but I’m hoping I can still be a
Shisa-chukuya for another 10 years or so.
Katsushi: I think my father is doing good work. He makes Shisa, the guardian deity that protects the family’s peace, and that’s a part of Okinawan culture. There are all sorts of potteries in Okinawa now. There are now more
people who are aware of expressing themselves while protecting tradition.
If all kinds of people from all over the world come to Okinawa and become
interested in Shisa and Okinawan pottery in general, we can then startdelivering messages to the world from Okinawa. I want the tradition thatwas born here to continue and keep getting passed on to new generationsof craftsmen. I hope for all of us, including myself, that even more artists
come out who can deliver from and express themselves from Okinawa.

Katsushi, you say that you originally liked white and black, but that you started
changing in 2009 when you opened your own studio on Miyagi Island.
Katsushi: When I came to Miyagi Island, I started seeing the colors ofnature. The green of the sugar cane fields, the color of the sky, and thecolor of the ocean. The rain hits the glass windows of the studio and pours
down and the sun comes out and everything shines. It’s just for a moment,
but it’s pretty. I started expressing the beauty of those colors of nature.
I heard that Katsushi proposed the idea to create something together, like
Katsushi pouring the glaze over the Shisa, which you, Joei, made and fired.
Joei: That’s correct. It resulted in a completely different kind of style fromthe Shisa that I make, but I think that turned out okay.
Katsushi: The face of the Shisa my father makes is powerful. Another thingthat’s interesting is that the color is different every time even if I use thesame glaze.
Joei: The reason you don’t get the same color each time is because of “discoloration” meaning unpredictable color changes that happen when firing

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ProfileProfileJoei Shimabukuro

Katsushi Shimabukuro

Joei Shimabukuro started studying under his father,
Jokei (Shimabukuro Pottery Studio), in 1970. He
specializes in creating Shisa using traditional pottery
techniques and creates all kinds of Shisa, from small
to large and including Men-Shisa, which can be hungon the wall. He is a certified traditional craftsperson.

Katsushi Shimabukuro earned the Master’s degree
in Ceramics at the Okinawa Prefectural University ofArts in 2001 and founded a studio on Miyagi Island in
2009. Opened Tobo Gallery Shimairo (“Pottery Studio
Gallery Island Color”) on Miyagi Island in 2011.
Currently, he is also a lecturer at Okinawa Prefectural
University of Arts.

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HISTORY

The recorded history of the Ryukyus began with the start of trade with Chinathat brought writing and other administrative and cultural skills to the islands.
It was united in 1429 under one government in Shuri, and for the next 200
years, the Ryukyu Kingdom prospered. In 1609 Satsuma clan from Kyushu
conquered the kingdom, and the Meiji government in Japan made the islandsa prefecture in 1879. After WWII, Okinawa came under the administration of
the U.S. that ended in 1972. Through the centuries, Shurijo Castle stood at
the center of the Ryukyus. It was restored after a 30-year effort, but a fireburned main parts of it down in October 2019, and only some facilities
remain currently open at the Shurijo Castle Park.

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Shurijo Castle Park
Management Center announcement

ProfileKurayoshi Takara
Professor Emeritus,University of the Ryukyus
Ph.D. in Literature, History of the Ryukyus

Due to the fire on October 31, 2019 at Shurijo
Seiden, only some facilities are open at the Shurijo
Castle Park. For information on future openings, etc.,
check Shurijo Castle Park’s official website
http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/.

A historian specializing in the history of the Ryukyus,
Dr. Takara has mainly devoted his research to the internal structure of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the historyof its exchanges with Asia. After successive service
in positions at various institutions, he served as a vice
governor from 2013 in the prefectural government
under former Governor Hirokazu Nakaima. Dr. Takara
has also published many books related to the Ryukyus.

Golden Age of Maritime Trade with Asia

Shurijo Castle tells History of Ryukyu Kingdom
There are many castle ruins called gusuku throughout Okinawa, many ofwhich were seats of the political power of regional leaders called aji, whocompeted intensively to expand their sphere of influence. The five castle
ruins registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites—Nakijin, Zakimi,
Katsuren, Nakagusuku, and Shuri—are representing all gusuku.
In 1429, the forces of the Shurijo Castle (Shuri gusuku) unified
Okinawa, giving birth to the Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by a single king.
While governing the Ryukyu Kingdom and the islands from Amami to the
Miyako and Yaeyama Islands, the kingdom prospered as a maritime traderthat promoted active diplomacy and trade with China, Japan, Korea, andSoutheast Asian countries.
In the spring of 1609, the Satsuma forces from the Japanese island of
Kyushu invaded Ryukyu and, with their overwhelming military power, soon
defeated the defenders. The kingdom continued but was under control of
the Satsuma Domain and, by extension, the Tokugawa Shogunate. The newrulers separated the Amami Islands from the kingdom and put them under
the direct control of the Satsuma Domain.
The Ryukyuans tried to create a unique position for the kingdom
planning for a complete renewal of the politics and administration and,at the same time, promoted industry and projects that increased cultural
sophistication. The royal Shuri government managed the projects. For
example, they prepared a special stage on the square (una) of Shurijo
Castle to display the Ryukyu performing arts in the most significant annual
diplomatic event held for the delegates dispatched by the Chinese emperor.
The Ryukyu Mission sent to the Tokugawa Shogunate also exhibited the

Ryukyuan performing arts at the Edojo Castle. The bureaucrats of the royal
Shuri government participated in these performances, seeking to show theircultural sophistication.
Japan, however, racing to become a modern nation-state after the Meiji
Restoration (1868), abolished the Ryukyu Kingdom, turned it into Okinawa
Prefecture, and implemented policies making the area a Japanese territory.
In spring 1879, the Meiji government mobilized the military and police
to pressure the last Ryukyu king to surrender the Shurijo Castle. The
king did not resist and left the castle with his court officials. This incident
marked the end of the 450-year history of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
After Okinawa Prefecture was instated, the Shurijo Castle was sometimes used as military barracks, sometimes as a school, and for some otherpurposes, but the building continued to age. During the Pacific War, theJapanese garrison forces dug a tunnel under the castle and built their headquarters there. Because of it, Shurijo Castle was heavily bombed, resulting
in its destruction. After the end of World War II, the castle ruins became
the University of the Ryukyus campus.
When the University of the Ryukyus moved to a new campus, the project
to rebuild the Shurijo Castle on the ruins began. The reconstruction wascompleted in February 2019 after more than 30 years of sustained effort.
A fire burned the main parts of the castle down to the ground on
October 31, 2019. As a result, only parts of the Shurijo Castle Park are open
to the public.

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The Ryukyu Kingdom actively interacted with other Asian countries fromthe late 14th century through the mid-16th century. Its ships sailed throughout Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and countries in Southeast Asia
(present-day Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam). That time is frequently called the “Ryukyuan Golden Age of Maritime Trade.”
The population of Ryukyu at the time is estimated to have been around80,000 people—a small kingdom, but why was such a small country able
to trade with its Asian neighbors actively? The main reason was the policiesof the new Chinese Ming Dynasty, established in 1368. The Ming Dynasty
only allowed interaction with foreign countries that accepted the authorityof the Chinese emperor and swore loyalty to him. The only partners officially acknowledged as trade partners were the kings who sent delegates tothe emperor and offered tributes. Kings of many Asian countries accepted
this demand and chose to become vassals to the emperor because theywanted to promote trade with the powerful China.
However, the Ming Dynasty did not allow free trade and added restrictions to every country. For instance, Vietnam and Indonesia were allowed
trading only once every three years. To obtain Chinese products, othercountries had to find ways to get Chinese trade ships to come to their ports.
That was difficult, however, because the Ming Dynasty had a strict policy
forbidding the Chinese people going abroad. As a result, the supply ofChinese products to Asia decreased drastically.
There was one country that the Ming Dynasty favored; the emerging
Ryukyu Kingdom, which was allowed to go to China frequently and gained
an opportunity to obtain large volumes of Chinese products.

The Ryukyuan ships sailed to Fuzhou in China every year and brought
Chinese products to Naha. They then took them to Japan, Korea, andSoutheast Asia. After selling the goods, they purchased regional specialties,
brought them back to Naha, and then shipped them to China. Ryukyu acted
as the intermediary trading point between China and the Asian countries.
The King residing in Shurijo Castle managed the business. His officials
would board the ships and sail to their destinations carrying the King’s
message, tributes, and presents. Those ships also carried Chinese people
who lived in Ryukyu, who had left their homeland and acquired licenses toparticipate in businesses the Ryukyu King was operating. The Ryukyu King
thus used the Chinese who had great shipbuilding and sailing skills as theindispensable talent pool.
In 1458, a sentence, “We, the Ryukyu, use boats to act as the bridge for
Asia,” was posted in Shurijo Castle to announce its importance proudly.
The interaction with the Asian countries was not limited to diplomacy
or commercial trade. Various customs and ideas were brought to Ryukyu,
greatly enriching the culture. Awamori, the drink widely consumed in
Okinawa to this day, is made using brewing techniques from Thailand andrefined by the Okinawan climate. Sanshin, a three-stringed instrument
indispensable to Okinawan music, originally came from China and thenevolved here.
By the late 16th century, the Ming Dynasty’s declining power allowed
the Chinese to start sailing abroad again. Portugal and Spain began entering
Asia, and Ryukyu’s golden age of maritime trade came to a close. Since
then, the Ryukyuan ships sailed only to China and Japan.

Culture of Prayer is the Foundation of the Ryukyus
According to a myth, the son of Tentei, the Emperor of Heaven, looked
down on the earth from heaven and saw a small island in the sea. “It’s ablessed place; I will go down and bring prosperity to that island,” he said to
his father and began creating the island of Okinawa. First, he built a sacredsite called utaki.
Another version tells that a pot washed ashore on a beach on
Kudakajima Island. An islander opened the pot and found that it contained
seeds necessary for farming. It was a gift from gods living in Niraikanai*.
Although Mother Nature sometimes brought disasters like typhoons,she also provided seas with vibrant coral reefs around the islands of
Okinawa. The bounties of the sea, like fish, shells, and seaweed, and crops
growing on land, have supported the lives of Okinawan people throughhistory. To express gratitude to the gods, they never forgot to pray at utakis
and join their hands together in prayer toward Niraikanai.
Eventually, leaders called aji appeared, built gusuku (castles) andengaged in battles to vie for becoming the ruler of the whole island of
Okinawa. The forces at Shurijo Castle emerged victorious, leading to theestablishment of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1429, and Shurijo Castle becoming the seat of the king.
However, the Ryukyu Kingdom did not confine itself to the small coral
reef islands. The Ryukyuan people built ships and conducted diplomacy
and trade with China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and countries ofSoutheast Asia (present-day Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam).
Displayed in Shurijo Castle, which was the headquarters of the exchange

business, was the following message: “We are using ships to play the role ofa bridge across Asia.”
While Ryukyuan men traveled beyond the seas, their wives and mothers
prayed at the holy utaki for a safe voyage. In those days, people believedthat women were more spiritual than men and capable of protecting them.
In 2000, nine cultural properties that convey the history of the Ryukyu
Kingdom era to the present day were registered as World Heritage sites.
They are five gusuku, including Shurijo Castle, and four tombs and second
residences, places of worship, and utaki. They are valuable cultural assets,
showing how the Ryukyu Kingdom formed and developed. Many spots at
those sites are dedicated to praying.
For example, within the ruins of Nakijinjo Castle (gusuku), which lostthe competition to the forces of Shurijo Castle, there is a sacred place
to pray for the gods. Sefa-utaki, from where you can get a distant view ofKudakajima Island from where the gods of Niraikanai delivered the grain
seeds, has many utaki. Shurijo Castle has several sacred places, but it was
the women, not the king, who prayed there. The prayers expressing gratitude to the gods is the foundation of the Okinawan culture.
However, there are no idols that represent gods in sacred places. Nature
itself in the form of forests, rocks, and beaches is the place for praying,
where women created images of the power of the gods in their minds.
* Niraikanai is a paradise that exists beyond the ocean from where gods bringabundance and happiness. It also refers to the belief that worshipping ancestors
will lead to peace and prosperity.

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Katsuren-jo Castle site

Shikinaen (Royal Garden)

A place of scenic beauty and varied angles, this castle has a view of the northern mountainous area surrounding Kin Bay, outlying islands of Uruma City to
the north, and Chinen Peninsula, Kudaka island and the Nakagusuku Castle
ruins (Gosamaru’s Castle) to the south. The castle is positioned 60 to 98 meters
above sea level and its limestone walls are seamlessly built into the geographical features surrounding the site.
Address: 3908 Katsurenhaebaru, Uruma-shi, Okinawa

The site features a hybrid of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles with an
Okinawan twist. The garden covers 12,726 tsubo (about 41,997 square meters)
on a hill.
Address: 421-7 Maji, Naha-shi, Okinawa

Nakagusuku-jo Castle site

Sefa-utaki (Sacred site)

The Nakagusuku Castle Ruins are located on a hill 167 meters above
Nakagusuku Bay to the south and the East China Sea to the west. The castle
was ingeniously designed to ﬁt naturally into the surrounding landscape andboasts beautiful curved walls, incorporating three distinct styles of stone pilingwork: “Nozura-zumi” “Nuno-zumi” and “Aikata-zumi.”
Address: 503 Oogusuku, Kitanakagusuku-son, Okinawa

Within the utaki is yohai-jo, which people from far and wide visited to honor
village ancestors and pay homage to Niraikanai, the mythical land of the gods
beyond the sea. Unlike a traditional shrine, no artiﬁcial structures were built at
the utaki’s ibe (center), only objects from nature, such as stones or trees wereused. Women played a key role in much of the Ryukyuan spirituality and men
were not allowed to enter this sacred site.
Address: 539 Chinen-kudeken, Nanjo-shi, Okinawa

Shurijo Castle site (Shurijo Castle Park)

Okinawa’s UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites

The Shurijo Castle, once the royal residence and the seat of the Ryukyuan
government, was also the site of the main administrative organs of the kingdom
and the center for religious rites that were frequently accompanied by entertainment and musical performances for the public. The Seiden hall of the castle
was painted in stunning lacquer, like a huge Ryukyuan lacquer vessel.
In the Battle of Okinawa during WWII, Shurijo Castle was heavily bombedand destroyed. After the end of the war, the castle ruins became the Universityof the Ryukyus campus. After the university moved to Nishihara, the restoration
work at the castle began in 1989 and was completed 30 years later in 2019.
On October 31, 2019, a fire burned Shurijo Seiden down and only somefacilities are open at the Shurijo Castle Park. For information on future openings,
etc., please check Shurijo Castle Park’s official website.
Address: 1-2 Shurikinjo-cho, Naha-shi, Okinawa

A small island with abundant
history and heritage
From the mid-15th century for approximately 450 years, Okinawa
was a kingdom centered on Shurijo Castle. As an independentisland nation with influences from Southeast Asian countries andJapan, the kingdom developed its own culture and beliefs. By
observing castle ruins and architectural style, you can learn about
the historical background of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the wisdomof the Ryukyuan people. “Gusuku Sites and Related Propertiesof the Kingdom of Ryukyu” were registered as UNESCO World
Heritage Sites in 2000.

Shurijo Castle Festival
Early November
A traditional entertainment, parade, and ceremony take place at Shurijo
Castle Park and Kokusai Street in Naha City.

Zakimi-jo Castle site

Nakijin-jo Castle site

Sonohyan-utaki (Sacred site)

Tamaudun (Royal Mausoleum)

Zakimi Castle was built around 1420 during a period of a civil war to track
forces hostile to the king. The castle itself is small, but its stone walls andbeautifully detailed gates – said to be among the ﬁnest of all Okinawa’s castles – are a rare historical benchmark for the high technical skills of the period’s
stoneworkers.
Address: 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan-son, Okinawa

From the Nakijin Castle Ruins, dim outlines of Izena and Iheya islands said tobe the birthplaces of Ryukyu kings, and Yoron Island can be seen on a sunnyday. The castle features 1500 meters of undulating walls built on a gentle slopethat gives the structure a beautiful and graceful appearance, reminiscent of theGreat Wall of China.
Address: 5101 Imadomari, Nakijin-son, Okinawa

The Stone Gate of Sonohyan Utaki was constructed in 1519. It was used as aplace of worship for the royal family. When the king was away, prayers for his
safe journey were offered at the gate. The highest noro priestess, Kikoe-okimi,
is said to have visited this sacred spot after her enthronement. It was also theﬁrst utaki visited on royal pilgrimages.
Address: near 1-7 Shurimawashi, Naha-shi, Okinawa

Tamaudun is a mausoleum of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Carved out of natural bedrock, the tomb consists of three chambers, middle,
west and east. The middle chamber was where the bones of the king and queen
were kept before ritually cleansed and laid to rest in the west chamber. The eastchamber was reserved for other members of the royal family. The site is carpeted with pieces of branch coral, which was believed to purify the grounds.
Address: 1-3 Shurikinjo-cho, Naha-shi, Okinawa

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Island Information

Basics about Okinawa
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the premier resort destinations and the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It consists of 160 small and large islands and the main islandof Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. Okinawa
is the only Prefecture in Japan located in the subtropics
where southeasterly winds in the summer and northeasterly winds in the winter prevail.

Japan

1
3
5

2

Tokyo

Okinawa
Islands

4
1

Okinawa Main Island
2

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
From Naha Airport
about 102km 120minCentral Area
The central area includes Yomitan
Village that is famous for its pottery. Koza in Okinawa City and
Mihama American Village in Chatan
have a strong American influence.
Central Okinawa is the most culturally diverse area in the prefecture.
Okinawa City is known for having
many live houses and being thecenter of rock music in Japan thathas produced several top performers over the years.

＝Port

Naha

Southern Okinawa with its expansive sugarcane fields,
was the site of hard-fought battles during the World War
II. It now has many historic spots and memorials wherea constant stream of visitors travels to pay their respects
and pray for peace. Many of the most sacred sites of the
Ryukyu Kingdom era, Okinawa World theme park andGyokusendo Cave, the longest in Southeast Asia, are all
located in the southern part of Okinawa.

76* Only ferry transportation available.
4 inhabited Islands,
32 uninhabited Islands.

In the northern part of Okinawa,
mountains meet the shoreline. An
evergreen forest covers most of
the area, which is commonly called
Yanbaru. It’s famous for its wildlife
and rare species. The Okinawa
Churaumi Aquarium and several
luxury resort hotels are locatedalong the coasts of the area. Ogimi
Village in northern Okinawa is
known the world over for its residents living the longest healthy lives
in all Japan.

Southern Area
Naha Airport

From Naha
Ferry: 90 min.

Northern Area

[World Heritage Sites]
Shurijo Castle site (Shurijo Castle Park)
Zakimi-jo Castle site
Nakijin-jo Castle site
Katsuren-jo Castle site
Nakagusuku-jo Castle site
Sonohyan-utaki (Sacred site)
Shikinaen (Royal Garden)
Sefa-utaki (Sacred site)
Tamaudun (Royal Mausoleum)

Kerama Islands

The waters surrounding the Kerama
Islands are unrivaled anywhere in
the world for their amazing translucence. Known for the unrivaled
beauty of its sea, the Keramas
attract divers from around the world.

3

ZamamiIslandAka Island
Tokashiki
IslandKume Island

Flight from Naha: 30 min.
Ferry: 180 min.

Hatenohama Beach, known asHate-no-Hama, a 7-kilometer-longsand bar off the coast and Eef
Beach, located on the eastern
coast, are two popular spots ofKume Island. One of the things
to look forward to is seeing the
Kumejima Firefly, a species that can
only be seen on the island.

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Photos courtesy of OCVBIsland Information

4

Miyako Islands

5

Yaeyama Islands

From Naha
Flight: 50 min.

From Naha
Flight: 60 min.

* Only air transportation available.
8 inhabited islands* Only flight transportation available. 12
inhabited Islands: 20 uninhabited islands

Ikema Island

The Yaeyama archipelago is located400 kilometers southwest of themain island of Okinawa. Ishigaki
Island is the gateway to the others
like Taketomi and Iriomote. A wide
variety of activities include leisure on
its beautiful beaches, a jungle trek,
star cruises and more.

Irabu Island
Miyako Island
ShimojiIslandIshigaki Island

Iriomote Island
Taketomi Island

The Miyako Islands offer exquisite
sightseeing spots like the Maehama
Beach, chosen as the most popularbeach in Japan, and several bridges
over the cobalt blue ocean connecting the islands.

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Photos courtesy of OCVBIsland Information

Annual Events
January

February

March

April

May

June

July

AugustBeach openings
Mid-Mar. to early April

The official opening of beach facilities begins late Marchfrom the Yaeyama Islands, the earliest in Japan. All
Okinawan beaches are open for swimming by late April
and the swimming season continues on most beaches
through the end of October.

Flower Island

Shurijo Castle Park
New Year’s
Celebration
The unique New Year celebration
at Shurijo Castle Park includes theappearance of the king and queenin front of the audience and performances of Ryukyu court music anddance. We invite everyone to enjoy
tea and amazake at this colorful anddignified occasion as the Ryukyu
Kingdom starts another year.

Whale Watching

HaariiEvery year hundreds of humpback whales migrate to
the waters just off Okinawa to breed and nurse theircalves. Whales can be observed both from ships
and boats that make daily tours to the area and fromobservation posts on Kerama islands.

Every year, boat races called “haarii” are held
throughout Okinawa as teams of fishermen compete
either in big dragon boats at Naha Haarii or smaller“sabani” at local fishing ports. The Haarii originally
was a festival for praying for the safety of the fishermen and bountiful harvests, and it’s believed that theraces were first held roughly 600 years ago.

Jan. to end of Mar.

OctoberNovember

Ocean EXPO Park Summer Festival

Karate Day

Mid-JulyOct. 25

The biggest annual fireworks in Okinawa
last one hour as magnificent pyrotechnics light the night sky over the Emerald
Beach at the Ocean Expo Park in
Motobu. As the schedule and contents
are subject to change, check the website
for details.

As the birthplace of karate, Okinawa attracts thousands of karate enthusiasts to practice and takepart in tournaments all year round. The prefecturalassembly has declared October 25th as “Karate Day”
with the hope that Okinawan traditional karate willcontinue to develop and contribute to world peace
and the well-being of all people.

1st Saturday of Aug.

Held on the Kokusai Street in
Naha, thousands of Eisa dancers
of all ages fill the street performingin front of tens of thousands ofspectators in a four-hour parade.
General public is also invited to joinin the spectacle.

Harvest Festival
Mid-Oct.

A traditional festival to thank thegods for this year’s harvest of
five grains and pray for healthand bountiful harvest for the next
season. Each island and community have their individual style andtime for the festival. More remoteislands conduct the event in old
traditional style. In the photo, theannual Harvest Festival is held on
Kuroshima in Yaeyama Islands,
which is famous for having 200
residents and a 2,900-head herdof cattle.

May–JunShurijo Castle
Festival

Eisa

Sporting events

Dancers of Eisa, a traditional Okinawan performing art, use Taikodrums to beat the rhythm. The dance is a staple at summer festivals
and was originally performed at Bon festivals on July 12th to 15th ofthe lunar calendar. The bold choreography of the dance, beating of
the drums, and sounds of sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) greatly inspire the Okinawan people.

Numerous sporting events are held in
Okinawa from fall through winter months,
including many uniquely themed marathons and bicycle races. Many professional sports teams hold their annual
training camps in Okinawa taking advantage of the mild weather and excellent
training facilities.

Early Nov.

Shurijo Castle Festival is an event toappreciate the culture of the Ryukyu
Kingdom and watch gorgeous
Ryukyu dance performances cultivated in Shuri Castle. On Kokusai
Street in Naha, a magnificent picture
scroll parade features the king andqueen followed by Chinese envoys
and traditional performing arts
groups. The schedule and contents
are subject to change, please checkthe website for details.

Cherry Blossom Festivals

Naha Great Tug-of-War

Northern Okinawa has long taken pride in having the earliest cherry
blossoms in Japan, although the variety on Okinawa produces pinkflowers instead of white that people in mainland Japan admire. Yaedakein Motobu, Nago City and Nakijin Castle site all organize festivals to celebrate the blossoms with live music, parades and other entertainment plus
plenty of local food and drinks.

Started as a celebratory event around 1450, this tugof-war was reintroduced in 1971 as part of the 50th
anniversary celebration of Naha City, In 1995, theevent was certified as the largest in the world, The
straw rope is 200 meters long and weighs 43 tons.
The event is now a marquee event for Okinawa.

Mid-Jan. to mid-Feb.

*The schedule and contents of the events are subject to chance.

December

10,000 Eisa Parade

The cherry blossoms are not the
only flowers that bloom during
Okinawan winter. Cosmos flowers
are in full bloom from mid-January
to mid-February and over a million white Easter lilies along withhundreds of other varieties grace
the fields on Iejima in early May.
Flowers of all varieties bloom in
Okinawa from January through May
and flower-themed events are held
throughout the prefecture.

Jan. 1– 2

September

Mid-Oct.

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Photos courtesy of OCVBIsland Information

Facts about Okinawa
Transportation

Okinawa Prefecture consists of 160 islands stretching
400 kilometers north to south and 1,000 kilometers east
to west between the Pacific Ocean and the East China
Sea. 49 of the islands are inhabited. The chain is known
as the Ryukyu Islands.

Although a rental car is the recommended means of getting aroundon Okinawa’s main island, tourists who don’t have a driver’s license
will find public transportation by bus, taxi, or monorail a useful andsafe way to access the sightseeing spots. Guided bus tours arealso available. During bus trips to destinations, tour guides entertain passengers with fun activities, local stories, and information.
A sightseeing taxi, which will take you anywhere you’d like, is thebest way for the first-time or individual visitors. A warmhearted andMajor flight routes
connecting Okinawa

Monorail (Yui Rail)

South
Korea

Beijing Tianjin
JAPAN
Seoul Daegu Centrair
Busan (Chubu) Haneda / Narita (Tokyo)
FukuokaNanjingKansai / Itami (Osaka)

Shanghai

HangZhouTaipeiTaichung
Hong Kong

Bus

Starting from the airport, the Yui Rail travels only through Naha and Urasoe, but it’s
ideal for reaching the Shurijo Castle, Kokusai Street, and Omoromachi areas.

Shinchitose (Hokkaido)

CHINA

friendly driver with intimate knowledge of the island will show you
the very best of Okinawa. The monorail system, Yui Rail, which runs
about 17 kilometers between Naha Airport and Tedako-Uranishi
Station in about 40 minutes, provides convenient access to popular
attractions in Naha. Yui Rail’s Shuri Station is a 15 to 20-minute
walk from Shurijo Castle while Kokusai Street is serviced by two
stops, one at each end of the street.

Bus Tour Reservations or Inquiries

Okinawa Bus

https://www.yui-rail.co.jp/en/

Tel.098-862-6737 | http://okinawabus.com/enNaha Bus

Taxi

Tel.098-868-3750 | https://nahabus.com/
Airport Limousine Bus

Sightseeing Taxi Reservation or Inquiries

http://okinawabus.com/en/ls/

Okinawa Prefecture Hire Taxi Association

Limousine buses provide transport from the airport to hotels while tour buses provide efficient transportation to the main tourist sites. It’s best to reserve a seat inadvance for limousine and tour buses for a smooth process.

TEL.098-831-9007 | http://www.oki-taxi.or.jp

All Japan Kojin Taxi Cooperative Association
Okinawa Branch

Okinawa Airport Shuttle

TEL.098-850-5151 | http://www.kojin-taxi.or.jp/area/okinawa/

Naha

https://www.okinawa-shuttle.co.jp/en/
A regular bus service that starts from Naha Airport and passes through all the mainsightseeing areas in the prefecture, such as Onna Village, Nago City, and Motobu
Town. The bus starting from Naha City is called the “Resort Liner,” while that starting from Motobu Town is called the “Airport Liner.”BicycleShimojishima (Miyako) *Miyako (Miyako)
Ishigaki

Yanbaru Express Bus

Bicycle Share Service ChurachariKaohsiung
Shinchitose (Hokkaido)[3 hours and 55 minutes]

Haneda / Narita (Tokyo)[3 hours]

https://docomo-cycle.jp/churachari/en.html

http://yanbaru-expressbus.com/en

Churachari is a bicycle rental service, from which customers can rent power-assisted bicycles at multiple Churachari stations at designated hotels and post offices
in Naha City and return them at the nearest available station. After filling in a membership registration form on the website, bicycles can be rented with a 1-day passor by the hour.

A general transit bus line that starts from the Naha Airport, passes through the
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and continues to the Unten Port in Nakijin Village from
where there is a regular ferry service to Izena and Iheya islands. The bus travels on
the Okinawa Expressway from central Okinawa to northern Okinawa.

Multilingual Contact Center

Climate of Okinawa

The Multilingual Contact Center is a public service provided by
Okinawa Prefecture for international visitors. This center provides
interpretation services, travel information, and other support incase of emergencies. The tourists can obtain assistance via phone,email or Skype in English, Chinese (simplified or traditional), Korean,
and Thai.

Okinawa’s climate is significantly different from mainland Japan.
Okinawa’s long summer begins in April and ends in November
giving visitors almost half a year to enjoy marine leisure activities.
The average annual temperature is 22.7°C and even the coldest
temperatures are around 15°C in January and February, the chilliest
months of the year.

TaipeiBangkok[1 hour and 30 minutes]

Shanghai[2 hours]

Beijing[3 hours and 30 minutes]

Hong Kong[2 hours and 30 minutes]

Seoul

Singapore[2 hours and 30 minutes]*The service is free, but phone charges will apply.
*The service is only available in Okinawa.

Seasonal Changes

Bangkok

The annual rainy season starts in May and runs through the second
half of June, but once it ends, the weather gets hot and sunny.
The peak of summer is in August and September, but it’s also
the typhoon season. From November, the weather begins to cool
down, and January and February sometimes have strong winds
before it again gets warmer from March.

[4 hours and 30 minutes]

Singapore[5 hours]* Direct Shimojijima–Hong Kong flights:
3 round trips/week Mar. 29–Oct. 23

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Office Hours: 9:00 – 21:00

English: 0570-077201
Chinese: 0570-077202

source: Okinawa Inbound Net

Korean: 0570-077203
Thai: 0570-077207

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Island Information

Where to find information
Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB)
TEL.098-859-6123 | https://www.visitokinawa.jp/

There are several visitor information centers and sightseeing associations providing helpful travel information on accommodations,transportation, sightseeing spots and events on the island. At the
Naha City Tourist Information located in central Naha on Kokusai
Street, visitors can get free brochures with coupons and purchasea one-day unlimited ticket for Yui Rail (Okinawa Monorail). They also
provide a service to temporarily store your luggage and belongings.
Tourism associations on all major islands within the prefecture
maintain similar visitor information centers. At these local centers,
visitors can find ideas on where to stay and the most interesting
things to do in specific areas. At Haisai Plaza, located at the Ocean
Expo Park, home of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the visitor
information center has a café, where visitors can plan their itinerary
in a comfortable atmosphere.

Naha City Tourist Information
TEL.098-868-4887 | https://www.naha-navi.or.jp/en/

Ocean Expo Park Visitor Information Center(Haisai Plaza)
TEL.0980-48-2741 | https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/en/inst/78/141
source: https://www.okinawastory.jp

Be.Okinawa Website

http://beokinawa.jp/guide

https://visitokinawa.jp

Be Okinawa website offers new ways to enjoy
Okinawa with the travel themes of Trend, Premium
and Relax. Be sure to check out the latest usefultravel information.

Information on everything from sightseeing spots
and locations to transportation services is provided in nine languages. Helpful tips on Okinawan
history and culture are also available.

Naha Airport Visitor Information CenterFree Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Domestic Terminal 1F, International Terminal
Tel. 098-857-6884 | Hours: 9:00 – 21:00 | Open 7 days a week
Tel. 098-859-0742 | Hours: 9:00 – 21:00 | Open 7 days a week

Free Wi-Fi service provided
by Okinawa Prefecture.

Okinawa Tourist Information Center

Wi-Fi service general information

Izumizaki 1-20-6, Naha City, Okinawa
Tel. 098-953-8271 | Hours: 9:00 – 21:00 | Open 7 days a week

English / Korean:
https://www.okinawastory.jp/documents/wi-fi/english-korea.pdf
Chinese:https://www.okinawastory.jp/documents/wi-fi/kantai-hantai.pdf

Issued in January 2020. Published by Okinawa
Prefectural Government. The information contained in this guide was true and accurate at thetime of publication (December 2019). The publishers take no responsibility for any inaccuracy.

Map of Free Wi-Fi Spots
http://be.okinawa.free.wifi.okinawaclip.com/map_wifi/
source: https://www.okinawastory.jp

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沖縄県