Okinawa is the southmost prefecture of Japan. Okinawa consists of nearly 150 islands, which are scattered in a wide area (over 350 miles long).
Okinawa Islands
The population is about 1.27 million in the whole prefecture. The climate is subtropical with an average temperature of 70 degrees F year around. During June to October, many typhoons pass over Okinawa. Please refer to the Average Weather for Naha, Okinawa.
Unlike other parts of Japan, Okinawa has its own, separate history. Okinawa was a independent kingdom called Ryukyu in the 15th century. After the Satsuma (Kagoshima) of Kyushu, Japan, invaded Ryukyu in 1609, Ryukyu came under the power of China and Satsuma. In order to build a modern nation, and under Europe's influence, Japan integrated the Ryukyu in its society and changed the name of the islands to Okinawa prefecture in 1879. During World War II, ground battles were carried out involving civilians in Okinawa. From 1945 Okinawa was under the control of the US Military until 1972. Okinawa is still occupied by many US military bases.
Although there have been struggles between Okinawa residents and the Japanese government, Okinawa conserves its unique traditions from the Ryukyu kingdom, including the language, arts, and music.
The largest island is Okinawa island, where the capital city, Naha is located. It takes two and half hours from Tokyo, two hours from Osaka, and one hour from Kagoshima to fly to Okinawa Naha Airport.
Okinawa Island Attractions:
- Shuri-jo Castle Park - It's a symbol of Okinawa. You can take a picture, wearing the traditional Okinawa costume here.
- Okinawa World - It's a theme park consists of a large cave, a snake park, and more.
- Himeyuri Peace Museum - Many travelers visit here to pray for peace.
- Okinawa Ocean Expo Park
- International Street - It's the main street in Naha-city. On the one mile street, there are many souvenir shops, department stores, clothing stores, hotels, and restaurants.
