Why Okinawa?
Okinawa is known as one of the "islands of longevity."
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. It comprises more than 160 inhabited and uninhabited islands, with a combined area of over 2,000 square kilometers. The population is around 1.4 million. The prefectural capital, Naha, is located on Okinawa’s main island. It’s also the economic and cultural capital, and the most populous area of the islands. Naha’s Shuri area was the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, an independent country that flourished as a trading hub before becoming part of Japan in 1879.
The islands of Okinawa are one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” areas where a population has a life expectancy much higher than the global average. There are many factors that are thought to support the longevity of Okinawans; especially the subtropical marine climate of the islands, which is warm and stable year round; its diverse environment, from beautiful seasides to lush forests, stony karsts, and other natural features; the healthy eating habits and mindset born from island culture.
ATTRACTIONS
Places to visit in Okinawa
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is part of Ocean Expo Park and is considered one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world. Its tanks are massive enough to hold whale sharks.
Address:
424 Ishikawa Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun 905-0206 Okinawa Prefecture
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Renowned for its expansive and diverse marine life exhibits, this aquarium offers a unique glimpse into the aquatic wonders of the Pacific.
Okinawa Pineapple Park
Nago Pineapple Park is Japan's first pineapple winery.
Address:
1195 Biimata, Nago, Okinawa 905-0005, Japan
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visitors from children to adults can enjoy a free 10-minute tour through the tropical gardens and fields filled with pineapples and palm trees on a pineapple cart.
Okinawa Cave
Gyokusendo is a five-kilometer-long limestone cave formed hundreds of thousands of years ago. The stalactites and stalagmites in the cave grow 1 millimeter every three years – considerably faster than those found in other prefectures. The secret to their speed is said to be Okinawa’s subtropical climate.
Address:
479-1 Ishikawa Kadekaru, Uruma, Okinawa 904-1114, Japan
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Along the 200-meter-long exciting route, you can see numerous stalactites formed over tens of thousands of years!