HAWAII OF JAPAN
OKINAWA
OKINAWA PREFECTURE CONSISTS OF 160 ISLANDS, 49 ARE INHABITED REMOTE ISLANDS. IT KNOWN AS THE RYUKYU ISLANDS. IT IS NAMED AFTER THE NATIVE CULTURE, WHICH IS DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE REST OF JAPAN IN TERMS OF LANGUAGE, ARTS AND CULTURE.
A GATEWAY TO THE RYUKYU KINGDOM, OKINAWA MAIN ISLAND IS BY FAR THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULOUS ISLAND IN OKINAWA PREFECTURE. ITS CAPITAL IS NAHA AND IT IS CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOPED FOR TOURISM AND COMMERCE.
BUSTLING WITH PEOPLE AND CULTURES ACROSS JAPAN AND AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS WARM AND HAS THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUBTROPICAL ISLAND. LIFE IS A LITTLE SLOWER HERE WHERE THE BEACHES AND CORAL REEFS ABOUNDS, HENCE IT IS MOST OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE HAWAII OF JAPAN!
WHILE MUCH OF THE CENTRAL PART OF OKINAWA HONTO IS URBANIZED, THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE ISLAND IS LESS DENSELY POPULATED AND THE NORTHERNMOST PART REMAINS COVERED BY FORESTED HILLS AND SMALL FISHING AND FARMING VILLAGES.
TOWARDS THE END OF WORLD WAR II , OKINAWA BECAME THE STAGE OF A FIERCE GROUND BATTLES, WHEN AMERICAN TROOPS INVADED THE ISLANDS. OKINAWA REMAINED UNDER US ADMINISTRATION UNTIL 1972 WHILE SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF US MILITARY MEMBERS REMAIN STATIONED ON THE CONTROVERSIAL US MILITARY BASES ON OKINAWA MAIN ISLAND.
RECENTLY, ONE FASCINATION ABOUT OKINAWA IS THE LONGER LIFE SPAN OF ITS PEOPLE PARTICULARLY WOMEN. THEY LIVE LONGER THAN ANY WOMEN ON THE PLANET ! SO OKINAWA CAME TO BE KNOWN AS THE LAND OF THE IMMORTALS !
TODAY, DESPITE BEING HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THE USA, OKINAWA OFFERS A TRAVEL EXPERIENCE YOU WON’T FIND ON THE MAINLAND!
PORT GUIDE
PORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION
Your Okinawa, Japan cruise ship will dock in Naha, the capital city of the Okinawa prefecture. The port is some 600km southwest of mainland Japan in the middle of the East China Sea. At the terminal, there’s free wifi, you can exhange some cash from the nearby ATM, or ask for help or recommendations at the tourism information desk.
Naha Port is one of the major ports of call in Japan for international cruise ships.
In Okinawa, there’s endless options to explore and you’ll find a fascinating mix of Shinto shrines and landmarks dating back to the 14th century, like Shurijo Castle and the traditional Shikinaen Garden. Or, take an afternoon excursion to the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, which is perfectly preserved as it was last left, before enjoying a reflective walk along the Okinawa Peace Park. One of the must-visit places in Naha is Kokusai-dori Street (International Street). It is about a 20-minute walk from Nara Cruise Terminal, and lined with souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants.
The port is continuously developed as a gateway of tourism and commerce by sea and has a tourist information.
The nearest to the cruise terminal train station (Kencho-mae) is at 15-min walking distance.
Maps are provided at the Tourist Information counter.
TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS FOR CRUISES TO NAHA
OKINAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM AND ART MUSEUM -If you are a culture lover, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum should be the first sightseeing stop. Here, you can see the region’s best contemporary art and exhibits dedicated to the history of the city.
Believed to provide protection, Shisa, also known as shi-shi ("lion") in the local language, are found everywhere in Okinawa.
SHURIJO CASTLE - The rebuilt Shuri Castle is one of the finest Okinawan castles and among Naha's most important historical sites. Shurijo was the residential castle for the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the center of politics for roughly 450 years, from 1429, when the Ryukyu Kingdom was established, to 1879, when Okinawa became a prefecture of Japan.
The castle provides an experience that shows proof of the prosperity of the Ryukyu Kingdom. With its series of underground tunnels, it served as a command post for the Japanese military during WW2 (1939-1945). The castle was destroyed at the end of the war (in 1945) by the US forces.
Shuri Castle is reconstructed and registered as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as a part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.” Sadly, it was heavily damaged from a fire last october 31, 2019 and is now under reconstruction.
A fire in October 31, 2019 heavily damaged several buildings, the central government aims to have the main structure rebuilt by 2026.
SHIKINAEN GARDEN - Tour another incredible UNESCO World Heritage site at Shikina-en Garden. It’s a former second royal residence used as a retreat to entertain royal families as well as envoys from the Chinese Emperor.
Enjoy the varied scenery where a traditional Japanese garden still blooms beautifully. Nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts will appreciate the garden both as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Worl;d heriatge Site.
There is a pond and the buildings have the architecture mixing Okinawa and China at Shikina-en.
TSUBUYA POTTERY MUSEUM -Professional pottery making in Okinawa began at the Wakuta kiln, where Korean potters were invited from Satsuma. The Ryukyu royal government combined the kilns of "Chibana," "Takaraguchi," and "Wakuta" to form Tsuboya Yachimun-dori (Tsuboya Pottery Street). The street is the birthplace of the typical pottery of Okianawa, Tsuboya-yaki. Traditional pottery including "shisa" (traditional Ryukyuan decoration), vases, and plates for daily use are made on this street. You can visit the kilns located along the street and try making your own pieces at the pottery studios.
The Tsuboya Pottery District is located about 400 meters south of Kokusaidori Street in central Naha.
TAMAUDUN ROYAL MAUSELEUM - This dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site is the tomb of a king dating back to 1501. Take in the splendor of the mausoleum, carved into and built on a hill in Okinawa, which is truly fitting for a king.
VALLEY OF GANGALA - Take a guided tour of this stunning valley before heading to the nearby Okinawa World on your Okinawa, Japan cruise. It’s a forest that grew with the collapse of a limestone cave. If you’re looking for nature unlike anywhere else in the world, Okinawa has it.
GET OUT OF TOWN
OKINAWA WORLD - is a big theme park at the southern end of the main island that focuses on Okinawan traditional culture. The park's main attractions are a massive natural cave, called Gyokusendo. The cave are open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. There’s a reproduction of a typical village and traditional dance performances
PEACE MEMORIAL PARK - The Battle of Okinawa, which began 75 years ago, was the last major battle of World War II — and the bloodiest of the Pacific campaign. The worst fighting of the battle took place in the south, and that is where some of the larger monuments have been constructed. Its main attraction is the Peace Memorial Museum, which gives a sobering overview of the lead up to the battle, the battle itself and the reconstruction of Okinawa.
OKINAWA PREFECTURAL PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - It was established on June 11, 1975. The Cornerstone of Peace, a monument similar to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is located here.
HIMEYURI MONUMENT /HIMEYURI PEACE MUSEUM - The Himeyuri Monument was constructed here in memory of about 200 schoolgirls mobilized as nurse assistants and teachers who served as nurses for the Japanese Army and who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
PEACE MEMORIAL PARK - Take bus number 89 from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Bus Terminal, 60 minutes, 580 yen, departures every 10 minutes, transfer to bus number 82 and get off at Heiwakinendō-iriguchi, 20 minutes, 480 yen, departures every 1-2 hours). By car, it takes about 50 minutes from central Naha.
HIMEYURI MONUMENT - Take bus number 89 from Naha Bus Terminal to Itoman Terminal , 60 minutes, 580 yen, departures every 10 minutes, transfer to bus number 82, 107 or 108 and get off at Himeyuri-no-tō-mae, 20 minutes, 330 yen, 1-2 buses/hour). By car, it takes about 45 minutes from central Naha.
FORMER NAVY UNDERGROUND HEADQUARTERS - From the Naha Bus Terminal/Asahibashi, take bus number 55 or 98 to Tomigusuku Minami, 15 minutes, 260 yen, 3-5 buses/hour) from where the Former Navy Underground Headquarters are a ten minute walk up the hill. By car, they can be reached in about 10-15 minutes from central Naha or Naha Airport.
HOURS AND FEES
PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
HOURS 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
CLOSED December 29 to January 3 and occasional irregular closures
ADMISSION 300 yen
TYPICAL VISIT DURATION 60-90 minutes (museum only; covering the entire park takes over 2 hours)
HIMEYURI MONUMENT AND HIMEYURI PEACE MUSUM
HOURS 9:00 to 17:25 (entry until 17:00)
CLOSED No closing days March 22, 2021 to April 11, 2021 for renovations
ADMISSION 310 yen (450 yen from April 12, 2021)
TYPICAL VISIT DURATION 30-45 minutes
FORMER NAVY UNDERGROUND HEADQUARTERS
HOURS 8:30 to 17:00 (until 17:30 from July to September)
CLOSED No closing days
ADMISISON 450 yen
TYPICAL VISIT DURATION 30-45 minutes
THINGS TO DO
CHURAUMI AQUARIUM -On your Okinawa, Japan cruise, you and the entire family will love this huge aquarium. Rated as Japan’s best aquarium. The largest aquarium tank in the entire world is here, plus hundreds of species of tropical fish, coral, manta rays, and more
GO SCUBA DIVING - Okinawa is one of the best diving spots in the world with pristine coral reefs, lush coral gardens, and huge schools of fish.
MAKISHI PUBLIC MARKET - Foodies have to check out Makishi Public Market, a shopping area dedicated entirely to the freshest seafood and fruits in all of Okinawa. Live like a local and stroll through the market on the way to dinner and interact with the shopkeepers as you go.
TRANSPORTATION IN OKINAWA
Many tourists take taxis or rent a car to get around on their own. It’s about a five to ten-minute taxi ride from the cruise port to the center of Naha, and it’s relatively easy to hail a cab from the cruise terminal. There’s also a monorail from Kenchomae Station which is a short walk from the pier. When cruise ships come into port, there tend to be free shuttles to downtown Okinawa.
WHAT TO EAT
Local Okinawan dishes are famous for being unique among the cuisine of the many prefectures of Japan due to differences in culture, historical contact between other regions, climate, vegetables and other ingredients.
In Okinawa, you’ll find that the highest quality sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes rule the day in Okinawa. Freshness is the key quality of all the food here, especially at the tropical fruit shops that sell passionfruit and mango. After all, the cuisine here just might help you live longer, if you believe local legend.
Okinawans unique diet and lifestyle are credited with giving them some of the longest lifespans on the planet.
IRABU SOUP - Dishes prepared with irabu (smoked sea snake) is also available for culinary adventurers. Since local dishes vary by district, an eating tour of the island is highly recommended.
Irabu Sea Snake Soup is a local specialty throughout Okinawa.
Irabu soup was a dish in Ryukyuan palace cuisine that was reserved for special occasions. Irabu soup is prepared by simmering irabu, or sea snake, with its skin in kombu (kelp) broth for hours. The skin can easily be removed as you eat. Despite its unusual appearance, irabu’s simple flavor is reminiscent of white fish meat. Irabu soup is a tonic type of food.
A popular champuru stir fry dish made with vibrant green bitter melon, tofu, pork belly, and egg.
CHAMPURU - Okinawan culture can be defined in one word: champuru. The actual meaning of champuru is “to mix together.” Champuru is also the generic name for Okinawan stir-fried dishes. A champuru is usually named for its main ingredient, e.g., goya champuru and tofu champuru, although it can contain several different elements. Champuru, traditionally cooked with konbu or bonito broth and lightly seasoned with salt, is truly a taste of Okinawan home cooking. Just as people have various ways of thinking, each person has his or her own special champuru recipe.
Bonito broth base soup.
Champuru culture can also be seen in other food scenes in Okinawa. Canned pork luncheon meat, taco rice, steak and roast chicken, which all reflect the influences of American and/or Latin American cuisines, together make up the fascinating and unique food culture of Okinawa.
Onigiri made with pork (luncheon meat) is greatly loved in Okinawa.
PORK DISHES- In Okinawa, just about every part of the pig is used for food except for its squeal. In fact, Okinawan cuisine cannot be discussed without pork, which is an essential ingredient for a number of home cooking dishes.
Very popular and famous Okinawan dish, braised pork belly in soy sauce.
Rafute, slowly braised pork belly in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce and awamori until fork-tender; salted pork belly locally known as suchika; thin slices of pig's ear called mimiga; and tebichi, or simmered pig's feet, are some of the most widely enjoyed pork dishes in Okinawa.
The food of Okinawa is very much a meat-based cuisine, and pork is the most popular.
SOBA - Okinawa soba is the best loved noodle dish on the island, and every Okinawan has a favorite soba place. Characterized by noodles with a silky smooth texture, Okinawa soba is perfect for a hot summer’s day. Typically Okinawa soba uses thick noodles and is served in a bowl of clear, hot broth, made by simmering dried bonito flakes, pork bones and pork pieces for hours and carefully skimming off the scum.
Okinawa Soba is a combination of pork broth and katsuo dashi, filled with stewed pork belly slices, a few slices of fish cake, chopped green onion.
SUSHI AND SASHIMI - At sushi restaurants you can enjoy standard Japanese fare including fresh sashimi. Dishes of the day are recommended for those who want to enjoy freshly caught seafood of the season.
Okinawans eat fish, meat, dairy, and grains like rice in much smaller amounts.
ISHIGAKI BEEF - a finely marbled and tender type of Okinawan beef -- and the Okinawan premium pork brand, aguu, are among the most popular gourmet meats Okinawa has to offer. Aguu is both delicious and rich in nutritents and is lower in cholesterol while containing 3.5 times more glutamic acid (a type of amino acid that gives it a rich flavor) and twice as much essential amino acid than regular pork. Although aguu pork is slightly more expensive than other types of pork, nonetheless it's widely enjoyed as teppanyaki, steak and shabu-shabu by both local Okinawans and tourists: Its taste is definitely worth the price.
Ishigaki beef is a beautiful beef with pink meat and white fat running though it.
BENIIMO CROQUETTE - Deep fried purple sweet potato with bread crumbs.
Made from a filling of purple Okinawan sweet potatoes.
AWAMORI is to Okinawa as soju is to Korea. Awamori is a type of shochu -- a Japanese liquor made from barley, sweet potatoes or rice -- and it is an indispensable element of traditional rituals and everyday life in Okinawa.
This Okinawan liquor is produced using fermented rice malt made from steamed rice and black koji mold, and it is this black koji mold that gives awamori its distinctive and pleasing aroma.
You have to try the local alcohol during your stay in Okinawa.
SHOPPING- WHERE TO BUY
KOKUSAI STREET - The better shopping in the Naha and Okinawa area is busy Kokusai Street, selling everything from souvenirs, clothing, shoes, surfing gear, awamori, Ryukyu glass, pottery, Cuban cigars and more.
It’s also only a 15 -minute walk from the pier. Kokusaidōri, literally "International Road") is Naha's main street, stretching for roughly two kilometers through downtown Naha. Shopping, cafes, bars, and restaurants are concentrated along a mile-long drag called International Road. Enjoy clothing from the boutiques or take a leisurely tea break when you get tired of shopping.
The main entertainment strip in Naha with souvenir shops as well as eating and drinking establishments lining both sides of the street.
HEIWA- DORI - If you are looking for even more shopping opportunities, venture into the colorful Heiwadori, Mutsumidori and Ichiba Hondori covered shopping arcades that branch off from Kokusaidori around the intersection with Okieidori, halfway along the street. The shops in the arcade are smaller than those along Kokusaidori, and are often made up of just a small booth and a single shop owner. Here is where you can buy some of the freshest food in Naha Okinawa.
These shopping arcades have scores of stores and stands selling shirts and dresses, sweets and fruit.
Further down the shopping arcades away from Kokusaidori, the atmosphere becomes less touristy as souvenir shops give way to establishments catering more to locals. In addition to a variety of bars, eateries and clothing and hardware shops, there are a selection of fruit shops purveying tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangos and passionfruit. Throughout the shopping arcades, establishments vary in their hours, with some bars and eateries open well into the night.
Makishi Public Market with vendors selling an array of meat and seafood as well as inexpensive dry good and traditional food.
MAKISHI - Public Market with vendors selling an array of meat and seafood as well as inexpensive dry goods such as household items. Know as "the kitchen of Okinawa", This famous Naha market started as a black market after WW2. Now there are more than 400 shops on the main floor. You can buy many of Okinawa’s traditional foods like dried sea snake, kombu seeweeds and fresh fruit and vegetables.
LOCAL CURRENCY AND TIPPING CUSTOMS
Tipping isn’t customary in Japan, particularly tipping your tour guide, taxi driver, or restaurant waitstaff. The official Japanese currency is the yen, and the best way to get around financially in Japan is to take out cash rather than rely on a credit card. Many credit cards aren’t accepted here, and cash is still king in Japanese culture.