​Rich subtropical nature, illustrious history of the Ryukyu Kingdom unique culture- performing arts and World Cultural heritage sites, warm hospitality, beautiful coastline and natural environment as well as variety of healthy cuisines. Okinawa sits between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Seas embraced with diversity and variety of nature, marine creature, richness of historical and culture heritage. Okinawa Prefecture covered the Southern half of Ryukyu archipelago stretches between Kyushu and Taiwan with 160 islands studded over wide ocean areas but only 49 are inhabited

Naha city, is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. It is the center of politic, economy and culture of Okinawa. Traced back its history of origin. Ryukyu Kingdom was an independent monarchy reigned for 450 years. It traded with China and East Asia and subsequently developed its own unique culture. The splendor of the Ryukyu Kingdom is symbolized by Shurijo Castle which is a World Cultural Heritage. Visitors can learn its history through the variety of events held yearly that revived ancient festival and ceremonies.

FOUR MAIN ISLANDS in OKINAWA

1. Southern areas-Surrounding of Mabuni in Itoman City was specified as the Okinawa Battle Site Park for visitors praying for peace.

2. Central area is Theme Park and world heritage sites for marine leisure activities as well as an US military base, an Americanized town

3. West Coast area-Coastline of Onna Village is popular marine resort zone. Beach lovers and divers can enjoy marine leisure activities on the bluff and white sandy beaches. Locals are proud of their unpolluted, wonderful long stretched beaches which is popularly known as oriental Hawaii. I was welcomed by General Manager in Hawaiian dressed in of hotels and resorts and even in Gala Dinner event. 

4. North areas-Forest inhabited by indigenous creatures.

Kerama Island boasts bountiful, dense coral reefs stretching and inhabiting in clear sea which was designed the 31^st National Park on 05 Mar 2014. The South East Botanical Garden with a theme of tropical plants are famous attraction. There are many indigenous and invaluable creatures in Yanbaru Water Rails, Pryers Woodpeckers etc., active in the evergreen forest of broadleaf trees. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu Peninsula is one of largest aquariums in the world. Other islands are Kume Island and Miyako Island etc,.Yabiji is the largest coral reef in Japan is highly featured.

LIFESTYLE

Okinawa is the longest-living people city in Japan, the nation with highest healthy life expectancy-Ogimi Village where people live longer are probably due to healthy diet habit such as less meat & salt but plenty of sea food & vegetables, tofu and also relaxing lifestyle with happiness as well as desire for peace

CULTURE AND EVENTS / TRADITONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS /ACTIVITIES

Rich culture consist of traditional festival ie all-Okinawa Eisa Festival –Epic Elsa is Bon Dance praying for good health and well-being of families. Traditional Ryukyuan Dance, classical music drama ie Kumiodori. Sport event-ie Naha Marathon. Crafts ie Pottery is called "Yachi mun", Dyed and Woven Textiles and Ryukyu Glassware are favorited by visitors. A wide range of resorts in Okinawa exclusively provide international golfers who can play golf while enjoying a brisk sea breeze or a stunning ocean views.

VARIERTY OF CUISINES OF COUNTRIES

You can taste and enjoy Japanese, Western, Chinese, Korean and local Okinawa cuisine. There are South East Asia and South American Restaurants too. Okinawa cuisine is recommended for longevity and good health and its dishes are influenced by Chinese and Japanese cuisine culture. You may wish to try out "Uchinanchu". Price is reasonable for visitors.

OKINAWA MICE TRADE SHOW

Okinawa government has taken steps to actively promote MICE tourism in which Marine Tourism is highlighted. Tourism policy makers has made efforts to recover existing coral reef by controlling carbon dioxide, preventing sea acidification and protecting coral damaged by leisure swimmers. The Trade Show was well attended by many international host buyers and exhibitors and it has more or less achieved its mission for Sustainable Tourism supported by attendees of countries. Okinawa is a one of the perfect MICE destinations in islands for host buyers and host exhibitors for small to large exhibition, business meeting and convention  which will enrich them with extraordinary experiences. It provides a wide range of culinary options for MICE event

TRAVELLERS 'INFORMATION

Yen is used in Japan. Many locals speak Japanese, staff in hospitality are able to a simple English. Convenience stores are available in the main roads and operated in 24 hours, local products are cheaper than Tokyo and Osaka.Toilets are available in department stores, shopping centers. Average temperature is around 16'C even in midwinter in subtropical climate. Okinawa with a mild weather throughout the years and surrounded by beautiful coral reef seas is one of the best diving place loved by international divers.

VIEWS AND COMMENT

Okinawa government, together with stakeholders and community group have actively promoted eco-tourism and emphasized on a Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) to restore world treasure-Coral Reef and perverse fauna and flora of nature for sustainable tourism. Locals are cultivated to live with nature and human being harmoniously and inspired them with strong desires for peace. They are polite, kind and adopted positive attitude toward international visitors. They live longer partly because they well manage their own healthcare, dietary habit and happy lifestyle.

I was an invited host buyer by Japan Tourism Office to attend MICE Trade Show held in Okinawa. It not only provided me with a platform of networking to meet and know many industry experts who motivated me to care more for nature, protect more for marine life and inspired me with a passion to support more for ecosystem in additional to a memorable, exciting experience which I had during my short trip in Okinawa.

For more details, please visit website: www.visitokinawa.jp

• When to go
• Before you go
• How to get there
• What to speak
• What to spend (and tip)
• What to know

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