Okinawa
Okinawa Prefecture
Japanese prefecture
Okinawa is a Japanese prefecture comprising more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland. It’s known for its tropical climate, broad beaches and coral reefs, as well as World War II sites. On the largest island (also named Okinawa) is Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating a massive 1945 Allied invasion, and Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks and manta rays.
Elsewhere on the island is capital city Naha, with restaurants, lively bars and the Tsuboya pottery district, where traditional ceramics like shiisa (lion-dog figures) are sold. Karate is thought to have been invented on Okinawa during the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Shuri Castle was a training ground and important monument from the era. Elsewhere in the prefecture, Kume Island is renowned for remote beaches and sugarcane fields. Iriomote Island is famous for its vast wilderness and reef scuba diving. Snorkeling, diving and clear-water beaches are also major draws for the Kerama and Miyako islands, as well as Ishikaga Island.
Things To Do
Ishigaki Island
Churaumi Aquarium
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located within the Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa, Japan.
It welcomed its 20 millionth visitor on 30 March 2010 and is a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Wikipedia
Address: Japan, 〒905-0206 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District, Motobu, Ishikawa, 424
Area: 5 acres
Opened: November 1, 2002
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM
Notable animal: Jinta
Number of animals: 26,000
Number of species: 740
Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. Between 1429 and 1879, it was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, before becoming largely neglected. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. Wikipedia
Address: Japan, 〒903-0815 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Shurikinjocho, 1 Chome−2
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM
Demolished: 1945
Designation: World Heritage site
Occupants: Ryukyu Kingdom, Imperial Japanese Army
Did you know: Shuri Castle is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site under the title Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.