WHAT I DID IN OKINAWA 🏖️ ☀️
Now that direct flights are back, a different side of Japan might be fun to explore! Okinawa’s weather is typically on the warmer side and the island lives and breathes its own character.
The US Air Force had bases in Okinawa in the past and still has roots in the land, which explains why the island is quite westernised in certain parts, like American Village.
TLDR; I enjoyed my trip, would visit these places again:
📍Heiwa-dori (shopping)
📍Makishi Public Market (fresh seafood)
📍Kokusai-dori (shopping)
📍Blue seal ice cream (try beni-imo and the salt cookies flavours sooo yum)
📍Onna (bonus: eat at The Garlic Shrimp 🍤🙌🏼)
Okinawa offers a unique blend of Japanese culture and Western influences, largely because of its historical ties with the US Air Force bases. One of the best ways to experience this is by visiting American Village, which mixes shopping, dining, and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere. When visiting, shopping at Heiwa-dori is a delight with its sheltered arcades featuring souvenirs like shisa figurines—lion-dog statues believed to bring good luck—and habushu, an intriguing Okinawan liqueur made with a pit viper inside the bottle. This adds a local cultural flavor you won’t find elsewhere. For food lovers, Makishi Public Market is a treasure trove of fresh seafood. Visitors can select their catch on the first floor and have it cooked upstairs, offering a fresh and interactive dining experience. While some items like Alaskan King crabs can be pricey, there are plenty of affordable dishes showcasing local flavors. Don’t miss trying local fish varieties like parrotfish, which highlight Okinawa’s diverse marine life. Kokusai-dori is perfect for both shopping and dining, bustling with a wide array of food stalls from ramen to sushi. Sampling Orion beer here pairs wonderfully with the local dishes. Ice cream enthusiasts should definitely try Blue Seal’s unique flavors like beni-imo (purple sweet potato) and salt cookies for a sweet twist representative of Okinawa’s distinct taste profile. The town of Onna is not only known for its beautiful accommodations such as The Atta Terrace Club Towers but is also home to great eateries like The Garlic Shrimp restaurant, which serves mouth-watering shrimp dishes—a must-try for seafood fans. Don’t miss the natural beauty of Okinawa's beaches such as Kouri Beach, famous for its clear water and fine white sand, perfect for a relaxing day despite the warm temperatures. Cape Manzamo offers scenic views resembling an elephant-shaped rock, ideal for a sunset walk. While attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium showcase impressive marine life, some visitors find the whale shark tanks and dolphin shows less appealing due to animal welfare concerns. It’s worth considering interacting with nature in more open spaces around the island. Overall, Okinawa delivers a rich travel experience blending culture, cuisine, shopping, and nature. With direct flights now available, it’s an excellent destination for those seeking a warmer and culturally unique side of Japan to explore.
is Scoot the only direct flight available?