Recent Okinawa Travel News Blog articles list

Upcoming Events and Festivals

January ~ April

Whale Watching

Place: Kerama Islands (Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island)

Admission: Adults: 4,000 ~

Majestic Humback whales from Alaska migrate to the warm waters of Okinawa every year and spend their time here from January to April. Visitors can view these amazing mammals through whale watching tours. For more information, visit the following websites:

Jumbo Tours

Okinawa Story

End of April ~ Beginning of May

Koi Nobori Festival

Place: Oku River, Haneji Dam, Hiija River

Time: 10 a.m. ~

Admission: Free (Some events charge a small fee)

During this time of the year visitors can see many carp streamers. The flying streamers were originally a custom to honor boys during "Boy's Day," but the day was changed to "Kodomo no Hi" (Children's Day). Many communities hold festivals on this day with live music and other activities for children.

May 3^rd ~May 5^th

Naha Haari (Dragon Boat Races)

Place: Naha Port

Time: 10 a.m. ~

Admission: Free

Enjoy this lively festival of traditional boat races that dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The races were originally brought to Okinawa from China, and were held to bring good fortune and a safe return to fishermen. Today, many teams participate with much of the fun taking place on the sidelines amongst the spectators.

2012-04-23

Stopover in Mainland Japan

In the past, it was expensive to stop for a visit in mainland Japan on your way to Okinawa or visa versa. Nowadays, thanks to an increase in discount airlines, the price is very affordable. Depending on the day and time of year, you can find one-way flights from Tokyo to Okinawa on Skymark Airlines for only 5,800 yen!

Very Cheap!

http://www.skymark.co.jp/en/

http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/home

No routes to Okinawa as of yet, but rumor has it that they will begin in the near future. Cheap flights available to other Asian destinations.

http://www.flypeach.com/home.aspx

http://www.airasia.com/jp/en/home.page

2012-04-22

Experience Okinawan Karate

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate and many visitors come to Okinawa for the sole purpose of discovering the roots of this traditional martial art. Karate students gain a valuable cultural experience while training at one of the many "dojo" across the island. The Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau website is a fantastic source of information for anyone wishing to learn more about Okinawan karate and also offers assistance to karate students interested in coming to train in Okinawa.

2012-01-19

Okinawa2Go!

Okinawa Prefecture has created a visitor service center utilizing the latest technology. For more information, visit the Okinawa2Go website here.

2011-10-02

Kakinohana Hiija

A natural spring that is regarded as one of the most purest in all of Okinawa, Kakinohana offers tranquility and a fun way to cool off during the hot summer months. Even during the cool winter season, you can always enjoy the fantastic view of Okinawa's eastern coastline and the Pacific Ocean while relaxing amongst the surrounding greenery. The water cascades from a spout where it is safe to drink downwards into a small pond where kids and adults can enter and splash about.

Kakinohana is located in Tamagusuku, Nanjo. Take Route 86 to 137 and look for the sign to turn left. Follow the road around the castle ruins and turn left again. There is a small sign that marks the stone steps that lead down to the spring. (Be careful as the stone steps can be slippery!)

2011-09-14

Escape the Heat and Visit Oku River in Yanbaru

The mountains of Yanbaru offer an alternative to Okinawa's beaches and marine activities. In the summer, its flowing rivers and waterfalls are a great place to cool off, and the drive to get there includes beautiful scenery. Oku River is a good destination for anyone looking to experience Okinawa's northern nature. Accessing the river from Oku Village, visitors can enjoy a cool dip in the river and also relax along its spacious green banks under a shady tree. There are also accommodations within the town in the form of minshuku, but the Okinawan-style cottages located on the banks of the river are a very convenient and nice way to enjoy the time there.

2011-07-27

Visit Local Stores For a Local Experience!

If you need to buy something during your stay on Okinawa, try shopping at a local store as opposed to a convenience store or chain supermarket. Prices might be a little more expensive, but you will be supporting local communities and you can get a taste of Okinawan life as these mini stores are often the "gathering place" for friendly conversations. Most local stores ("Baiten") are very simple but their shelves carry a myriad of local products. The owners are friendly and you may even make a friend or two if you are there at the right time!

Mr. and Mrs. Afuso from the Maeda Baiten in Onna-son

2011-07-04

Cape Maeda

This year, rainy season ended early....Good news for those planning on snorkeling or SCUBA diving at Cape Maeda because the sea has been calm and clear.

2011-06-23

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