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30 things to do in Okinawa
How to make the most of island life in Japan's southernmost prefecture
In association with Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Watch videos of life in Okinawa over at beokinawa-pr.jp/life/#
Photos by Keisuke Tanigawa (venues 2, 6, 10, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29)
Things to do in Okinawa


1. Admire the smooth sands...


2. Slurp noodles in a garden...


3. Explore the Iriomote jungle...


4. Weave with passion...


5. Savour a peaceful moment...


6. Combine your drink with a song...


7. Swim with manta rays...


8. Remember a tragedy...
Remnants of World War II are everywhere in Okinawa. Two of the most solemn monuments are Peace Memorial Park, located on the southern tip of the main island, where some of the fiercest clashes took place in 1945, and the Old Navy Headquarters Bunker in southern Naha. Commemorating the countless lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa, these are well worth a visit even if you aren't that into history. The bunker is particularly haunting, as its walls still bear scars from the shrapnel that hit them when the Japanese soldiers holed in here decided to take their own lives with grenades. Old Navy Headquarters Bunker. 1066 Oroku, Naha-shi. kaigungou.ocvb.or.jp/english. 8.30am-5.30pm (Jul-Sep), 8.30am-5pm (Oct-Jun).


9. Go island-hopping...


10. Sink your teeth into a burger...


11. Acquaint yourself with local art...


12. Live it up in remote surrounds...


13. Say cheers with local beer...


14. Study the secrets of karate...


15. Develop a taste for local flavours...
Want to study the secrets of healthy Okinawan cooking? Book a class with one of the many culinary programme providers on the islands – our favourite is the English-speaking Taste of Okinawa in central Naha, which offers a three-hour class for ¥6,500. This deal includes a tour of the Kosetsu Ichiba market, where you'll learn about local ingredients, and a hands-on class centred on four dishes. Taste of Okinawa. 1-6-21 Tsuboya, Naha-shi. tasteof.okinawa.
Things to do in Okinawa


16. Paddle on the turqoise waves...


17. Make the most of the Okinawan night...
Naha is Okinawa's nightlife capital, with numerous noteworthy bars lining its streets. Look out for the Dojo Bar, run by a British karate practitioner, or head to the Sakurazaka area near the Kosetsu Ichiba market, where Okinawans go to drown their sorrows at watering holes like Dramingo, the domain of local musicians. Sakurazaka is also famed as a centre for gay bars. Dramingo and other bars. 2F, 3-6-6 Makishi, Naha-shi. From 8pm.


18. Peek at pottery...


19. Shop for souvenirs...


20. Live long and prosper...


21. Explore underwater ruins...


22. Cool down with tropical desserts...


23. Fall in love with sea turtles...


24. Take an awamori masterclass...


25. Shop for Ryukyuan crafts...


26. Wake up really early for a tofu treat...


27. Set sail with whales...


28. Appreciate the beauty of folk crafts...


29. Drink through the night...


30. Pay your respects to Ryukyu culture...


EXTRA TIP: Hop on a bike...
The home of Yukiya Arashiro, a cyclist who has completed the Tour de France multiple times, Ishigaki has also played host to the Triathlon World Cup and is an alluring destination for bicycle enthusiasts. A lap around the entire island adds up to over 100km, but even shorter trips let you take in the spectacular scenery and rich natural surrounds. Rental outlets here stock both road and mountain bikes. Ishigaki Bicycle Rental