'''Okinawa Island''' (_____{__ ''Okinawa-hont?'') is the main and largest island of the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. The island has the largest population in the prefecture.
Regions
Generally speaking, areas on the main island are placed in three categories: Southern Part (____ Nanbu), Middle Part (____ Chubu), and Northern Part (_k__ Hokubu). The northern part is also referred to as Yanbaru.
Cities
Naha — the capital city of the prefecture and by far the largest city
Nago — former Expo site known for its aquarium
Okinawa City - East of Chatan, largest populated city, besides Naha.
Other destinations
Buckner Bay
Chatan - Home of the Mihama, American Village, and the Ferris Wheel.
Okuma - an Air Force Resort, great for weekend trips to the beach.
Understand
Talk
Okinawans speak Japanese but they also speak in an '''Okinawan dialect'''
Get in
'''Naha International Airport''' is the primary way to get into Okinawa Island, and is only 2 km from downtown Naha. The easiest way to Okinawa is from elsewhere in Japan: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways fly widebodies in every hour from Tokyo Haneda and other major domestic airports. There is only one daily flight from Narita, the main international airport in Tokyo, operated by ANA. Direct international service to Okinawa is currently limited to flights from Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Get around
Most travel is by car, bus or taxi, although there is a monorail in Naha that runs from the Airport to the city centre and Shuri Castle. The main road is Route 58 which runs from southern Okinawa to Nago in northern Okinawa. Route 58 is on the East China Sea side of the island. During the summer months, the volume of rental cars can make traffic very heavy on Route 58.
See
The City of Naha and surrounding areas:
*'''Kokusaidori Street'''— Naha's main street filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
*'''Shuri Castle Park'''— Castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Also nearby is the '''Shinkina Gardens'''.
'''Mihama American Village'''— An Americanized shopping and dining complex made to resemble an American beach such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica, etc. Popular among U.S. military members due to its close proximity to many U.S. Marine bases. The area has a ferris wheel, a few hotels, many clothing and souvenir stores and restaurants of various cuisine, and Sunset Beach. Plus there is live entertainment almost nightly.
'''Sefa Utaki'''— In Nanjo, rock formations including a natural corridor through a giant boulder leading to a point overlooking Komaka Island, was once worshipped as the "island of the gods".
The '''Peace Memorial Park''' and the '''Himeyuri Monument'''— where the Battle of Okinawa ended in World War II. The Peace Memorial Park includes the Peace Memorial Hall and the Cornerstone of Peace.
'''Cape Zanpa'''— Peninsula on the western side of the island near Yomitan Village. Has a lighthouse and a beautiful beach. Also is where the famous beni-imo (sweet potato) flavored cookies are made.
'''Cape Kyan'''— Southern most point of Okinawa Island.
'''Cape Hedo'''— Northern most point of Okinawa Island, beautiful views from high cliffs.
'''Nago Bay'''— Mid-island on the Western side.
'''Haneji Inland Sea'''— Enclosed by Yayagi Island and the western peninsula. Beautiful especially at sunset.
'''Hamahiga Island'''— East of Okinawa Island accessible by the Sea Road (a sight in itself). Hamahiga Island has many rock formations, many shaped like mushrooms.
'''Hiji Falls'''— In the northern part of the island, a 45 minute hike from the visitors center taking you by a river dam, over a suspension bridge, and finally to the falls itself.
Beaches
Being an island, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. The most highly recommended include:
'''Zanpa Beach'''
'''Renaissance Beach'''
'''Manzamo Beach'''
'''Ikei Beach'''
Castle Ruins
With the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom which once ruled Okinawa, there were many castles located throughout the island.
'''Katsuren'''— on the Eastern side near the Sea Road.
'''Zakimi'''— on the Western side in Yomitan Village.
'''Nakijin'''— on the Western side in Nakijin Village in the large peninsula.
'''Nakagusuku'''— on the Eastern side in Nakagusuku Village.
Do
Go to the island's many '''beaches'''.
Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities on the island with an abundance of dive shops across the island. Chatan has good shore diving and [http://www.reefencounters.org Reef Encounters] is the only dive shop in all Okinawa where all instructors are fluent in English.
Spear fishing is another popular activity on the island.
Take a glass bottom boat tour, offering views of corals and fishes.
'''Ocean Expo Park'''— Will give you a better idea of the creatures native to the waters surrounding Okinawa Island.
Buy
'''Kokusaidori Street''' in Naha and '''Mihama American Village''' have plenty of shops. One of the popular items to buy is an Okinawan shirt, similar to Hawaiian shirts, at the '''Mango House''', which have various locations throughout the island, but most of them in Naha.
Eat
In Okinawa, pork is very popular. A must eat is the tebichi soba, which is pig's feet with noodles. Various other Okinawan pork products are popular there.
For sushi, Yoshi's is an excellent restaurant. It is located in Chatan off Hwy 22. The Yoshi Roll is definitely worth a try! CoCo Curry House is a great cheap alternative. Try it with cheese, it's great. Although it should be noted that Yoshi's sushi is geared more to American's tastes than traditional Japanese sushi. For more traditional Okinawan sushi, Fenutin in the Mihama American Village is an excellent choice. Try the sea grapes there. They also play traditional Okinawan music there which is worth listening to, and CD's are available for purchase.
American style fast-foods and diners are popular in Okinawa. One particular chain that can be found is '''A&W'''.
For desert, have a '''Blue Seal''' ice cream. Many flavors are available there, including beni-imo (sweet potato), the local flavor in Okinawa. Also, beni-imo flavored cookies are popular there and can be found just about anywhere.
Drink
'''Orion Beer''' is brewed locally in Okinawa. Available in just about all stores, restaurants, and bars there.
Get out
The other Okinawan islands including Ishikagi, Taketomi, Shimoji, Kume, Ie, Iriomote, and plenty of others in the archipelago.