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Resort Hotels
Okinawa is the most popular beach resort destinatioj in Japan. Many of Okinawa's up-scale
hotels wlcome guests from all over the world. Most of the large scale beach resort hotels are located on the West Coast
of Okinawa. They have white, sandy beaches facing the beautiful ocean and offer myriad beach related activities.
Fishing
The Japan Current sweeps past Okinawa and creates thousands of fishing spots with a great
variety of fishes. Whether you fish on the shore or bring up big fish on a boat/cruser, it will be exciting and enjoyable.
International sports fishing tornaments are held in Okinawa every year.
Water Sports
You can skip over the water and waves on a jet ski, feel the breeze when you windsurf, experience
the power of the wave when you surf, or relax on the deck of a yacht. Okinawa is called the Mecca of water sports.
Scuba-Diving
Okinawa's coral reefs are well known for their world-class scale and variation. The
coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and cristal clear water attract divers from all of the world. Both beginner and
expert divers can surely have an unforgettable diving experience at any dive spot in Okinawa.
Golf
There are about 40 golf courses in Okinawa from short to championship courses. Many
golf courses have a magnificent ocean view that fills golfers with a deep love of nature.
Okinawa is Ichiban (No.1)
The Galapagos Islands of Asia
Although many species of animals that once lived on the Asian Continent have become extinct,
these species have survived and evolved on the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Many rare species such as the Iriomote
Wildcat, Yanbaru Kuina, and Yanbaru Tenagakagone, are only seen on Okinawa.
The Roots of Okinawan "Karate"
It is said that Karate is the mix of "Ti", the Ryukyuan (Okinawan) traditional fighting art,
and "Kenpo", the Kung Fu, traditional fighting art of China. It was developed in Okinawa. When it was introduced
to the mainland to Japan, they called it Karate meaning "empty hand". Karate has spread through the world after World
War II. Okinawa is known as the root of Karate. Many people from all over the world come to Okinawa to train and
international competitions are often held in Okinawa.
The Biggest Rope in the World
The Naha Great Tug of War is the main event of the Naha Festival held every year in October.
Thousands of people compete pulling the giant rope which is hand-made every year. Recently, the rope has measured 186
meters (over 560 feet) in length and weighted over 40 tons. The Guiness Book of World Records recognized it as
the biggest rope in the world.
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| The Naha Great Tug of War |
The Longevity of Okinawans Ranks No.1 in the world
Japanese longevity for both man and woman ranks first in the world; among Japanese prefectures,
Okinawa ranks on top. In Okinawa, the number of people living more than 100 years per capita also ranks first in Japan.
The reasons for Okinawans' longevity are considered to be a healthy diet, mild climate, and a less stressful lifestyle.
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| An old lady (Oba-) is chillin' in the market |
~ The Average Temperature of Okinawa ~
| City |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
| Naha |
16.0 |
16.3 |
18.1 |
21.1 |
23.8 |
26.2 |
28.3 |
28.1 |
27.2 |
24.5 |
21.4 |
18.0 |
| Tokyo |
5.2 |
5.6 |
8.5 |
14.1 |
18.6 |
21.7 |
25.2 |
27.1 |
23.2 |
17.6 |
12.6 |
7.9 |
| Sapporo |
-4.6 |
-4.0 |
-0.1 |
6.4 |
12.0 |
16.1 |
20.2 |
21.3 |
21.7 |
10.8 |
4.3 |
-1.4 |
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