Rugby World UK – August 2019

The Okinawa Prefecture comprises more
than 160 islands surrounded by the East
China Sea and the Pacific Ocean...

C

The Culture Vulture
In Okinawa’s capital city Naha,
you’ll find Shurijo Castle Park.
Shuri is the name of the former capital
of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the castle
served as the residence of the Ryukyu
kings for several centuries until Okinawa
became a Japanese prefecture in 1879.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Okinawa World offers various cultural
experiences and glimpses of history. You
can explore a beautiful limestone cave,
Gyokusendo, enjoy a traditional Eisa
dance show and admire the many
red-roofed local houses.

F

The Foodie
At Makishi Public Market –
Okinawa’s central produce, meat,
fish and general merchandise market

• not only can you learn about everyday
  life in the Okinawa Prefecture but you
  are able to buy your favourite ingredients
  on one floor and have them cooked on
  another. Create your own perfect meal.
  Okinawa soba – a noodle soup – has
  been the prefecture’s soul food for 100
  years. Try different flavours and textures.

Okinawans are known to use every part

of the pig for cooking; in fact, they use the

saying: “Everything but its cry is eaten.”

The most common cooking method is to

stew the pork for a long period and Agu

pork – from a native pig species on the

Ryukyu Islands – is increasingly popular.

A

The Adventurer

You can snorkel on the

subtropical island, so check

out Okinawa’s coral and colourful fish.

Head to the forests or mountains to trek

in autumn’s milder weather. You can also

go river trekking to explore the islands,

taking in waterfalls and jungles.

P

The Party Animal

Sakaemachi Market in Naha

was founded in 1955 during

the post-war reconstruction

period and now houses many

pubs and restaurants.

If you want to hop between

bars and izakayas, head to

Kokusai Dori Yataimura,

which has 20 concessions

where you can try different

dishes and drinks.

For more travel information...

visitokinawa.jp

Okinawa

Discover the portal between Japan and the subtropics

Underwater adventure

Explore while snorkelling

In the wild

River trekking

Get there

Naha Airport connects

Okinawa to regions both in

Japan and around the world – it’s

two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo’s

Haneda Airport. Overseas flights

are also available to Ishigaki

and Shimojishima

airports