"Tropical Island in Japan" Okinawa by marakaki

Okinawa Travel Guide: 402 reviews and 1,015 photos

Wonderful Sea

Okinawa's sea is so beautiful, in a cobalt blue color as they say.

The day I arrived the temperature was around 28 C, very warm and humid even for a Brazilian! That's because I live in a mild temperature, around 22 C is fine for me.

Delicious Food

Tofu and small fishes

After 15 days traveling around Japan's traditional route in Osaka, Tokyo, Nara, etc. I was looking for non-sweet food!

I do like Japanese food, however, I could taste delicious dishes as prepared in my home (my Dad and Grand Parents are originally from Oki), very tasteful and with more Chinese influence I guess.

Pork is very popular, as Goya, Satta Tempura (fried sweet cakes).

Uchinanchu Spirit

Okinawans are called Uchinanchu in their dialect.

I meet my relatives and some contacts from Nanjoushi Mayor and even speaking a very poor Japanese, I could feel sympathy and emotional attachment. There's an Okinawan quote saying when two Uchinanchus meet, no matter where or how, they feel as brothers and sisters.

Its difficult to describe, but I felt a joyful people and affinity in music and arts, similar to Brazilian people.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful Sea, Nice People, Tasteful Food
Cons:Quiet and Few Beaches
In a nutshell:Good Food, Good Weather and Good People

Last visit to Okinawa: Nov 2007
Intro Updated Nov 12, 2007
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marakaki Dec 31, 2009 at 6:09 AM

Thanks for your comments and information. Yes, Shuri is beautiful. I had some pics: Naha Things to Do Tips by marakaki
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WebFling Dec 29, 2009 at 1:27 PM

Okinawan are also called Ryukyuans. More of its influenced are from China not Japan. You will noticed this in the architectural design of the Shuri Castle which is very similar to China's forbidden city and very different to those from Mainland Japan.