Okinawa Island Japan paradise of eternal summer

Why Okinawa?

Okinawa Prefecture located at the southern end of Japan is a paradise of eternal summer. Visitors, attracted by the diversified allure of Okinawa, can participate in marine sports in a beautiful ocean filled with world class coral reefs or escape on a tour and come face to face with the magnificence of nature in the forest homes of many rare animals and plants. If rest and luxurious relaxation are what you are searching for, then there are also many resort options including esthetic and spa facilities. Years ago, a kingdom called "Ryukyu" prospered in this land. Today, the remnants of that ancient time still echo in the traditional exotic culture and unique customs of Okinawa that have been passed down through the generations. The customs and culture of this land are particularly popular among visitors.

Blue Ocean

The crystal clear blue ocean is a well-known image of Okinawa. The water is so blue it feels as if you are being drawn into the ocean. Colorful tropical fish swim amongst the beautiful coral reefs at the bottom of world renowned clear seas. This jeweled spectacle awaits your visit.

Deep Forest

The unique natural environment of Okinawa was formed by the complex geographical features of the islands and the mild and rainy subtropical oceanic climate. Old-growth forests untouched since ancient times and mangrove jungles are home to precious rare animals and plants that cannot be found elsewhere.

Ryukyu Culture

Ryukyu culture flourished in 14th to 16th centuries when Okinawa was known as the “Ryukyu Kingdom”. Ryukyu culture is filled with the characteristics of many good old traditions that have been passed through the generations and continue to progress even now in traditional crafts, performing arts, food, lifestyle, and the martial art Karate.

People in Okinawa

Culture/customs are so varied that each village is said to have original characteristics. The local dialect is also diversified, so much so that even if you are from one of the islands in Okinawa, you may have difficulty understanding people from the other islands. Furthermore, customs and festivals dating back from ancient times can still be seen in each region.

Thanks to the warm subtropical climate, one can dive in the sea around Okinawa year-round. The waters off Okinawa, which is located in the southernmost part of Japan, are known as one of the largest coral habitats in the world. Okinawa offers dive sites that are on par with such well-known sites as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Bahamas, Palau, and the Galapagos Islands. In the Ryukyu Archipelago, which stretches as a chain of islands for 1,000 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south in between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, there are 160 small and large islands, 48 of which are inhabited by people. As the landscape and water differ slightly between each island, what is attractive to most divers in Okinawa is the variety of sites, each of which has slightly different characteristics. You can also experience and enjoy the slightly different culture and habits of the people of each island.