Japan like no other: The ultimate guide to Okinawa
Five must-visit attractions perfect for families
When you think of a vacation itinerary for your next Japan trip, you look forward to scrumptious noodles, rich culture, clean surroundings and, of course, the beauty of the sakura season. But if you think the picture-perfect cherry blossoms are all you need to see in Okinawa, you’re missing a whole lot of fun.
It’s not every day that we get the leisure to visit picturesque places. So, to have a truly exciting and worthwhile trip in Okinawa, Japan, here are must-visit spots:
Okinawa World
This is one spot that houses all the different charming aspects of Okinawa. From the Gyokusendo limestone caves, which are about 300,000 years old and about five kilometers in length, though only 890 meters is open for public viewing and exploration; to making Ryukyu glass under the guidance of glass blower masters; to trying on traditional Ryukyu costumes, all these experiences are available at Okinawa World. What’s more, the popular Super Eisa Performance is held daily at regular time slots, so you can watch the amazingly energetic performance which showcases traditional performing arts and the heartwarming spirit of the Okinawan people.
http://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/en/
Churaumi Aquarium
From shallow waters with coral reefs all the way down into the deep sea, experience the Okinawa sea in one of the world’s largest aquariums, the Churaumi Aquarium. Activities include meeting live starfish and seashells at a touch pool that recreates a coral reef shoal and admiring whale sharks and grand manta rays in the Kuroshio Sea Tank, which used to be the holder of Guinness Book of Records’ largest acrylic panel.
The Coral Sea Tank is open at the top, allowing natural sunlight into the water and enabling the world’s first large-scale cultivation of living coral.
Experience many things you’ve never experienced before at Churaumi Aquarium.
Okashigoten Onna Store
Located in Onna Village, the store gives you a glimpse of the production lines of Okinawa’s famous souvenir, the Purple Sweet Potato Tarts. The lines are housed behind glass panels, so you can safely drool over the yummy goodness of the product, which comes out of the factory in neat boxes. Visitors may also try their hands at making tarts — a perfect experience for families.
http://okinawatravelinfo.com/shopping/okashigoten_onna/
Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom
This biggest mall in Okinawa was established in April 2015 in the prefecture’s central part, in Kitanakagusuku Village. The shopping center has a bold aspiration of becoming Asia’s No. 1 Resort Mall, so you can expect both Okinawan and American culture at events held daily. It also boasts of having around 230 shops and the largest food court in Okinawa, featuring Okinawan and international cuisines.
http://en.okinawarycom-aeonmall.com/
Mihama American Village
With its trademark symbol of a huge Ferris wheel, the popular destination features a cinema, hypermarket, import goods market, casual apparel shops, trendy cafes and a lot more. The colorful streets and the international feel of the place make it a hot spot for picture-taking.
http://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/?lang=en
This summer, Japan is definitely the place to be. And Okinawa proves that it isn’t just home to some of the country’s most magnificent cultural sceneries and panoramic views, it’s also a getaway that continuously blossoms as a confluence of the old and new, surprising us as it unveils more of its treasures each passing day.
