Okinawa
Explore Okinawa travel guides, beaches, islands, food, history, and local culture. Discover Japan’s subtropical side beyond the mainland.
Colonialism in Japan: The History of the Japanese Empire
Most visitors arrive in Japan with a story about the country already half-formed: temples, bullet trains, an island nation that kept to itself for centuries and then modernised at astonishing speed. That story is not wrong, but it leaves out something that shaped modern East Asia as much as any other single force. For roughly…
Okinawa Snake Wine: The Fascinating Truth About Habu Sake, Japan’s Most Exotic Liquor
Japan has no shortage of unusual regional drinks, but few spark as much curiosity, or as much debate, as habu sake, better known as Okinawa snake wine. It is made by steeping a whole venomous habu pit viper in awamori, the local Okinawan spirit, and yes, the snake stays in the bottle. Okinawans treat it…
Churasun6 Okinawa: Our Visit, Tickets and Show Guide
Churasun6 Okinawa is an adult show venue in Naha. We visited after an afternoon at Shuri Castle, and the stage performances made a very different end to the day. If you are considering a visit, start with the videos below, then compare the seating plans and the full cost before booking. I would include it…
Shuri Castle, Naha: History, the 2019 Fire, and the Rebuilt Main Hall
Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the Ryukyu Islands. As the former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it served as a political and ceremonial center for centuries and became a symbol of Okinawa’s distinct heritage. Its striking red facades, intricate woodwork, and architectural blend of Chinese…
Ishigaki and Miyakojima Itinerary: An Okinawa Island-Hopping Guide
Planning an Ishigaki and Miyakojima itinerary? For a first trip, I would choose Ishigaki if you want snorkeling plus excursions to nearby islands, and Miyakojima if beaches and coastal drives are the main priority. With about a week, you can combine both. With only a long weekend, I would stay on one island and spend…
