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Okinawa is the southern most chain of islands in Japan. Until the 1980's it was actually still US territory (from WWII). There are still military bases in Okinawa so the islands are inhabited by thousands of US soldiers everywhere. This is not true Japan but it is stunningly beautiful. On the main island, you would think you are in a California beach town. Everyone is wearing Hawaiian shirts and flip flops (which is not the style in Japan!). The main reason people come here is for the scuba diving. The people here don't like the military bases here for some good reasons. There have been numerous rapes of young teenagers by some bad apples. This was happening for a number of years until it became a closed base. When the base opened again, another rape occurred the very next night. They love the tourists here buy shy from the military boys.
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The diving here is amazing. Clown fish and blue neons litter the sea. I didn't see any, but there are good chances to see sharks as well.
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Very relaxed here. Because it is so hot (100 with 85% humidity in September) there is not much you can do other than kick back and stay out of the sun while drinking a lot of water.
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There are some good trips to historical sights from WWII. Check at the tourist info. center in the airport once you arrive.
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Several places to stay. More expensive here, but not too bad. Several hotels dot the shoreline and this is where I recommend staying. Don't stay in the middle of town if you can help it.
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There are some, but few and far between.
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Published on Friday September 20th, 2002
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Sat, May 06 2006 - 07:58 PM
 by tharris487
| I have lived on the island of Okinawa for the last four years and love it. Though there have been problems with the military on the island, the OKinawans are a great people that are welcoming to all. They can be a bit shy at times, as they are passivists by nature. The island has been occupied by just about every militray power in Asia at one time or another over its' thousands of years of history. Okinawans are Ryukyu Islanders and not true Japanese. Life here is a little more laid back. As on most islands there is the clock and then there is island time. |
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