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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

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Scenery of Kabira Bay, Okinawa, Japan

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Overview

Collectively known as the Southwest Islands, the Nansei-shotō (南西諸島) comprises several chains of semitropical, coral-fringed isles far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's focus on modernity and?technology.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Cups

    Tsuboya Pottery Street

    Naha

    One of the best parts of Naha is this neighbourhood, a centre of ceramic production from 1682, when Ryūkyū kilns were consolidated here by royal decree…

  • Nishibama Beach, Aka Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan, Asia

    Nishibama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Lovely beaches fringe every side of the island, but for sheer postcard-perfect beauty, it's hard to beat the 1km stretch of white sand on the northeast…

  • Japan, Okinawa, Kerama Islands, Zamami Island, Woman walking on Furuzamani Beach

    Furuzamami Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Approximately 1km southeast from the port (over the hill) is this stunning 700m stretch of white sand, fronted by clear, shallow water and a bit of coral…

  • 厂丑耻谤颈-箩ō

    厂丑耻谤颈-箩ō

    Naha

    This reconstructed castle was originally built in the 14th century and served as the administrative centre and royal residence of the Ryūkyū kingdom until…

  • Space Science & Technology Museum

    Space Science & Technology Museum

    ?sumi Islands

    Reopened in 2017 after an extensive re-design, Tanegashima's Space Centre, on the spectacular southeastern coast of the island, is a large parklike…

  • Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Naha

    Opened in 2007, this museum of Okinawa's history, culture and natural history is easily one of the best museums in Japan. Displays are well laid out,…

  • Former Uezu Residence

    Former Uezu Residence

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Built around 1750, this traditional Ryūkyūan dwelling was the former home of Kume-jima's dominant clan, the Uezu family. Lovingly maintained and set amid…

  • Sunayama Beach

    Sunayama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Just 4km north of the Hirara district of Miyakojima city, you'll find this little, archetypally tropical Japan beach, which lies at the bottom of a large…

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