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Okinawa is a Japanese prefecture which is made up of nearly 60 different islands. In fact, the name Okinawa can be translated as "rope in the open sea", a reference to the distinctive appearance of the islands as a long chain. Okinawa Japan has maintained its own language and cultural traditions separate from the Japanese mainland.

Okinawa, Japan is located in southern Japan where the temperate climate is suited to swimming and enjoying the beautiful beaches year round. However, spring and summer are still the best choices for an Okinawa vacation due to the fact that September and October make up the typhoon season.

About fifteen of the Okinawan islands are uninhabited, and it is an enjoyable experience to explore some of them and traverse their wild vegetation. It is uncommon to find wilderness like this anywhere else in Japan. You can easily secure a boat to take you around at any of the seaside towns. Many visitors to the area have fun going camping on some of these islands.

Okinawa culture is distinct from that of the rest of Japan. This is because the Okinawa islands were only annexed to Japan in the late 19th century. Visitors may enjoy watching karate (a native Okinawan sport), enjoying traditional Okinawan folk music, and viewing Okinawan architecture, traditionally topped with guardian lions. Okinawa cuisine is likewise unique, with a distinct Taiwanese flair. Popular foods include bitter melon, pork, Gurukun (a type of fish), and fried dough. American food is also common and plentiful in Okinawa, due to the US military presence.

The stunning Shuri Castle and the rural Taketomi village are two of the most notable Okinawa attractions for tourists. Each one is an excellent example of pre-colonial native Okinawan culture. Tourists should also consider Okinawan activites such as scuba diving and exploring underwater ruins and the great reefs of Okinawa. An underwater tour is an experience not to be missed and should include the viewing of the numerous marine species only found in Okinawa.

Best known for its fantastic beaches, Okinawa, Japan, is also an ideal destination for both the business and the general pleasure traveler. Okinawa's unique cultural traditions and abundance of attractions and activities make it a wonderful place for anyone to visit.