January 3, 2024 | View Online | Sign Up
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Think Japan, and our limited understanding springs to the hyper-modern energy of mega-cities like Tokyo. Then maybe to the serene atmosphere of Shinto Shrines and blossom gardens.
But it might not take you to Okinawa.
The region’s 160 islands bask in a sub-tropical climate, facilitating a delightfully slow pace of life. They enchant unwitting visitors with a unique cuisine, the rich history of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, and the mysterious secrets of their long-lived inhabitants.
Give Tokyo a miss this time. The water’s perfect.
Welcome to Okinawa.
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| EAT, SLEEP, DO
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Your Guide to the Best of Okinawa
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⛵ What to do
With 160 islands to explore, you’ll need more time to get around to everything. Okinawa has it all: a glittering castle-aced history, more natural wonder than you shake a pair of chopsticks at, and even some quirky attractions, like an American-styled town. Check out the best things to do in Okinawa.
🥢 What to eat
Japan is already a paradise for food lovers. But don’t go looking for sushi or mochi here. Its location and separate history bred a cuisine distinct from the rest of the country, with a heavier focus on pork, sweet potato, and soya-based products. Get stuck into this list of the best things to eat, and school all your sushi-loving friends who think they know Japanese food.
🛏️ Where to stay
Okinawa might be a little off our tourist radar, but it’s the beach destination for the rest of Japan. Because of that, there are a ton of outstanding and luxurious resorts dotting the islands. Read up on some of the best places to stay in Okinawa prefecture.
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| MONEY MOVES
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$9.60 from Los Angeles to Okinawa
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What would you say if I said you could fly to Okinawa from Los Angeles for $9, and the only requirement was that you spend an average of $1,333 a month for three months?
It really is that simple.
Opening this card and hitting its spending goal of $4,000 in three months drops 60,000 points into your account. If you transfer those points into your United Airlines account, you can book a flight from California to Okinawa for 60,000 points and just $9.60.
That’s travel hacking in a nutshell. But you can do so much more with it. Interested in learning more? Subscribe to our points and miles strategy newsletter, Smart Points, for twice-weekly cheatsheets.
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| TRAVEL INSURANCE
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What Is Travel Insurance and Is It Worth It?
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Traveling is an exciting adventure that allows us to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create lifelong memories. However, just like any other aspect of life, travel comes with its own set of uncertainties.
From unexpected medical emergencies to trip cancellations or lost baggage, unforeseen events can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. This is where travel insurance comes into play, offering a safety net that provides financial protection and peace of mind. Click here to delve into what travel insurance is, the coverage it
typically offers, and help you determine: Is travel insurance worth it?
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| OKINAWA FAST FACTS
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💙 Blue zoners: Okinawa is one of a handful of places acknowledged as a “blue zone,” where the inhabitants have a longer-than-average life expectancy. Women in Okinawa, in particular, are extremely lucky and average a whopping 90 years old.
🏯 Far away origins: The inhabitants of Okinawa are the descendants of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, which was once ruled as a tributary state of the Ming Dynasty in China. Many cultural differences between Okinawa and the rest of Japan stem from this origin.
🪢 There’s rope on the horizon: Okinawa takes its name from the Japanese term for “Rope in the Ocran,” referring to the way the islands form a link in the ocean from Japan to Taiwan.
🥋 Karate masters: Karate comes from Okinawa. It was developed in the Ryūkyū Kingdom as “te” before Chinese martial arts influenced the style.
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| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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Scuba and Snorkeling is Immense
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Okinawa’s islands are a treasure trove of diving opportunities. They’re surrounded by rich marine life, coral reefs, and many unbelievable wreck sites from WWII.
But one of the best things about the scuba and snorkeling scene is that you don’t need to go very far to find great spots. Plenty of outstanding areas are buzzing with sealife, meaning you don’t have to join a pricy tour to get your fill of the ocean.
Of course, if you want to, you can jump on a guided excursion. There are some truly remarkable places to dive you might not find without an expert.
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Brace Yourself for Typhoons
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Okinawa is mainly sub-tropical, not quite fully tropical, so it does have some fluctuations in temperature. If your main reasons for hitting the region are the beaches, scuba diving, and experiencing all its nature, you’re best off going between July and October.
But typhoon season is from June until November. That doesn’t mean you’ll get one during your visit, but it’s possible. Just keep on top of the weather updates to ensure there are no sudden changes, and have some backup plans or inside activities tucked away for a (very) rainy day.
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Getting Around Okinawa
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How you get around depends entirely on where you’re going. The main island, Okinawa Island, will likely be your base for the trip. Grabbing a rental car here would be a great option, offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace and take in some of the more secluded spots in the region. There are also bridges connecting with some of the other main islands.
If you’re heading to the other 159 islands, you’ll need public transport, usually in the form of boats or small planes, then a mixture of taxis or buses once you arrive. It’ll all depend on your choice, so do your research before setting off.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN OKINAWA
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*This link is sponsored.
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