Related Okinawa Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Okinawa is has one of the highest concentrations of 100-year-old people in the world, and in general, its people enjoy some of the longest lives on the planet. A climate that keeps peole outdoors and active, a diet rich in rice, vegetables and seafood, low rates of smoking and shunning of midday sunshine are all factors in the puzzle, though genetics must also play a role. Maybe even the sake-like liquor of awamori has something to do with it, though a sip of that stuff almost killed me! Unfortunately, like most of Japan, Okinawa has coupled its longevity with a low birth-rate, which means the working population supporting the retired population is relatively small.

Favorite thing: Finding shisha dogs in Naha is about the easiest thing to do in Okinawa. Just about every sesond store sell them but if you want to know more about the pottery area check this link out

http://okinawa-information.com/naha/naha_shopping_entertainment/heiwa_dori_street_naha_shopping_tours.htm

As you will be able to find lots of pottery there or for some of the best pottery in Okinawa you can go to Yomitan

http://okinawa-information.com/yomitan/yomitan_okinawa_travel_japan.htm

a couple of hours north of Naha by car where you will find some of the best pottery in all of Japan

Favorite thing: Moon beach! Was rated under the top 5most beautiful beaches in the world

Fondest memory: Try not to speak english to the locals! They really hate Americans because there is still a usa airforce base on the island from WWII. So if you know another language... speak it!

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Favorite thing: In case you forgot; this is a sub tropical island...there is jungle everywhere! Just when you thought you are in the woods back home you spot a palm tree. There are bugs you are not suppose to touch and slugs on steroids!

Fondest memory: I love all of Okinawa!

Favorite thing: I love Okinawa's sea, which changes colors with the tides and height of the sun. Okinawa's northern beaches and the outer islands are filled with amazing turquoise water with visibility up to 50 meters (150 feet).

Fondest memory: One of my best memories on Okinawa is swimming at an isolated beach with my wife and there is not another soul in site!

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Favorite thing: With a kayak you can explore the coastline and other islands with ease.
(You should always kayak with a guide or another experienced local kayaker. Weather conditions can change rapidly during certain times of the year. It is important to know the local sea conditions and hazards before entering the water.)

Fondest memory: Pulling up on a beach with my kayak and knowing that the sand here has seldom felt the soles of human feet.

Favorite thing: The people are wonderful! Try to learn a few phrases before arriving, but don't knock yourself out - many want you to teach them English. Many women there desire to look American, while we covet their exotic beauty. Some clubs and restaurants will not allow white men to enter, but women of any color are welcome. They do NOT like to be called Japanese. They are happy island folk, who call themselves Okinawans. Scuba, fine dining, rock climbing, sailing, windsurfing, night clubs, etc - it's all there! This is also a cheaper vacation than Hawaii/Tahiti.

Fondest memory: This is an American woman's paradise! I was meeting my friends at a club, Apples, but they took forever to get there. As I was walking back to our hotel to see what was keeping them, 2 Okinawan men in suits asked if I wanted a drink. (Knowing the area & people well) I accepted and they bought me a shot. They invited me into a no-whites-allowed-club, and I met many women who were very friendly, and wanted to talk English with me to learn. One of the men who bought me the shot paid for my drinks all night, as well as offering to open the cigarette machine for me to take my pick. I was not allowed to spend any money at all! At the end of the night, I was asked to please return and have a good night. The next night I returned, and had a great time. They also took me to 2 other clubs where they knew the owners and I received the same treatment. (The men like to be seen with American women so they can act like you're "their woman." It's strictly for status and show.) American men take note!! ;o)

Favorite thing: I loved Okinawa and look forward to going back sometime. Feel free to check out my pix and comments on my web page at:

http://bobkw2000.tripod.com/okinawa.htm

Enjoy!

Bob

Fondest memory: A solo bike ride around the perimeter of the island. Beautiful mountains up north and the view of the Pacific and East China Sea merging is spectacular!