Okinawa World Heritage Sites (UNESCO)

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Five hundred years of Ryukyuan history (12th-17th century) are represented by this group of sites and monuments. The ruins of the castles, on imposing elevated sites, are evidence for the social structure over much of that period, while the sacred sites provide mute testimony to the rare survival of an ancient form of religion into the modern age. The wide- ranging economic and cultural contacts of the Ryukyu Islands over that period gave rise to a unique culture. (read more at UNESCO's official site)

(Added 2000 as a Cultural Heritage Site)

Okinawa Food Specialities

Goya Chanpuru
A popular Okinawan stir fry dish containing rice topped with goya, tofu, egg and thin strips of pork. Sometimes spam is added, as it is popular in Okinawa following the basing of US troops in the region.

Taco Rice
Popular with both Japanese and foreigners alike, this dish consists of rice topped with lettuce, tomatoes and chilli-con-carne, sometimes topped with a fried egg, cheese and salsa for an extra punch.

Okinawa Soba
Brought from mainland China, this is a popular noodle dish. A bowl of prok broth is packed with wheat noodles, pork belly-meat and various vegetables and seafood.

Okinawa Events / Festivals

The All-Okinawa Eisa Festival
Eisa is a traditional dance using drums, and this festival sees participants gather from all over Okinawa making for a spectacular sight. The event is usually held in September.

The Naha Dragon-boat Race
Held at the start of May during the Golden Week holidays, this is a traditional boat race not to be missed.

Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival
Fireworks and more at the Ocean Expo Park - event is held in mid- July.

The Naha Great Tug of War Festival
The world's biggest tug-of-war event! Join over 15,000 other participants in pulling the 200m long rope! The event is usually held in October.

 

 

 

 

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