Japan has been on my bucket list than for longer than I can remember (probably before bucket lists were even a thing). You can usually find me most days pouring over images of the country on Instagram, or filing away hidden gems that I discover online, all in the hopes of an upcoming trip.
Le sigh.
However, most of the time, trip tips for Japan will overlook the chain of islands that make up Okinawa and because of this, many people skip it on their itinerary. I think this is a shame for two reasons: one, because it’s always great to visit somewhere that most other tourists aren’t and two, when has the word “island” ever resulted in a bad travel experience?
Exactly. I rest my case.
Now, I’m not much of an outdoor adventure traveller, but I do love myself a bit of yoga/snorkelling/hiking/cycling (or all of the above) and I’ve discovered that Okinawa is actually the perfect place in Japan to get your sport on.
The latest video from Be.Okinawa gives you an exciting little taste of what I’m talking about (see below), but just in case you don’t believe me, here’s just some of the activities you can do in this region.
Karate
Karate actually originated in Okinawa, so if you’ve ever fancied yourself dressed up in one of those starched white suits while thrusting your foot through a block of wood, then this is definitely the place to do it.
Head to the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, where you can participate in classes, or just sit back and watch a demonstration in the arena.
Kayaking
If you take the ferry from Ishigaki Island, you’ll find yourself in the tropical jungle landscape of Iriomote Island. Here, you can kayak through the calm turquoise waters, go waterfall-hunting and even keep an eye out for the elusive – and rare – Iriomote wildcat.
Yoga
Quote honestly, I can’t think of anything better than joining a sunrise yoga session in front of Katsuren Castle, one of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as long as I have chance to grab caffeine afterwards, of course).
Group classes are run regularly, but if you get up early enough and take your mat with you, you could probably enjoy a solo session with no-one else in sight.
Cycling
You all know that I love me a spot of cycling and the main island of Okinawa has plenty of routes for all kinds of cycling abilities. You can even take a lap around the whole island – which covers a distance of 62 miles, so isn’t for the faint of heart – that will provide you with some envy-inducing holiday snaps.
Horse Riding
Riding a trusty steed along the beach is actually atop many people’s to-do lists when they go on vacation and Okinawa will not disappoint in this respect, either.
You can canter along the shore of the main island by booking a private excursion, or even join a class at the Okinawa Horse Riding Club if you’re a beginner and are looking for a unique way to see the local sights.
Hiking
Venture just 30 minutes from Okinawa’s capital of Naha and you’ll find yourself immersed in a subtropical forest that is home to mystical Chinese banyan trees (which are said to be the home of ‘forest spirits’) and the world’s oldest fishing hook, which dates back over 23,000 years. As random as it sounds, it’s actually a real historical gem…
Leave a Reply