Delve into the Region’s Vibrant History with Okinawa ItineraryOkinawa

In Okinawa, traditional food is best sampled in the region’s diverse markets. One of the best places to visit to taste Okinawan cuisine and try local culinary specialties is at Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market in Onna Village. Here, you’ll find an abundance of tropical fruits, island vegetables and local delicacies. With various events that include seasonal harvest festivals, visitors can enjoy the freshest foods at events like the Mango Fair and Passion Fruit Festival. In addition to changing seasonal foods, travelers can discover unique souvenirs sold only at the marketplace that change with the season as well. Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market an incredibly popular destination that attracts 1.2 million visitors annually. Of course, there are a number of eateries you can visit to taste Okinawan dishes. Some of the best delicacies to try on your visit to the market are Okinawan Soba Noodles and Sata Andagi, a type of sweet, deep-fried donuts popular with the locals.

Okinawan awamori is the prefecture’s most iconic drink. The technique for making awamori has remained the same for over 500 years, and unlike sake brewing, awamori is created through a process of distillation. Unique to the Okinawa region, awamori is made with long grain indica Thai rice and is typically diluted to 25%-60% alcohol, which is much stronger than traditional sake. On the Zuisen Distillery tour, visitors are invited to explore the facility and learn about the history of this unique spirit and the techniques used to produce it. Of course, at the end of the tour you’ll get to sample some of Okinawa’s famous spirit yourself and may be tempted to buy a bottle to take with you on your travels around the region, but remember, please don’t drink and drive.

A trip to the Valley of Gangala is a captivating experience. The valley was created when a vast limestone cave collapsed in on itself many hundreds of thousands of years ago. Today, many cave systems are still visible, intermingled with the forest’s rich vegetation making for a truly breathtaking scene. Many archaeologists believe these cave systems were once home to prehistoric humans over 20,000 years ago. In fact, one treasure to be uncovered in the caves was a 23,000-year-old fishing hook, the oldest ever to be discovered. Entry to the Valley of Gangala, like certain other forests in Japan, requires pre-reserved guided tours. English, Chinese and Korean text is available to rent for free at the location.

In Okinawa, art has and continues to play an important role in society. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of glass artistry, where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine at Ryukyu Glass Village. While glass production began in Okinawa in the early Meiji era (1868-1912), the glass was originally transparent. It wasn’t until after a scarcity of glass following World War II that colored glass was recycled and reused, resulting in the colorful Ryukyu glassware known today. Ryukyu Glass Village, you’ll find a dedicated gallery displaying fine works of Ryukyu glass and workshops that you can take part in to create your own glass masterpieces.