[:it]Scoprendo le meraviglie di Okinawa[:en]Discovering the wonders of Okinawa[:ja]Discovering the wonders of Okinawa[:]
[:it]Le isole Okinawa formano il gruppo principale dell’arcipelago giapponese delle Ryūkyū. Esse comprendono l’omonima isola insieme ad altre minori e fanno parte della prefettura di Okinawa il cui capoluogo è Naha.
photo credits: jw-webmagazine.com
Da Okinawa proviene la famosa arte marziale del karate. Questa è un’arte creata in seguito alla fusione delle arti marziali cinesi con l’Okinawa-te (all’epoca suddiviso in Naha-te, Shuri-te e Tomari-te).
L’isola di Okinawa è la più grande dell’arcipelago ed è la 287ª isola per estensione al mondo.
Il clima subtropicale di queste isole sostiene una densa foresta pluviale, mantenuta dalla stagione dei monsoni che avviene nella tarda primavera.
Le cose da visitare ad Okinawa sono tante, forse troppe. E’ una meta che non può mancare nell’itinerario dei nostri viaggi nipponici. Qui abbiamo voluto raccogliere quelle che secondo noi sono le location migliori da visitare. Il nostro consiglio è comunque quello di dedicare ad Okinawa, chiamata anche la Polinesia Giapponese, più tempo possibile.
Castello Shuri
Shuri era l’antica capitale del regno di Ryukyu e il castello fu centro amministrativo e residenza della famiglia reale. Il Castello Shuri (Shuri-jo) è situato su una piccola collina che sovrasta Naha. La struttura originale andò distrutta durante la seconda guerra mondiale e ricostruita in seguito. L’area è stata riaperta al pubblico nel 1992 in occasione del ventesimo anniversario della restituzione di Okinawa al Giappone da parte degli USA.
Oggi il castello fa parte del Patrimonio dell’umanità UNESCO.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Parco seminazionale di Okinawa Senseki
Luogo dove avvenne la celebre battaglia di Okinawa durante la Seconda guerra mondiale, il parco è dedicato alle circa 200.000 vittime degli scontri. Di particolare importanza sono il Museo memoriale della Pace con diversi pezzi che rimandano alla guerra. Ricordiamo infatti gli oggetti dei caduti, le loro foto durante la guerra di Okinawa e la Pietra angolare della Pace con tutti i nomi dei caduti. Il 23 giugno nel 1945 l’esercito giapponese ha smesso di opporre resistenza. Questo è il giorno in cui ogni anno si tiene la cerimonia di commemorazione per i caduti in guerra.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Sefa Utaki
Sefa Utaki è un importante luogo sacro per la religione di Okinawa situato sull’Isola di Kudaka. Si trova su una collina con formazioni rocciose collegate tra loro da percorsi pedonali. La traduzione inglese della parola Sefa-utaki è “luogo purificato di Utaki”. Anche questo sito fa parte del Patrimonio Mondiale UNESCO.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Giardino Shikinaen
Il giardino Shikinaen è stato costruito alla fine del 18° secolo ed era la seconda residenza dei re di Ryukyu. Qui si possono trovare edifici in legno in stile okinawano, con tegole rosse e un laghetto centrale.
photo credits: giapponepertutti.it
Mausoleo Tamaudun
Il mausoleo Tamaudun è stato costruito intorno all’inizio del 16° secolo per la famiglia reale del Regno di Ryukyu. E’ stato restaurato dopo aver subito gravi danni durante la guerra ed ora è Patrimonio Mondiale dell’UNESCO.
photo credits: sobre-japon.com
Ocean Expo Park
L’Ocean Expo Park è un grande parco sulla punta della penisola di Motobu, nel nord di Okinawa Honto. Questa attrazione è stata costruita nel 1976 per commemorare l’Okinawa International Ocean Expo tenutosi l’anno precedente. L’attrazione principale del parco è il Churaumi Aquarium, definito l’acquario più bello del Giappone.
photo credits: worldsciencemuseums.altervista.org
Kokusai Dori
Kokusaidori (letteralmente “Strada Internazionale”) è la via principale che si estende per circa due chilometri attraverso il centro di Naha. La strada prende il nome dal precedente “Ernie Pyle International Theatre”, un cinema costruito lungo la strada dopo la guerra.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Cascata Hiji
La cascata Hiji si trova a Yambaru Honto, nella zona nord di Okinawa. Qui la densità della popolazione è molto bassa e la maggior parte del territorio è coperto da foreste naturali. Si può accedere alla cascata tramite un’escursione lungo un sentiero attraverso la foresta. Tuttavia, Il sentiero è stato danneggiato da un tifone nel 2012 ma riaperto nel mese di aprile 2013.
photo credits: ilgiappone.wordpress.com
Rovine dei Castelli Nakagusuku, Katsuren e Zakimi
Un’altra meta molto interessante, sono le rovine dei Castelli di Nakagusuku, Katsuren e Zakimi di cui queste ultime due sono patrimonio dell’UNESCO.
Il primo si erge a 150 metri sopra il livello del mare e fu originariamente costruito dal clan Aji nel XIV secolo. Successivamente, Gosamaru lo ampliò nel XV secolo prima di cadere definitivamente nelle mani di Awamari-san. Questo castello oggi è patrimonio dell’UMA.
photo credits: travel.sygic.com
Il castello di Katsuren invece fu di proprietà di Awamari-san. Nel XV secolo egli mise in seria difficoltà il potere reale a causa del proprio carattere ribelle e delle proprie conquiste militari.
photo credits: it.depositphotos.com
Il castello di Zakimi invece fu costruito nel XV secolo dal leggendario guerriero Gosamaru. Noto per le sue costruzioni militari, questo castello è il primo esempio di portale in pietra esistente sull’isola di Okinawa.
photo credits: ilgiappone.wordpress.com
Mihama American Village
Il Mihama American Village è un grande complesso di intrattenimento situato nel centro di Okinawa Honto. Molte basi militari americane si trovano nella zona e il complesso di intrattenimento è un diversivo molto ricercato per la gente del posto. Il Mihama American Village ha molti negozi, ristoranti, caffè e un ampio parcheggio.
photo credits: en.japantravel.com
Okinawa World
Okinawa World è un parco dedicato alla cultura okinawana. Le attrazioni principali del parco sono una grande grotta naturale (Gyokusendo), un villaggio artigianale e un museo di serpenti.
photo credits: city-cost.com
Passiamo alla natura, perchè è vero che Okinawa è tradizione e storia, ma è anche un Paradiso naturale da vivere. Ci sono molte spiagge da sogno in cui trascorrere momenti indimenticabili, ma per voi abbiamo scelto le migliori. Diteci poi cosa ne pensate della nostra selezione!
Le spiagge di Okinawa: Manza Beach
La spiaggia dalla sabbia soffice fa parte del ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, il cui edificio si affaccia sui 300 metri della spiaggia.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
Le spiagge di Okinawa: Moon Beach
Moon Beach è una spiaggia situata all’interno dei terreni di Hotel Moon Beach. La spiaggia si estende per 150 metri ed è spesso molto affollata. C’è una zona riservata ai nuotatori, ombrelloni e reti da pallavolo.
photo credits: hotelmoonbeach.moonhotelsandresorts.com
Le spiagge di Okinawa: Sunset Beach
Avete voglia di godervi tramonti da film? E allora non potete perdervi la Sunset Beach. Si trova proprio accanto al Mihama American Village. La spiaggia è lunga circa 250 metri ed è situata in una piccola baia artificiale sulla sponda occidentale.
photo credits: oki-islandguide.com
Le spiagge di Okinawa: Emerald Beach
Emerald Beach si trova all’interno dell’Ocean Expo Park sulla penisola di Motobu. La spiaggia è divisa in tre settori e ciascuna delle tre aree è lunga circa 150 metri.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
Le spiagge di Okinawa: Okuma Beach
Okuma Beach è una spiaggia situata all’interno della JAL Private Resort Okuma. Si trova nel nord di Okinawa Honto, la zona meno densamente popolate. La spiaggia si estende per oltre un chilometro lungo la costa.
photo credits: marshallsabroad.com
Se proprio non potete ancora partire, vogliamo consigliarvi un film per godere delle bellezze di Okinawa: Karanukan (カーラヌカン). Romantico ma con lo scopo di mostrare le bellezze di questo paese, il film racconta la storia del fotografo Hikaru Ooyama (GACKT) che decide di visitare Okinawa. Lì, incontra Mami Ishigaki (Suzuka Kimura) e ne rimane affascinato, tanto da sceglierla come modella. Durante un servizio fotografico nelle Yaeyama Islands, Hikaru viene investito da un fascio di luce che gli fa perdere momentaneamente coscienza e traccia della sua musa. La sua vita, da quel momento in poi, è dedicata alla ricerca di Mami tra gli incredibili posti da sogno di Okinawa. Se avete voglia di pregustare questi magnifici luogi, Karanukan è il film giusto per voi.
photo credits: gacktitalia.com
Solitamente scrivo solo articoli per me di un certo interesse, ormai sapete che mi occupo della storia Giapponese, dei Samurai e di aziende Giapponesi in Italia. Di viaggi mi occupo raramente, tuttavia questa volta la passione ha parlato al posto mio.
Appena ne avete la possibilità, partite per questa meravigliosa isola. Scoprirete che tutti i posti di cui avete sempre sentito parlare, tutte le spiagge, tutti i luoghi che avete sempre sognato si riuniscono tutti qui, ad Okinawa.[:en]The Okinawa Islands form the main group of the Japanese Ryūkyū archipelago. They include the homonymous island together with other minor ones and are part of the Okinawa prefecture whose capital is Naha.
photo credits: jw-webmagazine.com
The famous martial art of karate comes from Okinawa. This is an art created following the fusion of Chinese martial arts with the Okinawa-te (then subdivided into Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te).
Also, the island of Okinawa is the largest in the archipelago and is the 287th largest island in the world. The subtropical climate of these islands supports a dense rainforest, maintained by the monsoon season that occurs in late spring.
Okinawa has many landmarks, perhaps too many. It is a destination that cannot be missed in our Japanese travel itinerary. Here we wanted to collect what we think are the best locations to visit. However, our advice is to dedicate as much time as possible to this islands, also called Japanese Polynesia.
Shuri Castle
Shuri was the ancient capital of the Ryukyu kingdom and the castle was the administrative centre and residence of the royal family. Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo) is located on a small hill overlooking Naha. The original structure was destroyed during the Second World War and later rebuilt. The area was reopened to the public in 1992 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan by the USA.
Today the castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Seminational park of Okinawa Senseki
This is the place where the famous battle of Okinawa took place during the Second World War, the park is dedicated to the approximately 200,000 victims of the conflicts. Of particular importance are the Memorial Museum of Peace with several pieces that refer to the war. We remember in fact the objects of the fallen, their photos during the war of Okinawa and the Cornerstone of Peace with all the names of the fallen. On June 23 in 1945 the Japanese army stopped resisting. This is the day on which the commemorative ceremony for the war dead is held every year.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Sefa Utaki
Sefa Utaki is an important sacred place for Okinawan religion located on Kudaka Island. It is located on a hill with rock formations connected by pedestrian paths. The English translation of the word Sefa-utaki is “purified place of Utaki”. This site is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Shikinaen Garden
The Shikinaen garden was built at the end of the 18th century and was the second residence of the kings of Ryukyu. Here you can find wooden buildings in Okinawan style, with red tiles and a central pond.
photo credits: giapponepertutti.it
Tamaudun Mausoleum
The Tamaudun mausoleum was built around the beginning of the 16th century for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was restored after suffering serious damage during the war and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
photo credits: sobre-japon.com
Ocean Expo Park
The Ocean Expo Park is a large park on the tip of the Motobu peninsula, in the north of Okinawa Honto. This attraction was built in 1976 to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Expo held the previous year. The main attraction of the park is the Churaumi Aquarium, called the most beautiful aquarium in Japan.
photo credits: worldsciencemuseums.altervista.org
Kokusai Dori
Kokusaidori (literally “International Road”) is the main road that extends for about two kilometres through the centre of Naha. The street is named after the previous “Ernie Pyle International Theater”, a cinema built along the road after the war.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Hiji waterfall
The Hiji waterfall is located in Yambaru Honto, in the northern part of Okinawa. Here the population density is very low and most of the territory is covered by natural forests. The waterfall can be accessed via a hike along a path through the forest. However, the trail was damaged by a typhoon in 2012 but reopened in April 2013.
photo credits: ilgiappone.wordpress.com
Ruins of the Nakagusuku, Katsuren and Zakimi castles
Another very interesting destination is the ruins of the Castles of Nakagusuku, Katsuren and Zakimi of which these last two are UNESCO heritage.
The first stands 150 meters above sea level and was originally built by the Aji clan in the 14th century. Later, Gosamaru extended it in the 15th century before finally falling into the hands of Awamari-san. This castle today is part of the UMA.
photo credits: travel.sygic.com
Katsuren Castle, on the other hand, was owned by Awamari-san. In the fifteenth century, he put real power in serious difficulty because of his rebellious character and his military conquests.
photo credits: it.depositphotos.com
Zakimi Castle was built in the fifteenth century by the legendary warrior Gosamaru. Known for its military constructions, this castle is the first example of a stone portal existing on the island of Okinawa.
Mihama American Village
The Mihama American Village is a large entertainment complex located in the centre of Okinawa Honto. Many American military bases are in the area and the entertainment complex is a much sought after diversion for the locals. The Mihama American Village has many shops, restaurants, cafes and ample parking.
photo credits: en.japantravel.com
Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a park dedicated to Okinawan culture. The main attractions of the park are a large natural cave (Gyokusendo), a craft village and a snake museum.
photo credits: city-cost.com
Let’s move on to nature because it is true that Okinawa is tradition and history, but it is also a natural paradise to live. There are many dream beaches where you can spend unforgettable moments, but for you, we have chosen the best ones. Tell us what you think of our selection!
The beaches of Okinawa: Manza Beach
The soft sand beach is part of the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, whose building overlooks the 300 meters of the beach.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Moon Beach
Moon Beach is a beach located within the grounds of Hotel Moon Beach. The beach stretches for 150 meters and is often very crowded. There is an area reserved for swimmers, umbrellas and volleyball nets.
photo credits: hotelmoonbeach.moonhotelsandresorts.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Sunset Beach
Do you want to enjoy sunsets? Then you can’t miss Sunset Beach. It is located right next to the Mihama American Village. The beach is about 250 meters long and is located in a small artificial bay on the western shore.
photo credits: oki-islandguide.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Emerald Beach
Emerald Beach is located within the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu peninsula. The beach is divided into three sectors and each of the three areas is about 150 meters long.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Okuma Beach
Okuma Beach is a beach located within the JAL Private Resort Okuma. It is located in the north of Okinawa Honto, the least densely populated area. The beach stretches over a kilometre along the coast.
photo credits: marshallsabroad.com
If you really can’t leave yet, we want to recommend a movie to enjoy the beauties of Okinawa: Karanukan (カ ー ラ ヌ カ ン). Romantic but with the aim of showing the beauty of this country, the film tells the story of photographer Hikaru Ooyama (GACKT) who decides to visit Okinawa. There, he meets Mami Ishigaki (Suzuka Kimura) and is fascinated by it, so much so that he chooses her as a model. During a photoshoot in the Yaeyama Islands, Hikaru is hit by a beam of light that momentarily causes him to lose consciousness and trace his muse. His life, from that moment on, is dedicated to finding Mami among Okinawa’s incredible dream places. If you want to anticipate these magnificent places, Karanukan is the right movie for you.
photo credits: gacktitalia.com
Usually, I only write articles of some interest to me, by now you know that I deal with Japanese history, Samurai and Japanese companies in Italy. I travel rarely, but this time passion has spoken for me.
As soon as you have the chance, leave for this wonderful island. You will discover that all the places you have always heard about, all the beaches, all the places you have always dreamed of, all come together here, in Okinawa.[:ja]The Okinawa Islands form the main group of the Japanese Ryūkyū archipelago. They include the homonymous island together with other minor ones and are part of the Okinawa prefecture whose capital is Naha.
photo credits: jw-webmagazine.com
The famous martial art of karate comes from Okinawa. This is an art created following the fusion of Chinese martial arts with the Okinawa-te (then subdivided into Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te).
Also, the island of Okinawa is the largest in the archipelago and is the 287th largest island in the world. The subtropical climate of these islands supports a dense rainforest, maintained by the monsoon season that occurs in late spring.
Okinawa has many landmarks, perhaps too many. It is a destination that cannot be missed in our Japanese travel itinerary. Here we wanted to collect what we think are the best locations to visit. However, our advice is to dedicate as much time as possible to this islands, also called Japanese Polynesia.
Shuri Castle
Shuri was the ancient capital of the Ryukyu kingdom and the castle was the administrative centre and residence of the royal family. Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo) is located on a small hill overlooking Naha. The original structure was destroyed during the Second World War and later rebuilt. The area was reopened to the public in 1992 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the return of Okinawa to Japan by the USA.
Today the castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Seminational park of Okinawa Senseki
This is the place where the famous battle of Okinawa took place during the Second World War, the park is dedicated to the approximately 200,000 victims of the conflicts. Of particular importance are the Memorial Museum of Peace with several pieces that refer to the war. We remember in fact the objects of the fallen, their photos during the war of Okinawa and the Cornerstone of Peace with all the names of the fallen. On June 23 in 1945 the Japanese army stopped resisting. This is the day on which the commemorative ceremony for the war dead is held every year.
photo credits: wikipedia.org
Sefa Utaki
Sefa Utaki is an important sacred place for Okinawan religion located on Kudaka Island. It is located on a hill with rock formations connected by pedestrian paths. The English translation of the word Sefa-utaki is “purified place of Utaki”. This site is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Shikinaen Garden
The Shikinaen garden was built at the end of the 18th century and was the second residence of the kings of Ryukyu. Here you can find wooden buildings in Okinawan style, with red tiles and a central pond.
photo credits: giapponepertutti.it
Tamaudun Mausoleum
The Tamaudun mausoleum was built around the beginning of the 16th century for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was restored after suffering serious damage during the war and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
photo credits: sobre-japon.com
Ocean Expo Park
The Ocean Expo Park is a large park on the tip of the Motobu peninsula, in the north of Okinawa Honto. This attraction was built in 1976 to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Expo held the previous year. The main attraction of the park is the Churaumi Aquarium, called the most beautiful aquarium in Japan.
photo credits: worldsciencemuseums.altervista.org
Kokusai Dori
Kokusaidori (literally “International Road”) is the main road that extends for about two kilometres through the centre of Naha. The street is named after the previous “Ernie Pyle International Theater”, a cinema built along the road after the war.
photo credits: japan-guide.com
Hiji waterfall
The Hiji waterfall is located in Yambaru Honto, in the northern part of Okinawa. Here the population density is very low and most of the territory is covered by natural forests. The waterfall can be accessed via a hike along a path through the forest. However, the trail was damaged by a typhoon in 2012 but reopened in April 2013.
photo credits: ilgiappone.wordpress.com
Ruins of the Nakagusuku, Katsuren and Zakimi castles
Another very interesting destination is the ruins of the Castles of Nakagusuku, Katsuren and Zakimi of which these last two are UNESCO heritage.
The first stands 150 meters above sea level and was originally built by the Aji clan in the 14th century. Later, Gosamaru extended it in the 15th century before finally falling into the hands of Awamari-san. This castle today is part of the UMA.
photo credits: travel.sygic.com
Katsuren Castle, on the other hand, was owned by Awamari-san. In the fifteenth century, he put real power in serious difficulty because of his rebellious character and his military conquests.
photo credits: it.depositphotos.com
Zakimi Castle was built in the fifteenth century by the legendary warrior Gosamaru. Known for its military constructions, this castle is the first example of a stone portal existing on the island of Okinawa.
Mihama American Village
The Mihama American Village is a large entertainment complex located in the centre of Okinawa Honto. Many American military bases are in the area and the entertainment complex is a much sought after diversion for the locals. The Mihama American Village has many shops, restaurants, cafes and ample parking.
photo credits: en.japantravel.com
Okinawa World
Okinawa World is a park dedicated to Okinawan culture. The main attractions of the park are a large natural cave (Gyokusendo), a craft village and a snake museum.
photo credits: city-cost.com
Let’s move on to nature because it is true that Okinawa is tradition and history, but it is also a natural paradise to live. There are many dream beaches where you can spend unforgettable moments, but for you, we have chosen the best ones. Tell us what you think of our selection!
The beaches of Okinawa: Manza Beach
The soft sand beach is part of the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, whose building overlooks the 300 meters of the beach.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Moon Beach
Moon Beach is a beach located within the grounds of Hotel Moon Beach. The beach stretches for 150 meters and is often very crowded. There is an area reserved for swimmers, umbrellas and volleyball nets.
photo credits: hotelmoonbeach.moonhotelsandresorts.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Sunset Beach
Do you want to enjoy sunsets? Then you can’t miss Sunset Beach. It is located right next to the Mihama American Village. The beach is about 250 meters long and is located in a small artificial bay on the western shore.
photo credits: oki-islandguide.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Emerald Beach
Emerald Beach is located within the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu peninsula. The beach is divided into three sectors and each of the three areas is about 150 meters long.
photo credits: okinawatravelinfo.com
The beaches of Okinawa: Okuma Beach
Okuma Beach is a beach located within the JAL Private Resort Okuma. It is located in the north of Okinawa Honto, the least densely populated area. The beach stretches over a kilometre along the coast.
photo credits: marshallsabroad.com
If you really can’t leave yet, we want to recommend a movie to enjoy the beauties of Okinawa: Karanukan (カ ー ラ ヌ カ ン). Romantic but with the aim of showing the beauty of this country, the film tells the story of photographer Hikaru Ooyama (GACKT) who decides to visit Okinawa. There, he meets Mami Ishigaki (Suzuka Kimura) and is fascinated by it, so much so that he chooses her as a model. During a photoshoot in the Yaeyama Islands, Hikaru is hit by a beam of light that momentarily causes him to lose consciousness and trace his muse. His life, from that moment on, is dedicated to finding Mami among Okinawa’s incredible dream places. If you want to anticipate these magnificent places, Karanukan is the right movie for you.
photo credits: gacktitalia.com
Usually, I only write articles of some interest to me, by now you know that I deal with Japanese history, Samurai and Japanese companies in Italy. I travel rarely, but this time passion has spoken for me.
As soon as you have the chance, leave for this wonderful island. You will discover that all the places you have always heard about, all the beaches, all the places you have always dreamed of, all come together here, in Okinawa.[:]