We all know Tokyo is the shining star of Japan, but what about the rest of one of the world’s most fascinating countries?
Well, to help you answer that, we just revealed 5 more thrilling Japanese destinations ranging from thriving bustling cities to culturally rich hidden gems.
But, what often goes unnoticed are Japan’s stunning coastlines.
Whether Thailand has stolen all of Asia’s spotlight or the fact Japan just can’t shake its tsunamigenic reputation, beaches here will shock you, nonetheless!
One such place is Okinawa, and the numbers back it up as not only one of the latest beach hotspots in Japan but all of Asia, according to Agoda’s latest report.
Welcome To The ‘Hawaii Of Japan’!
Aloha!
Or in this case – Konnichiwa!
Way beyond Tokyo’s organized chaos lies Okinawa, a stunning island far too often overlooked as a premiere vacation destination.
For better or worse, certain places hold on to their popular reputations ultimately casting a large shadow over the potential for new, lesser-known destinations to shine.
That’s the case for Okinawa.
Tokyo is so vast, popular, and magnetizing it’s nearly impossible to cover all the hidden nooks and crannies of the city, leaving no time to visit the rest of Japan’s wonders.
Travelers exploring beyond Tokyo do it with purpose, and being dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Japan‘ will surely lure you away from the mainland.
Boasting picture-perfect white sand and, in some cases, black or pink, Okinawa is truly a beach paradise.
Most beach conditions are pristine along the crystalline waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing in some spots, although tourists tend to agree the island of Honshu’s beaches can be skipped.
Okinawa is dispersed between well over 100 islands, so take your pick! Like Hawaii, you can choose between numerous incredible beachfront resorts, except here, which is for every budget.
One of the most secluded beach trips, yet easily accessible, just may be Sesoko Beach. One beachgoer raved on TripAdvisor of the warm October weather and beach quality saying, ‘the water is clean, warm, and has a wonderful green color’.
Where Rich Culture Meets Astounding Scenery
What Honolulu is to Hawaii, Naha is to Japan’s stunning island getaway, along with other cool urban explorations like Nago or Okinawa City.
Although Okinawa beholds many delightfully cultural villages, tourists tend to navigate toward the action like a moth to a flame.
Okinawa is where city life meets island life – way more laid-back than Tokyo (and cheaper!), yet essentially a melting pot of all Japan’s top offerings in one.
Brimming with captivating museums, traditional temples, and all the Japanese flavor you can savor, you’ll never have a dull moment here with so many islands and cities to explore.
Okinawa is extremely safe, where Mother Nature is the most common threat sitting on the Ryukyu Trench.
But, you may notice some familiar faces walking by from time to time to make you feel even safer.
The U.S. Military holds multiple bases across the islands. Welcomed here with open arms, you will be too.
A Blue Zone Destination: Dying To Be Here And Forgetting To Die
My grandpa used to crack a joke when we would drive by a cemetery saying, “you know, people are just dying to be there!”.
Well, that’s basically how the locals feel about Okinawa.
Although, rather ironically, you could say they’re forgetting to die.
Okinawans live with purpose until the lights go out, giving a nod to the old adage, “age is just a number”.
If you’re unaware, Okinawa is one of only a handful of Blue Zones in the world, meaning people tend to live to be 100+ due to a meticulous focus on overall health, purpose, and environmental factors.
In America, it’s common to park your butt on a retirement center bench with a Diet Coke in hand. Here, retirement means something entirely different.
Yes, careers may come and go, but Okinawans are always on the move and keep a close circle of friends throughout life.
In fact, there’s a word for this – moai. Through locally sourced plant-based diets and a willing attitude to push back Father Time, Okinawa is home to one of the most truly unique societies in the world.
Of course, it helps not to be bogged down by high rent/mortgage payments your whole life.
Okinawa tends to be more affordable than Tokyo, for example, whether it be housing, food or hotels, benefitting locals and tourists alike.
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