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We all know that Tokyo is the shining star of Japan, but what about the rest of one of the most fascinating countries in the world?
To help you answer that question, we’ve just revealed 5 more exciting Japanese destinations, ranging from thriving, bustling cities to culturally rich hidden gems.
But what often goes unnoticed is that Japan’s breathtaking coastlines.
Whether Thailand has stolen all the attention from Asia or the fact that Japan just can’t shake its tsunamigenic reputation, The beaches here will shock youanyway!
There is one such place Okinawaand the numbers support it not only as one of the newest beach hotspots in Japan, but according to all of Asia The latest report from agoda.
Welcome to the ‘Hawaii of Japan’!
Hello!
Or in this case – Konnichiwa!
Far beyond the organized chaos of Tokyo lies Okinawa, a beautiful island that is far too often overlooked as a premier holiday destination.
For better or worse, certain places cling to their popular reputations and ultimately cast a large shadow over the potential for new, lesser-known destinations to shine.
That is the case for Okinawa.
Tokyo is so vast, popular and magnetic that it is almost impossible to cover all the hidden nooks and crannies of the city, leaving no time to visit the rest of Japan’s wonders.
Travelers who explore outside Tokyo do it with a purpose, and become the ‘Hawaii of Japan‘ will definitely take you away from the mainland.
With beautiful white sand and, in some cases, black or pink, Okinawa is a true beach paradise.
Home to tropical landscapes, climates and island chains, it’s easy to see the Hawaiian comparison.
Most beach conditions are pristine along the crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and surfing in some spots, although tourists tend to agree that the beaches of Honshu Island can be skipped.
Okinawa is spread over more than 100 islands, so take your pick! Just like Hawaii, you can choose from tons of incredible beachfront resorts, except here, that’s for every budget.
One of the most remote beach trips, yet easily accessible, just might be Sesoko Beach. One beachgoer on TripAdvisor raved about the warm October weather and the quality of the beach, saying: ‘The water is clean, warm and a beautiful green colour’.
Where rich culture and amazing landscapes meet
What Honolulu is to Hawaii, Naha is to Japan’s breathtaking island getaway, along with other cool urban explorations like Nago or Okinawa City.
Although Okinawa is home to many beautiful cultural villages, tourists tend to navigate to the action like a moth to a flame.
Okinawa is where city life meets island life – much more relaxed than Tokyo (and cheaper!), yet essentially a melting pot of all of Japan’s top offerings rolled into one.
Full of fascinating museums, traditional temples and all the Japanese flavors to enjoy, you’ll never have a dull moment here with so many islands and towns to explore.
Okinawa is extremely safewhere Mother Nature is the most common threat on the Ryukyu Trench.
But you may occasionally encounter familiar faces that make you feel even safer.
The US military has several bases spread across the islands. You will be welcomed here with open arms.
A Blue Zone Destination: Die to be here and forget to die
My grandpa always joked when we drove past a cemetery and said, “You know, people just want to be there!”.
Well, that’s actually how the locals feel about Okinawa.
Although ironically you could say that they forget to die.
Okinawans live with purpose until the lights go out, a nod to the old saying, “age is just a number.”
If you don’t know, Okinawa is one of the few 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 is common to park your butt on a bench in a retirement home with a Diet Coke in hand. Pension means something completely different here.
Yes, careers can come and go, but Okinawans are always on the move and maintain a close circle of friends throughout their lives.
There’s actually a word for it: Moai. Through locally sourced, plant-based diets and a willing attitude to push back Father Time, Okinawa is home to one of the most unique societies in the world.
Of course, it helps not to be bogged down by high rent/mortgage payments for the rest of your life.
Okinawa is generally more affordable than, say, Tokyo, whether it’s housing, food or hotels, benefiting both locals and tourists.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
