Okinawa, the "Oriental Hawaii" with Its Enchanting Island Songs

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network

 

Walking on the crystal-clear white sands and gazing out at the endless blue sea, you might think you’re in Bali or Hawaii — if not for the distant, ancient sounds of the sanshin. The sanshin is the main instrument of Okinawan folk music, with a simple and pure tone. Paired with the long, soaring vocals of Okinawan singers, an extraordinary Okinawan holiday has just begun.

Okinawa has long been known as the “Oriental Hawaii” among Japanese. Here, a variety of water activities can be enjoyed on the deep blue sea — banana boat rides, canoeing, jet skiing, snorkeling... You can even take a sightseeing boat to feed tropical fish, as the crystal-clear waters generously display the vibrant colors of marine life. Beyond that, the biggest reason for its “Oriental Hawaii” title is the chance to hold stunningly romantic chapel weddings. Additionally, due to Okinawa’s pleasant climate all year round and its proximity to Taiwan, it has become a popular choice for many to hold overseas chapel weddings in recent years.

 

The elegantly designed chapels, set against lush green seas, white sandy beaches, and blue skies, exude a Southern charm. The dazzling white spaces, accented by stained glass, appear exceptionally graceful... Against the backdrop of an unspoiled blue sky and sea, standing before the vast blue ocean altar to make lifelong vows, and completing the wedding amidst a shower of petals and blessings from loved ones — this moment of happiness and beauty instantly becomes eternal.

Having a wedding in Okinawa is just one of the many attractions here. Another increasingly popular activity is cycling leisurely along the Ocean Road. The Ocean Road is located in Uruma City and connects Okinawa’s main island with Kouri Island, stretching 4.75 kilometers in total. It’s said that before the Ocean Road was built, the waters in this area were very shallow, and you could even walk across during low tide. Later, because Kouri Island had an oil storage base, this straight, long bridge was constructed over forty years ago to facilitate oil transport. Connected to the main island via the Ocean Road are four small islands: Kouri, Henza, Miyagi, and Ikei, with a combined population of just over 3,000 — a simple, quaint village. Passing through the Ocean Road, consider venturing further into these small islands to experience island fishing village scenery, and you might even discover your own secret beach. The terrain here is mostly flat, with only a few slopes. Just as you’re about to give up climbing one, the descent begins, and with the endless ocean stretching out before you, riding with the wind is pure bliss.

Riding along, you’ll feel ultimate joy.

 

After your bike ride in Uruma City, you can also visit the nearby Southeast Botanical Gardens. The garden is home to thousands of subtropical plant species, with different floral themes each month, making it a colorful sight all year round. You can slowly explore by bike or take a ride on the park’s small train to learn more about the local ecosystem. The most popular spot is the Koi Pond, which houses tens of thousands of extra-large, colorful koi. The sight of their mouths competing for food as visitors feed them is truly amusing.

When visiting the southern part of Okinawa, the Gyokusendo Cave in the Cultural Kingdom is a must-see. Gyokusendo is a 5-kilometer-long limestone cave, a stunning masterpiece shaped by nature over 300,000 years. Although only the first 890 meters are currently open to the public, it’s more than enough to take your breath away. Limestone grows just a centimeter every few decades, so seeing 300,000 years of history right before your eyes in Gyokusendo is deeply moving. Even with drops of calcium carbonate water falling on your head, the experience remains awe-inspiring. And don’t think it’s all just stone and water — look closely in the pools, and you might even spot fish swimming around.

 

Stepping out of Gyokusendo, you’ll enter the vibrant Cultural Kingdom, where you can experience traditional crafts from master artisans of old — such as pottery, glass-blowing, weaving, paper-making, indigo dyeing, and Bingata dyeing — all of which best showcase Okinawan culture. Also not to be missed is the Eisa performance. Eisa is a dance performed by Okinawans during the Obon Festival, featuring the sanshin, taiko drums, and fue (flutes). Male performers play the sanshin and beat the large drums forcefully, while females play the smaller drums and dance along. Their expressions are full of spirit, and they shout powerfully. The Eisa performances at the Cultural Kingdom, performed by young men and women, are especially vibrant.

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