The Enchanting Charms of Okinawa, the "Oriental Hawaii"

 

Beautiful churches set against emerald seas, white sands, and blue skies exude the charm of the tropics. Pure white, dazzling spaces accented by stained glass appear especially elegant... Against the backdrop of an immaculate blue sky and sea, standing before a vast blue ocean altar to exchange 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.

Getting married in Okinawa is just one of its many attractions. Recently, cycling leisurely along the Ocean Road has become the hottest activity here. The Ocean Road is located in Uruma City and connects the main island of Okinawa with Kouri Island, stretching 4.75 kilometers in total. It's said that before the Ocean Road was built, this area was very shallow, and you could even walk across during low tide. Later, due to the presence of an oil storage facility on Kouri Island, this straight, long bridge was constructed over 40 years ago to facilitate oil transport. The Ocean Road links four small islands—Kouri Island, Henza Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island—with the main island. These islands have only about 3,000 residents, making them peaceful, rustic villages. Beyond the Ocean Road, you can explore these small islands to experience island fishing village scenery, and perhaps even discover your own secret beach. The terrain here is mostly flat, with only a few slopes. Just when you're panting and ready to give up climbing a slope, a downhill section appears, and with the endless ocean before you, riding with the wind...

...is an absolute delight.

 

After your cycling trip in Uruma City, you can also visit the nearby Southeast Botanical Gardens. The park is home to thousands of subtropical plants, with different floral themes each month, ensuring a colorful landscape year-round. You can leisurely explore the gardens by bike or take the park’s sightseeing train to learn more about its ecosystem. The most popular spot is the koi pond, which houses tens of thousands of large, colorful koi. Watching them gather at the surface to feed is a truly entertaining sight.

In the southern region, a must-visit is the Gyokusendo Cave in the Cultural Kingdom. Gyokusendo is a 5-kilometer-long limestone cave and a stunning natural artwork sculpted by nature over 300,000 years. Although only the first 890 meters are currently open to the public, it’s still breathtaking. It takes decades for limestone to grow just one centimeter, so the 300,000 years of history in Gyokusendo are vividly on display before your eyes. Even if drops of calcium carbonate water fall on your head, you’ll still be moved. Don’t assume the cave is only rocks and water—look closely at the pools and you might even see fish swimming!

 

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, glassblowing, weaving, papermaking, indigo dyeing, and Ryukyu-style tie-dyeing—all reflecting Okinawan culture. A must-see is the Eisa dance performance, where performers energetically beat drums and dance. The powerful beats, grand melodies, and dynamic rhythms bring joy and excitement. Many visitors even join in to learn a few moves, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. The performances are put on by young members of local cultural groups, adding a special charm.