By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Love Okinawa~ Its unique culture and cuisine set it apart from mainland Japan. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to explore deeper, don’t you wish you had a professional guide to take you all around Okinawa? Actually, having a personal guide isn’t this troublesome—the latest book from Mook Publishing, “Okinawa 5 Days & 4 Nights,” comprehensively introduces the classic sights, food, beaches, and shopping spots on Okinawa’s main island. With large, clear maps pinpointing attractions, it makes trip planning easy. In addition to covering major topics like flights and transportation, as well as smaller details such as climate and must-eat/must-buy lists, it also offers four special travel itineraries: “Driving in Okinawa!” “Charming Old Houses in Okinawa,” “Coastal Bike Ride,” and “Sanshin Izakaya.” With just a backpack, you can dive deep into the heart of Okinawa.
Unlike mainstream Japanese culture and food, the lingering charm of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the tropical vibe are Okinawa’s true allure. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Japan’s southernmost island—Okinawa—is just a 90-minute flight from Taiwan, yet it boasts azure skies, crystal-clear seas, quirky little shops, and a laid-back island atmosphere that fulfills every traveler’s dream of going abroad. The lingering cultural legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its complex history give Okinawa rich cultural depth. Different from the mainland, Okinawan cuisine, the exotic flair of the U.S. military presence, and ocean views straight out of a movie all tug at visitors’ hearts. The whale sharks gliding through the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the bustling Kokusai Dori, design items by Okinawan authors, and cozy cafes make you want to linger in Okinawa, leisurely spending the whole day.
With the guidance of “Okinawa 5 Days & 4 Nights,” not only will you get a solid grasp of the main island’s classic sights, food, beaches, and shopping info, but it also takes you beyond Naha by car. The book clearly explains the ins and outs of renting a car in Okinawa, arranges the smoothest driving routes, and marks practical details like gas stations and toll roads to ensure you can drive with ease on your first try. For readers who love historic homes, the island’s unique traditional houses have been renovated—some turned into century-old residences open for visits, others transformed into restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses—immersing you in authentic local culture.
As for passionate cycling enthusiasts, the best recommended routes for biking in Okinawa include the “Nirai Kanai Bridge” (Nanjo City) in the south, the “Umikaji Terrace” (Uruma City) along the central east coast, and the “Kouri Bridge” (Kin Town) on the northern west coast. Visitors can choose their preferred bike type based on fitness level, ranging from standard road bikes to convenient electric-assist bikes. Many rental services even allow you to pick up a bike in one location and return it in another, making it easier to link up different legs of your trip. And for night owls, the izakayas are a hit—you can dance to the sanshin music played by the izakaya owner, mingle with locals, and enjoy the most genuine Okinawan grassroots culture.
● Further Reading:
Master Okinawa Travel with One Guidebook: “Okinawa 5 Days & 4 Nights” (Latest Edition)
http://goo.gl/hHqr1z
MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network — The Largest Chinese Travel Information Platform
www.mook.com.tw
“Okinawa 5 Days & 4 Nights” lets you travel like a pro with ease. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)