Okinawa attracts visitors mainly for its sun kissed white sand beaches. It is a chain of islands, also known as Ryukyu Islands, forming the southern most prefecture of Japan. These islands, numbering a few dozens, are divided into three groups by their geographical disposition. These are Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands.
Okinawa has great capacity to endure suppression, as testified by its history. Formerly the islands were the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. It was annexed by Japan 1879 during Meiji Restoration to become a prefecture of Japan. It was one of the main battlegrounds between Japan and allied forces during World War II. After the defeat of Japan, the islands came under United States administration. It was returned to Japan in 1972.
Okinawa Main Island and a group of about 25 smaller islands constitute the Okinawa Islands. Naha, the prefectural capital, is located in the Okinawa Main Islands. Shuri Castle, seat of erstwhile Ryukyu Kingdom, is an important landmark of Naha. The castle was completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt later. Nago, Okinawa City and Itoman are other towns of the island.
Several good beaches dot the coastline of this island. These are excellent for scuba diving. Ocean Expo Park, on the northern part of the island, has one of the biggest aquaria of Japan. Cape Hedo, the island's northernmost point, is well know for its scenic beauty presented by lush hills and rugged coast. It is a popular hiking destination. Ikei, Hamahiga and Kumejima are other smaller island of this group.
Miyako Islands, with its relaxed lifestyle characteristic of Okinawa, offer some of the most beautiful beaches of Japan. As such, they are fast catching the fancy of international tourists. Maehama beach is a popular attraction for its white sand, calm blue waters and picturesque view of Kurema, another island of the group. The beach is excellent for beach volleyball and golf. Ikema, Irabu and Tarama are other islands of this group.
Yaeyama Islands are the southernmost of the three major group of islands. Iriomote Island, the group's largest and Okinawa's second largest, is celebrated for its lush forests and mangrove. Hiking and boating in the stunning landscape of Iriomote National Park provide an unforgettable experience. Beaches of this island are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Taketomi and Ishigaki are other islands of the group.
Okinawa has great capacity to endure suppression, as testified by its history. Formerly the islands were the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. It was annexed by Japan 1879 during Meiji Restoration to become a prefecture of Japan. It was one of the main battlegrounds between Japan and allied forces during World War II. After the defeat of Japan, the islands came under United States administration. It was returned to Japan in 1972.
Okinawa Main Island and a group of about 25 smaller islands constitute the Okinawa Islands. Naha, the prefectural capital, is located in the Okinawa Main Islands. Shuri Castle, seat of erstwhile Ryukyu Kingdom, is an important landmark of Naha. The castle was completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt later. Nago, Okinawa City and Itoman are other towns of the island.
Several good beaches dot the coastline of this island. These are excellent for scuba diving. Ocean Expo Park, on the northern part of the island, has one of the biggest aquaria of Japan. Cape Hedo, the island's northernmost point, is well know for its scenic beauty presented by lush hills and rugged coast. It is a popular hiking destination. Ikei, Hamahiga and Kumejima are other smaller island of this group.
Miyako Islands, with its relaxed lifestyle characteristic of Okinawa, offer some of the most beautiful beaches of Japan. As such, they are fast catching the fancy of international tourists. Maehama beach is a popular attraction for its white sand, calm blue waters and picturesque view of Kurema, another island of the group. The beach is excellent for beach volleyball and golf. Ikema, Irabu and Tarama are other islands of this group.
Yaeyama Islands are the southernmost of the three major group of islands. Iriomote Island, the group's largest and Okinawa's second largest, is celebrated for its lush forests and mangrove. Hiking and boating in the stunning landscape of Iriomote National Park provide an unforgettable experience. Beaches of this island are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Taketomi and Ishigaki are other islands of the group.
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