Visiting this remote island of Japan in 2018 was a surreal experience that brings back so many beautiful memories as I write this article from a retrospective point of view. I think Okinawa had a combination of Ryukyuan and Japanese cultural influences. While it did feel like a small city in Mainland Japan, there were elements of Ryukyuan culture being left behind (related to Taiwan). While I do not remember the specifics, I understand that this peculiar interbreed of influence from both cultures made Okinawa a unique destination to visit and explore, especially for those who are really into the history side of things! Okinawa has several historic sites and museums for the history buffs to enjoy!

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Many Japanese from the Mainland love coming to Okinawa during the summer holidays – and upon my arrival on this island, I can clearly understand why! The clear blue skies, the pristine white clouds, and the bright sunlight – all the ingredients necessary for a beach vacation were all present here! During my stay here, I had the opportunity to try out some of their water activities, such as snorkeling, and even managed to try out several of their delicious summer treats (e.g., Blue Seal Ice-cream – Okinawa salted cookies flavor; it had a perfect combination of milk to cookie ratio, was creamy and luxuriously tasty, and the slight tinge of salt from the cookies complemented the mildly-sweet milk ice-cream very well). 

 

Overall impression – If you want a summer getaway from Singapore to a place filled with water activities & rich history and yet have a touch of Japanese culture (e.g., onsen, ramen, etc.), this is the place to go! Otherwise, if you are expecting features of Mainland Japan (e.g., Buddhist shrines, temples, or torii gates), I suggest you go to Mainland Japan instead. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time here and hope to come back one day!