Okinawa-hontō

Introducing Okinawa-hontō

Okinawa-hontō is the largest island in the Nansei-shotō, and the historic seat of power of the Ryūkyū dynasty. Although its cultural differences with mainland Japan were once evident in its architecture, almost all traces were completely obliterated in WWII. Fortunately, Allied bombing wasn’t powerful enough to completely stamp out other remnants of Okinawan culture, and today the island is home to a unique culinary, artistic and musical tradition.

Throughout the past several decades, however, Okinawa-hontō has also played host to a different breed of cultural influence, namely in the form of American imperialism. Today, there are more than 25, 000American military personnel stationed on the island, and their impact on the island’s economy and culture cannot be overstated. The highways along the island are lined with used-car dealers, strip malls and fast-food outlets, all of which wouldn’t look too out of place in suburban America. In fact, the Westernisation of the island has resulted in a bizarre tourism industry whereby mainland Japanese families visit the island in order to experience American-style steakhouses and to buy American products.

This island is home to Okinawa-hontō’s prefectural capital and largest city, Naha, which serves as a transportation hub for the other islands in the group and for the prefecture as a whole. War memorials are clustered in the south of the island, while the central area is home to the military bases, a few historic ruins and some interesting cultural attractions. If you’re keen on snorkelling and diving, head straight to the Motobu Peninsula – the further north you go, the more rural things become.

The island also serves as the jumping-off point for several smaller subtropical islets in the Okinawa-shotō, which offer a healthy mix of white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and blissful seclusion.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009