|
Okinawa Prefecture has a population of 1.45 million living amongst 49 islands (of which Okinawa is the largest) and the highest percentage of young Japanese. Located in a subtropical zone, Okinawa offers a mild climate all year round with an average temperature of over 20℃, seldom going below 10℃ even in winter, and is therefore suitable for hosting outdoor MICE events throughout the year.
Transport: Okinawa is roughly 2.5 hours by plane from Tokyo. The main airport for flights to Okinawa is Naha Airport with some domestic and international flights landing in some of the more remote islands such as Ishigaki and Miyako. Buses, taxis and a monorail assist with transportation on the main island.
Key Business Sectors: Tourism is the largest sector with IT, logistics and construction industries, growing. Farming agricultural crops and the processing of foods such as pineapple and sugar, is the number one manufacturing industry.
What to Visit: The Blue Cave and other snorkelling or scuba diving spots, endless beaches and resorts to enjoy, World Heritage sites such as hiking in the beautiful Yambaru National Park or kayaking on Iriomote Island and visiting Shuri Castle in Naha the capital of Okinawa. Try to time your visit to experience one of the many centuries-old and local festivals like the tug-of-war (pictured above), Shishimai (lion dance) festival and Dragon Boat races.
What to Eat: 'Awamori', a liqueur unique to Okinawa made from Indica long-grain rice and aged in clay pots to mellow it, is most commonly served with water and ice, but it can also be enjoyed straight; 'shiquasa', Okinawa's answer to the lime; Okinawa raw cane sugar, often eaten as a sweet treat during teatime; and 'soki' which are pork spare ribs soaked in awamori, soy sauce and sugar and placed in a noodle soup.
|
