7/28/2007

Since the American occupation in Okinawa Island until 1972, United States Armed Forces personnel and Kadena Air Base have remained on Okinawa Island by invitation of the Japanese government as part of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan. This base is on the central part of the island where most of Okinawa’s occupants are.

Some of the places to visit when you are on Okinawa Island is Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. There are also remnants from the Ryuku Kingdom around Naha that you can visit as well, such as the Shuri Castle, Shikanaen Garden.

The Okinawa Island is basically divided into Southern Okinawa, Northern Okinawa, Central Okinawa and Motobu Peninsula. Each of these parts have some spots worthy a visit and the subtropical climate in Okinawa makes traveling fun and enjoyable.

In Southern Okinawa, you can find the War Memorial which contains artifacts collected from the war period in Okinawa. You can also visit Okinawa World where you can find folk craft and that features in a nice cave.

In Nothern Okinawa, where it is least populous is where Okinawa Honto is. You can visit the cape, which is the northern most tip (Hedo Misaki) of the island.

Central Okinawa is the most populous spot of the island and the most developed as well. You can find Nakagusuku Castle which is a beautiful Ryukyu castle and experience a traditional Okinawian home call Nakamurake.

And on Motobu Peninsula is where you can find another Ryukyu castle ruins, a beautiful pineapple park and the Ocean Expo Park from 1975.