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Okinawa Prefecture (Japanese: 沖縄県, Hepburn: Okinawa-ken) is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan. It has a population of 1,457,162 (as of 2 February 2020) and a geographic area of 2,281 km 2 (880 sq mi). Naha is the capital and largest city, with other major cities including Okinawa, Uruma, and Urasoe.
- Okinawa (Disambiguation)
Okinawa Prefecture is Japan's southernmost prefecture.....
- Okinawa Islands
The Okinawa Islands (沖縄諸島, Okinawa Shotō, or 沖縄群島, Okinawa...
- History of The Ryukyu Islands
Okinawa remains Japan's poorest prefecture. Agent Orange...
- Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle (首里城, Shuri-jō, Okinawan: Sui Ugusuku) is a...
- Okinawa (Disambiguation)
3 days ago · Okinawa, ken (prefecture) of Japan, located in the Pacific Ocean. The prefecture is composed of roughly the southwestern two-thirds of the Ryukyu Islands, that archipelago forming the division between the East China Sea to the northwest and the Philippine Sea to the southeast.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Experience the raw natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Okinawa, from the castle ruins and heritage sites of the main island to the secluded coves, vibrant reefs, and clear waters of the Kerama and Yaeyama islands. Discover Okinawa at your own pace, island by island, moment by moment.
- Summary
- Geography
- Climate
- Naming
- Aftermath
Okinawa (沖縄県, Okinawa-ken) is Japan's southernmost prefecture, consisting of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about one thousand kilometers from Kyushu to Taiwan.
Okinawa Prefecture can be divided into three major island groups, the Okinawa Islands (Okinawa Shoto) around Okinawa Island (Okinawa Honto), the Miyako Islands (Miyako Retto) around Miyako Island and the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Retto) around Ishigaki Island.
Okinawa's climate is subtropical, with temperatures barely falling below 15 degrees in winter. The seas surrounding Okinawa's islands are considered among the world's most beautiful with coral reefs and abundant marine wildlife. Consequently, snorkeling and scuba diving are among Okinawa's top attractions.
The islands making up Okinawa Prefecture, are also known as the Ryukyu Islands, named after the native culture, which is distinctly different from that of the rest of Japan in terms of language, cuisine, arts, etc.
Towards the end of World War Two, Okinawa became the stage of one of the war's bloodiest battles, when American troops invaded the islands. Okinawa remained under US administration until 1972, while several thousands of US military members remain stationed on the spacious and controversial US military bases on Okinawa Main Island today.
Discover the top things to do in Okinawa, known for its tropical climate and beaches. Snorkel or dive in the Kerama and Yaeyama Islands or beautiful Kabira Bay. Visit Cape Manzamo, holy Sefa-Utakai, Gyokusendo cave and see sakura blossoms at Nakijin Castle ruins.
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Explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, and visit magnificent beaches and coastlines with an amazing array of coral and undersea life. Come for whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and an island mindset that makes you forget the clock and follow the sun.
Okinawa is the fifth largest island of Japan. The island has an area of 1,206.99 square kilometers (466.02 sq mi). The coastline is 476 kilometers (296 mi) long. The straight-line distance is about 106.6 kilometers (66.2 mi) from north to south. Okinawa is in the northeastern end of Okinawa Prefecture.
