Popular Scuba Diving Spots in the Sea of Miyako Island (Miyakojima): Video Introduction This video, titled "The Unbelievably Beautiful Diving in Miyako Island" (宮古島のダイビングがありえないほど綺麗な件), was uploaded by Ldive, a scuba diving specialty store located in the Nagoya area of Aichi prefecture. In the video, you can explore maze-like caves that will make you feel like an explorer and the fantastical blue light illuminates them. The video captures what it feels like to go scuba diving, with encounters with sea creatures, the sound of divers breathing, and the changing colors of the sea as light filters down. Be sure to enjoy the video as you read on. Miyako Island, a Great Place for Scuba Diving in Okinawa, Japan Photo：A diver Miyako Island, located approximately 300km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, is a popular destination for scuba diving. The island is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Irabu Island, Tarama Island, and Shimoji Island. It has a subtropical maritime climate that is warm, hot, and humid throughout the four seasons. Most of the strata are Ryukyu limestone from uplifted coral reefs, formed by overlapping blocks of sandstone and mud slabs. The entire island has an almost flat, low plateau-like landscape. The area around Hirara Port, a 15-minute drive from the airport, has accommodations, restaurants, and dive stores, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing on the island. A rental car is recommended for sightseeing. However, sightseeing cabs and local buses are also available to take you to popular sightseeing spots. Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are the most popular remote islands in Okinawa. However, if you want to take your time to enjoy the water, we recommend Miyako Island, with its many attractive scuba diving sites. The West Coast of Shimoji Island: A Popular Spot for Scuba Diving Photo：Cave diving on Miyako Island One of the characteristics of Miyako Island's diving spots is the abundance of caves. Some caves are so narrow that only one person can pass through and there are also places where it is pitch black without an underwater light. The darkness of the caves is what makes the blue light that filters through the openings even more incredible. The blue light and the bubbles exhaled by the divers create a fantastic scene. Be sure to check it out in the video. [Video] 3:00 - A Narrow Cave [Video] 3:50 - A Diver and the Mystical Blue Light In the video, you can also see various encounters with sea creatures and other moments that can only be experienced while scuba diving. The Palace of the Demon King is a popular spot among divers, with its structure resembling a labyrinth with three rooms connected by corridors. The light that filters through the opening and into the corridor 25 meters deep makes it seem like an underwater palace. [Video] 4:40 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 6:42 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 7:26 - Encounters with Marine Life Toriike Pond, a Natural Monument Known as the 'Dragon's Eye' Photo：Toriike Pond, Miyako, Island Toriike Pond, often called 'The Dragon's Eye" is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. The two ponds are connected via an underground cave, with the pond on the west side being connected to the ocean. There is also a nearby mini-grotto, which is said to have incredibly beautiful water. In addition to these, there are other popular diving spots such as "Antonio Gaudi" with artistic overlapping arches that change depending on the angle from which they are viewed, is also located nearby. "Nakanoshima Hall" has a fantastic view of blue light pouring straight down through a series of vertical caverns to a depth of approximately 25 meters. Another popular dive site is "Marine Lake," where you can see a long cave and a view of strong sunlight that shines into the cave like a laser beam. Irabu Bridge and the Scuba Diving Sites of Irabu Island That Await You Photo：Irabu Island, Okinawa Irabu Bridge, which connects the main island of Miyakojima and Irabu Island, offers beautiful scenery surrounded by the blue seas and skies. Beyond that, Irabu Island is also dotted with popular diving sites. Blue Cave, is a mysterious cave glowing with blue light located on the north side of Irabu Island, where you can see colorful coral and schools of tropical fish. Near Blue Cave, there is also Cross Hole, which is said to be the most beautiful place on Irabu Island. "Shiratori Kindergarten," uniquely named because of the large number of juvenile fish there, and "Snake Hole," where fog is generated due to waves and manta rays often pass by in early spring, are also popular dive sites with many attractions. Scuba Diving Tours to Popular Points on Miyako Island Photo：A woman diving There are various types of diving tours available, including tours that include free rental of equipment such as underwater cameras, underwater lights, and dive computers, tours that include round-trip airfare, lodging, and diving, tours that include rental cars, tours that include box lunches made from local ingredients, and tours that include free photos as a gift. There are two types of scuba diving: experience diving, in which beginners can participate, and fun diving, in which only licensed divers (C-card holders) can participate. The experience diving course for beginners includes basic training, such as how to breathe, how to remove pressure in ears, how to handle equipment, and hand signs (hand signals), and you can also enjoy a walk underwater with a guide or instructor. The popular diving license acquisition course includes a plan that allows you to stay at a hotel with a diving store attached to it, and is recommended for those who want to acquire a license in a short period of time (2 to 3 days). Miyako Blue: The Beautiful Waters of Miyako Island Photo：Coral reefs at Yabiji, Miyako Island Miyako Island has many breathtaking spots where you can enjoy its beautiful waters which have been dubbed "Miyako Blue." ●Yabiji Yabiji is Japan's largest coral reef group, consisting of over 100 large and small coral reefs. Known as the Great Barrier Reef of Japan, it's a popular spot where you can see vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles in the emerald green sea. ●Yonaha Maehama Beach Yonaha Maehama Beach is a 7km long stretch of white sandy beach and is said to be the most beautiful sea in the East. The sea is a gradient of emerald green to deep blue, and is especially beautiful at sunset. ●Cape Higashi-Hennazaki Located at the easternmost point of Miyako Island, sits the approximately 2km beautiful cape of Higashi-Hennazaki. It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean to the south and the East China Sea to the north, and it has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Other popular spots include the Sunayama Beach, known for its fine powdery snow-like sand and rock arches formed via erosion from waves, as well as Irabu Island's Triangulation Point, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Miyako Blue from a 70-meter cliff. Traditional Crafts, Delicious Food, and One-Of-A-Kind Souvenirs on Miyako Island Photo：Miyako Soba (Soki Soba), Okinawa Miyako Island is known for its unique cuisine and traditional crafts that are popular as souvenirs. Miyako Island's gourmet foods include Miyako soba, which is Okinawa soba that originated on Miyako Island, Miyako beef, which must be raised on the island for at least 15 months, Miyako adzuki a traditional vegetable, and Doug's Burger," made with yellow fin tuna from Miyako Island and Japanese black beef from Tarama Island. Other popular products include ripe mangoes with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and flavor, chunky sweet and sour island bananas, and additive-free pure brown sugar made from nutrient-rich sugarcane. The Miyakojima City Traditional Crafts Center sells various items and hosts tours where visitors can experience traditional Miyako Island crafts, such as Miyako Jofu, a traditional textile which is woven with threads made from fibers of the ramie plant, Miyako-ori, a hand-woven fabric made using cotton for the warp and spun ramie fibers for the weft, and Miyako-asaori, in which hemp is used both for the warp and weft. Other Things to Do on Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Besides the beaches and scuba diving, there are a variety of other things you can do on Miyako Island. It's recommended that you stay for at least two days to see everything the island has to offer. Here are a few places we recommend checking out when visiting the island. Miyako Shrine Miyako Shrine, built in 1590, is the southernmost shrine in Japan (as a shrine under the comprehensive administration of the Jinja Honcho or Association of Shinto Shrines). The shrine has a unique architecture and color that can't be found in other shrines in Japan, and is great for taking photos and exploring the history and culture of Miyako Island. Hours: Open 24 hours Admission Fee: Free Seasah Story Shisa are mythical lion-dogs found in Okinawan mythology. Seasah Story is a shop that specializes in shisa statues. There are all sorts of unique shisa that can be seen and purchased inside the store. It's a great place to go for souvenirs! Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Taragawa Brewery Taragawa Brewery has been brewing awamori, a strong alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, for more than 70 years. The brewery also has a unique method for storing awamori in a 60-meter-longcave located 5 meters underground. You can take a tour of the brewery and even purchase your own awamori at the end. Hours (Tours): 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm. Each tour is 45 minutes to an hour long. Admission Fee: Free How to Get To Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Despite being technically a part of Okinawa, Miyako Island is located quite a ways south of Okinawa. Because of this, the only way to get to the island is via plane. From Tokyo, you can take a 3-hour flight from either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. From Naha, Okinawa, you can take a 50-minute flight to directly to Miyako Airport. From Osaka, it's a 2 hour and 15 minute flight from Kansai International Airport. Summary of Miyako Island, a Place Dotted With Popular Scuba Diving Spots The maze of caves and the underwater world with blue light pouring in from the surface, makes diving on Miyakojima a one-of-a-kind experience. The fantastic caves will make you feel like an explorer as you encounter all sorts of fascinating marine life. We hope that watching the video and reading this article has you interested in a trip to Miyakojima! 【Trip Advisor】Miyako Island (Miyakojima) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html

Diving on Minna Island: Video Introduction This video, titled "Diving School Kaitei Shounen｜Okinawa｜Minna Island Tour" (ダイビングスクール海底少年　沖縄　水納島ツアー), was uploaded by "Diving & Snowboarding KAITEISHOUNEN" (ダイビング&スノーボードKAITEISHOUNEN). It introduces diving at Minna Island, a remote island in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Be sure to check out the underwater footage of the beautiful, clear waters of Minna Island before reading on. About Minna Island Photo：Minna Island, Okinawa Minna Island is located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. To get there, you'll have to take the high-speed boat "New Wing Minna" from Toguchi Port, which takes about 15 minutes. The island was uninhabited in the past, but is now a small island with a population of about 50 people. Minna Island is also called "Croissant Island" because it's shaped like a croissant when viewed from above. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs, the island attracts as many as 60,000 tourists a year. Minna Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the main island of Okinawa, where visitors can enjoy scuba diving, as well as snorkeling, banana boating, and other activities. Diving Spots on Minna Island Photo：The waters of Okinawa One of the most attractive features of Minna Island is its crystal-clear waters! There are days when the water level exceeds 40 meters. Scuba diving is the best way to enjoy the beautiful underwater world of Minna Island. There are many diving spots on Minna Island as well. The most famous diving spots are: Todaishita, Yellow Fish Rock, Wasawasa, Popeye, Olive, Cable, Yosuji no Ne, and Portside. The dive sites offer many beautiful coral formations and colorful tropical fish that can only be seen there, as well as schools of lionfish and snappers. Snorkeling Spots on Minna Island Additionally, scuba diving on Minna Island is very popular among snorkelers, as large, colorful fish can be seen everywhere without having to go to these dive sites. Here are some recommended snorkeling spots. ・Minna Beach ・Kamomeiwa Beach ・Todaishita Beach ・Konan Beach ・Nishi no Hama Beach Tons of Fun on Minna Island Beach Photo：Minna Island Beach Scuba diving is just one of the many ways to enjoy Minna Island. At Minna Beach, you can enjoy swimming, marine sports, and a variety of other activities! Activities include snorkeling in the Blue Cave, banana boating, water skiing, parasailing, and more. One-day tours that include these activities are very popular. If you sign up for a tour, you can enjoy the activities without having to bring any of your own equipment. There are also guesthouses and other lodging facilities on Minna Island. After the day-trippers have gone home, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the remote island. Do You Need a Certification/License to Dive at Minna Island Photo：Minna Island, Okinawa Many divers enjoy scuba diving in the beautiful waters of Minna Island. Diving that tourists can also enjoy is called experience diving. In general, a certification (license) is required to scuba dive. However, for diving tours held at tourist spots, such as experience diving, you'll be taught basic diving techniques, how to breathe, and pressure equalization by an instructor in advance. An instructor will also be with you during the dive, so you can dive even without a license. Other types of scuba diving include commercial diving for underwater civil engineering and undersea bottom surveys (for occupational diving, air-powered diving is the most common method) and technical diving, which is enjoyed as an "extreme sport" by experienced and certified divers. Free diving, which does not use any equipment like scuba diving, is also well known as an "extreme sport," similar to technical diving. If you want to explore the beautiful waters of Minna Island and other islands to the fullest, consider getting a diving license. Once you have a license, you can enjoy diving freely within the limits of safety with a buddy, and without the need for an instructor. Summary of Minna Island Minna Island is a beautiful island surrounded by beautiful blue waters and coral reefs, and is one of the best diving spots on mainland Okinawa. Furthermore, it's a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy not only scuba diving, but a variety of other marine sports as well. Regardless of your age or gender, you can experience an unforgettable trip of a lifetime on this beautiful island in Okinawa. The breathtaking nature of Minna Island awaits you! 【TripAdvisor】Minna Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120808-d1373574-Reviews-Minnajima_Island-Motobu_cho_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

An Ocean View of Tokashiki Island, AKA "Kerama Blue" in This 10-Minute Video This video, titled "Diving on Tokashiki Island｜Recommended Day Trip Spots in Okinawa｜4K Cinematic｜Tokashiki Beach｜Okinawa Tokashiki Diving Kerama Islands Snorkeling" (渡嘉敷島でダイビング 日帰り出来るオススメ沖縄旅行スポット ・4Kシネマティック ・トカシクビーチ okinawa tokashiki diving 慶良間諸島 シュノーケル), was produced by "TAKEMI Hair dresser." The sea in Tokashiki Island is called "Kerama Blue" and is a crystal clear blue. The crystal clear blue sea seen from the beach is shown at 0:56 in the video. This video of scuba diving on Tokashiki Island, shot before a typhoon, proves that the water is both clear and stunningly beautiful. A magnificent coral reef can be seen at 3:50 in the video. From 4:35 you can see sea snakes, and a variety of colorful fish, such as ocellaris clownfish can be seen at 7:18 in the video. Enjoy scuba diving in the beautiful sea of Tokashiki Island. Don't forget to take your camera so you can take some awesome pictures for Instagram! More About Tokashiki Island, Okinawa Photo：Tokashiki Island, Okinawa Tokashiki Island is an attractive island located roughly 40 kilometers west of Naha City (那覇市, Naha-Shi), Okinawa Prefecture. It takes only 35 minutes to get to via high-speed vessel and 75 minutes to get to via ferry from the city. The village of Tokashiki (渡嘉敷村, Tokashiki-Son), Shimajiri District (島尻郡, Shimajiri-Gun), consisting of ten islands within the Kerama Islands (慶良間諸島, Kerama-Shoto), is the largest of the islands, with a population of approximately 730 people. The waters of the Kerama Islands, known as the "Kerama Blue," are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad and are visited by 130,000 tourists and divers a year. In 2014, it was designated as Kerama Islands National Park. Tokashiki Island Has a Full Range of Marine Shops. Experience the "Kerama Blue" With a Personalized Plan! Photo：Diving, Okinawa One of the most popular leisure activities on Tokashiki Island is water sports. Tokashiki Island has a number of marine shops, and one of the best is called "SeaFriend." They offer a lot of options, like snorkeling for ages 6+, as well as advanced scuba diving to obtain a license. You can also enjoy banana boat rides during the summer. On top of that, SeaFriend also has accommodations for overnight stays. There are log-cabin type and guesthouse type buildings, and Wi-Fi services are available in both. The overnight stay and scuba diving plan is especially popular. Many guests come here alone to get their scuba diving certification. They're also happy to answer questions regarding diving points. Attractive Sights and Delicious Food on Tokashiki Island! Photo：Sea turtle We highly recommend exploring Tokashiki Island after scuba diving, as it's full of exciting tourist attractions. Tokashiki Port is known as the gateway to Tokashiki Island. Aharen Beach, a 10-minute bus ride from the port, is one of the most popular beaches on Tokashiki Island. The sunset viewed from the Aharen Observatory is a beautiful sight that will take your breath away. Hanari Island, near the beach, contributes to the spectacular view. Tokashiku Beach is also famous for its sea turtles. Since there is no bus service, we recommend a rental car. Mt. Akama, the highest point on Tokashiki Island, has the remains of a fire beacon used by the Ryukyu government as a means of communication during the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.). The summit has a great view of the surrounding islands, so we definitely recommend checking it out. And one more thing before I forget! The food on Tokashiki Island! "Kuinomiya Barakku" is a restaurant popular for its curry and Okinawan noodles. "Ryoshi-Shokudo Kanaloa" offers a specialty bowl of rice served with fresh fish and vegetables from Tokashiki Island. Both restaurants are perfect spots to relax after a long day of scuba diving. "Tuna Jerky" is a great souvenir to take back home. They say that sometimes the supply can't keep up with the demand because it's so popular! Summary of Tokashiki Island, Okinawa Photo：Tokashiki Island, Okinawa On Tokashiki Island, time flows slowly and it's a perfect spot for scuba diving. From 5:00 in the video, you can see the sunlight shining down mystically on the sea turtles, and just watching them is relaxing. So, are you ready to go scuba diving yet? Get your bags packed for an awesome adventure of scuba diving and exploration! 【Official Website】Tokashiki Island Official Website http://www.vill.tokashiki.okinawa.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Tokashiki Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121614-d1373631-Reviews-Tokashiki_jima_Island-Tokashiki_son_Shimajiri_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

Introducing the Marine Walk (Sea Walk) at Onna Village! This video, titled "Onna village Sea Walk" (恩納村マリンウォーク), introduces the popular resort destination Onna in Okinawa prefecture. If you enjoy water sports we highly recommend you give this video a watch! From 0:16 in the video you can see the popular Sea Walk, which is, as its name suggests, literally walking underwater in the sea. It is also known as Ocean Walk, Marine Walk, and Sea Walker. Oxygen is supplied via a helmet that looks similar to an astronauts helmet, allowing you to dive down and walk along the sea floor. The great part is that even those that can't swim can enjoy this activity. Enjoy the views of the ocean floor in this video! More About the Marine Walk at Onna Village Source :YouTube screenshot There's no doubt many people who would like to take part in marine activities, such as scuba diving or snorkeling, yet worry about their swimming ability or fear that the activities are too difficult and out of reach. However, as you can see in the video, during a Sea Walk you only need to be able to walk underwater, so even those who cannot swim can enjoy this activity to the fullest. An instructor is always present to make sure no accidents occur, so even those trying it for the first time can feel safe and comfortable. You can also enjoy taking pictures underwater and feeding the tropical fish! At 0:42 in the video, you can see two people having fun as they're surrounded by fish while feeding them. The colorful orange clownfish, which became famous due to the huge popularity of the movie Finding Nemo by Disney Pixar, can be seen at 1:04 in the video. This is the kind of beautiful scenery you can enjoy if you take part in a Sea Walk! Other activities you can enjoy in Onna village! Photo：Banana boat If you are planning on taking a trip to Onna, there are many activities and water sports you can try! For example you can enjoy riding a banana boat, sea kayaking, jet skiing, intertubing, wakeboarding, SUP, and more! Other activities you can enjoy include flyboarding, parasailing, surfing, and trolling. We recommend taking a look at prices and booking online before your trip to Okinawa! Summary of Onna Village's Sea Walk Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by Blue Ocean Okinawa. In this quick 2 minute video, you can see the fun-filled Sea Walk taking place at the Blue Cave (青の洞窟, aonodoukutsu) in Onna village. Taking part in a Sea Walk is guaranteed to be a rare and unique experience you won't soon forget. If you plan on taking a trip to Onna, we highly recommend you try out the Sea Walk! 【Official Website】Experience a Sea Walk in Onna village, Okinawa! (Blue Ocean) http://blue-cave.com/seawalk.html

■Table of Contents Overnight Tours in Ogimi, Okinawa: Video Introduction Ogimi Village – One of the Three Yanbaru Villages in Northern Okinawa Ogimi Village, Known as the "Village of Longevity" Ogimi Village, the "Village of Bashofu" Ogimi Village, the "Village of Shikuwasa" Ogimi Village, the "Village of Bunagaya" Enjoy an Overnight Tour and Experience the Lifestyle of Yanbaru in Ogimi Village! 1 Night/2 Day Overnight Plan Recommendations 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan – Schedule & Experience Details 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan – Tour Details The Best Experience Plans in Yanbaru, Starting From 2 Hours! Ta Waterfall Trekking E-Bike Tour E-Bike Tours & Sabani Boat Cruises Cycling Tour Plan Canoe Tour Yanbaru Forest Starry Sky Tour Popular Spots When Sightseeing in Ogimi Village, Okinawa Kijoka Seven Waterfalls Ishiyama Observatory Roadside Station Ogimi Yanbaru Forest Visitor Center Ogimi Village Tour Plan Summary Overnight Tours to Enjoy Ogimi, Okinawa: Video Introduction The video introduced in this article begins with lighthearted cycling footage that showcases the great nature of Ogimi Village in Okinawa, Japan. It shows how you can experience the food and activities of Ogimi Village with a local guide, and enjoy the sound of a sanshin while camping under a starry night sky, and more! The contents of this video are a condensed version showcasing only a handful of things to do in Ogimi Village. With a tour to Ogimi Village, you can experience the culture and lifestyle of the people of Ogimi Village in a relaxed and casual manner. We hope you'll experience the wonderful time that these exciting tours can provide! Photo：Ogimi Village In this article, we'll introduce things to do in Ogimi Village, as well as some stay plans. After reading this article, you'll be captivated by Ogimi Village and will want to experience what life is like in this village in Northern Okinawa! Ogimi Village – One of the Three Yanbaru Villages in Northern Okinawa Ogimi Village, located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island in Kunigami, consists of 17 villages with a total population of 3,034 and a total of 1,716 households (as of March 2023). The village is about 64 square kilometers (15,800 acres) in size. Ogimi is approximately 87 km (54 mi.) from Naha City and can be accessed in about 2 hours via National Route 58 or about 1 hour and 30 minutes via expressway. Ogimi Village and the neighboring villages of Kunigami and Higashi are called the three villages of Yanbaru (Yanbaru means "the forested northern area of Okinawa"), which was recognized as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021, and is home to many endemic species that can only be seen here, such as the Okinawa rail and Okinawa woodpecker. Photo：The Okinawa rail Ogimi Village is also called the "Village of Longevity," "Village of Bashofu," "Village of Shikuwasa," and "Village of Bunagaya." Ogimi Village, Known as the "Village of Longevity" Ogimi Village is known as the village with the highest longevity in Japan, with a very high percentage of the total population aged 65 years or older (32.5%) as well as people who are 90 years old or older (4.2%), according to the 2015 census. ※The percentage of people over 90 years old in Japan as a whole is 1.6%. Photo：An elderly man in Ogimi Village In 1987, the area was declared the "Village of Longevity" as the area with the highest percentage of elderly people in Japan, and in 1996, it was recognized as the "World's Longest Living Region" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The book "IKIGAI," published in Spain in 2016 and covering the secrets of longevity in Ogimi Village, became an international bestseller, selling more than 5 million copies. The text of the book introduces the ideal life as "the sight of a grandfather or grandmother living a vibrant and rewarding life in Ogimi Village." The book has led to an increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Ogimi Village and in the number of foreigners who know about Ogimi Village even if they don't know much about Japan. Ogimi Village, the "Village of Bashofu" In Kijoka, an area in Ogimi Village, Kijoka Bashofu, a cloth woven from the fibers of the plantain plant, has long been popular as a fabric for kimono. It's considered a fantastic type of cloth because of how thin and light it is, almost like the wings of a dragonfly. In Okinawa, a place with high humidity, this breathable, light-as-air fabric has been very useful. It takes about three years to grow to a height taller than a person, and each stalk of plantain yields only about 20 grams of fiber, so 200 stalks are needed to weave one roll of Bashofu cloth. Photo：The plantain plant The history of Bashofu dates back to the 13th century, and during the Ryukyu Dynasty (approximately 450 years from the 1400s to the 1800s), there was a position called "Basho Toushoku" (芭蕉当職, lit. "Bashofu Manager") who managed a Basho garden exclusively for the nobility so that they could wear high-quality Bashofu. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), plain or striped Bashofu began to be decorated with kasuri patterns, and developed into a craft. Bashofu was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of the prefecture in 1972, the year Okinawa was returned to Japan, and two years later, in 1974, it was designated an Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Ogimi Village, the "Village of Shikuwasa" Most of the shikuwasa (flat lemons) distributed in Japan are produced in Okinawa, with Ogimi Village accounting for approximately 60% of the total. Photo：Shikuwasa Shikuwasa is a food rich in nutrients and is considered one of the foods for health and longevity in Okinawa. The nobiletin contained in shikuwasa is said to have the following effects: ・Helps prevent rheumatism, osteoporosis, and cancer ・Lowers blood sugar and blood pressure ・Burns fat, strengthens liver function, improves urination, and improves cognitive function ・Helps relieve complications from urinary disorders, such as frequent urination and enuresis. ・Helps prevent diabetes The secret to Ogimi Village's longevity may be its shikuwasa. Shikuwasa is one of the most popular Furusato Nozei tax return gifts as well. If you're a resident of Japan, be sure to visit the Ogimi Village Furusato Nozei website (※Japanese). Ogimi Village, the "Village of Bunagaya" It's said that Bunagaya, spirits of the forest, live in Yanbaru, a rich natural environment that has been registered as a World Natural Heritage site. Photo：A Bunagaya forest spirit These mysterious bunagaya are said to love peace and nature, and use nature's bounty to show us what they look like. Since World War II, due to the modernization of postwar reconstruction, it's said that they can only be seen in Ogimi Village. Bunagaya live amongst banyan trees and are said to have red hair and are covered with grass and trees. In 1998, Ogimi Village was declared the "Village of Bunagaya" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ogimi Village's establishment. Life in Ogimi Village is full of charms, from its longevity, traditional culture, and unique food, to its ancient legends. Overnight tours to Ogimi Village are growing in popularity as a way to experience the secrets of longevity while interacting with local people. Enjoy an Overnight Tour and Experience the Lifestyle of Yanbaru in Ogimi Village! Overnight tours to Ogimi Village are trips to enjoy the nature, food, culture, and history that Ogimi Village has been carefully cultivated throughout the years. This plan allows you to experience the history and culture of Ogimi Village and its people, who live a happy and joyful life in the great outdoors, and to enjoy activities such as cycling, canoeing, trekking, BBQ camping, and a home-stay accommodation, allowing you to choose how you experience Ogimi Village. A basic tour plan is provided, but customers can also consult with the tour guide in advance about a plan that suits them and what they would like to experience. You can choose between private accommodations or camping, and also choose from a variety of exciting activities. There are also experience plans that allow you to fully enjoy Ogimi Village in a short time (2 hours to half a day), so those who cannot stay overnight can also take advantage of these plans. Those who choose the overnight plan can choose to camp overnight at the Miyagi Community Center Plaza, or stay overnight in a home with elderly residents. Those who choose to stay at a private home can experience harvesting in the fields managed by the private home as a member of the family (depending on the season), and enjoy chatting over Okinawan dishes prepared together with the private home owner while learning from him or her. You can see what a meal is like at 0:56 in the video. ※Be sure to consult with the staff in advance if you are a vegan or allergic to any foods. Photo：Homestay Farm Life Experience Tour This Ogimi Village overnight plan is a popular tour among students from all over Japan who are on school trips. There are agricultural experiences to learn the challenges of farming, farm life experiences where you stay in a farmer's home and spend time as a member of the family, nature experiences that make the most of Ogimi Village's natural environment, and cultural experiences where you are taught how to make Okinawan cuisine and play the sanshin (an instrument similar to a banjo). The days spent experiencing the environment, customs, and culture of Ogimi Village and interacting with the elderly residents of the village are a great asset to the students. There are also school trips and educational trips that can accommodate up to 280 people at a time, which are also utilized by the general public. Families with children can enjoy learning during summer vacation, and friends can experience the traditions of Ogimi Village while camping under the starry skies! There are a million ways to enjoy Ogimi Village. One of the charms of the overnight tours is that they not only follow a fixed plan, but can also be tailored to fit your ideal plan through prior consultation. 1 Night/2 Day Overnight Plan Recommendations This plan lets you enjoy canoeing and trekking in the jungle-like subtropical forests and rivers of Yanbaru. You can also look for endemic species of creatures and plants that can only be found in Yanbaru. Outdoor activities will be accompanied by local guides, so you can also learn things that only the locals know about! ※Optional plans must be requested separately. Photo：Yanbaru In the evening, enjoy a barbecue using local ingredients with your host grandmother and grandfather. Enjoy singing and chatting around the campfire while listening to the sound of the sanshin with your host family. Before bedtime, enjoy the grandeur of nature while gazing up at the starry night sky over Yanbaru! 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan – Schedule & Experience Details Here is an example of the schedule and activities of the basic plan for the 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan in Ogimi Village. ※This is an introduction to the camping plan. ■Day 1: 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Tour base: Miyagi Community Center Plaza and Shioya Bay) [1:00 p.m.] ・Gather at Shioya Miyagi Community Center Plaza ・Self-introductions and explanation of the tour by the staff ・Camp preparations (tent setup, etc.) Photo：Setting up camp [2:00 p.m.] ・Tour around the villages by e-bike with staff guide (choose from Kijoka or Shioya villages) Photo：E-bike village tour [5:00 p.m.] ・Free time after returning to Miyagi Community Center Plaza [6:00 p.m.] ・Start preparing a BBQ dinner made with local ingredients - Enjoy the delicious flavors of Yanbaru with outdoor camping utensils and offal soup. ・Dinner with a view of the sunset ・Enjoy chatting with locals while listening to the sound of the sanshin and watching kachasi (traditional Okinawan dance) ・Stargazing with commentary by a starry sky sommelier who is well versed in the night sky above Yanbaru ※You can see what camping is like at 01:25 in the video. Photo：Camping at night [11:00 p.m.] ・Bedtime prep ■Day 2: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. [8:30 a.m.] ・Wake up ・Prepare breakfast ・Camp equipment clean up [10:00 a.m.] ・Miyagi Community Center beach cleanup (SDGs) [11:00 a.m.] ・End of tour In the afternoon, you can apply for various experience plans. ※The above is the schedule for the basic model plan, so you can choose the plan that best suits your preferences by consulting with the tour guide in advance. ※If you wish to stay overnight, please specify this in the inquiry details when you apply. Multiple night stays are available as well. For inquiries about tour plans, please contact the guide through the application and inquiry form on the official website. Yonna-Ogimi【Official Website】 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan – Tour Details Here, we'll provide you with the details of Ogimi Village's 2-Day/1-Night Overnight Plan tour price and duration. [Price] 2 persons・・・43,500 yen (tax included・per person) 3 persons・・・43,000 yen (tax included・per person) 4 persons・・・40,000 yen (tax included・per person) 5 persons・・・40,500 yen (tax included・per person) ※Transportation to the meeting place (airfare, rental car, bus, etc.), drinks, alcohol, etc. are charged separately. For those who choose to stay at a private residence, drinks and alcohol may be provided by the private residence. Optional experience plans require a separate application. Please refer to the bottom of this article for details regarding the experience plans. [Tour Period] February - November (※Tours are not available in December and January). [Group Sizes] 2-5 people Tents are limited to up to 5 tents, each of which accommodates 5 people (up to 25 people). ※The number of people who can stay in one house is limited, so large groups may be divided into several houses. [Meeting Place] Meeting place: Roadside Station Ogimi Yanbaru Forest Visitor Center Address: 95 Tsunami, Ogimi Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture [Clothing] We recommend that you bring clothes and shoes that can get wet and are easy to move around in for the different activities you might take part in. [What to Bring] Drinks, towel, toiletries, sandals, overnight amenities The Best Experience Plans in Yanbaru, Starting From 2 Hours! These experience plans allow those who cannot stay overnight but want to enjoy Ogimi Village to fully enjoy Ogimi Village in a short time (2 hours to half a day), or they can be incorporated into a 2-day/1-night plan. Choose the activities that are right for you and experience Ogimi Village to the fullest! Ta Waterfall Trekking & Playing Around the Basin [Tour Outline] Enjoy trekking at Ta Waterfall, located in the upper reaches of the Heinan River where tropical and subtropical plants grow. You can also play in the waterfall basin of the mysterious 15-meter-tall waterfall. Enjoy the nature of Ogimi Village, experience the sounds and smell of the forest and the earth, and listen to the singing birds while the trees dance in the wind. You may even come across flora and fauna that can only be found in Yanbaru. ※Life jackets must be worn when playing in the waterfall basin. You can see the what trekking is like at 0:43 in the video. Photo：Ta Waterfall trekking [Price] 7,000 yen/person [Time Required] 2 hours [Group Sizes] 2-20 people [Tour Period] January, February, March, July, August, September [Relaxed Stay With a Local Guide] Ogimi Village/Kijoka Village: The Key to Longevity on an E-Bike Tour [Tour Outline] This is a cycling tour around the world's longest-lived region. A local guide will accompany you on the tour, so you will be guided to places of interest that only locals know about, which you wouldn't be able to see on a regular tour. Cyclists who aren't confident in their physical abilities will be able to use e-bikes (sports-type bicycles with electric power assistance) for the tour. Learn the secrets to longevity in Kijoka village! This plan is included in the basic plan of the 2-day/1-night tour. You can see the cycling from 0:12 in the video. Photo：E-bike tour [Price] 6,000 yen/person [Time Required] 3 hours [Group Sizes] 2-6 people [Tour Period] Year-round (closed during the year-end and New Year holidays from December 29 to January 4) Tour From a Local Guide and Shipbuilder! Shioya Bay E-Bike Tour to Discover the Traditional Event "Ungami" & Sabani Boat Cruises [Tour Outline] On the first day of the Boar after the Kyu-Bon (Old Bon) Festival (September 2, 2023), Shioya Bay will host "Ungami," a traditional event to pray for a good harvest and good health. The men of the village row a haarii boat (a traditional Okinawan dragon boat) to the goal in Shioya Bay. The women, waist-deep in the sea, cheer enthusiastically while beating drums and welcoming the competitors with songs and dances. Ungami, held in Shioya Bay, is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan, and is a festival that has continued for more than 400 years without change. Visitors can explore the spirituality and mystique of the festival by e-biking around the area where Ungami is held. You can also cruise the clear blue waters of Shioya Bay on a Sabani (a boat used in Okinawa and surrounding islands since ancient times). Photo：Ungami [Price] 9,000 yen/person (※Minimum of 2 people) [Time Required] 3 hours [Group Sizes] 2-6 People [Tour Period] Year-round (closed during the year-end and New Year holidays from December 29 to January 4) [Yanbaru World Natural Heritage Site] A Cycling Tour Around the Area Where the Traditional Event Ungami Is Held [Tour Outline] Cycling through the traditional area where Ungami is held, you can explore the spirituality and mystique of the area. Guided by local guides, the tour will take you along paths known only by the members of the community. Photo：Cycling around the village [Price] 6,000 yen/person [Time Required] 2 hours [Group Sizes] 2-20 people [Tour Period] January, February, March, July, August, September Canoe Trip Around Miyagi Island [Tour Outline] Travel around the small island in Ogimi Village's Shioya Bay by canoe. This is a rare experience with which to explore Ogimi Village, the Village of Longevity, from the open sea! A local guide will take you around, so first-timers need not worry. You can see the canoe tours at 01:10 in the video. Photo：A canoe tour [Price] 7,000 yen/person (Tax included) [Time Required] 2 hours [Group Sizes] 2-20 people [Tour Period] January, February, March, July, August, September The Best Place to See the Southern Cross! Yanbaru Forest Starry Sky Tour With a Local Guide [Tour Outline] Local guides, who are certified starry sky sommeliers, will provide commentary that will allow you to enjoy the starry sky of Yanbaru, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Binoculars and telescopes are provided, so you can enjoy a real starry sky tour without any equipment. Okinawa is the only place in Japan where the Southern Cross can be seen, and this beautiful starry sky keeps watch over the residents of Ogimi Village. ※This plan is included in the basic 2-day/1-night tour plan. You can see the starry skies of Yanbaru at 01:51 in the video. Photo：The starry sky above Yanbaru [Price] 6,000 yen/person [Time Required] 2 hours [Group Sizes] 2-6 People [Tour Period] Year-round (closed during the year-end and New Year holidays from December 29 to January 4) Guided tours to activities and sights not listed above are also available by consultation. For inquiries about tour plans, please inquire using the application and inquiry form on the official website of Yonna-Ogimi. Yonna-Ogimi【Official Website】 Popular Spots When Sightseeing in Ogimi Village, Okinawa There are a ton of places to check out when visiting Ogimi Village! From famous sightseeing spots to spots hidden gems, Ogimi Village is full of scenery that will make for lifelong memories. Kijoka Seven Waterfalls The Kijoka Seven Waterfalls is a popular power spot in the Kijoka area. It's called "Seven Waterfalls" because the water changes its course seven times before cascading down into the basin. Since it's an object of worship for the local people, there is a sacred torii gate at the entrance to the waterfall and a place of worship to view the waterfall from. The clear water is sold as the mineral water "Okinawa no Meisui, Nanataki no Mizu" (沖縄の命水　七滝の水, Life Water of Okinawa, Water of the Seven Falls). Photo：Kijoka Seven Waterfalls General Information 【Address】2234, Kinyuka, Ogimi-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan 【Access】Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from the Kusuda IC on the Okinawa Expressway. 【Parking】Available Ishiyama Observatory The Ishiyama Observatory is located at the top of Mt. Ishiyama in Ogimi Village. The forests and villages of Yanbaru lie below, and the blue waters of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean can be seen beyond. A large parking lot is available as well, so feel free to drop by with a rental car or other vehicles. Photo：Ishiyama Observatory General Information 【Address】2268-1 Nejime, Ogimi-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture 【Access】Approximately 40 minutes from the Kusuda IC on the Okinawa Expressway 【Parking】30 cars Roadside Station Ogimi Yanbaru Forest Visitor Center Opened in 2020, Roadside Station Ogimi has a shop selling vegetables, meat, fish, and other specialties of Ogimi Village and northern Okinawa, as well as Restaurant Yanbaru Seaside, so you can enjoy lunch or a café and buy some souvenirs from Ogimi Village. At the 360° Dome Theater, visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of Yanbaru and life in Yanbaru through images. The top of the building is an observatory where you can view the beautiful sea. Photo：Roadside Station Ogimi Yanbaru Forest Visitor Center General Information 【Address】95 Aza-tsunami, Ogimi-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture 【Access】Approximately 40 minutes from the Kusuda IC on the Okinawa Expressway 【Parking】Oversized vehicles: 9 cars, regular vehicles: 109 cars 【Business hours】 Direct sales counter: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Restaurants: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. weekdays, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekends and holidays Tourist Information Center: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ogimi Village Tour Plan Summary Ogimi Village has been recognized as the "World's Longest Living Region." What is the secret behind its longevity? What is the "Ikigai" that captivates people from around the world? The Ogimi Village tours introduced in this article offer experiences that you won't find when traveling in Okinawa normally. Sightseeing at major tourist attractions in Okinawa and staying at a resort hotel is sure to make for a great trip, but, if you're looking to get to know the people of Okinawa and the culture and history of Okinawa, then a stay in Ogimi Village is the best way to do so. Learning about the culture, history, and daily life of Ogimi Village through a tour, you might start to understand why Ogimi Village is known as the "Village of Longevity." It'd be no exaggeration to say that this trip could change your outlook on life. The local staff is looking forward to welcoming you! Photo：Ogimi Village, Okinawa For more information about the Ogimi Village tour plans introduced in this article, or if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to apply, be sure to inquire via the application and inquiry form on the Yonna-Ogimi official website. 【Official Website】Yonna-Ogimi The COOL JAPAN VIDEOS social media account for the Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association, where you can apply for Ogimi Village tour plans is as follows: For the latest information on Ogimi Village, check out these posts. 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Sightseeing Spots at Onna Village, Okinawa This introductory video of Onna Village is brought to you by Onna Town Hall (恩納村役場, Onnasonyakuba). It's a promotional video introducing various sightseeing spots, festivals, and events held in Onna, a village situated on the west coast of central Okinawa. Onna is easily accessible from Naha Airport (那覇空港, Nahakuukou), taking around 1 hour to get to by car, and is a good base for a sightseeing trip on Okinawa's main island. Onna is regarded as one of the best resort locations in Okinawa, dotted with many large resort hotels, beaches with crystal clear water, such as those found at Cape Manzamo (万座毛, Manzamou), golf courses, and much more. This three and a half minute long video introduces various sightseeing spots in Onna. You'll surely find a new and exciting way to enjoy your stay in Okinawa! Experience Okinawan Cuisine in Onna! Photo：Pineapple The opening scene of this video (0:16) introduces Onna station (恩納の駅, Onnanoeki) market, where you can purchase freshly picked fruit and vegetables, such as mango, pineapple, passion fruit, goya and dragon fruit, grown at nearby farms. There are also bakeries and a popular food court where you can try tropical fruit shaved ice and Okinawan soba noodles. The locals regularly shop here instead of going to supermarkets. You can also purchase original Onna village souvenirs here to take home with you. Unique Experiences in Onna Village, One of Japan's Most Outstanding Tourism Spots Photo：Underwater We recommend sugarcane harvesting and Okinawan brown sugar making as an activity to enjoy with the family. You can taste the freshly picked sugarcane straight from the field and experience turning it into sugar. You can see this at 0:48 in the video. The fresh sugar is guaranteed to taste delicious! Onna village is known for having some of the clearest waters in Okinawa and is a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other marine activities. Cape Maeda (真栄田岬, Maedamisaki), also known as the Italy of Japan, hosts tours of the Blue Cave (青の洞窟, Aonodoukutsu) where you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Manza beach (万座ビーチ, Manzabiichi) and Kariyushi beach (かりゆしビーチ, Kariyushibiichi) are popular destinations for sunbathing or swimming in the sea. Some of the most Instragrammable spots in Okinawa can be found here! At 1:06 in the video, you can see some of the beaches around Onna village. Please enjoy the scenery of the beautiful turquoise blue sea of Okinawa. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (沖縄科学技術大学院大学, Okinawakagakugijutsu Daigakuindaigaku, OIST) is a university conducting research of the highest level, using world-class technology. Feel free to look around the facilities or take part in a guided tour of the campus. It's a great opportunity to experience the unique international atmosphere of the university and witness first-hand some of the cutting-edge research taking place. The university is featured at 1:20 in the video. Onna Village Is Becoming Increasingly More Popular as a Wedding Resort Location Photo：Resort wedding bride There are many large resort hotels in Onna where you can have a wedding. These hotels have spacious, beautiful bright white chapels inside where you can walk down the aisle to the sound of the sanshin, an instrument fundamental to Okinawan music. Experience a wedding truly unique to Okinawa. This is introduced at 1:38 in the video. Make some lasting memories in Onna, Okinawa! Other Sightseeing Spots You Can Enjoy in Onna Photo：Okinawa Hari Ryukyu village (琉球村, Ryuukyuumura) is a theme park in Onna showcasing Okinawan culture through various experiences, attractions, shows, and events. There are also a large number of restaurants where you can try Okinawan cuisine and shops to buy souvenirs. Even on a rainy day there is plenty to enjoy at this theme park. You can take a look at Ryukyu village from 1:57 in the video. Maeganeku Hari is a boat race that takes place at Maeganeku fishing port (前兼久漁港, Maeganekugyokou) in June each year. Fishermen compete using traditional row boats called Sabani. Around the same time, ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort hosts the Manza Hari Festival. You can take a look at this at 2:08 in the video. A well-established American-style restaurant called the Seaside Drive-In (シーサイドドライブイン, Shiisaidodoraibuin) was opened in 1967. They serve a variety of American dishes such as rib steak and fried chicken which you can enjoy for lunch or just for grabbing a cup of coffee in the cafe. When the weather is nice, you can order your food to go and enjoy the stunning scenery of the sunset here as well. In winter, how about enjoying the night view of the Chrysanthemum illuminations? Using artificial lighting, the Chrysanthemums here bloom in the winter creating a romantic atmosphere, one of the best-kept secret spots in Onna. There are also events such as Unna Festival held at the end of July and the Churaumi Fireworks Display held in October, which are extremely popular among both locals and tourists. Summary of Onna Village- Japan's Leading Travel Resort Photo：A superb view of Okinawa・Manzamo We hope you enjoyed the video introducing various sightseeing spots in and around the village of Onna, in the southern paradise that is Okinawa. You can view the sightseeing spots mentioned in this article in the video provided. After watching the video we're sure you'll want to start planning your trip to Onna! Which sightseeing spot would you most like to visit? We hope this video inspires you and offers some new and exciting ways to enjoy your next resort visit!

A Beautiful View of Miyakojima The video "Okinawa 4K Aerial Footage" ([4K]Okinawa,Miyako Island, Aerial Shoot（宮古島ドローン空撮）), shows a stunning view of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is one of the best and most popular resorts in Japan where you can find a lot of amazing sightseeing spots. In this article, we'll introduce some sightseeing spots, tourist information, and travel tips for the Miyakojima area. In the video, you see an aerial view of the cobalt blue sea and deep blue sky of Miyakojima. You're probably thinking “Do places this beautiful really exist in Japan?” Well, let's find out! Miyakojima Photo：Miyakojima coast Miyakojima City is located 300 km southeast of Okinawa's main island, and consists of 6 islands of various sizes: Miyakojima, Irabujima, Ikemajima, Kurumajima, Shimojishima, and Ogamijima. The population is 52,780 as of June, 2019. The circumference of Miyakojima is about 100 km, which is longer than it seems, and the total area is 158,93 km with a peak altitude of 119 meters. You can fly to Miyakojima from Naha or Tokyo Haneda Airport. If you wish to move around in Miyakojima, local tours or rental cars are a good option What About That Bridge Shown in the Video? - A Sightseeing Route to Enjoy the View of the Okinawan Sea. The 3,540-meter long Irabu Bridge, known as the longest bridge in Japan, spans the distance between Miyako Island and Irabu Island. An exhilarating drive, touring across the bright blue landscape, where the sky and sea intertwine, is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Miyakojima is also connected to Ikemajima by the Ikema-Oohashi bridge and to Kurumajika by the Kuruma-Oohashi bridge. These are also great spots to enjoy the resort's views. A bridge to a paradise in a cobalt blue sea awaits you! Enjoying the Sights and Flavors of Miyakojima! Photo：Miyakojima Nishihenna Cape・Wind turbines If you're looking to take some Instagram pics, be sure to check out Nishihenna Cape or Higashihenna Cape. If there's any history buffs out there, we recommend stopping by the Miyakojima City Museum. Some local dishes you'll want to try while you're there are Okinawa Soba and Miyako Soba (Soba: Japanese buckwheat noodles); Original dishes of Miyakojima. Other local specialties include tropical drinks or Shima Oden (lit. "Island Oden"). Oden is a Japanese hot-pot dish with several ingredients stewed in soy-flavored soup. There are plenty of places to visit in the city center too, where you can enjoy those delicious tropical drinks and buy souvenirs. Enjoy the Beautiful Okinawan Sea Photo：Sea turtles Okinawa is known to have a warm and mild climate year round. Various marine activities are available in Miyakojima for you to try as well! Yabiji is a popular snorkeling spot in Miyakojima. You can enjoy watching sea turtles swimming in the sea along the beautiful coral reef. If you wish to go swimming in the sea, Sunayama beach or Yonahamaehama beach is a perfect place to go. The popular resort activity sea kayaking is also worth trying in Miyakojima. Summary “Okinawa 4K Aerial Footage” shows a stunning view of Miyakojima. The scenery shown in the footage can hardly be conveyed in words alone. Be sure to check out the video if you still haven't yet! This article introduced access, sightseeing spots and popular activities of Miyakojima. If this article has you interested in Miyakojima be sure to consider it for your next holiday!

Miyakojima '17END': Video Introduction This video, titled "[8K 60P] 17END - A Beautiful Beach on Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan" ([8K60P] 17END 宮古島の絶景ビーチ Beautiful Beach Miyako,Okinawa,Japan), was uploaded by "Saha Entertainment TV." Miyakojima (Miyako Island), the pride of Okinawa, has many beautiful beaches. Among them, Yonaha Beach (Yonaha Maehama Beach) is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. However, these actually a beach that is even more beautiful than Yonaha Beach... That is '17END.' The name 17END comes from the fact that the runway is angled at 170 degrees from north (0 degrees), and the runway identification number is 17. The 'END' portion comes from the aviation term "Runway End" where the beach is located. 17END is a fantastic beach that can be seen only when certain conditions are met. Before going any further though, be sure to check out the beauty of the beach in this 8K video. 17END - A Phantom Beach With White Sand and Clear Blue Waters! Photo：17END, a phantom beach Next, we'll go over some of the charms of 17END, a fantastic beach that can only be seen when the weather and tides are in harmony. [17END Attraction #1] White Sandy Beaches and Clear Blue Waters The beautiful white sand and the clear turquoise blue sea make this beach one of the most beautiful spots on Miyakojima. [17END Attraction #2] Awesome Airplanes Overhead! The island is located directly behind Shimojishima Airport, so if you time it right, you can watch airplanes take off and land up close. It is also the only place in Japan where visitors can watch touch-and-go landing drills. [17END Attraction #3] Breathtaking Sunsets Although famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, 17END is also known for its beautiful sunsets, with the sky and sea turning to vibrant shades of orange. 17END is a photogenic spot, as it offers an unobstructed view of the ocean. Things to Do at 17END Photo：People enjoying the beach at 17END At 17END you can do more than just walk along the beach and admire the spectacular views. Swimming is also allowed in the clear blue waters. If you make reservations at one of the marine shops nearby, you can even try SUP (Stand-up Paddleboarding) and have a blast while enjoying the water. In addition, you can take a jet ski tour to a mysterious cave at 17END while enjoying the beautiful beach to your heart's content. When the weather is nice, we also recommend renting a bicycle to cross Irabu Ohashi Bridge and exploring the area from Irabu Island to Shimoji Island. Location and Access Information for 17END, Miyakojima Photo：Shimojishima Airport, Miyakojima, Okinawa If you're considering visiting 17END, please keep in mind that you have to visit at low tide. At low tide, the pure white beach is revealed, but at high tide, the beach is submerged, and cannot be seen. Located on Shimoji Island, a remote island on Miyakojima, access is a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport. Vehicles are not allowed on the beach, so please use a nearby parking lot. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach either, and because there are places where rip currents occur, be sure to check dangerous places in advance and avoid them during your visit. Be sure to take care of your belongings as well. Summary of 17END If you still haven't watched the video yet, we definitely recommend checking it out as you can see hear the sound of the wind and waves while viewing the beautiful waters of the beach. 17END is a fantastic beach located on Shimoji Island, a remote island of Miyakojima, which only appears at low tide. By carefully monitoring the weather conditions and tides, you'll have a higher chance of seeing this fantastic beach. It's a spectacular spot that Miyakojima takes pride in, and you should definitely see it of you have the chance. For lodging, there are hotels available on Shimoji Island as well as on the neighboring Irabu Island. Some people say that of all the beaches on Miyako Island, 17END is by far the most beautiful. Come and see the sandy white beaches and clear blue waters with your own eyes! The amazing scenery will surely make for a memorable part of any trip to Okinawa. 【Official Website】Shimoji Island | Miyakojima | Official Okinawa Travel Guide https://visitokinawajapan.com/destinations/miyako-islands/shimoji-island/ 【TripAdvisor】Shimoji Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g680765-d1373557-r426945332-Shimojishima_Island-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

The Spectacular Beaches of Kouri Island, Okinawa: Video Introduction This video, titled "Superb Beaches on Kouri Island ( Okinawa, Japan ) / Spectacular Views of Japan," was uploaded by "HealingJapanTV." In the video, you can enjoy beautiful visuals and the sound of waves at Kouri Ohashi Bridge by Tinu Beach, as well as footage of Heart Rock, and more. Be sure to check it out! Kouri Island – Features of the Unique Sightseeing Spot in Okinawa, Japan Photo：Kouri Ohashi Bridge Kouri Island (Kourijima) is located in Nakijin, a village in Okinawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. Although the island is small enough that a 10-minute drive will take you around the whole island, it's visited by many tourists each year. Kouri Island is famous for its sightseeing spot, Kouri Ohashi Bridge. It's a 2-km-long bridge connecting Yagaji Island and Kouri Island, and when it opened in 2005, it was the longest free bridge over a remote island in Japan. The blue ocean seen from Kouri Ohashi Bridge is beautiful and has been the setting for commercials, TV dramas, and movies in Japan. There is also a unique rock formation near the bridge that looks like a shisa facing to the side. Around Kouri Ohashi Bridge, there are several observatories from which you can view the bridge itself. In the video, you can see the view from the Unten Observation Deck and from the observatory in Unten Forest Park. [Video] 0:04 - Kouri Ohashi Bridge Kouri Island, also known as Kuijima (恋島) in Japanese, making it a popular power spot for couples, as the nickname literally means 'Love Island' in Japanese. With blue skies, crystal clear waters, and several beautiful beaches, it's a popular tourist spot. Kouri Island is also known as the "Island of Love" or "Island of Gods" based on a legend of the Okinawan version of "Adam and Eve," making Tinu Beach's Heart Rock a must-see tourist attraction. Heart Rock – A Famous Power Spot on Kouri Island's Tinu Beach Photo：Heart Rock, Kouri Island, Okinawa [Video] 9:12 - Heart Rock As the name suggests, this spot is popular for its heart-shaped rock, which is popular for photography. Heart Rock became popular after it was used in a Japanese airline commercial. It's famous for two rocks that overlap and look like a heart, but it's also popular for the upside-down heart that forms between two overlapping rocks. It is said that seeing Heart Rock will make one's love come true, making it a popular destination for couples. If you're planning to visit Heart Rock, we recommend going by car. From Naha Airport, take Naha Nishi Road (那覇西道路) and get on the Okinawa Expressway (沖縄自動車道) (toll-free) from the Nishihara IC (西原IC). Exit at the Kyoda IC (許田IC), the final stop on the way to Nago, and drive to Kouri Island via Yagaji Island while seeing the beautiful view from Kouri Ohashi Bridge. Both free parking lots and paid parking can be found around Tinu Beach. Kouri Island can be reached in about an hour and a half from Naha Airport. The scenery on the way to the island is beautiful, so time will pass quickly. We recommend checking high and low tide times in advance. Beautiful Beaches to Visit on Kouri Island Photo：Plums on Kouri Island Kouri Island has other beautiful beaches in addition to Tinu Beach. ・Kouri Beach Kouri Beach is a beautiful, sandy white beach with shallow waters near Kouri Ohashi Bridge. It's dotted with fashionable cafes and is popular with families with small children. [Video] 3:55 - Kouri Beach ・Tokei Beach Tokei Beach, located at the northernmost tip of the island on the other side of Kouri Ohashi Bridge, is a quiet and beautiful natural beach. It can be reached by walking along a grassy path. The water is crystal clear, and swimming is possible outside of low tide. It is small but quiet, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of a semi-private beach here. ・Peace Beach Like Tokei Beach, this is also a secluded beach. After passing through a small forest-like pathway, the view opens up to reveal the beautiful ocean. At low tide, you can walk to the outer reef. When swimming, be careful as the water may be deep in some places. Tokei Beach and Peace Beach, are two secluded beaches located side by side on the north side of Kouri Island. Must Try Foods on Kouri Island! If you're looking to try the local cuisine, Kouri Island is known for its delicious seafood. One dish you've got to try is the sea urchin donburi (uni-don) at Shirasa Shokudo. The uni-don set meal, which comes with a large helping of fresh sea urchins caught on Kouri Island, is reasonably priced at 2,000 yen! Shirasa Shokudo also offers overnight accommodations. The garlic shrimp at KOURI SHRIMP, where you can enjoy Hawaiian-style snacks, is also very popular and they even offer take out as well. We also recommend checking out local cafes where you can enjoy gourmet food while taking in the spectacular views! Cafe Fukurubi, not far from Tinu Beach, where Heart Rock is located, is also a great place where you can enter even in a swim suit. Lunch on the terrace while feeling the ocean breeze at this stylish and fashionable café makes for a wonderful experience. Be sure to take a photo with the ocean in the backdrop during your visit. It's popular on Instagram for being photogenic! Summary of Kouri Island, Okinawa Photo：Heart Rock, Kouri Island, Okinawa Kouri Island is so small that it can be circled in about 10 minutes by car. Also known as 'Love Island,' the island has a legend an Okinawan version of "Adam and Eve," and is visited by couples from all over Japan. Another interesting feature is that the shape of Heart Rock changes depending on the angle from which you view it. Be sure to try viewing it from different angles! Snorkeling and other marine activities can be enjoyed in the beautiful waters of Kouri Island, but since the island is crowded during tourist season, we recommend making reservations in advance. Also, the view from the Unten Observatory and Kouri Ocean Tower, which opened in 2013, is a must-see. Be sure to stop by. Even if you're staying at a hotel on the main island of Okinawa, you can easily visit the island via car. If you want to see the nature and waters of Kouri Island, or if you want to try delicious sea urchin bowls or garlic shrimp, definitely check it out! If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video as it gives you a good idea of what you can expect on the island. 【TripAdvisor】Kouri Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g14139570-Kouri_jima_Nakijin_son_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html

About Itoman, Okinawa This is a promotional video for Itoman city titled "Itoman City Tourism PR Video・Experience Compilation" (糸満市観光ＰＲムービー＿体験編（日本語版))." It's brought to you by Itoman city hall. We'd like to introduce experiences available in Itoman, a city located in southern Okinawa Island, a popular sightseeing destination in Japan. Itoman city hall has also created other videos highlighting popular restaurants, walking routes and cultural spots in and around Itoman city. Itoman is a city on Okinawa's main island, in the south west of Japan. Itoman city is easily accessible by car and takes around 30 minutes to get to from Naha airport (那覇空港, Nahakuukou), the main airport in Okinawa. Itoman city was the site of many battles during World War II, and therefore is well known for battle memorial sites such as Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (沖縄県平和祈念公園, Okinawaken heiwa kinen kouen) and Himeyuri Memorial Tower (ひめゆりの塔, Himeyurinotou). Itoman city is also famous as a fishing village, with many fishing traditions being passed down for generations. Itoman is an area dotted with sugar cane fields and beaches with beautiful views of the ocean. Charming villages covered with red tile roofed houses typical of Okinawa add to the beautiful scenery here. Popular Tourist Experiences in Itoman City Photo：Underwater In the opening scene of this video we're introduced to Ryukyu Glass Village's (琉球ガラス村, Ryuukyuu garasu mura) glass blowing experience. You can see this at 0:15 in the video. Ryukyu glassware is famous for it's characteristic air bubbles and thick, beautifully colored glass. Glass-blowing is a traditional Japanese craft by which you can create truly one of a kind glassware. At Ryukyu Glass Village you can also watch the craftsmen at work or purchase a variety of colorful glassware from the shop. Next, we'd like to introduce the glass boat tours. You can see these at 0:52 in the video. The glass boats have a glass floor which allows you to take a peek down at the sea floor below. You can enjoy looking at the beautiful Okinawan coral and tropical fish up close without the need to take part in a snorkeling or diving course. The next sightseeing experience we'd like to introduce is Hariko making. Hariko are traditional paper-mache dolls that you can decorate however you like. You can see them being made at 01:09 in the video. Have fun watching your cute, hand-painted Ucchiribukusa (traditional Okinawa doll) stand back up after knocking it over time and time again. The Shisa (lion dog) hariko is very typical of Okinawa. Okinawan traditional fishing boat/Sabani sail boat experiences are also very popular. Sabini are fishing boats used in the Tempuku Bare competition which is part of the biggest event held in Itoman city, the Itoman Hare. Tempuku Bare is a competition where as a team you attempt to flip over your overturned Sabani boat and row it to the finish line. It is used as a test of the village fishermens' boat skills, but don't worry, as a tourist you won't have to flip over any Sabani boats during your experience! Rowing your own Sabani with the cool wind brushing against your face is an exhilarating experience! You can see this at 2:15 in the video. Experience Making the Local Delicacies of Itoman Source :YouTube screenshot Taking part in the regional Japanese cuisine experience is sure to be one of the best memories of your trip to Okinawa. The area with highest consumption of tofu in Japan is thought to be Okinawa and there are many tofu shops in Itoman. You can see some of these shops being introduced at 1:43 in the video. If you take part in the Okinawa-style tofu (島豆腐, Shimadoufu) experience you will have the chance to make tofu the traditional way by grinding soy beans using a stone mortar. The taste of freshly made Okinawan tofu will bring a smile to your face! Summary of Itoman, Okinawa Itoman city is famous as a sightseeing destination in Japan. I'm sure after watching this video you'll be eager to try some of the experiences and food that Itoman city, Okinawa has to offer! If you're headed to Itoman, be sure to use this video as a guide! Taking part in the unique experiences here in Itoman is guaranteed to create memories you'll treasure for a lifetime. 【Official Website】Itoman city hall https://www.city.itoman.lg.jp/

Introducing Okinawa! This one and a half minute long promotional video "IS JAPAN COOL? OKINAWA," was created by "ANA Global Channel." It introduces popular sightseeing spots, as well as the food and culture of Okinawa. Tourists travel from all over the world to Okinawa for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and comfortable climate. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax both body and mind, we highly recommend a trip to Okinawa! There are so many places to enjoy your time in Okinawa. Not only is there the popular main island but there are also many beautiful, smaller islands such as Ishigaki island (石垣島, ishigakijima) and Taketomi island (竹富島, taketomijima) where you can spend your holiday relaxing in the sun. In this article, we'll introduce popular sightseeing spots and delicacies we recommend you try on your trip to Okinawa! Be sure to follow along with the video! The Top Sightseeing Spots in Okinawa ・Islands to visit on your trip to Okinawa The smaller islands off the mainland of Okinawa are a great place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. All of the islands are abundant with nature and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful. We highly recommend Taketomi island, Ishigaki island, and Miyako island (宮古島, miyakojima). All are fantastic places where you can take part in fun activities, such as banana boating, scuba diving, parasailing, or walking along the sea floor (an activity known as "sea walk" in Japanese). You can take a look at these water activities from 0:15 in the video. Don't they look exciting? Photo：Sefa-Utaki ・Historic sites to visit in Okinawa There are numerous spots in Okinawa steeped in history, such as Sefa-Utaki (斎場御嶽), Shuri Castle (首里城, shurijou)and Choju no mura (長寿の村). We highly recommend visiting Utaki, which is known for being a power spot in Okinawa. It's a very mysterious and fascinating place where people often go to say prayers. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Okinawa Photo：Churaumi Aquarium There are many spots in Okinawa to enjoy with the whole family, such as Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館) and International Avenue (国際通り) (known in Japanese as Kokusai Dori). International Avenue is home to the biggest shopping district in Naha (那覇) and is a place where you can enjoy eating out, shopping, or buying souvenirs. It's definitely a place worth visiting if you plan on travelling to Okinawa's main island. Okinawan Cuisine and Souvenirs If you would like to try Okinawan cuisine, we highly recommend ordering some Okinawa Soba (沖縄そば) or Goya Chanpuru (ゴーヤチャンプル). Agu pork (アグー豚), with its characteristic high quality fat, is another dish we recommend you try during your visit to Okinawa! You can see these dishes in the video at 0:45. Okinawa's famous shochu "Awamori" (泡盛) makes a great souvenir for family and friends! Areas We Recommend to Enjoy the Best of Okinawan Cuisine Photo：public market, Okinawa For those looking forward to experiencing Okinawan cuisine, we highly recommend visiting the public parket. The public market, also known as Nahashi no daidokoro (那覇市の台所) which translates to "Naha City's Kitchen," sells fresh fish, pigs feet, shimarakkyo (島らっきょ), goya, and other popular Okinawa foods. It's popular with both locals and foreign visitors. There's also a dining area in the public market where you can enjoy trying Okinawan cuisine. However, please take note that the public market is currently under construction and has been temporarily relocated to the nearby "Nigiwai Hiroba" (にぎわい広場) (rebuilding of the public market is due to be completed by March 31st, 2022). Summary of the Okinawa Sightseeing Video We hope you enjoyed learning about the popular sightseeing spots introduced in this promotional video, and taking a look at the beautiful scenery of Okinawa. More information regarding Okinawan culture, such as Hari boats (ハーリー), the Sanshin (三線) and Kachashi (カチャーシー) is also included in the video making it a must-see for anyone who has yet to visit Okinawa! 【Official Website】Okinawa City Hall https://www.city.okinawa.okinawa.jp/english/