Get to know a few spots to visit when you're in Okinawa, Japan. Check out the shopping districts in the main island and the breathtaking sights and beaches of the Sakishima islands. Slideshow includes animated content.

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3. Ryukyu 1879 Naha Tropical
The islands of The Ryukyu Naha City is the Okinawa has a
Okinawa used to islands became capital of the main sub-tropical
be part of the part of the island of Okinawa. climate. Its
Ryukyu Kagoshima The main street, islands are
Kingdom, which prefecture of Kokusaidori, is known for their
was an Japan in 1879. lined with cafes, white sandy
independent restaurants, and beaches and
country. souvenir shops. crystal clear
waters.

4. Photo by Okinawa Steve via Compfight under Creative Commons

5. 5th Largest Pottery
Kokusai U.S. Bases
Island
Kokusai Street Okinawa Honto The Tsuboya The presence of
cuts across the is the fifth District off Kokusai American troops
largest island. in largest island in is home to shops and their
a straight line for Japan. More or filled with families
2 km or so. less 90% of the earthenware and encouraged an
Kokusaidori prefecture’s other pottery influx of Western
literally means residents live on products of goods from low-
International this island. Okinawan end products to
Road. craftsmanship. luxury items.

6. Photo by koizumi via Compfight under Creative Commons

7. Miyako Yaeyama Ishigaki Iriomote
The largest Yaeyama Islands Ishigaki Island is The largest of
island in the east in the southwest the transport hub the Yaeyama
of Okinawa have tropical of the Yaeyama group of islands,
Honto, Miyako is rainforests with group. It’s also Iriomote has
the site of a local diverse fauna more densely thick jungles and
Strongman and flora. They populated than swampy
Triathlon every also have nearby Iriomote. mangroves.
April. beaches.

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Learn more about the distinctive culture, foods, and customs of the islands of Okinawa in Japan.