Jan-Feb

The most well know Sakura,nation's earliest cherry blossoms are blooming into season in northern Okinawa.

All the Sakura Matsuri, cherry blossom festivals take place all over the country, offering spectators breathtaking views of the islands famous blooms.
Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival start off mid January through mid February. More than 7,000 sakura are displaying their brilliant pinks from thee of Mount Yaedake.

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A subtropical paradise far from mainland of Japan…
A tiny hotel newly opened in December 2009 at Miyako Island.

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Taiwan, the nearest country from Okinawa.
Its foods are very familiar and popular among all as Chinese food culture. Such an authentic cuisine can be enjoyed at ‘Chinese Kitchen’.

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Zakimi Castle (Zakimi Gusuku) is a gusuku in Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is currently in ruins, but the walls and foundations have been restored. Built between 1416 and 1422 by the renowned Ryukyuan militarist Gosamaru, Zakimi Castle oversaw the northern portion of the Okinawan mainland. The gusuku fortress has two inner courts, each with an arched gate. This is Okinawa's first stone arch gate featuring the unique keystone masonry of the Ryukyus.

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Fukushu-en was built by a traditional technique peculiar to China’s Fuzhou City in commemoration of 10th anniversary of sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou in 1992.

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Before you enjoy eating let us explain about Okinawan cuisine briefly.
Recently Okinawan cuisine gains its popularity as healthy foods because of the longevity of the Okinawan people.The Okinawa's culture is espcially featured by its "Champloo" mix of elements. Champloo is a general name given to dishes made by stir-frying vegetables and tofu.

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Awamori is a traditional alcoholic beverage indigenous to and unique to Okinawa. Its procedure has been handing down by using the traditional techniques. It is said that the Awamori has more than 500 years history and is the oldest distilled alcoholic beverage in Japan. It is made from the Thai rice and is not a direct product of brewing like Sake but of distillation like Shochu. Awamori is aged to improve its flavor and mellowness. Generally it’s just like wine, it gets better as it grows older. Another name for awamori used in Okinawa is “Shima-zake”(island sake) or shima for short.

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Good-bye to Mr. Hangover!!

----Wherever heavy drinkers flock together, Syugo Densetu(literally translated into English, legendary winebibber) make its appearance on the stage. Just take it before you drink not to regret.

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The 8th Fireworks Illusion

Ryukyu Kaiensai Festival 2011 was held in Ginowan Kaihin Park in Okinawa on April 16th 2011. This festival of fire and color has been presented by JAL (Japan Air Line) for the past years. The　designed fireworks produced by a worldwide fashion designer“Junko Koshino". Over 10,000 fireworks in the exploding in the sky combined with music and Okinawan culture. This event was starts at 3 pm and wraps up around 9pm. The actual fireworks had take place 8pm to 9pm. Next season, please make sure to have enough time to get the park because of heavy trafic jam!!

Ryukyu Kaiensai Official Page

The event was held at Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts in Naha city August 14th through 16th. 2009 About 1,000 participants are expected to join in the tournament from 178 countries from all over the world. The program is consisting of 5 parts which are the opening/closing ceremony, Okinawa Traditional Karatedo & Kobudo seminar, demonstration, competition and the reception. The seminar is designed for international participants and enthusiasts who would like to learn about the traditional techniques and the history of Karatedo and Kobudo. At the reception party your friendship and mutual understanding should be facilitated more than ever among international and national participants together with those people contributed to the organization of the tournament. more>>>