Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa is a beautiful summer holiday destination, for sure, but visiting in the winter has its perks. Firstly, flights and accommodation are cheaper; secondly, Okinawan cherry blossoms start blooming at as early as the end of January; and thirdly, there’s still lots to do but with way fewer visitors!
Though it may be winter, temperatures in Okinawa are moderate between 10 to 21 degrees Celsius. If you still fancy participating in watersports like diving, surfing, and whale-watching, the water temperature in the ocean around Okinawa remains largely around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, If you or a loved one can drive (with a valid license, of course), we recommend renting a car and touring the capital Naha and its surrounding islands at your own pace with beautiful nature to accompany your drive.
Okinawan cuisine is also very different from mainland Japan’s, due to its warmer climate and Ryukyu culture, utilizing fresh local delicacies like pork, bitter melon, sea grapes, and pineapple. Although if you’re a seafood lover, the fresh catches at Makishi Public Market in Naha aren’t to be missed. Lastly, some bad news: Okinawa’s Shuri Castle, a major historical relic from the Ryukyu Kingdom, was destroyed in a fire. However, repair works are underway and about 80 percent of the surrounding park are still open to public.
Must-see: Kokusai Dori Street, Churaumi Aquarium, Seifa Utaki, Okinawa Caves, Okinawa World, Peace Memorial Park, Cape Manza, Yonaha Maehama Beach, Ishigaki Island
Flight duration: 2–3 hours