Okinawa, A different Japan

Okinawa reveals a lesser-known side of Japan. Part of a vast archipelago of 160 islands, of which only 49 are inhabited, it exudes a distinctive atmosphere that is both gentle and powerful. Life moves at a slower pace here, guided by sunlight, the vastness of the ocean, and a landscape shaped over millions of years.

At the northern tip of the main island, Mount Yonaha rises to just 503 metres. It may not be Japan’s tallest peak, but walking through its dense, unspoiled forests feels like entering another world. Lush subtropical vegetation shelters rare plant and animal species alongside striking geological formations. Some of the rocks are almost unimaginably ancient: limestone dating back more than 200 million years, sculpted by wind and rain into forms that lend the mountain a timeless aura.

Then there is the story of the “Blue Zones.” Okinawa was once renowned for its extraordinary number of centenarians—people who lived long, healthy lives. Yet such distinctions are not permanent. Migration, urbanization, Western lifestyles, and other influences, some less obvious than others, have gradually altered this balance. The devastation of war left lasting scars, and the significant American military presence further accelerated social change. As a result, public health indicators have declined, and Okinawa no longer fits the classic profile of a Blue Zone, despite having been recognized in 1999 as home to the oldest population in the world.

And then there is the ocean. Okinawa’s beaches are breathtaking—among the most beautiful not only in Japan, but arguably anywhere in the world. The water is warm and crystal clear, displaying an endless spectrum of blue. The sand is soft and almost white, while the horizon stretches endlessly into the distance. Swimming here is an immersive experience, enveloping visitors in silence, beauty, and a profound sensory connection to nature.

As for accommodations, some places are truly exceptional, including Shallows, a waterfront apartment perched directly on the shoreline (Instagram: @shallows.okinawa). Staying there means living in rhythm with the Pacific Ocean. Large windows frame the ever-changing light throughout the day, waves roll endlessly ashore, and it is easy to lose yourself in the shifting colours of the sky and sea. The accommodation itself is simple and comfortable, but it is the surrounding natural environment that makes it remarkable, offering a rare sense of calm and serenity.

Yet Okinawa is more than its landscapes. The island invites visitors to slow down, pay attention, and feel more deeply. Between its ancient mountains and crystalline beaches, it offers a rare and fragile balance, a profound sense of peace. Though officially part of Japan, Okinawa retains a distinct identity inherited from the former Ryūkyū Kingdom, shaped by a unique culture, a complex history, and a blend of Asian influences. Its people are known for their remarkable resilience, strong community bonds, and a way of life deeply influenced by island living, shared hardships, and the importance of human connection.

Cover photo: Syuhei Inoue on Unsplash.

Global Goodness would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their support in planning and organizing our press trip:

• Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (https://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/)
• Japan Communication Company (Jpncom.com)
• Japan National Tourism Organization (https://www.japan.travel/)
• Fukutake Foundation (https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/nnmoa/art/)

We would also like to extend our special thanks to our friend Emiko Ishikawa, who introduced us to a side of Japan beyond the usual tourist routes and who also accompanies travelers throughout Japan.

Our sincere thanks as well to Priscilla Portsmouth, Shin Kawai, Sumi Sato, Sébastien Moncus (Hosho Theatre and My Taiken), Kunie Takatsu, Yukari Ota, and Sanae Ota.

ainsi qu’à Priscilla Portsmouth, Shin Kawai, Sumi Sato, Sébastien  Moncus (Hosho Theatre and My Taiken), Kuni Takatsu, Yukari et Sanae Ota.