Voyages Okinawa, Japan      Our journey begins in the beautiful subtropical Pacific island of Okinawa. Situated at 26 deg. 30' N 127 deg. 45 E, Okinawa is the southern-most prefecture of Japan. Okinawa, the main island in the Ryukyu archipelago is most popularly known as the homeland of Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid movies. But it's Okinawa's unique culture, prime location in the Pacific Rim and it's dramatic history that make it a place worth writing about.      For hundreds of years before the 17th century, Okinawa developed a unique culture that was influenced by trade with China and Japan. In 1609, the Shimazu clan from Kyushu (southern Japan) invaded and began a new era of Japanese domination of the Ryukyu kingdom. By the 1870's Okinawa was formally annexed and made part of Japan. Because of it's strategic location, Imperial Japan made Okinawa an important military base in WWII. In April- June 1945, the last land, air and sea battle of the Pacific was fought on Okinawa. The Battle of Okinawa resulted in 13,000 American and approximately 300,000 Japanese deaths, about half civilian.	Okinawa Shisha dog on Zamami island      After the war the Americans remained and built up one of the largest overseas U.S. military establishments in Okinawa. Today there are about 50,000 Americans stationed at several military bases throughout the island. The American presence remains a sensitive and controversial issue. Okinawa today is a "champuru"... mix of cultures. In 1972 Okinawa was returned to Japan from U.S. administration and now is a regular part of Japan. Visitors, especially from mainland Japan come to Okinawa to see the bizarre hybrid culture that is the result of 60 years of American occupation.
Okinawa Soba on Kouri island	In Okinawa you can listen to American Forces AFN radio. You can also buy American products (some black marketed) in local shops and buy all sorts of American antique and military surplus items in local shops. Visitors and locals enjoy eating "taco rice" which is a distinctively Okinawan version of Americanized Mexican food. And of course, you have to try goya and SPAM champuru, the basic Okinawan staple food.
In addition to Okinawa's interesting culture and history, Okinawa's subtropical climate make it a great place to experience nature. The beaches are beautiful and the diving is some of the best in the world with warm, clear water, healthy coral reefs and an abundance of tropical sea life. On Okinawa and in the nearby Kerama and Yaeyama islands, hiking and exploring through jungles, kayaking down rivers and camping on the beach are some of the adventures that visitors enjoy..	Shuri Castle
Hiji Falls	Tokashiki island (Keramas)

When you come to Okinawa be sure to visit Rehab- Okinawa's #1 gaijin meeting spot. Located in Naha on Kokusai street, a couple of blocks north of Starbucks on the same side. If you're looking for an inexpensive, friendly and comfortable guest house to stay at in Okinawa, check out The Hamby Resort in Chatan.