Islands of Okinawa and Cuisine of Japan

Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds. This is an unusual part of the world where dreamy cherry blossoms and glitzy neon cityscapes of tall towers and austere Shinto shrines vie for equal attention. Tokyo’s iconic pop culture with its manga and anime have conquered the world, as has its quirky fashion and distinctive food. No other city has as many Michelin stars as Tokyo has. From a simple bowl of noodles to a gourmet sushi dish made with the freshest produce, you can feast on Tokyo’s cuisine that is marked by attention to detail and the finest fresh ingredients. It’s no wonder that Japanese food has made it to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list! Tokyo will amaze you with its diversity, where an alleyway shanty bar and a chic luxurious eatery observe the same standards of quality and excellence—that is Tokyo in a nutshell!

Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is a bustling city that manages to perfectly blend modernity with tradition. Home to over 300,000 people, it is the largest city of Okinawa. From the stores, bars, and restaurants that line Kokusai-dori, the city’s main street, to the ancient Shuri castle and a Shinto shrine, there is plenty to see and do here. Get around the city with ease given the efficient monorail system and public buses. Part of the erstwhile Ryukyu kingdom, Naha has developed into the region’s transportation hub with easy connectivity to the other islands of Okinawa and the rest of the country and also parts of Asia. Explore Tsuboya district, known for its unique ceramic products, especially the Shiisa or lion-dog figurines. With favorable conditions for kiteboarding and scuba diving, Naha sees plenty of adventure-seekers all through the year. A visit to the local market makes for an interesting experience, what with a chance to buy dried sea snake and edible seaweed!

Sample the unique cuisine of Okinawa which has heavy Taiwanese influences owing to its geographical proximity to the island nation. Set off with your local expert to the busy Makishi market famous for its fresh seafood. Take your pick from the catch of the day and have it prepared right in front of your eyes. Sample the delicacy before you embark on a short ten-minute stroll along the Kokusaidori district which is home to plenty of welcoming izakayas or casual Japanese pubs. Resist the impulse to make a quick pit stop at one of these, instead choosing to follow your guide to the best of the lot. Savor a bowl of lip-smacking soki soba or noodle soup accompanied with a tender pork rib basket. Sample a variety of shared dishes such as champuru or a stir fry, mimiga or cooked pigs’ ears, and umibudo or sea grapes. Wash it all down with a cup of refreshing local sake known as Awamori. (Half Day; Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 1200/1700; Duration: 4 hrs; Public Transport, Shared Activity; Meal Included: One shared seafood item, a shared serving each of mimiga, umibudo and champuru, a bowl of soki-soba each, one cup of awamori each; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that you must be age 20 yrs or older to participate in this tour.)

Ishigaki island, with its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, appears straight out of a picture postcard. Sharing the same latitude as that of Honolulu and Miami, this second largest island of the Yaeyama group is a diver’s paradise. Head for one of the many secluded beaches, patches of mysterious forests, and winding hiking trails, for an unforgettable holiday. These natural wonders combined with the temperate climate make the island a year-round destination and a favorite with travelers from across the globe. Ishigaki is also the gateway to numerous smaller islands in the region due to its air connectivity. Sample some of the exotic cuisines on offer to understand how this island has evovled to become a melting pot of cultures! Check into one of the many modern hotels on the island or try staying at a ryokan for an authentic Japanese experience.

Head to the pier to board a comfortable yacht that will take you down the East China Sea to watch a spectacular sunset. Sip a refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage as you watch the sun dip over the horizon while the sky explodes into a riot of colors. Sit back and relax as you take in the splendid vistas while the yacht glides smoothly across the water. Munch on delicious snacks served by courteous staff as the gentle ocean breeze caresses you. Take along a boxed meal and enjoy dinner as you watch the day come to an end. (Duration: 2 hrs; No transfers; Shared Activity; Meal Included: Drinks and Light Snacks; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that the tour may be canceled in the event of bad weather. While there is a bathroom on the yacht, it is advisable to make use of the facilities before starting from your hotel.)

Iriomote, the second largest island on the Okinawa archipelago, also has the distinction of being the least populated. Accessible only by ferry from Ishigaki, the island is known for its unique landscape with dense jungles, mangroves, and strikingly beautiful coral reefs. If you are lucky enough, you might see the elusive Yamaneko or Iriomote cat, an endangered species, that is one of the many rare species of wildlife that have their home on this island. A popular destination with adventure-seekers, Iriomote offers favorable conditions for activities such as trekking, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. If a laid-back vacation is more your style, the pristine beaches, gushing waterfalls, and soaring trees beckon you.

Set off for the beautiful mangroves of remote Iriomote island in a kayak as you paddle your way upstream to the point where the trail to Pinaisara waterfall begins. Start hiking up the steep path which winds across the rock face. Listen to the sound of the rushing water get louder as you get closer to the waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water that collects in a natural basin at the foot of the falls while your guide gets your lunch ready. Relish your meal and rest a while before walking down to the pick-up point for the drive to the harbor. Hop onto a boat that will ferry you to the snorkeling site in the azure blue waters of the ocean. Get up close with various exotic sea creatures such as tropical fish species, sea turtles, and even a harmless shark or two if you are lucky. Stop by Barasu Island with its small sandbar formed from a pile of dead coral. Explore the island walking gently across it before heading back to the harbor. (Full Day; Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0930; Duration: 7 hrs; Shared Activity; Meal Included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Medium. Please note that you must have travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue for this tour.)

Taketomi, situated off the coast of Ishigaki and among the few Okinawan Islands that survived the Second World War, epitomizes island living at its best! This islet beckons you with its crystal clear waters fringed by sandy white beaches. With less than 500 inhabitants, the residents of this island are a close-knit community. Taketomi is renowned for its traditional Ryukyu architecture characterized by the distinctive red terracotta tile roofs on single story homes. Walking and cycling are the best ways of getting around, for tourists and residents alike. However, there was a time when carts pulled by large water buffalo were the primary means of transporting food and supplies. When the tide was low enough, these carts were even used to travel to other islands. Hop onto one of the few water buffalo carts still in use for an experience like no other! Stay at one of the comfortable local guesthouses for a taste of Japanese hospitality.

Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle. A lovely river runs through this colorful city, lending it life and distinct character. Osaka is also renowned for its pulsating nightlife and dazzling neon shopfronts and commercial streets. With mouthwatering cuisine, do try out the city’s delicious dishes, from humble noodle bowls stalls and yakitori stands to high-end sushi restaurants. Osaka’s proximity to Kansai airport and its many excellent hotels makes it a natural choice as a stopover destination.

Discover the gastronomy of the vibrant port city of Osaka, also known as the food capital of Japan. In the early evening, set off to meet your guide at one of the city’s lively food districts. Walk down pedestrian-only streets lined with vibrant eateries and bars. From ramen bars to restaurants, visit the spots most frequented by locals and sample an array of regional snacks. Takoyaki or fried octopus, okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake, and kushikatsu or skewered meats and vegetables are some of the popular delicacies found here. You could also check out a traditional izakaya bar before it is time to head back.(Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs; Private activity; No transfers; Meals included: light meal and drink; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entrance fees included; The legal drinking age in Japan is 20; Please note that this being a street food tour, it is not recommended for people with strict dietary requirements; This tour is not available on Tuesdays; Min age: 13)