aerial view of shuri castle in okinawa, japan
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Shuri-castle in Okinawa,Japan
bitter melon stir-fried with pork, tofu and egg.

Dive into Ryukyu culture on the Okinawa archipelago

CultureJapan

Okinawa is the crown jewel of the kingdom of Ryukyu. Let this gorgeous archipelago, found between Taiwan and Japan, win you over with its cultural and natural riches. Here, you can immerse yourself in Okinawan traditions, which have been influenced by the different civilizations that ruled the island. Shuri Castle, the former seat of the Ryukyu kingdom, is a must-see when visiting the island. This fortress, along with the karate museum, will give you a more in-depth look at this ancient martial art, which originated here in Okinawa.

Take advantage of an immersive stay on the archipelago to learn more about its customs and signature flavors. In particular, don't miss a chance to taste champuru, a typical dish of the region, or join in the island's popular tug-of-war festivals, during which the locals ward off evil spirits and bad luck with their prayers.

We also recommend a trip to see the marine creatures of the Churaumi Aquarium, the second largest aquarium in the world, or the inhabitants of the crystal-clear waters of Naha Island. Indeed, this archipelago is full of natural treasures, like the cliffs of Cape Manzamo and the Gyokusendo cave, which promise stunning snapshots for photographers.

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