Okinawa, Japan

"Not mainland ramen. Okinawan soba is its own tradition."

Okinawa soba uses wheat noodles (not buckwheat) in a light pork and bonito broth, topped with braised pork belly (rafute) and pickled ginger. Different from anything on the mainland. Every neighborhood has an excellent soba shop.

"Goya champuru — bitter melon with tofu, eggs, and SPAM. The authentic Okinawan dish."

Champuru means "mixed up" — the Okinawan stir-fry tradition brings together bitter melon, tofu, egg, and often SPAM (a legacy of US occupation). Goya champuru is the most famous version. The acquired bitterness becomes a comfort food.

"International Street in Naha. Okinawan snacks and awamori shots."

Kokusai-dori is Naha's main tourist drag — but the side alleys (Heiwa-dori) have genuine local markets with fresh sashimi, Okinawan purple sweet potatoes, and cheap awamori (local distilled spirits) served in standing bars.

"The northernmost tip of Okinawa. Pacific and East China Sea meeting point."

Cape Hedo is the remote northern tip of the main island — dramatic coral cliffs, turquoise water visible in every direction, and the surreal experience of standing where two major seas meet. The yanbaru forest north of Kadena is dense subtropical jungle with Okinawan rails.

"The second-largest aquarium tank in the world. Whale sharks."

Churaumi Aquarium's Kuroshio Sea tank holds three whale sharks (among the largest in captivity) alongside manta rays and thousands of other species. One of the finest aquariums in the world.

"The capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Recently rebuilt after 2019 fire."

Shuri Castle was the center of the Ryukyuan civilization for 500 years — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a distinctive Chinese-Japanese hybrid architecture. Partially destroyed by fire in 2019, reconstruction is ongoing with the main hall expected to reopen in the late 2020s.

"World Heritage coral reefs. The clearest water in Japan."

The Kerama Islands (1 hour by ferry from Naha) have some of the finest coral reef diving in East Asia — extraordinary visibility, brain coral formations, manta ray cleaning stations, and sea turtles. Snorkeling is excellent even without scuba.

"The "million-tatami" cape. Dramatic coral limestone and turquoise water."

Manzamo is one of Okinawa's most photographed landscapes — a coral limestone headland eroded into dramatic overhangs above electric-blue water. The name means "a million people can sit here" in Okinawan.

"The Battle of Okinawa memorial. 240,000 names carved in marble."

The Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and Museum covers the Battle of Okinawa (April-June 1945) — the bloodiest battle in the Pacific War. The Cornerstone of Peace has 240,000 names carved regardless of nationality. Essential for anyone serving here.

"The park that surrounds the Churaumi Aquarium. Free admission."

Ocean Expo Park covers 71 hectares on the northern Okinawa coast — the aquarium is the centerpiece but the Tropical Dream Center botanical gardens, the native Okinawan village, and the beach are all worth exploring. Most areas are free.