The southernmost main island of Japan, Okinawa is a subtropical paradise with a fascinating history, sun-kissed beaches, and open, friendly people. The slower-paced island lifestyle, as well as a thriving tourist industry, means that locals tend to be very accepting of LGBTQ+ people — indeed, the capital of Naha was one of the first to support same-sex couples’ rights by recognizing their partnerships. So, let’s talk about one of the most interesting and fun places to visit in Japan, where anyone can feel welcome.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
One of the world’s most impressive aquariums, Churaumi Aquarium is known for being a perfect representative of the sea of Okinawa, with many fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures native to the island’s surrounding waters being on display. Additionally, it is one of the few places in the world capable of keeping whale sharks in captivity, and is currently working to achieve successful breeding, in what would be a world first.
The Kuroshio Sea main tank is where the whale sharks are kept, along with manta rays (another rarity in captivity) and a whole host of other fish in a closed yet stable ecosystem. The sight of these majestic creatures gliding through the water is really something to see, and is a real highlight of any trip to Okinawa.
It also boasts a Deep Sea tank, exhibiting marine life collected from depths of over 300 meters below the surface of Okinawa’s seas. Because of the depths they live in, and the difficulty of going down even in remote operated vehicles, many of the creatures exhibited here were new discoveries when they were first revealed to the world.
Kokusai Dori
The main high street of Naha, this road has it all. Fun bars, restaurants serving delicious food, and plenty of souvenir shops to get for your friends — or to keep yourself as a treasured memory.
One thing that may concern you is that some of the souvenirs are large, heavy, or fragile, so you might not be able to get that lovely shisa statue home, or you may have difficulty taking a bottle of Okinawan awamori liquor on the plane, given its high volume of alcohol. Luckily, the stores have long been prepared for this, and for an extra fee, you can have any large souvenirs you buy sent either to mainland Japan or internationally.
It’s also a terrific place to see street performances, with fire eaters, singers, and traditional folk dancers, there are lots of exciting things to see, with Saturday being the peak of performances during the week.
Local Delicacies
Although it is a Japanese island today, for centuries Okinawa was its own nation, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and acted as an intermediary of sorts between Japan and other Asian countries. As such, it has developed its own cuisine, many of which are distinct from typical Japanese food, and are real treats for visitors.
Some have even become popular outside of Okinawa, such as taco rice, which is more or less what it sounds like: taco-flavored ground beef served on rice with other ingredients typical to tacos, like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Pork is the most popular meat in Okinawa, and one of the most popular local dishes is Rafute, which consists of skin-on pork belly that has been stewed in soy sauce and brown sugar. Originally a royal cuisine, it is beloved on the island and is believed to bestow long life on those who eat it.
Sata Andagi are small fried balls of dough, not dissimilar to a donut, though they do not typically have icing. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, traditional sata andagi are light or dark in color, depending on whether white or brown sugar is used. Today, specialist sata andagi stands are able to infuse different flavors, like matcha or red tea into their pastries.
We mentioned a local liquor, awamori, above. It is a strong alcoholic drink, usually 60 to 80 proof, and is made with long grain rice. It is usually taken with water and ice, though it can be drunk straight. One variation for the very brave is habushu, which is a liqueur created by preserving an Okinawan pit viper in awamori for a number of months before serving. The high volume of alcohol denatures the snake’s venom, while adding a slightly sweet flavor. It is believed by some that those who drink habushu will take on the snake’s vigor.
Hit the Beach
What kind of vacation to a tropical paradise would it be without going to the beach? Luckily, Okinawa has plenty, although there is only one swimming beach in the capital of Naha. Naminoue Beach, it has the curious distinction of being overlooked by modernity and antiquity: on a cliff above the beach sits Naminoue Shrine, a gorgeous structure whose bright red puts one in the mind of the island’s Ryukyu roots. And in front, as you step into the sea… is a highway running across the water. Despite this, the sands and water are very clean, and shallow areas make it suitable for swimmers of all levels.
Other smaller islands also have extraordinary beaches. Furuzamami, on Zamami Island, offers a relaxing atmosphere as you gaze over and swim in gentle azure waves, known to locals as “kerama blue.” Snorkelers can see exotic fish swimming amongst the beautiful coral mere minutes after arriving, given its proximity to Zamami’s port. Miyako Island’s Yonaha Maehama Beach is a seven kilometer stretch of pure white sand, and is consistently rated one of the best beaches in Japan. It also hosts an annual “Strongman” triathlon at the end of April.
LGBTQ+ Bars
Naha is home to a number of watering holes for LGBTQ+ people, but one of the big stand outs is 8men. Located a short walk off of Kokusai Dori, this is an English-friendly bar that caters to gay men, though any and all are welcome. It has nightly happy hours, as well as all-you-can-drink nomihodai deals between 7pm and 9pm. It also has an outside terrace with a view! A truly lovely place to while away the evening.
In Summary
Okinawa is not just an idyllic holiday location, but it is welcoming, easy-going, and open. For gay travelers, places don’t come much more highly recommended than this.
