OKINAWA

Travel

My Paradise: Uncovering legends, myths in Okinawa

Okinawa abounds with legends and myths, surprises where least expected and rare animals that can’t be seen anywhere else.

Travel

Exploring Okinawa’s sacred Sefa-Utaki and Chinen’s charming overlook

According to legend, the goddess Amamikyo first came to the island of Okinawa in what’s now Nanjo City on Okinawa’s southeastern Chinen peninsula.

Community News

Share your ink in Stars and Stripes’ 2025 Pacific Tattoo magazine!

Stars and Stripes wants to feature your tattoos and the stories behind them in our next Pacific Tattoo magazine!

Travel

VIDEO: Quick trip to Okinawa's splendid Iriomote Island

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes. Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Iriomote Island.


Latest Stories

Photo Of VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: A Trip to Ie Island

Travel

VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: A Trip to Ie Island

On a day in mid-May I headed to north to visit Ie Island for the first time in more than a decade.

Photo Of VIDEO: Fun trip to Okinawa's beautiful Ishigaki Island

Travel

VIDEO: Fun trip to Okinawa's beautiful Ishigaki Island

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes. Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Ishigaki Island.


Videos


More Stories from Okinawa

Photo Of VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese-Let’s eat mango

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese-Let’s eat mango

If you have not noticed, mango is reaching peak ripeness on Okinawa.

Photo Of Guide to Okinawa’s popular alcohol awamori

Food & Drink

Guide to Okinawa’s popular alcohol awamori

If you think of alcohol and Japan, then the first thing that springs to mind is sake – but there are other alcoholic drinks too, one of which comes from the island of Okinawa!

Photo Of Driving on Okinawa: Story behind eye-catching traffic safety figures

Travel

Driving on Okinawa: Story behind eye-catching traffic safety figures

Have you noticed an old statue on Okinawa that resembles a police officer standing by the road? The weathered man looks like he’s waving hello at you.

Photo Of Ssssssneaky Sssssnakes! Watch out for Okinawa’s venomous habu

Travel

Ssssssneaky Sssssnakes! Watch out for Okinawa’s venomous habu

You may not believe this, but I once saw a habu beat a mongoose in a cross-species duel when I was a kid.

Photo Of Fun on Okinawa: Speed boats and beautiful views in Haneji Naikai

Travel

Fun on Okinawa: Speed boats and beautiful views in Haneji Naikai

No matter where you go along Okinawa’s coast, you’re sure to get some amazing ocean views. Haneji Naikai, an inland sea between Motobu Peninsula and Yagaji Island, is considered one of Okinawa’s best.

Photo Of USO Okinawa Staff Spotlight-Meet Jon!

Spotlight!

USO Okinawa Staff Spotlight-Meet Jon!

Jon comes from a multicultural background, with family roots in Eastbourne, England, and Dallas, Texas.

Photo Of Cycling Okinawa: Discover culture and friendship with e-CHARity

Travel

Cycling Okinawa: Discover culture and friendship with e-CHARity

Nestled in the heart of Naha, Okinawa, e-CHARIty is transforming the way visitors experience this beautiful island through eco-friendly e-bike rentals and engaging local guided tours.

Photo Of Fun activities planned for Independence Day celebration at Okuma Beach on July 5

Travel

Fun activities planned for Independence Day celebration at Okuma Beach on July 5

With so many events scheduled around Independence Day, you may have a hard time deciding on which one to attend.

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