Okinawa: Don't let rainy season get you down!

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, rainy season starts in Okinawa every year around May 9 and continues for about seven weeks.

The start of the season of on-and-off showers and high humidity probably will not excite a lot of people. Well, not unless you have to harvest a crop or have concerns about the possibility of a water shortage later in the summer. Staying inside, using more moisture absorber and relying on a dehumidifier may be the first thing that comes to your mind. I sure hope not!

Head outside and tackle that sub-tropical weather outside because fun (even without the sun) is waiting for you.

If your heart is in the ocean, you don’t want to wait until the sky clears because there is a chance to see one of the best spectacles that Okinawa has to offer: spawning of coral. Be adventurous and go under the water at night to look for the boy-meets-girl romance of tiny pink capsules. It’s a great date or it can be fun with friends. And who know, maybe you can take a photo that is worthy of National Geographic.  It may be hard to tell when the egg-laying is going to take place exactly, but you can increase the odds by consulting with dive experts on the island.    

For those who want to stay close to the shore, there is some night attractions coming up as well. How about seeing fireflies?  Watching the pale light of the flying bugs is an eco-friendly way to forget the summer heat in Japan. (Fireflies are often referenced as summer features in Haiku, Japanese 17-syllable poem).  

In Okinawa, places like Sueyoshi Park and Bios-Hills are known as habitats for fireflies. Spending some time at such places after dark could be a highlight of summer vacation for your kids. Or it could be a part of a romantic night for couples. (Reservations are required for a night tour at Bios-Hill)

If you’re a daytime person, I got something for you, too. Did you know May 12 is Acerola Day in Okinawa? On that day, picking season for the red fruit starts in Motonbu Town. This town in the north, which is known for the Ocean Expo Park and cherry blossoms, is actually a big producer of the red fruit that is very rich in vitamin C.  If you are planning to go to the Churaumi Aquarium or Okuma beach during this period, it would be a good idea to make a stop to try some sweets or drinks made from this healthy fruit.

Although we will probably see a lot of rain and cloudy skies for a while, let’s stay active and not let the rainy weather swamp us with gloom.

Diving shops and parks

Reef Encounter
Address: 1-493 Miyagi, Chatan-cho, Okinawa
Website: http://www.reefencounters.org/

Sueyoshi Park
Address:1-3-1 Sueyoshi-cho, Shuri,
Naha city 903-0801

Destiny charters
Website: http://destiny-charters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Destiny-Charters-237082396328226/

Bios-Hill
Website: www.bios-hill.co.jp.e.vr.hp.transer.com