Okinawa and the Amami Islands: Wellness Getaways Blessed with Biodiversity

Okinawa and the Amami Islands are located on the southern tip of the Japanese archipelago, in a region that boasts humid subtropical climates with hot summers and mild winters. Their unique geological histories make them biodiversity hotspots, featuring rare ecosystems and numerous native and endangered species. As a result, Amami Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. 

From hiking through subtropical evergreen woodlands to kayaking through virgin mangroves, Okinawa and the Amami Islands are an adventurer’s paradise, filled with ecosystems found nowhere else in the world. This unspoilt nature has played a large role in shaping the cultures, cuisines, and spirituality of the islands.

Yambaru National Park ©OCVB

Okinawa, in particular, is famous for being the birthplace of karate. Okinawa’s local style, called Ryukyu Karate, is not about attacking but defending, which reflects Okinawa’s peaceful and polite culture. Okinawa has over ​350​ karate dojos where guests can learn this physical, yet philosophical, martial art. Okinawa is also a region of longevity, being home to some of the world’s highest life expectancies. This phenomenon is likely a culmination of Okinawa’s warm year-round climate, diverse natural beauty, healthy cuisine, and low-stress, community-oriented mindset. Spending time on the island and enjoying fresh Okinawan fish, meat, and vegetables leaves a lasting impression that provides insights on how to live a more fulfilled life. 

Previously part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa and the Amami Islands were once major trading partners with Japan, China, and other Asian countries. This led to an influx of outside influence, contributing to the region’s unique island cultures. For instance, lacquering was originally introduced to Okinawa from China, which Okinawa’s artisans further developed to create Ryukyu Lacquerware, an elegant local craft. 

Embrace Okinawa and the Amami Islands’ blessed landscapes, distinct cultures, and healthy lifestyles, and reconnect with your best self.

Discover New Life Perspectives Through Nature, Cuisine, and Culture

The natural beauty of Okinawa and the Amami Islands is unforgettable. Crystal-clear ocean waters, limestone caves, mangrove-lined rivers, subtropical broadleaf trees, and star-filled night skies are just some of the wonders this region offers. With its biodiverse habitats, opportunities to witness rare animals, such as the Amami jay and Crested serpent eagle, can also be had.

Mangrove park on Amami Oshima Island

Yambaru National Park, located in northern Okinawa, is largely covered by an evergreen subtropical forest. Some of its most notable features are Cape Hedo, with views of karst rock formations against the sea, and Gesashi Bay’s mangrove forest. Exploring the park with a knowledgeable guide is a meaningful way to learn more about the area’s ecological importance. On Amami Oshima Island, join a guided kayaking tour through the region’s massive virgin mangrove forests and gain insight into this biologically-diverse and crucial ecosystem.

These plentiful environments also influenced Okinawa and the Amami Islands’ nourishing cuisines. Nuchigusui is an Okinawan word that translates to “medicine for life” and refers to how food is integral to a healthy mind and body.  

The islands offer seemingly endless opportunities for cultural learning. For example, experience Oshima Tsumugi, one of the world’s greatest textiles, on Amami Oshima Island. This type of silk fabric originated over 1,300 years ago and is a point of artisanal pride on the island. Amami Oshima Island has numerous hands-on programs where visitors can wear the elegant fabric and try weaving in the local style.

High-end Paradises for a Reset of the Mind, Body, and Soul

Okinawa and the Amami Islands are premier seaside retreats, featuring luxury accommodations encircled by breathtaking nature. On these islands, mornings start with calming views of the sun sparkling on the sea. The grand presence of nature provides a sense of inner peace for the mind, body, and soul, as well as a reprieve from the busyness of everyday life. The islands’ mentally and physically stimulating activities and nutritious cuisines further enrich the transformative lodging experiences. 

The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas in Okinawa is a lavish complex with 48 private villas beside the ocean. Each accommodation has a bright design that shines under the island sun, as well as a private terrace and pool area for quiet, self-reflective relaxation. The facility uses homegrown seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits to create ultimate farm-to-table dining experiences. Hyakuna Garan also offers a secluded getaway with only 1​8​ guest accommodations. The resort’s roof reveals seven private, open-air baths with unobstructed ocean views where guests can unwind beside brilliant blue seas or under star-speckled skies.

The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas

​​Resting on the coastal waters of Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Halekulani Okinawa is an upscale resort with stylish guest rooms and private villas that overlook the enchanting environment. It offers a variety of cultural and nature-focused activities that introduce the essence of Okinawa, including coral reef snorkeling, ocean kayaking in a transparent kayak, a private sunset cruise, Okinawan charm-making, and beach yoga.​​​

Halekulani Okinawa

On Amami Oshima Island, Denpaku The Beachfront MIJORA offers minimalistic, yet refined guest rooms that open up to the island’s splendid natural beauty, creating silent moments between people and nature that are enhanced by the facility’s minimalistic, yet comfortable services. The onsite restaurant serves Kyushu wine, brown sugar shochu, cocktails, and more paired with creative dishes that highlight the island’s special ingredients. A stay at this accommodation also supports island life, protects nature, and helps preserve traditional crafts and local resources, allowing guests to experience sustainable tourism.

Island Luxuries Imbued with the Spirit of Nature and International Exchange

The local specialties of Okinawa and the Amami Islands are deeply rooted in nature and reflect the islands’ prolific history in international trade. Two significant products are Ryukyu Awamori and Brown Sugar Shochu. Both beverages are types of alcohol that are inextricably interwoven into island life. 

Ryukyu Awamori is Japan’s oldest distilled alcoholic drink and is made with rice, water, and black koji mold—a special variety native to Okinawa. This beloved beverage has a mellow flavor and is available at izakaya and numerous vendors throughout Okinawa. Brown Sugar Shochu is another type of distilled beverage made with raw sugar and koji mold that was popularized on Amami Oshima Island after World War II when the island experienced rice shortages. By law, the Amami Islands are the only place in Japan that can produce this sweet-flavored spirit, making it an exclusive culinary highlight.

Brown Sugar Shochu

Ryukyu Lacquerware is also one of Okinawa’s most esteemed local crafts. In fact, during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the Ryukyu king often presented this prestigious lacquerware to China’s emperor and ambassadors as gifts. Its elegant black-vermilion contrast and diverse decorative techniques, including three-dimensional, iridescent, metal-dusted, and vibrantly colored designs, make Ryukyu lacquerware a prized possession.

Ryukyu Lacquerware