Not surprisingly, a lot of Japanese vacations begin and end in Tokyo. This is a disservice, as Japan is a big place, and regional differences can get pretty extreme. It pays to venture out. Way out.
A far-flung chain of tropical islets speckling the Pacific from southern Japan all the way down to Taiwan, Okinawa is one name in two places; like “Hawaii”, the largest island is called Okinawa, and the name in turn lent itself to the entire prefecture. Just to throw you, the actual archipelago is dubbed the Ryukyu Islands. Very confusing.
Anyhoo, a trip to Okinawa (region) begins on Okinawa (island) and the capital of Naha. The first thing that might strike you is how many Americans you run into. Yes, you have just gone halfway around the globe just to meet more Yankees: No less than seven US military bases stud the island, and just try not finding a jarhead somewhere in the crowds. This created a unique modern culture, a true blend of East and West. You will especially see in on the menu; taco rice (a sort of Tex-Mex cuisine) and sushi with spam (don’t knock it till you try it) are in almost every eatery.
And so you know, Okinawa may be a part of Japan today, but this is only a modern development. The Ryukyu Islands came under the control of the Land of the Rising Sun only in 1879. Until then, the archipelago was an independent kingdom. Much of that identity survives to this day, and showing a preference for the native way of doing things will go a long way in winning friends.
You can see just how different Okinawa was/is at Shuri Castle, the former royal seat. While it looks vaguely Chinese rather than Japanese, this is unfair–the style is pure Okinawan. Even more Okinawan is the dress. While a Japanese kimono is the very air of simple grace, the Okinawan equivalent has so much colorporn going on you have no idea where to put your eyes. And, unlike the white pearls Japan favors, Okinawans like the black ones.
American influence also relaxed the rigid social strictures that keep many an Asian gay man in the closet. While nothing like Tokyo, Naha, even as a fairly provincial city, has a very lively gay scene that other Japanese cities of the same size lack. A good place to start your very own diplomatic tour is at the Pineapple House or maybe T-Zone, before heading to clubs like Manta, Banana Cafe, or Clover.
Sound fun? Go to en.okinawastory.jpfor more info and be sure to contact Steele Luxury Travel for discount business class air to Japan, hotel accommodations and excursion planning // www.SteeleTravel.com