Amazing Okinawa – Japan Travel Guide @tommytravelz
All right, let’s ditch the winter blues and dive into something a little more tropical. Sounds good to me. Today, we’re heading to Okinawa. Okinawa. All right. Just for a quick trip. We’re talking about spending a whole year. Wow. A whole year in Okinawa. That’s right. So, we’re prepping our listeners for an extended stay. Huh. Exactly. A deep dive into everything you need to know to make that year amazing. All right. Sign me up. What are we diving into first? Well, before we pack our bags, let’s set the scene. Where exactly is Okinawa? Okay, picture this. A chain of islands stretching southwest of mainland Japan. Over 150 subtropical islands. Actually, 150 islands. Wow. That’s a lot to explore. But it is part of Japan, right? It is, but with its own unique vibe. Okinawa has a different history. Different how? It used to be the Ryukyu Kingdom. Independent and very distinct. The Ryukyu Kingdom. Hm. I’m guessing that history still shapes Okinawa today. Oh, absolutely. You’ll see it everywhere. Architecture, festivals, even the food. So, we’ve got islands. History. What about the weather? Should I pack a swimsuit or a snowsuit? Definitely a swimsuit. Okanoa has a subtropical climate. Warm year round. Sounds perfect. No more winter blues for me. But there’s a catch. Typhoon season. July to September. Typhoon season. Yikes. So, pack a raincoat, too, just in case. Exactly. Rinko Pact. Now, how do we actually get around all these islands? I’m picturing myself on a private yacht. Huh. Well, maybe someday, but for most of us, it’s the ferry system. Fairies. Really? Are they reliable? Very frequent, affordable, and the views are incredible. Part of the adventure, you know, fairy adventures. I like it. Okay, let’s say we’re on the main island, Okinawa itself. What about getting around there? You’ve got options. Buses are great, cover most of the island. They’re also taxis, but they can be pricier. So, buses for the budget conscious traveler. What about renting a car? It’s possible, but the road signs are in Japanese. If you’re not comfortable with that, sticking to public transport might be easier. Good point. Okay, buses. It is. Oh, and what about bikes? Is Okinawa bike friendly? Definitely. Especially in certain areas. Lots of places offer rentals so you can grab a bike and explore. Perfect for those sunny days. Oh, okay. Now for the big question. How much will all this cost? Is Okinawa expensive? Actually, it’s generally more affordable than mainland Japan, especially for rent. That’s a relief. What kind of rent prices are we talking about? For a decent apartment, you might pay something like 70,000 to 100,000 yen per month. All right. Not bad at all. And what about everyday expenses? Food, transportation, you know. Well, if you cook at home, groceries are pretty reasonable. Maybe 30,000 to 40,000 yen per month. Buses are quite cheap, too. Entertainment really depends on you, but there’s plenty to do for free. Okay. So, manageable. Sounds like you can live comfortably without breaking the bank. Exactly. Especially if you’re smart about it. Now, let’s talk about something a little less practical, but just as important, culture. We mentioned the Rayuku Kingdom before. Are there any cultural differences we should be aware of? One of the biggest things you’ll notice is the pace of life. It’s much more relaxed in Okinawa. Okinawa time they call it. Okinawa time. I like the sound of that. So, should I just expect things to move a little slower? Yeah, exactly. Don’t be surprised if things aren’t as rushed as you’re used to. And community is a big deal here. People really look out for each other. Respect for elders is also very important. So like bowing to show respect, things like that. Yes. Even more important here than on the mainland. And taking off your shoes indoors is a must. Always. Got it. Shoes off. What about speaking loudly in public? Is that a no no? Generally, yes. Okan Islands tend to be a bit more reserved. Okay. So, embrace the quiet, respect, personal space. All good tips. Now, let’s talk about something more fun things to do. What are some musto activities for someone spending a year in Okinawa? Well, you can’t go to Okinawa without visiting those famous beaches, of course. Any specific beaches you recommend? Emerald Beach is a mustsee. Crystal clear waters, white sand. Emerald Beach sounds magical. Okay. Okay. Beaches are a given, but what about for the history buffs? Ah, then you have to visit Sheree Castle. It was the palace of the Ryuki kings. Absolutely stunning. Sherry Castle. All right, adding that to my list. But wait, you mentioned a different language earlier. Do I need to learn Okinowan? Standard Japanese will get you by in most places. But Okinawa has its own language. Uchiaguchi. Uchinaguchi. Wow. So, should I learn a few phrases? It’s not essential, but it’s a great way to show respect for the local culture. People really appreciate it. Okay, I’ll try to learn a few phrases. I’m always up for a language challenge, but honestly, a whole year in a new country feels a little daunting. Any advice for someone who’s feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s normal to feel that way. The key is to be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Good advice. Embrace the unknown. Exactly. And do your research beforehand. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to adjust. All right. Research and an open mind. Got it. But hold on. I think we need to pause our Okanawan adventure for a bit. Got it, Captain. Oh yeah, we’re just getting started back in a flash with even more Okinawa awesomeness. Welcome back to Okinawa. We’ve covered the basics, getting around the vibe, even some budget tips, but there’s so much more to uncover. Okinawa has a real heart and soul, you know. Yeah, we talked about that Okinawa time thing, being respectful, taking it slow. What else is there? Well, there’s this concept called uimaru. It’s tough to translate directly. Bumaru sounds interesting. It’s all about community, but like really deep community, mutual support, collaboration, more than just being friendly neighbors, then. Oh, yeah. It’s like helping each other out, celebrating together, being there through thick and thin. You see that in everyday life? Totally. Neighbors helping neighbors, those lively festivals, strong family ties. It’s everywhere. I could see how that would make you feel at home, even if you’re far from your own family. Exactly. It’s like being welcomed into a big extended family. Speaking of family, let’s talk food. We can’t forget about those delicious meals. Ah, Okinawan food. It’s a real treat. A blend of Japanese, Chinese, even Southeast Asian influences. Wow. A fusion of flavors and super fresh ingredients, lots of local veggies, seafood straight from the ocean. Okay, you’ve got my attention. What are some must try dishes? You’ve got to try Goya truru. It’s a stir fry with bitter melon. Bitter melon? Yeah. It sounds strange, but trust me, it’s delicious. A classic Okinawan dish. Kuya Chan Puru. All right, I’m adding it to the list. What else? Oh, and refute. It’s like melt inyou mouth pork belly simmered in a special sauce. M sounds amazing. What about drinks? Anything unique to Okinawa. Definitely try Awamorei. It’s their local alcoholic drink. Kind of like sake, but made with a different type of rice. Aamorei. Noted. Yeah. So, we’ve got our food and drinks sorted. What about things to avoid? Anything that might be considered rude. Okanos are generally pretty reserved, so just be mindful of that. Like don’t be too loud or boisterous. Exactly. And uh try not to point at people. It’s considered a bit rude. Got it. No pointing. So what about when you want to unwind? Is there any nightife in Okinawa? It’s definitely more low-key than say Tokyo, but there are still some cool bars and live music venues. And those traditional Okinawan restaurants, those are great for a night out. Okay. So, more about relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere than crazy parties. Exactly. It’s a different kind of fun. We’ve talked about the main island, but what about those other islands, the less visited ones? Ah, those are real hidden gems. Like stepping back in time, unspoiled beaches, traditional villages. It sounds idyllic. Yeah. Any recommendations? Tetoi Island is amazing. Tiny island, traditional houses, sandy streets. They even have water buffalo drawn carts. Water buffalo drawn carts. Wow. Okay, that’s going on the list for sure. You won’t regret it. So, we’re feeling pretty good about Okinawa, but what about safety? Is it a safe place to spend a year? Japan in general is incredibly safe, and Okinawa is no exception. Of course, you should always be aware of your surroundings, but you don’t have to worry too much about crime. That’s good to know. What about natural disasters? We talked about typhoons earlier. Yeah, typhoon season can be a bit unpredictable. The best thing to do is stay informed about weather forecasts and follow any advice from local authorities. Right. So, check the forecast and be prepared just in case. Exactly. Better safe than sorry. Now, back to the language. We know Japanese is the main language, but what about Okinawan? How much Japanese do I actually need to know? Honestly, you can get by with basic Japanese in most situations, greetings, asking for directions, that kind of thing. But learning some Okinawan phrases will definitely impress the locals. Any recommendations for movies or books to get a feel for Okinawa before I go? Oh, absolutely. For a film, check out The May. It’s by Teeshi Kitano and it beautifully captures the essence of Okinawa. Agent Owl. I’ll add that to my watch list. What about books? The Island of the World by Laura Kina is a great read. It really delves into Okinawam culture and history. Perfect. I’m already making a list of everything to check out before I go. You’ll be well prepared. And hey, you know, a year might not even be enough time to experience everything Okinawa has to offer. You might be right about that. I have a feeling I’m going to fall in love with this place. It happens to the best of us. Okinawa has a way of getting under your skin. Okay, time for one last break before we wrap up our Okinawan adventure. We’ll be right back with the grand finale. We’re back. Ready to wrap up our Okinawan adventure. I’ve got a few more tips up my sleeve. Especially for those planning to stay a whole year. Okay, let’s hear them. What else should we know? One thing that’s really important is finding your community. Community? Yeah. Connecting with locals and other expats. It makes all the difference. That makes sense. But how do you actually go about doing that? Especially in a new place. Well, for connecting with locals, try to get involved in community events, festivals, even volunteering. I like that. So, really immersing yourself in the local scene. What about expats? How do you find them? Okinawa has a pretty active expat community. There are online forums, Facebook groups. You can even find expat meetups. Ah, so plenty of ways to connect with people who are in the same boat. Exactly. Sharing experiences and advice can be super helpful when you’re living abroad. Okay. Community is key. What about healthcare? What if I need to see a doctor in Okinawa? Don’t worry, Japan has a great health care system. Everyone’s covered by national health insurance. So, I need to enroll in that. Yes, it’s pretty affordable and covers most medical expenses. One less thing to worry about. Okay, good to know. Any other health related tips for Okinawa? H. Well, remember it’s subtropical, so heat stroke and dehydration can be an issue, especially in summer, right? So, stay hydrated. Exactly. Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and take breaks from the sun during the hottest part of the day. Got it. Take care of myself in that Okinawa heat. Another thing to remember, cash is still widely used in Okinawa. Oh, really? So, credit cards aren’t always accepted. They are in bigger stores and hotels, but smaller places often prefer cash. Okay, good to know. I’ll make sure to have some yen on hand. You know, as we’ve been talking, it’s really hit me just how much Okinawa has to offer. It’s such a diverse place. Yeah, it’s incredible. Beaches, history, culture, even the pace of life is different. It’s like a little world of its own, but still part of Japan, which is amazing. Definitely. It’s like getting the best of both worlds. I think our listeners are going to be blown away by Okinawa. Me, too. But before we let them go, I have one last question. What are you most excited to experience in Okinawa? What’s calling to you the most? For me, it’s the feeling of stepping back in time, exploring those untouched corners of the islands, the villages where things move a little slower, that connection to nature, the simplicity of life. That’s what I’m craving. I love that. It’s like hitting the reset button on life. For me, it’s that sense of community, the Yumaru. Yeah. Actually experiencing that would be incredible. So, it’s not just a trip. It’s a chance to rediscover yourself, connect with something bigger. Absolutely. a year in Okinawa. It’s an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Exactly. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see some of our listeners there. That would be awesome. Thanks for joining us on this Okinawan journey. We hope we’ve inspired you to explore this amazing place. Get out there, experience the magic of Okinawa. You won’t regret it. Until next time, keep exploring and keep diving deep. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] N. Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] [Music]
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