Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, is remarkably different from the rest of the archipelago. It offers a temperature climate, excellent beaches and insight into the little-known Ryukyu Kingdom. A tour begins in Naha, where the reconstructed Shuri Castle waits to be explored. Originally built by the Ryukyu Kingdom, it's one the few reminders of Okinawa's ancient inhabitants. A selection of shops, restaurants and hotels is on 'International Street', running from the city center toward the castle. There are some great outdoor activities away from the main island. Guests can check in with the front desks of hotels near Okinawa to inquire where the best snorkeling is found, how to book whale-watching tours and where to go swimming with manta rays. For an extra dose of adventure, take a side trip to the Yaeyama-shoto island group for trekking in the mountainous jungles.It's hard to visit Okinawa without getting caught up in the history of WWII. The last battle between Allied and Japanese forces was staged here, and it ended up being the bloodiest showdown in the Pacific. Most of the memorials to the battles waged here are around Naha. Tourists are often surprised to find that Okinawa has some exceptional white-sand beaches. A few are found on the main island, but the best beaches in Okinawa are small islands like Miyako-jima and the Keramas. Some of the finest accommodation in Okinawa is here on secluded, beachfront property. Okinawa Airport is near Naha on the main island. It operates a single runway but stays busy. Flights connect to dozens of cities across Japan as well as to regional international cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei. The best hotels serving the airport are in Naha.
