Okinawa

What it is

• The largest island in Okinawa Prefecture located between the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean.
• The former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom which was established in 1429.
• A major population center with Naha City serving as the prefectural capital.
• A region returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 after a period of post-war administration.

What to see

• Gusuku sites and related properties listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
• The dense forests of the northern region known as Yanbaru.
• Mount Yonaha which stands as the highest point on the island.
• The Okinawa Urban Monorail which has operated in Naha since 2003.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.