Page 257 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

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OKINAWA

An exotic coral bar slicing through the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea, the
Okinawa archipelago was a vassal of China from the 14th century; its masters
named it Liu-chiu (Ryukyu in Japanese). Under the Chinese, then later
suzerainty of the Satsuma domain, the islands assimilated diverse influences,
creating a unique, exotic culture that still sets them apart from mainland Japan.

Present day Okinawans, a peo ple with a World War II, this was the scene of
reputation for warmth and native good fierce fighting, in the Battle of Okinawa,
manners, are the heirs of a diverse racial and the mass suicide of thousands of
inter mingling, the result of maritime civilians. Naha, the main city, was
migrations from Southeast Asia, the damaged in the battle but has since
Philippines, Mongolia, China, and the become a heady mix of refined civil­
peninsula of Korea. The geography of the ization and neon glitz. Art galleries
islands matches this rich ethno graphic and teahouses stand alongside red­light
map. Encircled by stunning coral reefs bars, snake restaurants, and karaoke
and transpar ent waters, Okinawa has a cab ins. Ceramic shisa lions, topping
richly varied topography and subtropical the red­tiled roofs of tradi tional
flora and fauna. This is one source of Okinawan houses, add to the eclectic
inspira tion for the exquisite handiwork of mix of war memorials, sacred groves,
the islanders, particularly their textiles. flower­covered coral walls, craft shops,
Created using light, natural fabrics and luxury hotels, and discos.
innovative dyeing methods, they vary Those who venture to the more remote
from island to island. islands southwest of Okinawa itself will
Okinawa, the largest and busiest encounter idyllic beaches, tropical rain­
island in the group, gives its name to forests, and superb diving – the nearest
the prefecture, which was established thing to terra incognita it is possible to
in 1879. In the closing stages of find in the Japanese archipelago.

Part of the Nakamura House on Okinawa, a fine example of traditional architecture
Okinawa’s subtropical Pacific shoreline

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