I visited Okinawa after a business meeting in Tokyo.  The island surprised me during the winter visit and I didn’t expect to fulfill any real “travel desires” but I did!  Attending the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan!!!

I included a few pictures but there are also photos of some of the ordinary but different!

Nice Airport

 What Scares Me About Japan

But I love these!! 

If You Get a chance visit the Churaumi Aquarium.  Initially, I wasn’t too excited about going but found myself in awe of the marine and sea life that I haven’t seen at other Aquariums. Three Whale Fish and a Dolphin show are all part of the ticket price. There is also an orchid garden that is an additional charge.  Worth the 2-3hr drive from Naha.

Of Course there is the beautiful coastline.

My Hotel

Ryukyu Glass Factory is a great place to get some Okinawa Glass, It is in Itoman near Naha

Everything is made of glass!

     

Okinawa has the earliest Cherry Blossom Festival. There is a lovely drive up the mountain where the ancient cherry trees line the roads.  The blooms were a deeper shade of pink than the ones in DC.

 

Yes, there are military bases and one of my hotels was right beside the American Village. I walked through the complex but wasn’t really interested in eating or shopping in American stores.

Japanese Flavor

Yes, the food is good!  Aahhh Seafood.

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Interested in going?  Travel Tips

Airport

There are 2 airports near Tokyo, Haneda which is close to the city and Narita about 1-2hrs depending on traffic.  If you are staying in Tokyo note that trains and buses run only during certain hours so if your flight is very early in the morning or late at night the only transportation may be a taxi to Narita…$175 or more.

If you are arriving or leaving early/late into Narita airport then I would suggest getting a hotel in the nearby town of Narita.  There are plenty.  There are airport shuttles for most hotels around the town of Narita or near the airport. If not, a taxi or easy train ride is short and not too expensive. Also, a day visit in the adorable town of Narita is worth it.  There is a lovely temple with cute shops along a brick road leading to it.

Transportation

I took the Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo then a taxi to my hotel. Best way to get to the hotel if possible. I have taken the train before but it takes knowing where to change trains which can be confusing. Airport Limousine stops usually have someone selling tickets and the bus is rarely crowded.  They did ask for my passport to buy a ticket.

Rental Car

You will need an international drivers license so get one at AAA before you leave the states. OK, I rented a car from Hertz but when you arrive in Okinawa there is not a Hertz. They subcontract to other car rental agencies. My car rental agency was Toyota and their cars have navigation systems in English.  To find your location enter in the location telephone number or Map Code.  The websites or the rental agency can provide you with the map codes for hotels.  BUT get a map. Get one from the visitor desk at the airport, from the car rental agency and hotel. This will come in handy when the navigation system doesn’t get you exactly to where you want to go.

Hotels

They can fill quickly so reserve at least a couple of weeks in advance.  It feels weird that a woman is the baggage handler at the hotels and they also ask you to park your car before you check in. Stay close to the locations you want to visit because there is lots of traffic and it takes time to reach your destination.  There is also a toll road that is supposed to save time that travels north-south so have cash available.