Okinawa

Located 400 kilometers southeast of the Okinawan capital city of Naha, Ishigaki Island is the center of the Yaeyama Islands and one of Japan's top beach resorts. The Ishigaki Island Stalactite Cave is the largest tourist cave on the island and the southernmost in Japan, a natural wonder created over 200,000 years. 

Yachimun is the traditional earthenware of Okinawa, characterized by its thick texture and unique, rustic painting. Over 70 pottery workshops can be found in Yomitan Village in the central part of Okinawa main island. Located in the mountains of the village is Yachimun-no-Sato, where 19 workshops are gathered. Take your time in perusing each workshop to find your favorite piece of pottery.

Minatogawa Stateside Town is a new attraction in Urasoe City featuring shops and cafes in renovated American-style buildings which used to be housing for U.S. military personnel. With streets named after American states, the popular area is photogenic from every angle with the retro-chic townscape and stylish shops.

The city of Uruma is located at the center of the Okinawa main island, and the Katsuren Castle Ruins can be found atop a hill on the eastern coast of Uruma, on the Katsuren Peninsula jutting out onto the Pacific Ocean. Amawari, the lord of Katsuren Castle, attacked the royal palace of Shuri Castle in hopes to take over the kingdom, but suffered a major defeat and perished in 1458. Climb the steep steps of Katsuren Castle and you'll rewarded with a grand panoramic view of the ocean.