Ah, Okinawa… where white sandy beaches meet crystal-clear seas, delicious cuisine teases your tastebuds, and scenic drives leave you breathless. And where people seem to live forever…
Yep, that’s what we typically think of when we imagine this tropical paradise around 640 kilometres south of the main island of Kyushu in southern Japan.
But here’s the thing – Okinawa is so much more than just a backdrop for the gram!
In fact, beyond its gorgeous facade is an island steeped in centuries-old culture and tradition that beckons to be explored.
Now, if only you knew some locals to help you do just that…
This is where Tour Designers Okinawa comes in!
Launched in 2021, this unique tour company aims to connect tourists with the heart and soul of Okinawa – its people, its traditions, and its history. Think of it as your chance to step off the typical tourist trail and dive deep into an experience that’s rich in culture and authenticity. And by joining these tours, you’re not just sightseeing but helping to support local communities and keep the spirit of Okinawa alive for future generations.
How cool is that?
So, what can you expect from these local-centric tours?
Let’s take a look at some of their standout offerings:
- Blue Zone Wellness Tour: Ever wondered why Okinawans are some of the longest-living people on Earth? This tour will introduce you to the secrets of their healthy lifestyle and give you tips on how to live a long, vibrant life.
- Okinawan Gastronomy Tour: Prepare your stomach. This tour is a culinary journey through Okinawa’s delicious local flavours, from tropical fruits to Okinawan brown sugar. Trust us, you’ll want to take notes on how to recreate this goodness back home.
- Kerama Island Tour: If you’ve ever dreamt of pristine beaches and untouched islands, Kerama is calling your name. Take in the natural beauty and maybe even do a little snorkelling (we highly recommend it).
- Yoga Tours & Cooking Experiences: Whether you’re looking to find your zen or spice up your cooking skills, these tours are designed to help you connect with Okinawan traditions in a meaningful way.
- Historic Ryukyu Kingdom & Shuri Area Tour: Step back in time and discover Okinawa’s royal past. From ancient castles to traditional ceremonies, this is history in motion.
- Southern Okinawa Battle Site Tour: For a more sombre but equally important experience, explore the battle sites from WWII and learn about Okinawa’s role in shaping world history.
- Cycling Tours: Hop on a bike and pedal your way through Okinawa’s scenic routes, discovering hidden gems along the way.
But here’s the one you’ll really want to know about: The Women Empowerment Tour
This is a special one, where you’ll meet inspiring women in Okinawa’s Yanbaru region who are making a real impact on their community.
From a nature tour guide to a local woman revitalising a traditional Awamori distillery, these women are shaping the future of Okinawa – and you’ll get to see it all firsthand. As you experience their lives in one of the world’s famous Blue Zones, you’ll gain insights into health, longevity, and the incredible connections that make this place so special.
Highlights of this tour include a visit to Hiji Waterfall in UNESCO-listed Yanbaru National Park, a hands-on Kamado Rice Cooking Experience, and a fun Okinawan Folk Craft-making session. Oh, and don’t forget about the Yanbaru Awamori Distillery, where you’ll get to taste and learn about this locally made spirit.
For more info on this transformative experience, check out their website and Instagram account.
Discovery Bicycle Tours by E-Charity: Naha on two wheels
For something a little different and a whole lot of fun, there’s no better way to explore Naha than by hopping on an e-bike!
Conveniently located on Kokusai-dori, the main street of Naha, E-Charity Bicycle Rentals offers a fleet of e-bikes to help you zoom around in style and comfort.
And it’s not just about the ride.
E-Charity also offers guided tours (with groups of just five or less, for those intimate feelz) that will let you explore Okinawa’s history, culture, and magic like a true local.
There are 3 guided tours available to choose from in Naha, each taking about 4 hours and 20km of distance, such as:
- History and Nature in Shuri Morning Tour: This isn’t your average history lesson. You’ll ride through Okinawa’s rich history and culture, with a pit stop at a local institution – a historic confectionery and soy sauce store that’s been around for over 100 years.
- Naha and Shuri Sunset Tour: Take a spin through the vibrant streets of Naha and learn about its peaceful history. Then, end your day on the saddle with a sunset view from a secret spot known only to locals (trust us, you’ll feel like an insider).
- Ryukyu Zodiac Shrines Pilgrimage: For the spiritually curious, this tour takes you on a pilgrimage to the twelve Ryukyu Zodiac Shrines, a route steeped in tradition and said to bring blessings from gods and buddhas from all directions. Plus, you’ll get to collect temple stamps (Goshuin) along the way!
If none of these tours fit the bill, don’t worry!
E-Charity can customise a tour based on your interests or time frame – and trust us, the longer you allocate to Okinawa, the more you’ll thank yourself later!
Whether it’s a quick one-hour jaunt or an all-day adventure, you can explore Okinawa on two wheels at your own pace.
For more details on these e-bike tours, make sure you visit their website and Instagram account.
So, are you ready to experience Okinawa in a whole new way?
Getting to Okinawa is now even easier!
When booking your international and domestic flights together from Australia to Japan, you can now save with complimentary return flights to Okinawa from mainland Japan with both ANA and Japan Airlines.
In addition, China Airlines provides easy (and closer) access from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Taipei with connections to two daily flights from Taipei to Naha.
And when you land in Okinawa – well, it doesn’t matter if you’re keen to explore on foot, by bike, or with a local guide, there’s an unforgettable adventure waiting for you.
Reach out to your Okinawa Tourism representative, Antonio Khattar, to start planning your trip today!
Email: antonio.khattar@walshegroup.com
Website: Visit Okinawa Japan
Instagram: @visitokinawajapan
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