1. Visit Shurijo Castle in Naha city. There are 7 world heritage sites on Okinawa. Most of them are gusuku or fortress ruins. Shurijo was the ancient capital of the kingdom of the Ryukyus. It was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 2000. This is a good place to begin to understand a beautiful culture and people.

2.  Go shopping. Kokusai Street and Heiwa Dori are the heart of shopping in Naha. Kokusai (which means international) Street is the main retail street in Naha. Heiwa Dori branches off from Kokusai St. and is one of the entrances to the Ichiba or the old market. It’s easy and fun to get lost among the tiny shops and stalls of a time before Walmart and Ikea. Whether it’s a $10,000 kimono or a pig’s ear, you can get it here.

3. See the amazing crafts and craft studios of Okinawa. For centuries, Okinawa has been reknown for it’s ceramics and textiles. Walk among the shops of the Tsuboya district in Naha or go to Yomitan and view the great kiln and the working studios and galleries of those that cook clay. Bingata and Bashoufu are the most well know Okinawan textiles.

4. Eat something. Okinawan soba noodles with pork slices are sold everywhere. Izakaya restaurants (imagine a meal of many appetizers) are a treat not yet well-known outside of Japan. For a more western style meal try Sam’s restaurants.

5. Go to the beach. The best beaches are in the northern part of Okinawa and on the tiny islands surrounding Okinawa.