Its culture, its food, its history, its landscapes – Japan has so much to offer the inquisitive traveller. However, even as we began to explore Okinawa, we had no idea what to expect from this distant, enigmatic island prefecture. The number of times we turned to each other and said: “this doesnt feel like Japan.”

Is Okinawa different than Japan?

Situated in the East China Sea, Okinawa prefecture is a chain of islands located between Kyushu of Japan and Taiwan. Though a part of Japan, its not geographically linked to any parts of the rest of Japan — making it the only prefecture thats not connected on the Japan Rail.

Is Okinawa attached to Japan?

Okinawa is the fifth largest island of Japan. It is roughly 640 kilometres (400 mi) south of the main island of Kyushu. Okinawa is connected to nearby islands near a land bridge: Katsuren Peninsula is connected via the Mid-Sea Road to Henza Island, Miyagi Island, Ikei Island, and Hamahiga Island.

Can Okinawans understand Japanese?

According to linguistics research, Ryukyu (Okinawan) languages (yes, there are more than one kind and not mutually intelligible) are a sub-group of Japonic language family however not intelligible with standard Japanese or any other Japanese dialect spoken on the main islands.

Is English spoken in Okinawa?

Most Okinawans speak Japanese and do not speak English. Those who do know English, are often too shy to use it. Regardless, Okinawa is easy to get around without knowing Japanese. Major hotels, popular tourist areas, and areas near U.S. military bases, often know and are willing to use English.

Is Okinawa Japan poor?

Okinawa, despite the large amounts of national funds coming into the prefecture annually, is historically one of the poorest in Japan. It ranks 46th in average annual income, based on data from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

Why is Okinawa the poorest prefecture?

The prefectures constantly high poverty rate and low welfare-recipient rate makes Okinawa one of the poorest areas in Japan. The latest survey carried out in 2009 by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare gives a nationwide poverty rate of 16 percent, with the child poverty rate at 15.7 percent.

Can an American move to Okinawa?

Its completely possible for Americans to live in Okinawa, but its important to know that Okinawa is not U.S. territory.

Is Okinawa the healthiest place on earth?

Japans Okinawa Island is home to more than 400 people who are over the age of 100. It is considered to be the healthiest place in the world, where the average life expectancy of an Okinawan woman is 86, and mans is 78. This system was instituted throughout Japan in the 1870s.

How expensive is it to live in Okinawa?

Cost of Living in Okinawa Okinawa is very reasonable, especially when you consider the fact that youre never further than 3.5 miles away from a crystal clear tropical ocean. According to Nomadlist.com the general cost of living in Okinawa for a middle/upper-class foreigner is $1,955 / month.

Are there many Americans in Okinawa?

The U.S. population in Okinawa approaches 80,000. Nearly 30,000 are active-duty military people from all four branches of the armed forces. One thousand, four-hundred Department of Defense civilians, 700 DoD Dependents Schools teachers and staff, and almost 25,000 U.S. family members form our military community here.

Is Okinawa Japan expensive?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Okinawa is $1,899 for a solo traveler, $3,411 for a couple, and $6,394 for a family of 4. Okinawa hotels range from $51 to $290 per night with an average of $62, while most vacation rentals will cost $60 to $420 per night for the entire home.

What is the cheapest city to live in Japan?

The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in JapanKyoto.Sapporo. Osaka. Naha. Kawasaki. Yokohama. Who says big cities are always expensive? Chiba. If you like boats, beaches, and bargains, youre going to love the beautiful port of Chiba. Kamakura. Drive less than an hour from Tokyo and youll hit on the coastal city of Kamakura. More items

What is the Japanese secret of living to 100?

ikigai A highly unusual percentage of seniors on Japans Okinawa island live to 100. Their secret is “ikigai”, a unique sense of purpose.

What is a good salary in Okinawa?

Okinawa SalaryAnnual SalaryHourly WageTop Earners$140,000$6775th Percentile$103,000$50Average$96,700$4625th Percentile$78,000$38

How much is rent in Okinawa Japan?

live and numbeo.com), heres the average rent in Okinawa as of November, 2020: 1 bedroom in city center: $606. 1 bedroom outside city center: $457. 3 bedroom in city center: $1,650.

Is Okinawa poor?

Okinawa, despite the large amounts of national funds coming into the prefecture annually, is historically one of the poorest in Japan. It ranks 46th in average annual income, based on data from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.