I've been in Okinawa for three weeks, and I just can't see the island becoming an US vacation spot. I have enjoyed my time, but I traveled here on the company dime. I know, the Okinawan tourism board will probably never hire me now, but the facts are hard to deny.
Think of Okinawa as Japan's version of Hawai'i - it is a warm vacation spot for the mainland Japanese. It has a lot of great appeal: beaches, the Japanese culture, ruins, castles, fishing, and more, but for Americans, we can get all of that cheaper at other places.
Why go half way across the world for beaches and fishing when the US has three coasts and Hawai'i, Mexico, and the Caribbean are all a relatively short plane hop away? If someone enjoys Japanese culture, castles, or wants to see ruins, mainland Japan is a lot easier to reach and offers more (quantity and variety) than this small island.
I see two reasons to come to Okinawa: to experience Ryukyu culture (what little remains); or to have a unique and relaxed tropical vacation immersed in Japanese culture.
I'm not trying to give Okinawa a bad review - because I have honestly enjoyed my time. I'm simply trying to provide you with the facts. And if you do decide to come and enjoy a tropical vacation, Japanese style, I have found the Okinawans to be amazingly friendly, as long as you treat them with courtesy. So pick up a Japanese phrase book, and don't be an obnoxious gaijin.
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