Okinawa, full of infinite attractions.
Okinawa is a resort that has been loved not only by Japan, but also by neighboring countries.
Sightseeing resources are so rich that we don’t have to bother to say anything.
Year-round warm climate, blue sky, beautiful seas and beaches, houses with Ryukyu red tiles on Shisa (amulet of beasts), sugarcane fields and pineapple gardens, Shuri Castle which is remnants of the Ryukyu dynasty registered as a World Heritage Site, the folk songs, folk dance Eisa played by a music instrument called Sanshin, a unique costume called Bingata and Kariyushi wear, and many unusual foods and awamori liquors, Ryukyu glass, etc. It is completely different from the cultural sphere and can only be experienced in Okinawa.
In the first place, Okinawa was a country called the Ryukyu kingdom that prospered through trade with China and other East Asian countries from the 15th to 19th century. Ethnically they have very defined facial features than typical Japanese people, and language that other Japanese people don’t understand, the culture was also different from Japan. The Meiji government invaded the Ryukyu kingdom and became Okinawa prefecture, many people died in World War II…. After such a sad history, the people of Okinawa have cherished a culture of playing the sanshin, whistling fingers, and dancing together with the people called "Kachashi” as if to distract sorrow. Anyone who has ever visited the war museum called “Himeyuri Tower” in the southern part of Okinawa, knows that there is a tremendous sorrow behind the blue sky, sea, songs and dances of Okinawa. And I want to cheer the Okinawa people and support Okinawa. The reason why many people are enthusiastic about going to Okinawa from the mainland is not only because they are attractive as sightseeing spots and resorts, but also because of that. Here are some of the most popular sightseeing spots in Okinawa in gay point of view.
People who are new to Okinawa from the mainland and don’t have a car, they go to Shurijo castle on Yui rail (monorail). Taking a look at the heritage of the Ryukyu dynasty and feeling the remaining incense of the kingdom that once flourished, taking a commemorative photo at the guardian gate, eating fruit and shaved ice at the store, returning to Makishi station again with You rail, then take a walk around Kokusai street. On Kokusai street, busiest street in Okinawa, is lined with souvenir shops and izakaya (including shops that perform Ryukyu dances). Once you step into the arcade shopping district, you will see a pile of rare items. At night, bars and clubs become active, and Kokusai street turn into "street that never sleeps” Since Gaytown and Sakurazaka are also located on the roadway from the Kokusai street, many gay people stay in hotels near the Kokusai street. Above all, Palm Royal Naha, located at the entrance of the road to Sakurazaka, is a very popular hotel (general manager Takakura is also the host of pink dot Okinawa and representative of Okinawa).People who rent a car usually go to Chatan. There are also beaches and swimming pools, and many people enjoy shopping at fancy seaside cafes, hamburger shops and large shopping malls. It's a place where you can enjoy the Okinawa efficiently.
Many people go on a highway to go to the “Churaumi aquarium" in Nago City. The swimming of whale sharks in huge water tanks has attracted many visitors. On the way, Kouri Island is not as popular as Keywest, but it is a popular driving course because it feels like you are running on the sea.
If you really want to enjoy beach resorts, you can take a ferry from the port and go to remote islands such as Tokashiki Island and Aka Island. You can enjoy the beautiful beach with high transparency. Another attraction of remote islands is to be able swim with colorful fish through snorkeling.
Many people go to the “Gyokusendou” (the best limestone-cave in the Orient) and the "Himeyuri Tower" in the south. By the way, there is also a Mibaru Beach is famous for its many gay people.
There are so many things to see and enjoy in Okinawa that three or four day trip are not enough. If you think "I've enjoyed it enough, but what else is there?", Go to the gay bar and talk to everyone. Surely there will be many new things to do. The attractions of Okinawa are endless.
The largest gay resort town in East Asia.
Naha, Okinawa, a population of about 320,000 people, is not a big city in Japan, but there are about 40 gay bars and clubs in the area. Gay clubs have events every week, and about once a month club parties are held with a scale of several hundred people. In summer, many gay beach parties are organized by gay bars. Once a year, although there is no parade, there is a rally-type pride called “Pink Dot” is also held, and Naha city cosponsors same-sex wedding. As a percentage of the population, it has become a major gay resort town unrivaled in East Asia, supported by the government and a city with a prominently large gay scene.The Okinawan Archipelago has a subtropical climate and so it is warm throughout the year. The hotter climate means you can enjoy the beaches and swimming from April to October. There is also a unique culture (music, kimono, food, liquor, etc.) and scenery that is very different from the mainland. Even Japanese tourists feel like they are abroad.
In addition, in the center of Naha, there is a small downtown area called Sakurazaka that retains the appearance of the old days, and it was a place where prostitution for men and women was prevalent after the war. Now, the place has become a small gay town, offering about 40 gay bars in the area, each of which is small like Nichome, but you can enjoy many kinds of Okinawa liquor called Awamori, and sing Karaoke. There is a term “icharibachodei”, which means “once we drink, we are friends”. Everyone in Okinawa will warmly welcome people who come for sightseeing and treat you like friends. Some gay bar masters are available to take you out for sightseeing during daytime. Many people say that they go to Okinawa just to go to gay bars. There is also a small gay club called “Luv” in Sakurazaka, where events are held every week. Once a month they have organized gay night events and many drag queens and Gogo boys perform at a large club in the city, attracting hundreds of people.
Also, gay bars organize beach parties, where people go to the beaches in Okinawa, DJs play music and enjoy BBQ on the beach side. If the party is large, there will be as many as 300 participants. At the end of June every year, a bear-type party is held, attracting 250 people from all over Asia (the biggest bear party event in Asia, along with the Bear pool party in Bangkok during Songkran).
In addition, big tennis and volleyball tournaments organized by gay bars are held every year which attracts many gay tennis and volleyball clubs from all over the country.
In this way, Naha was originally a city that has flourished as a gay resort and an attractive tourist destination for mainland gay people, and local gay bars and tourists united to form their own large-scale gay scene.
On the other hand, unlike Tokyo, which is a “gathering of people from the countryside”, gay people in Okinawa who meet their relatives and classmates as soon as they go out to town, tend to avoid coming out. Thus, there has been no gay parade in the past.
However, since 2013, a rally-type pride event has been held following the “Pink Dot” in Singapore. From the first time, Naha city co-sponsors the event, the mayor gives speech, and when the same-sex partnership certification system is enforced, same-sex marriages are held. There are still few participants of local LGBT people, famous celebrity such as MAX appeared, and many companies have sponsored. The awareness of local gay people is changing little by little.
