Sponsored: Who’s Ready To Experience The Beauty Of Okinawa?

If you’re looking for a transformative vacation destination that’s unlike any place you’ve been before, consider Okinawa, Japan. Nestled in the crystal clear waters of the Pacific, Okinawa is a little slice of paradise that has luscious tropical forests and pristine beaches, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Okinawa’s residents boast one of the world’s longest life expectancies, and they’ve unlocked the secret to longevity. It’s called Nuchigusui. Nuchigusui is life medicine – a wisdom, a philosophy, and a way of life in Okinawa, centered around mindfulness, spiritual fulfillment, and physical well-being.

Too many of us get caught up in the rat race and don’t take enough time for themselves. If that sounds like you, a trip to Okinawa is just what the doctor ordered to help get your priorities back in order.

Imagine being able to rejuvenate your mind and body at some of Okinawa’s most peaceful spots. If you’re into stargazing, Ishigaki Island offers some of the best star-bathing in Japan, with glittering vistas as far as the eye can see, untouched by light pollution. Looking to find your inner balance? Okinawa also has some spectacular yoga classes, including one that involves you practicing your best yoga moves on a stand-up paddle board in the middle of the ocean.

If you’re looking for something a little more serene and low-key, Yambaru National Park is a lush green jungle that’s ready to be explored. The wild forest area is the ideal spot to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Easy walking and trekking paths are also available for those who want to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Or simply relax on one of Okinawa’s beautiful uninhabited islands and soak up the rays.

For those of you looking for a more active getaway, Okinawa has plenty of activities to choose from. You can spend the day kayaking through turquoise blue waters alongside the sandy shores of Nirai Beach, go deep water diving and free your mind in a world beneath the waves, ride horses on the beach, or go for a sweat-inducing hike and take in Okinawa’s natural beauty. As you can see, there’s something for everyone here.

And good news for those people who like to eat, as Okinawa is a gourmet heaven that offers a unique dining experience unlike anywhere else in Japan. You can join the cooking experience at Taste of Okinawa, an English-friendly cooking studio located in the heart of Naha, where you can learn how to cook up a tasty Okinawan-style meal using fresh, local ingredients.

Or visit a small, local restaurant run by an ‘obachan’ who can cook up a tasty spread of Okinawan cuisine with local produce. You’ll be able to try specialties like rafute (braised pork belly), jimami tofu, Japanese bitter melon, umibudo sea grapes and mozuku seaweed in a soy and vinegar sauce, as well as other seasonal dishes depending on the time of year. Yum!

So what do you say, who’s ready to experience Okinawa and live Nuchigusui?

This post has been sponsored by Be Okinawa, but all thoughts are our own.