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The main island is also called Okinawa, like the prefecture. Its capital, Naha (pop. 300,000) is the main hub for tourists on their way to smaller islands or visting the attractions around.

The capital of the Ryukyu kings was based in Shuri from the 15th century to 1879. Shuri is now comprised in the city of Naha. All of Shuri was destroyed in the WWII bombings, including the temples, shrines tombs, castle and other historical buildings, although most of Shuri castle has been reconstructed. Shuri-jo Castle, rebuilt in 1993, has become one of Japan's best known sight since its Shureimon was chosen to appear on the new 2000 yen banknotes (released in 2000).

Okinawa also boasts one of the best aquariums in Japan. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, at Motobu (north of the island), is the largest in Asia and the main attraction are its manta rays and three whale sharks.

Okinawa has thousands of white sandy beach islands with crystal blue waters, colourful coral and fishes. Some islands have jungle and mangrove forest as well. The most popular among the large islands include Ishigaki-jima Island, Iriomote-jima Island and Miyako-jima Island.

Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the third largest island in Okinawa. It's located 250 southwest of Okinawa Island. Fifty percent of the island is mountain, and there are lots of sugar cane fields. The coasts are covered by beautiful coral borders. Ishigaki Island is the transfer point where visitors can take ferries to go other islands such as Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island.

Iriomote Island

It's located west of Ishigaki Island and takes about one hour by ferry from Ishigaki Island. This island is covered by tropical and subtropical forest and is known as the "mystery land of Japan". There are many unusual species of plants and animals on this island, such as the Iriomote Lynx. River tours through the jungle are a popular attraction. There is star-shaped "sand" on the Hoshisuna-no-hama Beach. The "sand" is actually the tiny skeletons of sea creatures, but it resembles grains of sand. Star sand is said to bring happiness and makes a very popular souvenirs.

Yonaguni Island

This is the westernmost island of Japan. It's a small island, with its length only 6.5 miles. It is only 70 miles from Taiwan, so when the weather is good, you might be able to see Taiwan. To get to Yonaguni Island takes 40 mins by air or 6 and a half hours by ferry from Ishigaki Island.

Taketomi Island

Taketomi is a very small island near Ishigaki Island. It takes only 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki island. There are many flowers, and the houses are colorful with orange tile roofs. You can see star-shaped sand on the Star Sand Beach. Taketomi Island is a popular day trip destination from Ishigaki Island.

Miyako Island

This island is located about 200 southwest of Okinawa Island. It takes one hour by air and 13 hours by ferry from Naha.
Miyako is a popular site for divers. Visiting one of the small islands around Miyako Island makes a perfect day trip. There are some resort hotels here.

Kume Island

This island is located west of Okinawa Island. There are beautiful beaches here, especially the most famous Eef beach. Kume Island is more like a resort, where you can jet ski or windsurf, while staying in a niceresort hotel. It takes only 30 mins by air and 3 and a half hours by ferry from Naha.

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Zamami-jima

A fine place to get away from it all, Zamami-jima has spectacular beaches, both on the island itself or a short boat ride away. You can dive year-round, but the best time to visit is in autumn, when most tourists have gone and while the water is still warm enough for swimming and snorkelling.

Furuzamami Beach

Furuzamami beach is the best on the island, with excellent coral and troops of multicoloured fish. In season, you can rent snorkels at the small shop and there's also a restaurant and showers. However, the beaches get even better on the tiny, offshore islands, such as Gahi-jima and Agenashiku-jima, just south of Zamami. In summer (June to mid-Sept) small boats take day-trippers out to these islands for a small fee, but out of season you'll have to charter your own boat.

Tokashiki-jima

Tokashiki-jima, the largest island and the closest to Naha, attracts the greatest number of tourists, but all the islands are surprisingly quiet outside the summer peak (July & Aug). This might not last much longer.

Painagama

Painagama, immediately south of the harbour, but there are much better ones around the island. Top of the list is Maehama , around 10km south of Hirara, a long and remarkably pristine strip of soft white sand that is hailed as Japan's best beach.

Boraga Beach

The next beach of note is Boraga, reached by a steep twisting road from Route 390. It's a good spot for snorkelling and kayaking and equipment for both is available from the attractive beachside complex that includes a refreshment hut and a freshwater swimming pool.

Okinawa Island

Okinawa comprises more than one hundred islands, stretching over 700km of ocean from Kyushu southwest to Yonaguni-jima, almost within sight of Taiwan. Collectively known as the Ryukyu Shoto, this chain of subtropical islands, with their lush vegetation, paradise beaches and superb coral reefs, has become a popular destination for Japanese holiday-makers and foreign residents alike.

Yaeyama Islands

Yonaguni-jima marks Japan's most westerly point, from where it's only another 125km to Taiwan. As with the Miyako Islands, the main reason for coming here is the spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities, although trekkers and kayakers will also be inspired by the forest trails, rivers and indented coastline of Iriomote.

Zamami-jima

Zamami-jima has spectacular beaches, both on the island itself or a short boat ride away. You can dive year-round, but the best time to visit is in autumn, when most tourists have gone and while the water is still warm enough for swimming and snorkelling.

Kamakura

Kamakura lies at the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Large beaches are located just about 10 minutes from Kamakura Station by foot. The beaches are very popular during the hot summer months when they are crowded not only with locals but also with visitors from the close Tokyo/Yokohama area.

Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands are the closest group to Naha. A knot of three large, inhabited islands and numerous pinpricks of sand and coral, the Keramas offer some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in Okinawa and superb diving among the offshore reefs.

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4.	Hokkaido Beaches
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7.	Kanto Beach
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10.	Chugoku Beaches
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13.	Okinawa Beaches

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