![]() There are still monuments to the old Ryukyu Dynasty all over the island, including Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 15 minutes from downtown Naha, pictured below. After refusing the request of a Japanese ruler to aid in his military campaign against China, the Japanese invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, eventually annexing it in the late-1800s. It wasn't until the 16th century that the Ryukyus were forced to pick sides. ![]() Prior to that, the Ryukyu Kingdom was an independent dynasty that played a crucial role in building East Asian shipping networks. The hundreds of islands that today make up Okinawa Prefecture - with Okinawa island being the largest of them - didn't come under Japanese rule until the 19th century. ![]() While many travelers are familiar with larger mainland cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, these eight tips will help you make the most of your time in this often overlooked island paradise. With brilliant blue waters, some of the most famous diving spots in the world and top-notch cuisine, it's no surprise that Okinawa is often referred to as the Japanese Hawaii.
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