Okinawa feels like a world apart from the rest of Japan. This subtropical island chain in the far south blends Japanese culture with a laid-back island spirit, and it's famous as one of the world's Blue Zones, places where people live exceptionally long lives. Locals credit a slower pace, close-knit community and a healthy diet rich in local vegetables like goya, the bitter melon.

Okinawa was once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, and it has kept its own identity, from the music of the three-stringed sanshin to its distinctive food and architecture. Visit Shuri Castle, the restored seat of the Ryukyu kings, explore limestone caves and mangrove forests, and dive or snorkel some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Asia, where manta rays and sea turtles glide by. Spend time at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks, and relax on white-sand beaches. Okinawa also has a deep and painful World War II history, and the Peace Memorial Park is a moving place for reflection.

Okinawa is a short flight from Tokyo, Osaka and other Asian hubs, and it's home to many U.S. military families. I'll plan your island stay, beaches and cultural sites, and connect Okinawa with mainland Japan.