Japan's southernmost prefecture - Okinawa prefecture - is made up of a chain of over a hundred islands, of which Okinawa Island is the largest. Okinawa is one of Japan's most prominent tourist attractions and receives numbers of visitors every year. The...more
Japan's southernmost prefecture - Okinawa prefecture - is made up of a chain of over a hundred islands, of which Okinawa Island is the largest. Okinawa is one of Japan's most prominent tourist attractions and receives numbers of visitors every year. The capital of Okinawa is Naha and Okinawa City is the second largest city of the island, home to a population of over 130,000 residents. Okinawa City and the entire Okinawa prefecture have been gaining popularity for their ability to cater to Muslim travellers and the destination is steadily becoming a famed holiday spot amongst Muslim tourists around the world. Muslim visitors will be able to find many Muslim-friendly hotels around Okinawa that offer all the necessary facilities required to ensure a hassle-free stay. Prayer facilities and Halal food in Okinawa are becoming increasingly available and a sizeable Muslim community of various nationalities reside in the region. A visit to Okinawa will undoubtedly be a memorable experience for any type of traveller.
Okinawa is known for being home to the oldest people in the world and has been referred to as "the land of the immortals".
Travellers to Okinawa will have plenty to do and see. Attractions around Okinawa range from ancient heritage sites to stunning pristine sandy beaches to magnificent waterfalls and lush jungles to a wealth of water sports and aquatic activities. Travellers may also explore the 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect the rich history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era, including several castles and cultural sites. The Churaumi Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world – is also a popular attraction.
The closest airport to Okinawa City is the Naha Airport - the seventh busiest airport in the country. Located a few kilometres towards the west of the city hall in Naha, it is the primary airport for passengers travelling to and from Okinawa and serves millions of passengers throughout the year. Other airports of the Okinawa Islands include the Aguni Airport on Aguni Island, the Kerama Airport at the Kerama Islands and the Kumejima Airport at Kume Island.
Halal food in Okinawa will be available at numerous hotels and supermarkets . Many Muslim-friendly hotels are capable of providing Muslim travellers a wide range of Halal cuisine upon prior notice. Muslim travellers may also visit some of the Muslim-friendly supermarkets that sell Halal-certified meat and ingredients such as A-Price, Jimmy's, Gyomu Supermarket and Ivano.
Though there is no mosque in Okinawa, there are several places that Muslim travellers may visit during prayer times. The prayer facility at the University of The Ryukyus is the main venue visited by a few Muslim students and their families for Friday prayers. Most resident Muslims use private space or public area during prayer times.
Prayer times for Okinawa City,Japan