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JAPAN OKINAWA Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, consists of 160 islands with 49 inhabited islands including the Miyako and yaeyama groups, with the main island of Okinawa as the nucleus. The only prefecture in Japan that is truly subtropical, Okinawa is a southern paradise where colourful flowers of the subtropics bloom year-round. The sea that surrounds these islands has an emeraldgreen sheen, and the resplendent coral reefs are among the world's finest. These natural attractions have given rise to world-class beach resorts that cater to sun-loving vacationers. The prefecture has a population of about 1.3 million people who speak Okinawan and Japanese. Okinawa is Japan's number-one domestic tourist destination 100 www.paradisesonline.com and attracts around six million visitors from the mainland each year. Spend a week on Okinawa Island, 112 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide and you will still not see all it has to offer. Okinawa City was built around the largest United States Air Force base in the East and has American-style restaurants and bars and you will even be able to find a diner serving homemade apple pies. There are nine World Heritage sites on the island including Shuri Castle, reminiscent of Chinese-style buildings, and the sacred site of Sefa Utaki where the gods descended to earth to begin the Ryukyu people. Summer is a great time to visit and you will possibly witness an Eisa drum performance, a colourful procession of drummers, singers, dancers and musicians playing traditional instruments. Although Okinawans don't celebrate the cherry blossom season with the enthusiasm of the mainlanders, they celebrate more festivals than any other prefecture in Japan. Okinawa offers some of the best diving in the world. An abundance of marine life thrives in the warm Kuroshio Current that flows north from the Philippines and the warm, tropical water has visibility up to 40 metres. Divers from around the world enjoy exploring the wrecks from World War II as well as the caves, tunnels and drop-offs. In January through to March it is possible to dive with hammerhead sharks off Yonaguni. The archipelago of Okinawa is known for the longevity of its residents and Okinawan women are said to have the longest life expectancy in the world. The oldest woman in Ogimi was 114 years old when she died a few years ago. From fine art, amazing food and beautiful scenery, Okinawa is a must see for all travellers.