Top 5 memories of a failed honeymoon in Okinawa!
Date of publication: Updated on:
A honeymoon is a precious time to create special memories, but sometimes unexpected problems and failures can also occur.
Introducing the top 5 memories from our honeymoon in Okinawa!
∕
1 Traffic problems
∖
Okinawa is a car-oriented society, but there are limited numbers of main roads, and because there are so few of them, traffic jams occur chronically.
In particular, there is always traffic during commuting hours (around 7:00 to 9:00 AM) and return time (around 5:30 to 7:30 PM).
Traffic jams can also occur on weekends and holidays around tourist attractions.
It is important to note that during commuting and returning home hours, dedicated bus lanes called "bus lanes" and "bus-only roads" are provided.
If you think the lane is open and drive along it, you may get caught by the police, so be careful.
Also, during bad weather, traffic is more congested and slower than usual.
There is a lot of Ryukyu limestone in the roads in Okinawa, so it also has the characteristic of being slippery when wet.
Pay extra attention on rainy days!
To avoid considerable time loss due to traffic jams, it is important to know the characteristics of Okinawa in advance and have enough time to prepare!
∕
2. Deterioration of the weather
∖
Okinawa, which has a subtropical climate, is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and frequent cloud formation. The annual rainfall exceeds 2,000 millimeters. While the image of always having blue sea and blue sky is prevalent, the weather is prone to change because it is surrounded by the sea.
It is likely due to the unique weather in Okinawa, where the sky is usually clear from July to August, but then suddenly it rains.
Typhoons and other adverse weather conditions may prevent you from enjoying the beach or outdoor activities, or even cause your planned events to be cancelled.
If it’s a rainy day, it’s recommended to check in advance which sightseeing spots you can visit even on rainy days!
For a major typhoon, you can enjoy the activities inside the hotel or the pool, or purchase Okinawan cuisine in advance at a convenience store and spend some time relaxing in your room.
Please consider changing your plans to prioritize safety as the weather worsens!
∕
3 Okinawa Gourmet
∖
Be sure to check the opening hours and parking for restaurants in advance.
There are many Okinawa soba restaurants and individual businesses that operate on irregular schedules, such as opening from noon to evening and closing on weekends.
Some places have few parking spaces, and even when they are open, there is no place to park your car, so you end up not being able to get in.
If you absolutely want to visit a certain restaurant, don't forget to do some research beforehand!
Also, the popular restaurants are very crowded! Especially the Okinawa soba restaurants are often packed during the tourist season.
It is recommended to aim for opening hours that do not accept reservations, such as those where the restaurant is not open yet.
∕
4 Sunburn problems
∖
The sunlight in Okinawa is very strong, so even locals don’t dare to go into the sea in their swimsuits.
According to the amount of UV radiation, it is about 1.5 times higher in Tokyo and nearly twice as high compared to Hokkaido.
In addition, the amount of sunlight is longer than anywhere else, and the time spent in the sun inevitably increases.
The environment itself has become a place that is prone to sunburn.
Sunburn can cause inflammation and heatstroke, so be sure to replenish your fluids and salt intake regularly.
On the beach, apply sunscreen regularly and bring along a parasol, umbrella, and a sun hat.
It is also recommended to wear rash guards.
Even in winter, the UV rays are strong, so don't forget to take precautions with sunscreen sunglasses and other protective equipment!
∕
5 Time periods to enjoy the spectacular views
∖
The breathtaking scenery continues forever: the blue sea and blue sky, the perfect timing when nature and the sun shine together!
The characteristic feature is that the sea's color changes constantly depending on the weather and time of day; you can see the beautiful gradient from blue to green.
Recommended time of day
On the east coast of Okinawa Island between 11:00 and 15:00, the west coast side is between 12:00 and 16:00.
The tides also play a role.
The best time to see the ocean in Okinawa is during the low tide, just before or after the high tide!
In Okinawa, which has many shallow seas, cliffs often appear during low tide, and the sea also offers spectacular views when the sea is far away.
It is said that the high tide and low tide occur approximately every six hours, and that the fluctuations vary each time.
If you want to target the high tide, we recommend checking the tide chart in advance!
