First stop in Japan

11 March - Naha, Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It comprises hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands and is often visited by holidaying Japanese tourists. It was not until 1879 that Okinawa and the islands became part of Japan.

On 1 April 1945 US troops launched the largest amphibious assault of WWII and landed on heavily defended Okinawa. The three month long campaign saw some of the bitterest fighting of the war. Thousands of US troops and as many as 100,000 Japanese were killed. Okinawa came under US administration from 1945 until 1972 when the island was returned to Japan.

Our first introduction to Japan today when we visited the town of Naha. It's raining of course! The weather will gradually become cooler for the next couple of weeks while we are in Japan and South Korea.

We navigated our way around just fine and even managed to find a tiny little bar in the market for a Kirin beer. We also tried an Oriel beer in a more modern bar. The second stop was one of convenience! Most of the shops were selling very similar goods so we only picked up a couple of things. Tried the doughnuts in one shop - yum!

One day at sea before we reach Kobe.