Evangelia Papoutsaki MA Leeds, PhD Cardiff, MRSNZ

While tourism is undeniably the lifeblood of the markets today, glimpses of the past linger in the smaller arcades, where echoes remain of a time when this was the main shopping district for locals—before shopping malls drew people away from central Naha for their daily needs. Still, I’m glad the markets have adapted and found a way forward.

Returning to Okinawa reminded me how deeply I love this place: its incredibly kind people, its light, its nature, and yes, even its climate. I’ll take the hot, steamy weather any day; my body thrives in it.

When I stepped out of Kushiro Station—the gateway to my Lake Akan trip—I felt underwhelmed. Hmm, I thought, how am I going to spend four...

This week in Okinawa has been nothing short of amazing!