Roadtrip!♪ Mt. Fuji and the Five Lakes with Nissan RENT-A-CAR
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We get out of the city and enjoy the life off the beaten path. With Nissan backing us, we’ve taken a little trip to show you what a real road trip is, JAPAN style. Fasten your seatbelts and .. well.. go to restroom now because we aren’t stopping! #schedule
▶ Departure: Narita Airport
▶ Destination: In order to see the beautiful Mount Fuji,
we have chosen a campground located near a sophisticated lakeside setting.
(You can catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Fuji and the most elegant lakeside views of five lakes)
▶ Transportation: Rental car (Nissan RENT-A-CAR at Narita Airport Terminal 2 Branch)
▶ Directions: Rent a car from Narita airport>>> camping sites >>> Return the car at Shinjuku, Tokyo
A rent-a-car travel plan from Narita Airport
Let's go!!!
Five lakes and Mt. Fuji we're coming!
Driving in Japan presents different challenges than in the
west. For starters, it's right hand drive.
So some people worry about how if driving in Japan will be
possible. Well it's no worry at all, it's easy to get the hand of it!
Once you have the essential points in mind,
(just 3-minutes are enough to get used to it~),
it's all smooth sailing after that.
After all Japan has very well kept roads and courteous drivers
Turn on the navigation and buckle up!
<Schedule of Mt. Fuji camping travel with rental car>
★ Rent car after arrival at Narita Airport
① Best view of Mount Fuji – Fuji Sengen Shrine
② Famous dish of Yamanashi – Hoto (Stewing flat udon noodles & vegetables in miso soup)
③ Smallest lake among Fuji Five Lakes – Lake Shoji Camp
Take a break! Enjoy hot springs under Mount Fuji
④ Move from Yamanashi to Shizuoka > Green tea field DRIVE
⑤ Japan's largest scale outlet mall – "Gotemba premium outlet" shopping
★ return to Tokyo Shinjuku> return car (off-site*)
Estimated costs:
One day Two nights car-rental — 25 900 yen
1 time Refuel — about 3, 000 yen
Highway tolls fee — about 1, 0000 yen
Quite a reasonable trip eh? Imagine splitting with a couple close friends.
For more info, please refer to … (in English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/
Nissan RENT-A-CAR Narita Airport Terminal 2
The Nissan RENT-A-CAR counter is located on the right-hand
side of Narita Airport Terminal 2. Just present your air- ticket
receipt, passport and international driver's license; then, fill
out some documents. That's it!
(May vary depending on country of citizenship.)
You can directly rent a car from the official site!
Nissan RENT A CAR (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/
Japan Expressway card! ETC card
With this card, you can use the ETC automatic toll collection system.
This system has been implemented in vehicles in order to ease
the toll pay system. Of course you have to rent the card
together with the car!
Fees: Only ¥ 315 ($2.67 as of 1/25/16) when you rent the car together.
With this card, toll fee will be automatically deducted at the toll-gate
when you pass by. Then, you can just bill it when you return the car!
How convenient!
When this car came out into the market,
it's calm appearance and "TOUGH GEAR" TV advertisement
got quite a bit of people worked up!
Nissan's representative SUV X-TRAIL
is a different cut from the first generation of models.
With it's sleek stylish good looks, the appearance of this
new generation is brand new and oh so handsome. lol
Designed for outdoor activities
X-TRAIL's seats are waterproof / anti-sweat.
Whether it is dirty water, seawater, or melting water of snow,
They are a piece of cake to clean.
Done!!
Designed for outdoor activities ②
The rear seats can be flattened completely to unveil a
very spacious and comfortable amount of storage room.
The outward appearance of a small interior is completely
creates an unfathomable paradox.
Perfect design!
Without moving the rear seats, there is a spacious space for storage!
Did we mention there's a lot of space?
Spacious entrance, height and space for 3-4 peoples worth of luggage.
Imagine stuffing the back with golf club sets, or the bounty
from a weekend of shopping or Japankuru merchandise… wait, was that last one
just us?.. oops (lol)
Anyways, indeed, a perfect SUV!
Insert your ETC card
Different models will feature slight variations for the slot positions.
But most are located beneath the driver's or front passenger's storage box.
Just look around and you'll see the card slot!
Navigation via “phone number”
Although inputting the address is also very convenient,
the most accurate and fastest way is to use the "phone number."
Since we have already input most of the numbers!!!
Start navigation!!! LET'S GO!!
Japan’s highway toll gates
ETC channels are purple; common channels are green.
If you use ETC, you can pass through the gate while rolling
along at 20km/hour.
If you don't have the card, no worries,
just pull up, stop, and pay by cash!!!
No problem!
Direct payment are OK
The benefit of having an ETC card, aside from not stopping at
the gate is definitely not having to carry a lot of coins.
But the fresh experience of directly paying tolls could be a good experience as well
Don't forget to say "Thanks" to the staff at the gate!
(Thanks in Japanese is pronounced Ah-re-gah-toe~)
Highway Service Area fun
Another good experience on the road will be to pay a
visit to highway Service Area. There are even travelers who
love visiting all service areas throughout Japan!
With a variety of specialties and various souvenirs are available
Time flies!!!
(Don't forget we have a long journey ahead!)
We had heard that Chinese monks brought it over it to Japan a long time ago.
Around the time of generals of Warring States (Sengoku) era,
"Takeda Shingen" was used as the main food supply!!!
That's why this has become such a famous dish in in the Koshu area of Yamanashi!
Stewed soup with pumpkin and veggies,
together with the chewy noodles
This is hotto!
Recommended menu: pumpkin hoto 1,150 yen
Fuji Sengen Shrine
Built in 705 AD, this five-story pagoda
Is best known as the best and holiest view of Mount. Fuji!!
Oh snaps! We aren't very lucky today! Cloudy, bummer…
Free parking?
There's actually a small parking lot by the the Temple
So no worries if you're coming by car.
Come on!! All of our JAPANKURU's buddies!!!
Come out here for some fresh air and to take some memorial shots!!!
<Fuji Sengen Shrine Information>
Address: 3353 Niikura, Fuji- Yoshida, Yamanashi
Tel: 0555-23-2001
Oh the joys of buying stuff for a camping trip!
But this time, our main purpose is to enjoy the beauty of nature
So we'll stick with the bare minimum to make it true suvival.
Water and… liquor! (yeah that's right!)
Charcoal and firewood for BBQ!
Vegetables and meat … and instant noodles for emergency!
No hesitation!!!
And mosquito coils!
Although Lake Shoji is the smallest one among the Five Lakes,
it has the most beautiful scenery!!
Front row seats to Mt. Fuji.
Just 800 yen per person to enjoy this fantastic scenery!!
<Lake Shoji camp cottage homepage (Japanese)>
http://shojiko.jp/index.html
Photographer’s Paradise
Because the Lake Shoji is narrow and you can see Mt. Fuji from it,
it has attracted many photographers to record it's majesty.
In Japan, Mount Fuji reflected on the lake is called "Reverse Fuji"
This is a rare spectacle to see!!
Good luck!!!
Fantastic Mountain
If the weather is good enough, you can get the same view as above
even at midnight. Can you imagine it??? Mt. Fuji, set amidst the stars.
Mt. Fuji, what a holy mountain!!!
Priceless!
A great time around a fire with some close friends, sharing
memories from back in the days. Not all things can be
bought with money!
Set the fire, stay relaxed. A temporary escape from the real
world. Am I playing the guitar, or is the guitar playing us? lol
Anyways, for now let's just enjoy.
Getting hungryyyyy
Almost professionally grilled with charcoal firewood.
Punchi Puchi (wood burning sound) is so melodic.
It's not all you can eat, but every last bit will be gone by tonight!
Easy BBQ Fried Noodles
We're sure glad we didn't forget to throw a noodles pack into the
shopping basket! Appreciated!
Got it!! Noodles are a must-have item during camping excursions.
Bright and shiny sky!
Camping out under the stars, fire wood burning and crackling,
a cool breeze wrapping around you and filling your lungs with
fresh air.
Mental image set.
A dazzling morning
Welcome another morning next to your rent-a-car!!
What incredible weather!!
Let's move on to the next destination!
Fujiyama Hot Spring
Morning shower person? Well mosey on down to the
Fujiyama hot springs near Lake Kawaguchi and Fujikyu
Highland. Ah so fresh and so clean!
Address: Nishihara 4-1524, Fuji-Yoshida, Yamanashi City
Hours: Morning bath 8:30 ~ (Adult 620 yen / Child 310 yen)
Tel: 0555-22-1126
http://www.fujiyamaonsen.jp/index.html
Okay!!! Let's move on to the green tea field after hot springs.
Shizuoka Green tea field.
Although we've been longing to see this green tea field,
unfortunately, we can't see Mt. Fuji today!!!
However, we're glad to have this refreshing
scenery to keep us company!
A beautiful green filled panorama!
Gotemba Premium Outlet! !
We can't really tell you how much of a great place this is,
but instead recommend you visit it!
We will have chance to show you again in details!!!
After visiting Mt. Fuji, you'll want to come back again just
for the outlet, we guarantee (Photo Source: http://www.
centrair.jp/en/tourist-info/attractions/shizuoka_04.html)
Suruga Numazu SA (Service Area)
Completed recently, a new Japanese style service area that's
getting very popular recently!!!
Numazu offers amazingly delicious and now famous seafood!!
Oh!! Remember the Sushi store in Ginza we have introduced??
"Numazuko"?
It doesn't matter how short or how long the ttrip is
there is plenty of good times to be had and piece of
mind that nothing will go wrong with your Nissan rental.
Also, when you do decide to rent a car,
we highly recommend the X-TRAIL!!
Nissan RENT A CAR (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/
More info:
JAPANKURU BLOGGER
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Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!
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Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.
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Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).
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Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!
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Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.
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Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.
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Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.
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TOKYO
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Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.
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The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.
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Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.
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Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.
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Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.
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SHIZUOKA
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Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.
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KANSAI
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Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.
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KYOTO
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Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.
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NARA
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Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
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OSAKA
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Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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