OKINAWA SUMMER NEWS UPDATE

FUN FACT… The Okinawan island of Kuroshima in the YaeYama region is not only famous for being the shape of a heart, it's also well known for having more local cows than people! 

IN THE HEADLINES:

• Shurijo Castle Park reopens to the public after devastating fire 
• State-of-the-art augmented reality aquarium opens in prefectural capital of Naha
• HOTEL STRATA NAHA opens in Naha City providing perfect base for city exploration 

SET TO  OPEN IN 2020

• Luxurious four-star Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Kohamajima set to reopen on July 1st
• Beachfront Kariyushi LCH Resort set to open on July 3rd
• Village based HOSHINOYA Okinawa resort set to open on July 1st for rural retreats
• Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort set to open in July 1st on Okinawa Island's west coast

IN THE HEADLINES:

Shurijo Castle Park reopens to the public following devastating fire 

Parts of Shurijo Castle Park have reopened to the public for the first time following a devastating fire in 2019. Visitors can now explore the castle's grounds, walk through the Hoshinmon gate, enter the Seiden main hall and see the underground ruins of the original castle structure which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ongoing restoration work to the rest of the castle, which will be complete by 2026, can also be seen from the Agari-no Azana observation deck. For more information, visit: https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/ 

State-of-the-art augmented reality aquarium opens in the prefectural capital of Naha

Combining fascinating art installations and state-of-the-art technology with a whole host of adorable creatures  from both land and sea, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium opened in May 2020 in Tomigusuku-City. Ideal for families, the augmented reality entertainment aquarium uses the latest projection technologies to showcase an array of wildlife and habitats alongside live animal enclosures.. For more information, visit: https://kariyushi-aquarium.com/en/ 

HOTEL STRATA NAHA opens in Naha City providing perfect base for city exploration 

The three-star HOTEL STRATA NAHA has opened in Okinawa's capital city, offering 221 rooms ranging from comfortable and compact accommodation to spacious Panoramic Suites offering stunning views from glass windows on three sides. The hotel's design incorporates elements of nature, referencing Okinawa's famous coral reefs and natural landscapes. Facilities include a fitness centre, bar, garden and outdoor pool.  For more information visit:

https://okinawa-uds.co.jp/hotels/strata-naha/

SET TO OPEN IN 2020:

Luxurious four-star Hoshino Resort RISONARE Kohamajima set to reopen in July

The four-star Hoshino Resort RISONARE Kohamajima is set to reopen its doors on July 1st, having first opened in April 2020 (closed shortly after due to COVID-19). Situated on the beach-lovers paradise of Kohamajima in the YaeYama Islands the resort is built around a pristine lagoon and offers 60 modern spacious rooms including a Royal Suite with its own private pool and jacuzzi terrace. Facilities include two large outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course, restaurant, bar, lounge, a book beach cafe and spa. Activities at the hotel include moon beach yoga, stargazing, island canyoning and snorkeling. For more information visit:

https://risonare.com/kohamajima/en/

Beachfront Kariyushi LCH Resort set to open on July 3rd 

Located in Nago on Okinawa Island the three-star Kariyushi LCH Resort is set to open on 3rd July 2020. Boasting a beachfront location just yards from the Kariyushi Beach, the hotel will offer 117 modern rooms of varying size, an outdoor swimming pool and garden. For more information visit: 

https://kariyushi-lch.jp/resort/

Village based HOSHINOYA Okinawa set to open in July 2020 for rural retreats 

Located on Okinawa Island, the coastal village of Yomitan is set to welcome the opening of HOSHINOYA Okinawa on 1st July 2020. Surrounded by stunning ocean scenery, fields of sugar cane and flower-lined picturesque streets, the seaside resort will offer guests a relaxing place to unwind in comfort and seclusion. A soft opening with limited room availability was scheduled for April 2020, but has been delayed due to COVID-19. For more information, visit: hoshinoya.com/okinawa/en/

Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort set to open in July 2020 on Okinawa Island's west coast

Overlooking the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Sesoko Beach, the Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort is set to open on July 1st 2020 on Okinawa Island's west coast, just 15 minutes away from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Guests can enjoy ocean views from guest rooms and savour delectable meals in signature restaurants. The resort also offers a variety of leisure activities such as direct access to the beach, marine sport activities and eco-tours into Yanbaru National Park alongside multifunctional event spaces, a fully-equipped fitness centre and an executive lounge. For more information, visit: HiltonSesoko.com

For further information on Okinawa, visit:  www.visitokinawa.jp 

ENDS

About Okinawa:

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Just 3 hours by air from Tokyo and blessed with incredible natural beauty, from lush forests to crystal blue waters with abundant coral and golden sands, Okinawa is perfect for beach lovers and sport enthusiasts alike whilst still appealing to culture seekers thanks to its unique history and heritage.

Using the bountiful fresh produce its natural environment produces, Okinawa's culinary culture is also unique and is believed to be a key factor in Okinawa's status as one of five longevity hotspots in the world.

For further media information and images contact: Be Okinawa – UK & Ireland Representative, Rebecca Pasha E: rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk / T: +44 (0) 203 375 4054