Hidden gem dubbed a new 'must-visit' for summer thanks to its picturesque sparkling beaches - and it's close to Australia Okinawa is described by travellers as the 'Hawaii of Japan' Read more: Traveller shares how to watch online videos on a flight without Wi-Fi By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:03 EDT, 17 September 2024 | Updated: 23:03 EDT, 17 September 2024 e-mail View comments Travellers in the know are flocking to a hidden destination off the coast of Japan to swim in picturesque beaches with turquoise water. Dubbed the ' Hawaii of Japan', Okinawa consists of more than 160 islands with a population of 1.4million.
Visitors can go whale watching, snorkelling, watch dragon boat races and explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings. The capital of Naha is located on the main island and is the cultural and economic hub. But despite the vast amount of natural beauty and rich history, most travellers don't even know the island exists as it can barely be seen on a map.
One woman described the island as 'the Japan you've never seen' and left thousands shocked after sharing a series of images. By day the clear blue water, colourful buildings and palm trees look inviting and by night the city streets light up with flare as visitors dine in at vibrant restaurants. It's recommended to visit Okinawa during the 'shoulder seasons' during April or May and October or November.
These months are best for swimming. Dubbed the 'Hawaii of Japan', Okinawa consists of more than 160 islands with a population of 1.4million Visitors can go whale watching, snorkelling, watch dragon boat races and explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings Okinawa is located in Japan's southern prefecture (pictured) Others who have visited Okinawa said it reminds them of Bora Bora or the Maldives.
It's also been described as a 'sub-tropical jungle' oasis. Other go-to destinations include Ishigaki Island for a tropical paradise getaway, Miyako Island for golf, cycling, skydiving among coral reefs, and Kerama Islands for bliss untouched scenery. Online thousands raved about the island and look forward to going back.
'I always tell everyone that Eden on earth is Okinawa. I visited Maldives, Caribbean, and others but this place is on another level,' one wrote. 'I lived on Okinawa for 3.
5 years and I miss it so much. Hubby would take our daughter swimming every morning in the summer,' another said. 'They have some of the best snorkeling trips ever!' a third added.
It's recommended to visit Okinawa during the 'shoulder seasons' during April or May and October or November. These months are best for swimming Earlier this year travellers were visiting a theme park on an island in Vietnam that looks just like a European city. Grand World offers a lookalike of Venice in a Vietnam theme park (pictured).
The buildings are picturesque, colourful and make for the perfect 'Instagrammable' moment Earlier this year travellers were visiting a theme park on an island in Vietnam that looks just like a European city. Read More Expat spills on why moving to the UK is a great idea - and claims everyone 'ages slower' there Grand World Phu Quoc, dubbed the 'sleepless city', bears a striking resemblance to Venice in Italy with stunning architecture, colourful buildings and vibrant streets. While the facades are eye-catching the buildings are hollow, often with just a café, store or restaurant on the ground floor and nothing above.
They are much like the buildings on the iconic Las Vegas strip. Families have raved about the destination online and rated it a 'must-see' five-star holiday for those with young kids. Thousands of tourists have travelled to the island theme park to snap the perfect shot While the facades are eye-catching the buildings are hollow often with just a café, store or restaurant on the ground floor and nothing above - much like the buildings on the iconic Las Vegas strip The park spans across an impressive 85 hectares and has been described as 'glorious'.
Visitors can find a plethora of fun activities to explore and watch, including roller coasters, evening shows, a taxi boat or gondola ride, and performances by Disney characters. There's also the Teddy Bear Museum, Art Park, and 40-minute water show at night. Travellers recommend staying all day and into the evening to get the full experience of the park.
Families have raved about the destination online and rated it a 'must-see' five-star holiday for those with young kids The park spans across an impressive 85 hectares and has been described as 'glorious' When the sun goes down the building lights glisten and reflect off the river running through the city When the sun goes down the building lights glisten and reflect off the river running through the city. Travellers who have visited Grand World have boasted about it online and shared their experiences. 'Grand World was incredible, words cannot describe it, access to all the rides are included as well as the mermaid show at 2pm and the water show at 6.
45pm, not to mention flying on Aladdin's carpet and visiting the seven dwarfs house, just fabulous! It was a fun day and I'd highly recommend it for all ages,' one wrote. 'This place is amazing at night. The bright lights and the vibe is great.
There was a black out during the water show so they restarted, but other than that, there's many cafes and restaurants around the main canal,' another said. 'What a stunning place to visit. The Venice boat ride is just lovely in the evening on sunset and you have loads of food and beverage place to enjoy,' a third wrote.
In addition to Grand World there's another two parks - Vinpearl Safari and VinWonders. Hawaii Japan Share or comment on this article: Hidden gem dubbed a new 'must-visit' for summer thanks to its picturesque sparkling beaches - and it's close to Australia e-mail Add comment.
