2025 Okinawa Mahalo Shopping Tours

2025 Okinawa Mahalo Shopping Tours

Enjoy your choice of Japan Airlines’ “Economy,” “Premium Economy,” or the affordable luxury of “Business” class service. Premium Economy and Business class customers will begin their journey with a relaxing visit to JAL’s “Sakura Lounge” and the brand new “Sakura Lounge – Hale” for Business class.

• 5 Nights / 7 Days
• 8 Meals (5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners)
• Escorted from Honolulu
• English-Speaking Local Guide

TOUR DATES AND MANAGERS:

Tour #2: February 16 – 22, 2025 (Presidents Day) • Tour Managers: Darrell Chung & Arlene Oshima
Tour #4: September 02 – 08, 2025 (Labor Day) • Tour Manager: Anona Gabriel
Tour #5: December 09 – 15, 2025 (Pre-Christmas) • Tour Manager: Bryan Wauke

OVERVIEW:

Okinawa is home to a unique culture that differs considerably from that of mainland Japan. Until the islands were invaded by the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima Prefecture) in 1609, Okinawa existed as an entirely separate country from Japan, known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. After the invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom served as a tributary state to Japan, but continued to be governed by the royal family from Shuri Castle. It was not until 1879, a few years after the Meiji Restoration, that the kingdom was abolished and incorporated into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture. The castles of Okinawa, known as “gusuku” in the Okinawan language, are among the most vivid monuments that testify to the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the year 2000, five castles and four related sites were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title of “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”

VISIT:

Naha • Toyosaki • Nago • Onna • Manza • Motobu • Kitanakagusuku

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Shuri Castle • Ryusou Ryukyu Kimono Dress-Up • Awamori Factory • Ryukyu Mura • Sweets House • Churaumi Aquarium

SHOPPING HIGHLIGHTS:

Iias Okinawa Toyosaki • Michi-no-Eki • AEON MALL RYCOM • Kokusai-dori

HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION (DECEMBER TOUR ONLY):

Southeast Botanical Gardens Illumination◊