Henry Nicholson's Martial Arts Journey Through Okinawa, Japan

I've been on many trips in my career as a travel advisor, but my journey to Okinawa, Japan remains one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime. The draw was deeply personal: I practice Shotokan karate, and the opportunity to train for a week with the masters who preserve these ancient arts in their birthplace was something I simply couldn't pass up. A private operator out of California organized this specialized trip for 30 martial artists, all of us eager to learn from the source. But beyond the training, I carved out an additional week to explore Okinawa itself, and what I discovered changed everything I thought I knew about this Japanese prefecture.

Let me tell you what surprised me most: Okinawa is a semi-tropical island, and even in October, the humidity was unlike anything I've ever experienced. If you love warmth, this is your paradise. But if oppressive heat makes you uncomfortable, plan accordingly. What struck me immediately upon arrival was the architecture. Having studied Japanese culture, I expected traditional Japanese design. Instead, I found buildings heavily influenced by centuries of Chinese rule. The Okinawan people were ruled by both China and Japan for hundreds of years, even sending shiploads of offerings to Chinese emperors. That complex history is written into every building, every garden, every cultural practice.

The people of Okinawa welcomed us with open arms everywhere we went. Despite language barriers, we always managed to communicate. The restaurants make it easy with photo menus, so you can simply point to what looks delicious. But the real magic happened in the dojos. The martial arts masters we trained with were so grateful and genuinely happy to share their passion with us. Traditionally, these arts were closely guarded secrets, passed down from one master to another like something straight out of the movies. The fact that they opened their training halls to us foreign practitioners felt like an incredible honor.

We specifically timed our visit to coincide with the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival, and I cannot overstate how spectacular this event is. Imagine a rope so massive that people march on top of it to get thousands of participants into a common rhythm. The two halves of the rope connect with enormous loops joined by a wooden log, and the whole apparatus is larger than the cars on the street. One side of the city battles the other, and the energy is absolutely electric. You have to see it to believe it.

I learned valuable cultural lessons that I now share with every client considering Japan. First, never tip. The Okinawan service culture considers gratuity an insult, suggesting their service wasn't already at its best. Second, money exchanges happen discreetly. There are small trays at registers where you quietly place your bills and coins rather than openly handling cash as we do in North America. Third, always carry your passport. Authorities can legally stop foreigners for identification at any time. I never experienced this personally, but being prepared matters. And one practical note: hotel rooms are exceptionally compact. If small spaces make you uncomfortable, factor this into your planning.

The Churaumi Aquarium, which was the third largest in the world when I visited, is absolutely worth your time. The castles offer fascinating glimpses into Okinawan royalty, and the traditional gardens are stunning. A simple bow of respect and gratitude goes a long way with the locals, showing you appreciate their culture.

Who would love Okinawa? Anyone genuinely curious about experiencing cultures different from their own. Travelers who embrace adventure, who don't mind when English isn't the primary language, and who appreciate service-oriented hospitality will thrive here. Those who need constant air conditioning, large hotel rooms, or the comfort of familiar customs might want to consider other destinations. But for clients ready to immerse themselves in a place where Chinese and Japanese influences blend into something uniquely Okinawan, I can think of no better recommendation. Having trained with the masters and walked those streets myself, I can guide you through every detail of this remarkable island.