After over two weeks of busy sightseeing, we slowed our pace today to enjoy the relaxed Okinawan energy. This is intentional as we will ramp back up for South Korea in a few short days. We started our day with a relaxed breakfast and a brief walk on the beach to enjoy the morning sun.

However, we couldn’t have a day without adventure, so later in the morning we drove to the entrance to Ta-Taki Waterfall. To reach the waterfall, it is necessary to hike to it and although it is not a strenuous hike (less than 1.5 miles round trip), travelers need to complete light bouldering, traversing a small rock-face using a fixed rope and wading through knee/hip deep water of the Henan River. There is a small shop in the parking lot renting soft bottom water shoes, life-jackets and waterproof containers to hold valuables. The dichotomy to the United States again struck us here – if this hike was even permitted, it would assuredly require a steep entrance fee, a long waiver form, plus life-jackets and helmets would be required. Here in Okinawa, you are simply free to hike at your leisure after paying a nominal parking fee. The hike itself was beautiful and after traversing the rocky terrain, we were greeted with stunning views of the Ta-Taki Waterfall. You could even swim to the rocks behind the waterfall and be drenched in the process!

The afternoon was filled with lounging on the beach, $2 sours (Japanese shochu (similar to vodka), fresh fruit juice of varying varieties and carbonated water), and soaking up the rays. Since October is in ‘shoulder season’ here in Okinawa and Typhoon Champi seemed to have caused many people to cancel their plans, Okuma Beach has very few crowds. Many times it is just us, the sound of crashing waves and cicadas buzzing and a few other travelers dotted along the beach. Shoulder season can come with risks, but it continues to be our favorite season to travel, regardless of the destination, as a good balance between crowds, availability and good weather.

After enjoying a walk along the beach at sunset, we had one of the last Japanese meals of our trip as tomorrow is our last full day here before we head to South Korea. We are so glad we have experienced both mainland Japan and Okinawa as they offer different experiences and cultures (more on this in tomorrow’s blog). Okinawa is heavily influenced by Japanese, Chinese and American culture, the latter making sense given the continued military presence here since World War II. In short, if you like Hawaii, you will love Okinawa!

Tomorrow we will have another mixed day of adventure (kayaking through mangroves) and relaxation.