Surprising Japan: Okinawa, the island of centenarians

Okinawa, an island in southern Japan, is known for its tropical climate (with an average winter temperature of 16 degrees), its white sandy beaches, it’s incredibly rich underwater fauna and flora and its important cultural heritage. For a few years now, however, it has aroused curiosity on a completely different subject. Indeed, one of the longest life expectancies is in Okinawa. What is it about this particular region, which is not found in Japan or in the whole world? According to researchers, the secret of the longevity of the inhabitants of Okinawa comes from a plant and more particularly the essential oil that results from it, the essential oil of getto flower composed in particular of a natural antioxidant and whose effects on longevity are well known to scientists. But a healthy lifestyle remains essential, which seems to be the case for the latter, continuing until an advanced age, and the practice of physical exercises such as Yoga. In addition, many of them have real social support and do not remain isolated as unfortunately can be seen in large cities. Friends, neighbours, and people you can meet and talk to, avoiding the depression resulting from a lonely life.

Travel to Japan: Okinawa Archipelago

Okinawa being very frequently hit by typhoons, the architectural mix is therefore quite striking. Moreover, since Okinawa culture is a mixture of Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese culture, we very quickly move on to "concrete buildings [...] typical Okinawan dwellings, usually on a single floor" and buildings with a variety of influences. The North of the island is home to many World Heritage sites, including many castles and residences. The South is dedicated to agriculture and offers landscapes of all kinds of beauty. Among its many sites to visit, we can mention: - The Fukushu-en garden: an authentic Chinese garden of 8500m² and its four traditional Chinese doors. - Shuri Castle: classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a "unique architecture", a mixture of Chinese and Japanese style. - Okinawa world: a park on the theme of Okinawa culture; the latter includes a natural cellar to admire stalactites and stalagmites, a craft village but also a museum... with snakes!