Q: Do you have transport options from accommodation in Naha?
A: Yes, we can help arrange transport from Naha but as it lies outside our normal service area, it will be up to the client to pay for the transport to and from the meeting point
Q: What lifestyle practices do the people in Okinawa uphold that help them live longer?
A: In Okinawa, the term used to express life’s value is ‘Ikigai’, meaning ‘reason for being’. They live by the principle of ‘nuchigusui’, aligning eating for nourishment with pleasure. Slow-paced life, lack of hurry, and community bonhomie help in stress reduction. Elderly people remain active and are involved in community activities, contributing to their longevity. However, after living here, I feel the stable, warm climate and social aspects of the community and staying active play a bigger part than anything.
Q: What dietary factors contribute to the longevity of Okinawa’s residents?
A: The Okinawan diet is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber and potassium. It includes foods like tofu, rich in vitamins and high-quality protein. They frequently consume a type of seaweed known as Mozuku, which is rich in vitamin C and calcium. They eat small amounts, emphasizing quality over quantity. They also make use of black vinegar in their diet which is believed to have several health benefits including boosting immunity and preventing heart disease. However, what you see on TV and what you read in books differs greatly from the actual day-to-day life here. Please come and see for yourself and get a real sense of what it is to live in a Blue Zone.
Q: Is there a chance to interact with the locals during the tour?
A: Yes, the tour may include interacting with local residents including elderly people, and participating in their daily activities. However, please be aware that these people are not zoo animals there for your viewing pleasure. They are just living their lives as what they know is normal. The romanticizing of the concept of longevity is not their focus, so please be aware of this and respectful as you are a guest in their neighborhood.
Q: What is one of the key lessons that visitors can learn during this tour?
A: One key lesson visitors tend to take away from this tour is the appreciation of slow living. The pace of life in Okinawa is slower, a stark contrast to the haste and hurry commonly seen in many parts of the world. This is one of the key factors contributing to the longevity of its residents, even more so in the rural north, Ogimi village, and the Yanbaru National Park.
Q: Can I expect to see elderly people who are 100 years old or more during the tour?
A: Yes, Okinawa has a high ratio of centenarians – people who are 100 years old or older but the chances of meeting one during a tour are only down to luck on the day and availability. We don’t like to intrude on people’s lives, even more so our amazing centenarians. Due to the popularity of the Blue Zone, in literature and TV, the residents, especially of Ogimi village, have increasingly turned down occasions to meet people who are touring in their community. There are other tours that come in and aren’t respectful of this but we here at Active Okinawa have a sustainable approach to tourism in the region so we can keep coming into Ogimi and preserve this amazing experience not only now but also for future clients wanting to visit the area.
Q: What are some visual highlights of the Okinawa Blue Zone Tour?
A: You can expect to see stunning turquoise blue waters around Okinawa, beautiful jungle landscapes, and authentic Okinawan architecture. We make part of the tour at least a half day of taking in the beauty of the Yanbaru National Park either hiking or river-trekking. A local restaurant is definitely part of the experience, as well as local producers including Awamori distilleries, Bashofu textile makers, orchards, farms, and shops (availability varies throughout the week and can also be seasonal).
Q: Can this tour change my approach towards health and life?
A: Yes, many visitors who took this tour reported changes in their views about health, lifestyle, and well-being. The practices and attitudes of Okinawans towards life, food, and community can significantly influence the way one sees their own lifestyle and can inspire changes towards a healthier life.
Okinawa Blue Zone Tour: The Secret to Longevity and Long Life in Okinawa, Japan
ONE-DAY SIGHTSEEING TOURS FROM ¥22000
Discover the Secrets of Wellness & Longevity with the World’s Healthiest People
Embark on an extraordinary journey with our “Okinawa Blue Zone Tour,” where the secrets of longevity aren’t just studied but lived. Okinawa is one of the world’s five Blue Zones and invites you to explore the lifestyle of its centenarians, the healthiest people on the planet. This tour is more than a vacation; it’s a deep dive into the Blue Zone way of life.
Okinawa is One Destination for Japan Island Life and Blue Zone Living
Our tour is based in and around the heart of Okinawa Prefecture Japan, in the northern area of the main island, including the serene Ogimi village (made famous by the book Ikigai, and known for its high number of centenarians). Here, you’ll witness the Blue-Zone for yourself, see how Okinawans live, learn about the healthy diet directly from the source, and discover the unique blend of physical activity, social engagement, and stress-free living that defines Okinawa culture.
Try the World Renowned Healthy Diet and Local Delights
As part of the tour experience, you’ll enjoy Okinawa recipes and Okinawa’s healthy food culture that is not only delicious but also a cornerstone of the Okinawan diet. Our tour includes visits to local restaurants (depending on availability, the famous Emi no Mise, and others), where you’ll try mineral, nutrient, and vitamin rich food with renowned medicinal, and antioxidant properties and learn their secrets to a long, fulfilling life. You will have the opportunity to try not only pork, tofu, and seaweed but also a fresh vegetable selection ranging from the bitter gourd (goya), and mugwort (yomogi) to turmeric (ukon) and the famous purple sweet potato (satsumaimo).
Exploring the Sunshine & Natural Beauty of Okinawa
The tour isn’t just about cuisine and longevity; it’s also an adventure through the stunning landscapes of Okinawa. From hiking the lush forests of the Yanbaru National Park to river-trekking the pristine rivers to see a waterfall, you’ll see why this island destination is truly one of the world’s “blue zones”. The natural beauty of Okinawa seems to be a testament to the Blue Zone living, where the environment plays a crucial role in health and well-being.
Your True Guide to Long Life
Made famous by an expert on Blue Zone living, author, and explorer Dan Buettner, this tour is not only a small glimpse into traditional Okinawan life but also an educational experience. You’ll learn that while the Blue Zone Netflix series, the Blue Zone project, does a reasonable job of showing the various keys to longevity, you will see for yourself the real reasons the Okinawan people live longer and even live to be 100. It’s not just a tour; it’s a hands-on step towards reflecting on your lifestyle and making changes to increase your life expectancy.
Join Us on the Okinawa Blue Zone Tour
Ready to explore the Blue Zone Okinawa and learn the secrets of the world’s healthiest people? Book your spot on the Okinawa Blue Zone Tour today (which operates year-round) and take the first step towards a longer, healthier life. Remember, this isn’t just a holiday; it’s spending time on a journey to a less stressful, relaxed pace of life in the beautiful heart of longevity.
What to Bring
We Provide
Itinerary and Pricing
ITINERARY
Private Solo
¥35000
SOLO
Group of 2+
¥22000
PER PERSON