Shimajiri District, Administrative district in southern Okinawa, Japan
Shimajiri is an administrative district at the southern end of Okinawa Island, bringing together multiple towns and villages across the region. It includes coastal areas and neighboring islands that together form a varied landscape with different environments.
The area was once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom before coming under Japanese rule, with its administrative structure changing over time. These shifts reflect Okinawa's broader history of moving between independence and external control.
The district preserves heritage from the Ryukyu Kingdom through its older neighborhoods, traditional crafts, and local dishes built on seafood and island ingredients. You can see these traditions in the way people celebrate local festivals throughout the year.
You can reach different parts of the district through various entry points, with airports and ferry services connecting the main island to outlying areas. Naha, the prefecture's main city, serves as the best base for exploring the different towns and islands in the region.
The district includes several smaller islands accessible by ferry, each with their own landscape and way of life. These islands play a key role in the region's character and draw visitors looking to explore beyond the main city.
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