What is the Okinawa Blue Zone?
Okinawa is one of the five (5) Blue Zones identified by Dan Buettner (The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest) regions known for their high concentration of centenarians. The other four (4) original Blue Zones are:
- Ikaria, Greece
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California, USA
I first learned about Dan Buettner's Blue Zones in 2009 (in my 20s), when he created his first documentary for National Geographic titled The Secrets of Long Life. It examined the shared factors among these communities, such as their diets, social connections, daily physical activity, and their exceptional longevity, which ultimately shaped the concept of “Blue Zones”. — a shorter version of his hit Netflix four (4) part series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023).
The idea of living beyond 100 fascinated me for the longest time, and since then, I’ve dreamed of travelling to Okinawa, Japan. Finally, at the ripe age of 43, with Isabella's support, we conducted some research and discovered Active Okinawa: Blue Zone Tour by Bryan Parker.
And so perhaps, there is no surprise that the health and well-being part of this website. I wanted to share with you our experiences with this Okinawan tour.
Key Takeaways
This article reviews Active Okinawa's Blue Zone Tour and covers the following topics:
- The activities included in the tour
- The allure and charm of Okinawa's Blue Zone
- Common myths about the Okinawan way of eating, living, and life in the Blue Zone
- A closer look at what Okinawans truly eat and drink for longevity
- The role of ikigai in living a longer, more meaningful life.
Additionally, I’ll share local insights from the tour about how centenarians achieve life beyond 100 years and provide practical tips for incorporating their habits into our own lives, regardless of where we live, to enhance our life expectancy.
What to Expect on the Active Okinawa Blue Zone Tour?
How long does the tour last, what is the age group suitability, and what is the itinerary?
- Ages 0-99, maximum 6 people
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Start time: 8:45 am
- End time: 4:30 pm to 5 pm
- Languages: Japanese and English.
We began our day by meeting our tour guide, Bryan Parker, a New Zealand-born kiwi who has been living in Japan for over 20 years. Bryan greeted Isa and me with warmth, wit, and a great sense of humour, joking about how relieved he was to know we could understand his English. As Australians (Isa and I both born and bred in Australia), we share a friendly rivalry and sibling-like bond with Kiwis, which immediately made us feel at ease. Bryan’s lively personality and warm humour set a perfect tone for the day ahead.
What destinations are included in the tour?
The tour primarily focuses on Ogimi Village, situated in the Yanbaru region of Okinawa, Japan. This village is recognised as a "Blue Zone" for its remarkable number of centenarians and the longevity of its residents. Tour highlights include river walking, swimming in waterfalls, visiting the Bashofu Centre to explore the culture of ikigai, and discovering some unexpected destinations integral to Blue Zone life in Okinawa.
Tour exclusions
When Isa and I were researching tours in Okinawa, we felt that Active Okinawa was the perfect fit for us. While other tours offered overnight stays, sometimes lasting up to four days, we didn’t feel it was necessary to stay with Okinawan families to gain insights into their diet and lifestyle. This tour does not include visits with centenarians. As Bryan explained, “These people are not zoo animals,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Speaking with Bryan, I quickly realised he was very much an honorary Okinawan. There’s no doubt about it—from the way he showed unwavering respect to the locals to his impeccable Japanese, Bryan truly embodied the Okinawan way of life. At every stop, he would warmly interact with his local friends, even sharing jokes and laughs with older Okinawans in their 80s. His charm, ease, and cultural understanding greatly enhanced our experience.
What Activities Can Participants Engage In?
River Walk
Difficulty score 2 out of 10
The first half of the tour was all about getting active, starting with a river walk, which turned out to be my favourite part of the trip. Be sure to pack a second set of clothes, as you’ll end up completely drenched from head to toe during this adventure. Bryan led us down one of his secret trails, hidden behind a bushy and heavily pebbled path. The walk to the river took about five minutes, and it quickly became clear just how much of a people person Bryan is. His passion for the local culture and deep respect for Okinawan life shone through almost immediately.
That, in essence, is Bryan and his tour—if I were to describe Bryan’s Active Okinawa Blue Zone Tour in one sentence, it would be about the importance of community and making genuine connections with others.
As we waded through the river, the water gradually deepening with each step, we came across a delightful surprise: a small rock pool nestled in the middle of our walk. Bryan excitedly encouraged us to swim in it. Isa and I dove in, relishing the refreshing relief it offered. It was the perfect antidote to the steady 30-degree heat we’d been experiencing since our arrival two days ago.
Waterfall Swim and Spirituality
Difficulty score 2 out of 10
After a refreshing swim in the rock pool, we continued our trek for another 20 minutes before arriving at a breathtaking surprise: a magnificent waterfall roughly 15 to 20 meters high. Here, Bryan shared insights into the spirituality of the Okinawan people. He explained that, while Okinawans do not practice organised religion, their lives are deeply rooted in spirituality. The waterfall before us, he revealed, is a sacred site for the villagers of Ogimi. It’s where they come to express gratitude and connect with loved ones who have passed away.
I found the experience incredibly moving, feeling an undeniable connection to the place. It was so serene, and, as Isa described, truly special. I’ve visited and swum in many waterfalls across Asia, but this one in the Ogimi region stands out as one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. As I eased into the water, I was met with the same cool, revitalising relief I felt in the rock pool earlier.
While we swam, I gazed up at the top of the waterfall and took a moment for private prayers to my loved ones who have passed on. Then, as if nature itself was blessing the moment, we experienced gentle sun showers. Whether by chance or something greater, it felt like pure magic to me.
Bashofu Center, The Importance of Ikigai
Difficulty score 0 out of 10
As we reached the midpoint of the tour, we changed out of our wet clothes and continued to the Bashofu Center. This is where beautiful fabrics, including traditional kimonos, are crafted from the fibres of the Japanese banana plant, known as basho. The founder of the Bashofu Center, Toshiko Taira, was honoured with the title of National Treasure for her dedication to preserving this craft. Once a widely practised technique, Bashofu fabric-making began to decline after World War II. However, through her passion for this art form—which Bryan aptly described as her ikigai (her reason for being)—Toshiko worked tirelessly to keep this ancient tradition alive.
Bryan led us around the quiet fabric-making factory, where Isa asked if anyone was working on a Friday afternoon, as the place was completely silent. Bryan chuckled and opened a door, revealing a group of five women silently operating traditional looms. Each piece of fabric was meticulously beaten, dyed, and woven, a process that can take anywhere from six to twelve months just to produce the fabric. Creating something as intricate as a kimono would require even more time.
Bryan explained that by preserving this old tradition, Toshiko had found purpose. She lived to an extraordinary age of 103, and Bryan attributed her longevity to her ikigai.
Ikigai, in its truest sense, combines "iki" (meaning life) and "gai" (meaning value, worth, or result). It’s the pursuit of a life filled with meaningful purpose.
Reflecting on this part of the tour, I couldn’t help but think of how, from a young age, we in Western cultures are often asked what we want to be when we grow up. This question guides us in uncovering our own ikigai—finding that activity that gives us a strong sense of purpose.
Writing this now, I feel a sense of ikigai in sharing these insights. However, as you read on, you’ll see that the reality of living beyond 100 years old in Okinawa’s Blue Zone is not always what it seems. The romanticised image we hold of this serene and harmonious lifestyle may look different when examined more closely.
Read on to uncover the myth of living like centenarians in Okinawa and what the traditional Okinawan diet really looks like.
What Are the Secrets to Okinawans Longevity?
Does a plant-based diet contribute to a long life in Okinawa?
No, Okinawans are not vegetarians. This is a common misconception. In reality, pork is a significant part of the Okinawan diet, with dishes like fried pork being popular. Another myth perpetuated by Blue Zone media is that purple sweet potatoes are a staple food in Okinawa. Meanwhile, tofu makes regular appearances in traditional dishes such as goya champuru, where it’s stir-fried with bitter melon and eggs. Sweet potatoes being their staple food simply isn’t true. During our five-day stay in Okinawa, we rarely saw purple sweet potato dishes in Okinawan cuisine. Interestingly, sweet potatoes are actually imported into the main island of Okinawa and are not native to the region.
One of the most authentic experiences we had was visiting Tomiko, a vibrant 78-year-old who runs a community-style eatery. This brings us to our lunch part of our tour. Her space wasn’t a formal restaurant but felt more like a home, offering simple, traditional Okinawan meals. We had rice, Okinawan-style noodle soup, fried pork, and spam. Isa and Bryan opted for the bitter melon stir-fry, again served with rice and fried pork. These meals weren’t plant-based but balanced, made with local ingredients, and deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
What made this visit even more special was Tomiko herself, happily cooking and chatting with her friends. The atmosphere was warm and authentic, filled with laughter and connection. We were surprised to learn that Tomiko had suffered a mild stroke just two weeks earlier and had only recently returned to her kitchen. Bryan explained that what the Blue Zone documentaries often overlook is the incredible healthcare system in Okinawa. Tomiko’s hospital stay was entirely free, covered by government funding.
What if preventative care is the secret to longevity?
Preventive care is also a priority in Okinawa. Every resident receives a free annual health check-up, including comprehensive blood tests far beyond what many countries offer. Bryan even shared these test results with his sister, a doctor in New Zealand, and she was astonished by their thoroughness.
This experience highlighted that longevity may not hinge on a specific diet but on simplicity, eating locally, and valuing preventative care. While Western medicine is excellent at treating illness, taking a proactive and holistic approach to your health, including finding a doctor who supports preventative measures, might make all the difference.
How does social structure impact health and longevity?
Longevity in Okinawa isn’t about rigidly following a strict diet. Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the tour was visiting the region's only Awamori distillery, a female-led business that sells 90% of its alcohol locally. Bryan shared that he often meets with his “old boys club,” a group of men in their 80s and 90s, not to get drunk but to socialise, share stories, and strengthen their bonds. For Bryan, these gatherings exemplify the joy found in connecting with his community, embodying the traditional Okinawan moai that sustains lifelong bonds and social well-being.
Reflecting on life back home in Australia, it’s clear that family, friends, and community bring similar fulfilment to our lives. Yet, the busyness of daily routines often causes us to delay meaningful catch-ups with those we care about most. This served as a timely reminder to cherish and prioritise our relationships, bringing that sense of connection into our everyday lives. Strong social connections might just be the most accessible longevity secret we can incorporate into our lives.
What role does physical activity play in the Okinawan lifestyle?
Physical activity is one of the key factors for qualifying as a Blue Zone, and daily movement plays a significant role in longevity. Bryan highlighted that while Western cultures often emphasise diet, staying physically active is just as crucial for a long, healthy life. This idea aligns with Chris Hemsworth's Disney documentary series, Limitless, which underscores the importance of keeping the brain sharp through hand-eye coordination activities. Similarly, during this tour, we focused on improving this skill.
The river walk, while not overly strenuous, was challenging for me. Having played a lot of basketball as a teenager, I’ve dealt with my share of rolled ankles, so my footing was put to the test. Bryan, who humorously mentioned his “glass ankles,” encouraged us to take it slow, be mindful of each step, and follow his lead. I always felt safe with him guiding us, and I would classify the walk as very manageable. The focus wasn’t on exertion but on practising hand-eye coordination while fully immersing ourselves in the beautiful surroundings.
What stood out most was the opportunity to connect—not only with the environment but with each other. As we made our way through the walk, we shared stories and learned more about one another, adding a personal and meaningful layer to the experience.
Okinawan Longevity: Myth or Reality?
What myths exist about Okinawan longevity?
I believe one of the biggest myths about the Okinawa prefecture is the portrayal of its diet as extremely healthy and primarily plant-based, as shown in the Blue Zone documentary. At Emi no Mise, one of the featured restaurants in the documentary, offered a romanticised version of Okinawan cuisine. However, I can help but notice that when I sat and ate at Tomiko's homestyle eatery, my plate mostly had pork.
Another misconception is the lack of any mention of alcohol in Blue Zone media. Being a rural and isolated region of Japan, daily alcohol consumption is quite common among the locals. In my opinion, there is often a negative image of alcohol consumption in Western culture. However, in Okinawa, it is just a way of life.
What Did I Learn from the Tour?
What Okinawa blue zone insights did I gain about health and wellness?
What I’ve learned from this tour is that healthy aging in Okinawa, or even living well into your 100s, isn’t about strict rules or restraint. It’s about simply being. There are no rigid guidelines dictating what you should or shouldn’t do in Okinawa; there’s a sense of freedom in this way of life. Most Okinawans work until the end of their lives—not because they have to, but because it gives them purpose. The Blue Zone lifestyle is about doing what you love, with intention and meaning.
As an example, during the tour, Bryan mentioned that he couldn’t guarantee a specific lunch spot because Okinawans might decide to close their restaurant for the day if they have a dance class or another engagement. There’s no stress or obligation to stay open if they don’t feel like it. When they do work, they do it with ikigai—their reason for being. This effortless approach to life is what makes the Okinawan lifestyle so unique.
Is the Okinawa Blue Zone Tour Worth It?
I highly recommend reaching out to Bryan from the Active Okinawa Blue Zone Tour. The experience of connecting with Tomiko and enjoying her home-cooked meal, bonding with Bryan, swimming, and reconnecting with my spiritual side under an Ogimi waterfall was deeply soul-nourishing. You’ll walk away with a full heart and a happy stomach.
Who is this tour for?
For those seeking to experience the authentic Okinawan Blue Zone lifestyle, this is for you. It’s for those curious to move beyond the myths and uncover why this region boasts such a high number of centenarians. It’s for open-minded individuals ready to embrace the moment and go with the flow and discard their beliefs as designed by Blue Zone media.
Who is this tour not for?
This tour isn’t for those who expect to simply shake a centenarian’s hand without truly engaging with the people or the environment. Nor is it for those who hold rigid beliefs about what the Okinawan Blue Zone lifestyle should be.
Finally, What Practical Tips Can I Apply to My Own Life?
A few things I feel I can take home and incorporate into my own Blue Zone-inspired longevity approach centre around living a happy, balanced life. The Okinawan way is about doing what brings you joy. While achieving a completely stress-free life might be unrealistic, this experience has motivated me to include more daily physical activity, spend time outdoors, and engage more with my environment and community.
I want to make it a priority to connect with friends and family, meditate more often, and seek out places near the ocean or water for a sense of calm. Eating a balanced diet is key, and there’s no harm in enjoying some fried pork every now and then. The secret to Okinawan longevity is simply about living fully and authentically — and hopefully, I can do that well into my 100s! :)