When planning a cycling holiday in Japan, Okinawa is not the first location that might come to mind.
In fact, to many, Japan as a whole might not seem an obvious destination for a pedal-powered adventure. Although the country is gradually becoming something of a cycling haven as various local prefectural offices begin to invest in appropriate infrastructure, the truth remains that over 70 percent of its terrain is considered mountainous. But where there is challenge, there is reward and to me, the bicycle is the ultimate tool for exploration.
The main island of Okinawa is home to the aptly named (and completely original) Tour de Okinawa, which started out as an amateur event but has evolved to become a professional one-day race, competed for by around 600 contestants from across the globe each year.