Food – Where to Buy

If you’re looking for speciality food or treats that you can’t find in the commissary, then we’ve got a round up of where to go.

Roast Chicken

If you’re looking for fresh whole or half roast chicken there’s a great little shop close to Camp Foster which just does rotisserie chicken, that’s it! If you exit Camp Foster’s Legion gate then take a right at the crossroads it’s located on the left before the next major intersection. Map at : http://tiny.cc/rotisserie

Bagels

You’re welcome to prove us wrong but the best bagels we’ve found in Okinawa so far, are at Cactus Eatrip on Highway 58. Available to eat in or take out and baked fresh daily with natural yeast, they’re worth the trip.
They’re located close to Camp Foster. Visit or click here for a map:  www.okinawabagel.com

Apple Pie

For fresh whole apple pies, the best choice we’ve found so far are the Jimmy’s chain of supermarkets. The biggest branch in the area is on Highway 58 on the left heading towards Naha after Futenma. Apart from the freshly baked pies, they’ve also got a great variety of imported foods and other baked goods, chicken and salads.

Coffee

Lookout for a full review of this great coffee shop coming soon, but if you’re looking for a selection of over 25 fresh coffee beans then check out Churamame located in Aja, Naha. There’s a map here : http://tiny.cc/churamame

Import Grocery

We mentioned Jimmy’s above which stocks a good range of imported foods you might not find in the commissary. Another good choice is Kiraku Oshiro which is close to the coffee beans shop. They’ve got a large variety of dried goods from all over the world including America and Canada. Great for sweet tooths as they’ve got an entire wall of candy delights! http://tiny.cc/kiraku

EAT – Okinawan Delights

Here’s our round up of some of the best that Okinawa has to offer:

Soba

Okinawa soba is something you just have to try if you visit or live here. What makes Okinawa soba different to mainland dishes is that the noodles in Okinawa are made from wheat flour. In mainland Japan, they are normally made from buckwheat, as well as being normally thicker than other noodles as well.

There’s a variety of soba toppings but by far the most common in Okinawa are thick slices of pork, normally quite fatty. That’s topped off with diffferent vegetables, with sliced spring onions and red ginger also very common. Quite often you’ll also find an egg in your bowl.

As we’ve mentioned before in our etiquette guides, slurping is ok! Apart from slurping being easier, it also helps to cool the food and gives you the maximum flavour. Once you’ve eaten all the meat, vegetables and noodles, it’s perfectly acceptable to pick the bowl up and drink the broth that’s left.

Goya Chanpuru

For a long time this dish was found only in Okinawa, but it’s also now reached mainland Japan. Chanpuru in Okinawan means “something mixed” and apart from relating to the dish we’re talking about here, can also refer to the Okinawan culture.

Goya chanpuru normally consists of goya, which if you haven’t heard of it before, is a type of bitter melon as well as egg, tofu and normally pork meat. Due to the high level of consumption of goya in Okinawa it’s thought to be partly responsible for Okinawan longevity. It’s also thought to have a variety of other medicinal benefits including protection against diabetes as well as antiviral and anticancer properties.

If you feel like being adventurous and want to cook goya chanpuru yourself there’s a great video on YouTube that we’ve added to the Totalokinawa TV page that shows you how to make it.(www.totalokinawa.com/tv.php)

Taco rice

Taco rice is one of those dishes that sounds slightly crazy, hot rice with lettuce, until you try it. There are almost as many stories of how it came into being as places selling it. One story describes how a local chef invented the dish by combining tacos, popular amongst the military in Okinawa, with rice back in the ‘60s. Another story is that it was created specifically to attract Americans, by mixing rice popular in Okinawa with ground beef. Whatever the truth, taco rice is definitely a popular Okinawan dish.

Taco rice traditionally combines rice with lettuce, tomatoes, ground beef and cheese. If rice isn’t your thing, then you can often find a taco rice pizza minus the rice. If you’ve never had a pizza with lettuce, then you have to try it at least once as they taste a lot better than they sound!

Drinks – Orion Beer

If you like beer then Japan has some great choices. Okinawa’s local brew is Orion. They’ve been making beer since 1959 switching from at first a German style beer to the American style you can buy today. The best choice is a can or bottle of Orion’s draft beer.

Awamori

Awamori is a rice liquor like sake, but that’s where the similarity stops. Sake is produced by brewing, whereas awamori is produced by distallation, the process originating from Thailand. Most is 60-86 proof and is served with water and ice, though you can get up to 120 proof!

Sweets – Sweet Potato – Imo

Sweet potatoes are common in many cuisines but the Okinawan sweet potato is particularly distinctive because of it’s purple color.

Ice Cream

Okinawa has some brands you will be used to from back home, but for a local choice try Blue Seal. There’s a large shop opposite Camp Foster in Chatan, that apart from the ice cream also has some great food options.
What makes this a must visit, are the Okinawan flavours of ice cream. When we visited they had Okinawan salt cookie as well as shiquasa and of course Okinawan sweet potato!

Valentine’s in Okinawa – Love On The Rock

Valentine’s day and White day are coming up in February & March.

What’s White Day?
If you’re new to Okinawa or Japan then you will of course heard of Valentine’s day, but what, you may be asking yourself, is White Day?

Traditionally in Japan, Valentine’s day is for women to give gifts to men and White day is when men give gifts to women.

Like most countries though, Valentine’s day has become increasingly commercialised in Japan, and now it’s common for women to be expected to give chocolate to male friends, work colleagues and even female friends in recent years. Like other gift giving times in Japan, chocolate given to friends or work colleagues is usually something of low value, that can easily be reciprocated one month later on White Day by men.

What To Buy
As we mentioned, Valentine’s day is for men in Japan. Chocolate is by far the most common gift. If you’re looking for something special most of the local department stores sell exclusive chocolate sets made by famous chocolatiers or hotels in mainland Japan. If you are feeling truly adventurous then you can grab some cake or chocolate making equipment in most supermarkets and bake the man in your life something special!

When White day come’s around, it’s time for men to reciprocate. If the lady in your life is bored of chocolate then why not visit one of the silver shops in Depot Island, Chatan for some jewelry hand made in Okinawa. Depot Island also has a hand made leather accessories shop and to complete your gift a great wine shop located close to the main entrance.

For the traditional flowers, as it’s not common in Japan to give roses or bouquets for a gift, then we recommend flowerdrop.net that delivers both on and off base and is used to American tastes in flowers.

Where To Go
If you want to take your other half out somewhere special then why not try out these ideas:

On a budget:
Nothing’s more romantic than watching the sun set. If the weather’s good, head out to Cape Zanpa and watch the sun set then enjoy a drink at the Royal Hotel just across the road from the beach. There’s also the Alivila hotel close by with several restaurants & bars and views of the East China Sea.

Splashing out:
Okinawa has no shortage of high end dining experiences for an amazing night out. Why not try Yoshida Asian Fusion, from our December magazine, or alternately the Naha Terrace hotel provides a luxurious dining experience at their restaurant “Fanuan”. For a truly luxurious break you can even stay over! Whatever you do enjoy Valentine’s & White Day!

Christmas in Okinawa

Home Away From Home
Spending the holiday season in Okinawa? We’ve got some ideas to make it feel more like Christmas.

Lights, Camera, Action!
Back home you may have spent days if not weeks decorating your house with lights or admiring your neighbour’s handywork. Here in Okinawa you won’t find too many decorated houses, but there’s some great lightshows to entertain the family.
One of the most popular, organised events is the “Christmas Fantasy Show” at Okinawa Zoo Park. This year it’s taking place from Friday 23 December to Wednesday 28 December and includes a laser show, lights everywhere, fireworks and snow. Ticket prices range from 1000-2000 yen. Visit www.xmas-fantasy.com for more information.
If you live further North the Kanucha Resort has a massive display of over 1,000,000 lights from the beginning of November through to February. It’s a great location for a romantic stroll and maybe dinner in one of the restaurants. Call for details as they close to the public over the main christmas holiday.
If you want to combine some shopping with illuminations then check out the Ashibina Outlet Mall near Naha. You can view the lights and get a great deal on your christmas presents at the same time.

Yum…
No christmas celebration would be complete without some festive food. As we discussed last year KFC is often the party food of choice for both Okinawans and Japanese at christmas. If you don’t fancy KFC or have had enough turkey after thanksgiving then the great thing about living in Japan is that because it’s not a national holiday you can dine out on whatever choice of food you prefer. If you love sushi, most of the major supermarkets prepare party platters at this time of year which make a great alternative to the traditional turkey!

End of Year Traditions
The end of the year and the new year that follows are a season for more celebration in Japan than the Western import of Christmas. Traditionally New Year in Japan is the time for family to get together.
If you work for a Japanese company or are out over the festive period, you may be involved in or see “bonenkai” which means “forget the old year parties”. It’s not uncommon during the party season to regularly see groups of totally intoxicated workers out for the night, and in true customary fashion any indiscretions are forgotten at work the next day!

Final Ideas
Why not do something you couldn’t do back home over Christmas? Go diving, walk on the beach or how about reflect on the year at the Peace Memorial Park. Whatever you do have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Vacation In Okinawa

Make the most of Okinawa. Have your very own ‘staycation’ right here in Okinawa.
Too busy or too expensive to get away? Save the money on a flight and enjoy a vacation right here in Okinawa. Okinawa’s got world class resorts, great cars to rent and plenty of restaurants and places to visit. Turn off the phone and disappear to your very own resort paradise right here in Okinawa. We’ve got some great ideas & places on how to staycation in Okinawa!

1. Book A Great Rental Car
Tired of the same old car or want to get the roof down? Why not book a luxury car for a few days? What about a Hummer, Porsche or BMW Z4, you can rent all these great cars right here in Okinawa. There’s plenty of selection and shops close to the airport. “Direx” http://direx-rent.com/okinawa provide amazing rental cars as well as a limousine service.

2. Resort Luxury
Okinawa has too many luxury resorts to mention but there’s something for every budget. Rather than flying off to a resort, save the airfare and in a short drive you’ll be relaxing by the pool.
In the South of the island there’s the Southern Beach Hotel Resort close to Itoman. A new resort hotel with everything  you could want including five interlinked pools. Perfect for sipping cocktails under an umbrella. http://tiny.cc/okisouthern

In the center of the island check out Seaside Hotel The Beach. Perfect for escaping right in the center of Chatan, close to the seawall. The new building has luxurious rooms and there’s a hot tub on the roof with amazing views at affordable prices. http://tiny.cc/seasidebeach

Finally, our top luxury pick is the Busena Terrace near Nago. If you really want to spoil yourself then you’re sure to find it here. Includes amazing rooms, private beach, underwater observatory and several great restaurants. http://tiny.cc/busena

3. Beach & Sightseeing
After you’ve tired of sitting on your private beach at your hotel get away from the more developed center of the island and check out more isolated natural areas of Okinawa. Hamahiga Island is great for some peace and quiet and is also close to Ikei and Miyagi islands. http://tiny.cc/hamahiga
Alternatively why not visit the Motobu area of Okinawa. You can be a tourist at the Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park then either drive over the bridge to Sesoko Island or take the 15 minute ferry to Minna-jima island.

4. Eat
No vacation is complete without enjoying food you wouldn’t normally eat at home.
A great way to treat yourself is to check out the lunchtime buffets at most of the resort hotels. Hotels such as the Busena, Marriott and Alivila amongst others offer a taste of luxury at affordable prices at lunch and you don’t need to be a guest!

Where Is Okinawa?

Okinawa prefecture is located in the far South West of Japan and consists of hundreds of islands that extend in a chain over 1000 kilometers long. The islands are broadly split into four groups that extend from mainland Japan towards Taiwan in order; Okinawa islands, Miyako islands, Yaeyama islands and the disputed Senkaku islands.

iPhone repair in Japan/Okinawa

We’ve just come across a really useful site to bookmark if you own an iphone and it has an accident one day..This site here offers iPhone repairs across Japan including for the iPhone 4 and they say they can do it at half the price of Softbank. They also boast of an 8 hour turnaround. Bear in mind it’s in Tokyo and normal express shipping to Tokyo takes 2 days, but it’s worth a look if Softbank repairs are looking expensive!

Chubby’s BBQ Reviews

Click HERE for more American & BBQ Restaurant options in Okinawa

Friendly, family service and their own home made BBQ sauce make this a great choice for BBQ in Okinawa.
There’s only one thing – don’t go if you’re not hungry, the portions are huge! One of their set menus will leave you well and truly fit to burst! They regularly have special menus – we tried the season special which started with soup & salad, then a generous portion of bbq ribs and chicken arrived and that was accompanied by rice or bread as well as french fries. To top it off there was even dessert!
Compared to an all you can eat restaurant which are popular in Okinawa it was good value. ¥1780 for more than enough to feel full. They also have a-la-carte options such as a BBQ chicken sandwich if you’re not feeling quite so hungry.
At lunch time there’s bento boxes. It’s a great choice if you’re thinking of hitting the drive thru at lunch time. Go straight out the other side and get a fresh bento instead. If you’ve got an event coming up or just feel like BBQ without actually having to … umm BBQ, then they do take out as well and can cater for large parties or groups. We definitely recommend Chubby’s not only for their good value sets but also the friendly family service you just don’t get in a restaurant chain.
Closed – Mondays
Open – From 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 9pm
Tel – 098-926-3007 Dollars OK English & Japanese OK
Special Party Menu Available
www.bbqokinawa.com

NOTE: Chubby’s BBQ has now closed!

White Day Versus Valentine’s Day – Confused?

Read on for our lowdown on what to do and when and what makes Japanese Valentine’s day

different to home.

If you’re from a Western country then highly likely you’re used to lavishing gifts, cards and flowers on the lady in your life come Valentine’s day. Well now you’re in Okinawa you’re in for a surprise. Ladies – it’s time to pamper your man on Valentine’s day, you have to wait another month until March!
Valentine’s day in Japan is a time for ladies to present a gift to the men in their lives, normally chocolate. Ladies in the past have given good quality chocolate called “honmei choco”. However, it’s becoming more fashionable for ladies to give handmade chocolate as a sign that the man in their lives is the “only one”. Hence why you will see lots of chocolate and cake making ingredients in the stores. It’s also common for ladies to give inexpensive gifts of chocolate to work colleagues and male friends. These gifts of appreciation are called “giri-choco”. As Valentine’s day has become bigger and bigger business for the chocolate companies, “tomo choco” has also appeared in recent years, which is chocolate for their female friends.

White day comes around on March 14th and is a chance for men to return the favour. This is a relatively modern invention having started in 1978 by a confectionary company on the grounds that men should have the chance to reciprocate the gifts bought for them on Valentine’s day!
It’s now common for men to buy gifts of chocolate, jewellery, white chocolate or white lingerie for the special woman in their life. They’re also expected to give “giri choco” to female friends or co-workers who may have bought them chocolate on Valentine’s day.
However, the ladies have the last laugh, and their patience of waiting an extra month is rewarded as it’s expected for men to give gifts of two to three times the value of their received Valentine’s gift. The Japanese use the expression “sanbai gaeshi” or “thrice returned”
If you’re looking for a chocolate gift or to make your own then most major supermarkets have large displays of everything you need. If you prefer to go the Western way and send your loved one flowers, then check out www.flowerdrop.net for flower delivery in Okinawa with ordering and service in English.

Christmas in Okinawa 2010

Jingle bells on the rock! We check out what to eat, see and do in Okinawa this holiday season.

Food

As you might guess for a non-Christian country, Japan isn’t as crazy about Christmas as others but if there’s one thing that says Japanese Xmas food, it’s cake. Other countries have stollen or rich fruit cake, Japan traditionally has a cream sponge with fruit, normally strawberries. It’s normally eaten on Christmas Eve after maybe going out for dinner. You’ll see them especially in convenience stores and pre-ordering for this popular Christmas treat is often necessary.

Need another excuse to eat fried chicken, then Christmas is it! If you fancy some KFC instead of turkey at Christmas then you’d better reserve in advance and yes we’re serious. KFC is synonymous with Christmas dinner in Japan with queues around the block. It’s said to stem from the 1970s when expats in Tokyo mentioned while in a store that fried chicken was the next best thing to turkey which couldn’t be found in Japan. KFC saw an opportunity and marketing took over.

Celebrate

Some countries treat the 25th December as being the day for big celebration and others celebrate on the evening of the 24th. Japanese often see the evening of 24th December as a romantic celebration with dinner out, proposals and of course cake. Many children do get excited at the thought of “St Claus” arriving at their bedside overnight. Once the celebrations are over, it’s a traditional time of year to clean home and business and various items are displayed to hope for good fortune in the New Year, such as bamboo rakes and decorative palm trees at entrances.

Go Out

Don’t want to sit at home – then head on out for Christmas food or fun. Okinawa may not have the wide variety of Christmas events as back home but there are places to go and things to see.
If you are looking to celebrate on Christmas Eve why not check out the Brazilian Christmas party at Bovino’s. They’re doing an all you can eat dinner with a special Brazilian Christmas menu. It also includes all you can drink soft drinks, beer and wine as well as a glass of sparkling wine and children free under 12 years all for just ¥5000!
For a taste of a snowy winter in Okinawa, the closest you are likely to get is the Christmas fantasy at Okinawa Zoo Park.
Taking place from December 23rd to 28th, they’ve got three laser shows every day, a snow show with a Japanese style igloo or “Kamakura” as well as fireworks and much more! Tickets are available in advance with a ¥300 discount off the ¥2000 door price for adults or there’s a ¥200 discount off the door price of ¥1200 for children’s tickets purchased in advance. More information at www.xmas-fantasy.com
New Year is a much more significant time for most Japanese. Even the busiest salary man takes time off to visit Shinto shrines or Buddist temples within the first couple of days of New Year. There is a large temple and shrine just outside Foster’s Legion Gate at the intersection of Highways 330 and 81. The whole area comes alive at the New Year, with various stalls outside selling food lining Highway 330 and many hundreds if not thousands of people visiting the temple there. The road gets very busy so if you want to visit it’s advisable to walk. Enjoy your Okinawan Christmas!