Crank up the Quirk! Holiday gifts with a Japanese twist
Holiday season is upon us, and we know that thoughts drift to our loved ones back home. Let's break with tradition this year, and send home some of the more interesting gifts that can only be found in Japan, We've rounded up a list of our favorite quirky Japanese...
Murasaki Mura
Murasaki Mura is the reconstruction of a traditional Ryukyu village. Originally built in 1992 for “Ryukyu No Kaze” (Wind Of The Ryukyu’s), a popular drama series, it is now a hot spot for tourists. Entrance is only 500 yen per adult, and allows you full...
Asahi Shokudo
A great place to come and get home made Okinawan food- for cheap. Asahi is located in Aichi, Ginowan. The Shokudo has a clean and comfy feel, like someone remodeled their living room into a restaurant. It must have only opened recently because the...
Aeon Mall Gourmet World: Dessert King
Aeon Mall Gourmet World: Dessert King You can find Dessert King on the 4th floor of Aeon Rycom’s Gourmet World. Take a right near Baskin Robbins, it’s the first place along the right hand side. Sweet tooth? I have just the place for you: Dessert King. They...
Aeon Gourmet World: Camp Express (Closed)
This business has now closed. The review is kept here for archival Aeon Gourmet World: Camp Express Camp Express can be found on the fourth floor of Aeon Rycom’s Gourmet world, at the far end from the escalators, just past Baskin Robbins. To sum up: It’s a...
Corallo: Best buffet on island?
Corallo: Best buffet on island? by Louise Dupuy Onna is home to Moon Beach Resort, a luxury beachside getaway offering a plethora of activities, white sandy beaches and access to crystal clear waters. It’s also home to buffet restaurant Corallo. You’ll find Corallo on...
Nakagusuku Castle
Enjoy a World Heritage Site right here in Okinawa! by Louise Dupuy Nakagusuku is a 15th Century castle located in Kitanakagusuku. Sadly a remnant of its former self, the castle served as a stronghold by commander Gosamaru, in defence against attacks from...
Hong Kong Airlines
Learn about this affordable travel option from Naha by Emily Dickson As the only airline with two direct flights a day between Okinawa and Hong Kong, HKA is the best way to get to the ‘Fragrant Harbour’. Tickets are very affordable, and most of their newer...
Mokusou: Being the universe
If you have trained with a Sensei in/from Okinawa or Japan, odds are you have come across the word, or rather the concept of 'Mokusou'. It is, however, very rarely practiced outside of Japan. I have trained a little in martial arts outside of Japan and I had not come...
Round 1
Round 1: Embrace your inner geek by Louise Dupuy Round 1 is a multilevel entertainment venue located right opposite Okinawa Convention Centre. It has a multi-storey parking lot and is neighbours with a CoCo’s curry house (this being a huge plus, as CoCo’s...
Top 5 things to do… in Koza
Koza, found in the heart of Okinawa City, is Okinawa’s second most populated municipality. It’s a hive of activity, with shops, restaurants and a vibrant night life. A stone's throw from Kadena Gate 2 makes it a popular and easy to access site for entertainment. Here...
Pizza In
Located opposite Kadena gate 1, Pizza In is a take out and restaurant joint. Pizza lovers? Step right over, let me tell you about this neat little place. First off, it’s multifaceted. Don’t want to sit in? Order and take out. They have a menu as well as a...
Hotel Moon Beach
Moon Beach Resort: sun, sea and tranquility. Moon Beach in Onna is a private hotel and resort. It has it’s own, sectioned off beach, and offers a wide variety of services. I actually visited for the day, but of course you can stay in the hotel itself. Here’s how it...
Compare the best price for flights and more at Skyscanner
Who doesn’t love a getaway? Although we are all lucky enough to call beautiful Okinawa home, it’s still nice to go new places and see new faces. One of the biggest obstacles to this is quite often air fares. Expensive aren’t they? Let Skyscanner help you out. Here’s...
Navy Underground Headquarters
Explore history and cross this tour off your Okinawa bucket list! The dark, narrow tunnels that once served as the headquarters for almost 4,000 soldiers are a grim reminder of the dark times Okinawa went through during WWII. After the war the tunnels lay...
Fall Festivities in Okinawa
You may call it "autumn," "fall," or "aki," but one thing's for sure: the seasons are changing in Okinawa. Sweltering summer days give way to milder temperatures, perfect for ushering in several holidays and festivals in October and November. While some of the...
Dive Update – New dive shop, new pro course, and exotic dive trips!
As we move into the fall dive season on Okinawa, there are exciting things happening for our folks up north. Reef Encounters will be opening a second location–back where it all started–at its new Kin location October 1. Reef Encounters originally opened in Kin in...
Syokudo & Teishoku Restaurant
This small restaurant features a very small menu of Japanese and Okinawan dishes, mostly soba. I really liked the food but my wife was less impressed. We agree that it’s above average, but nothing to write home about. I was warned by the friend who...
Naminoue Shrine
Visit this “Gateway to Heaven” in Naha Naminoue Shrine is a Shinto place of worship located in Naha. It sits serenely atop a rocky outcrop, casting an imposing shadow over Naminoue beach below. The area is a sacred place of worship, dedicated to Nirai...
Naha: Not-so-touristy spots
Unless you’re brand new to island (and if you are, welcome!), you’ve heard of Kokusai Street. It’s a popular tourist destination, and has all the trappings of such: large crowds, souvenir shops and expensive restaurants. But what if I told you there’s more to it than...
