Nanzan Golf Course
Nanzan Country Club, located in Nanjo city in southern Okinawa, is a nice short course with carts, ocean views and a relatively flat topography that makes it quite hard to lose your ball. Which, if you’re like me, is a good thing. Though Nanzan lacks the...
Michi no Eki – Japan’s Roadside Stations
With eight in Okinawa, and hundreds spread across Japan, the Michi no Eki (道の駅), or Roadside Stations, are a must-do during any road trip, as well as being a great place to stock up on local produce in your own area. And ‘local’ is the important word here. From Itoman...
Nakabaru Village Ruins
Believed to be some 2000 years old, the Nakabaru Village Ruins are an interesting archaeological site on beautiful Ikei Jima, the island that makes the most eastern tip of Uruma. Designated a national historic site in 1986, Nakabaru Village is a small...
Hale Noa Cafe
It’s 8:30 in the morning, and almost every table at Hale Noa Cafe, both inside and out, is already occupied, which I take as an incredibly good sign. This cute little place close to Araha Beach in Chatan advertises itself as a place for Hawaiian style...
5 Must See Okinawa Islands
Okinawa isn’t just one awesome island, it’s an archipelago, with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Here are our top five picks of Okinawa’s outlying islands, and their highlights. Kouri - Read our Kouri review here Heart Rocks beach: Perfect place for a...
Papa’s Kitchen Dining Cafe
Ever heard of the saying that good things come in small packages? This Italian restaurant probably took that saying too literally when they were designing their venue. Before I get in to their food, let me first describe the restaurant itself. The...
Zamami
Explore a different side of Okinawa on Zamami! Be sure to take plenty of yen, as very few businesses on the island take card. Zamami requires a ferry ride to visit. You have two options: the slower Zamami ferry accommodates cars, motorcycles, and bikes,...
Sesoko
Sesoko is pretty easy to find; follow Highway 58 to Nago, and take the turn to Motobu, along Highway 449. Follow this down to Highway 172, and over the Sesoko bridge (it’s easy to spot, don’t worry!). Marvel at the juxtaposition of port industry and rich...
Senaga Island
Senaga is easily reached by road, only a short drive from the Naha. Head south on 58 towards Itoman, and follow signs from there to Senaga. When you get on the island, take a left just past the marina, and follow the road round for plenty of parking....
Kourijima
We love everything to do with beautiful Kouri, particularly the location! Kouri is a wonderfully scenic 45-minute drive from Nago, past Ojima and Yagaji islands and over its impressive bridge. Ojima is tiny, but Yagaji is much larger. Enjoy the pretty...
Hamahiga Island & Santorini Cafe
Good things do come in small packages. Hamahiga isn’t big, but makes up for it in character. Accessible via Henza, it’s a 40-minute drive from Chatan, in Uruma district. It’s easy to find if you follow Highway 85 towards Hiyagon and watch for signs. Past...
Ishigaki Part 3 – Discovering the True Paradise: Ishigaki Beach
The beaches in Okinawa are known globally as one of the most magnificent in the world. If you find someone that states otherwise, call them an ill-informed filthy sack of old potatoes and tell them to go check it out for themselves! In Ishigaki, there are plenty of...
Ishigaki Part 2 – The Attack of the Squirrel Monkeys
Ishigaki is legendary for its wonderful beaches and water activities but let’s not forget the other side of the island which has a cultural and rich historical background. During our trip, one of our stops was to the Uganzaki lighthouse which as most lighthouses are,...
Ishigaki Part 1– The Legend of the Ishigaki Wagyu Beef
NOTE - Steakhouse Jan Jan has been reported as being closed. Please check before you go. In the land of the steaks, the man with the Ishigaki Wagyu beef is king. I’m sure we’ve all seen it before. Somewhere on the last bottom part of the menu where we don’t allow...
Lierre Blanc (Closed)
This business has now closed. The review is kept here for archival Perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion. Nestled in the hills of Chatan, overlooking the sparkling turquoise-blue Okinawan water, is the delightful restaurant Lierre Blanc. Finding...
Hiji Falls
Usually getting to a waterfall requires some serious trekking up a river or scrambling over rocks. But thankfully, nestled in the lush green forests of Kunigami lies a beautiful waterfall that is safe and accessible, even for families with small children....
Oki Corp
With 19 years experience as a Century 21 Broker in Las Vegas you can be sure that Lieko from Oki Corp knows what the customer is looking for. Coming from the US market, Leiko Arakaki understands your needs, desires and expectations. She will help you navigate and...
Manzamo
Okinawa’s iconic ‘elephant nose’ rock formation, known as Manzamo, is part of the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and a popular spot for picture taking, particularly at sunset. Located in Onna Village on the west coast of the island, Manzamo is located atop a...
Kunnatou Mozuku Soba
Kunnatou, located just before the bridge that connects you to the tiny, picturesque island of Oujima, is a soba shop that specialises in a quintessential Okinawa ingredient – mozuku. This type of seaweed is farmed in Okinawa’s pristine waters, and Kunnatou...
East Gate Junk Yard
Need to junk your car? East Gate Junk will buy your junk car for cash and even pick it up for you! Check out the website (link on the left) for a request form and further info. From East Gate: The amount we pay for your car is based on the daily rate for...
