Shalimar Olive Oil
Olive Oil. Perhaps this humble ingredient isn’t something you give much consideration to on your routine shopping trip, however, a trip to Shalimar might just turn you into an oil aficionado. Tucked away on the second floor of “House of 66 Cents” in...
Bikkuri Donkey
Surprise, Donkey! No, this is not a line from a popular green ogre movie but actually, a name of a hamburger specialty restaurant in downtown Chatan near the commissary gate entrance to Camp Foster. This restaurant “Bikkuri-Donkey” is a western style steak...
Futenma Caves and Jingu-ji Temple
The Futenma area of Okinawa has two little gems nestled within its folds; Futenma shrine caves and Jingu-ji temple. One is an old Shinto shrine with fascinating legends attached to it, the other is a serene Buddhist temple. Join me on a journey through...
Key’s Cafe
Updated Review! Check out our video review above! Interior of Key’s Cafe Bijou coffee shops are hugely popular right now, with Starbucks and Climax Coffee leading the fray (at least here on Okinawa). However, there are a few dark horses dotted around well...
Krishna Indian Restaurant
It’s no secret that curry is a popular dish on Okinawa. Indian restaurants are very prevalent here, so choosing a good one can be a bit of a minefield. Krishna Indian Restaurant may just have what you’re looking for. Located in Plaza House Shopping Centre...
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...
