Celebrate New Year’s Day the Japanese way!
The world over, New Year’s Eve/Day is seen as a time to celebrate and reflect. Here in Japan, it’s an auspicious event. Never celebrated like a local? Here’s your chance! Mochi-tsuki A popular activity is the pounding of mochi! Pre-soaked sticky rice is placed in a...
Okinawa Holiday Photo Ideas
Learn from pro photographer Pete Leong of Fotoshisa Okinawa Written by Louise Dupuy, Photos by Pete Leong Stuck on trying to find a nice gift to send home to family, or have you run out of ideas for holiday photos? You’re in luck. We’ve teamed up with Pete Leong of...
Kijimuna
Kijimuna specialises in tacos and taco rice. You can find it on the third floor of Aeon Rycom’s Gourmet World food court. Turn right as you enter, you’ll find it next to Dragon Sweets. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican, this may not be the place for...
Himeyuri Peace Museum and Cenotaph
A symbol of Peace: Himeyuri Peace Museum and Cenotaph. South of Naha, nestled between shops and restaurants, you will find a very unassuming park. At it’s entrance, a small booth with a kindly lady sits, selling small, pretty bunches of flowers for 200...
Give a gift not found in stores
I don't know when it happened, but somehow in my adult life, I became a full-blown Scrooge. Maybe it was when Christmas music and decor started creeping into stores earlier, right after Halloween. Or maybe it was after feeling bombarded by the onslaught of holiday...
Sand’s Diner
Sand’s Diner: Have a Mexican standoff! Sand’s Diner is at the heart of Kokusai Street, a shopping district in Naha. It’s touted as a Mexican grill and bar, but they also have a great selection of American food. Don your sombreros and ponchos, and join me...
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...
