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...
Jimmy’s – Sweet Treat Heaven
Jimmy’s actually have several locations on Island, but I visited the one in Urasoe, this is my take on it. First off, Jimmy’s is several things in one. It’s a bakery, mini mart, cafe and restaurant. The bakery has everything your heart could desire, from...
Gadou Ramen
Frodo could have simply thrown the ring in to one of their ramens and saved himself to a traitorous journey to Mordor. However, one does not simply walk in to Ramen Gadou! – Without being mentally prepared of course. As the name suggests, “Gadou” literally translates...
C4 Belts
This business has now closed. The review is kept here for archival C4’s Mission is to promote individuality through quality fashion accessories that give back. C4 stands for Choose your Color, Choose your Cause. It is C4’s goal to provide a unique shopping...
Yomitan Pottery Village
Learn about this craft and find a plethora of pottery items to take home! Yomitan Pottery Village does exactly what it says on the tin. Consisting of around 45 artisans, a lot of whom make their wares from home, it’s open year round. If you love ceramics,...
Learn A New Skill – The Total Okinawa Guide
Have a few hours to spare from your busy schedule? Why not learn a new skill! Okinawa has a plethora of activities on offer. Here are five to get you going. Speak Japanese You can get by without learning the local language, but making the effort will allow you to...
Uminchu
Fresh seafood, Okinawan-style The name of this little restaurant means “fish shop” in Okinawan dialect. It’s well named for several reasons. Uminchu is located inside Toya fishing port in Yomitan. They have the freshest sashimi I’ve ever tasted; to find...
Okinawa Scuba Dive Report
Level up and start your dive adventure today! Summer dive season is in full swing in Okinawa. The summer season brings lots of tourists and locals enjoying the waters around Okinawa. Reef Encounters has a full schedule of boat dives running daily to visit all the best...
Itoman Tourist Farm
Home of the Peaceful Illumination Festival and more fun for the family! Itoman, in the south of Naha, saw heavy fighting during World War II. Today, amongst other things, it’s home to the Itoman Tourist Farm. This is a working winery and farm, with plenty...
Green River Cafe
Green River Café can be found nestled behind Naka hospital in Kadena town. It’s a quaint, sweet little building with a modest car park and a peaceful location. After getting past the entry, you’re greeted immediately by a bar and a very cheerful staff...
Date Night – Okinawa Style
Date night is often a mainstay for many happy relationships. Why not show that special person in your life a date never to be forgotten? Check out our picks of what Okinawa has to offer. We've also included prices and a link to a map to make planning your special day...
Love Hotels
Enjoy a mini stay-cation and an experience you're unlikely to forget! Quality time with your significant other can be hard to come by in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. This rings especially true in Japan, where often families coexist in one- or two-room dwellings....
Ayurveda
Authentic Indian cuisine in the Koza area by Louise Dupuy Ayurveda is a small restaurant located just opposite Koza Music town. It’s been open about three months and, being a lover of Indian cuisine, I thought I’d go along and try it out. I was not...
Total Okinawa Update – 29th July 2016
Totalokinawa.com Update - New Restaurants! View online version Total Okinawa Update 29th July 2016 Whatever your tummy desires, we've got a whole crock pot full of delicious restaurant reviews to catch your taste buds this issue as well as a new listing for...
Fukushen Gardens
Located in the downtown district of Naha is a stunning Chinese garden. Built in 1992 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Naha becoming a sister city with Fuzhou, China, the garden itself is constructed almost entirely of material originating from Fuzhou,...
