Okinawa Hai!

CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES When I found out that Borders, one of my favorite stateside hangouts, was closing its doors in the summer of 2011, I was heartbroken. I have such good memories of going there for study groups, browsing the travel section whenever I was planning one of my complex trips, sitting and listening [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MUNEERAH BEE Housed in the same building as the Okinawa Prefectural Museum, the Okinawa Art Museum truly exceeded my expectations of an art museum on the island. I went there not sure of what to expect, but I left the place impressed. Although it is not as big as the prefectural museum, the [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS Ryukyu Glass Photo Op Beautiful, vibrant, enjoyable, eye-pleasing, engaging fun, are just a few words to describe the experiences awaiting you at the largest glass factory in Okinawa, otherwise known as Ryukyu Glass Craft Village. I have been to a few glass factories on the island, and as much as I [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MIKAYLA KING Shanbio Yoga After reading one of the monthly Okinawa Living magazines, I came across an advertisement for a spa and yoga studio called he Shanbio. I had missed my yoga routine back in the states and I wanted to check this place out. The next day while I was walking on [...]

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We were recently invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner and show at The Orchid.  Sarah & Tara enjoyed the evening with their families, but the opinions are all ours. CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FORTE When you think of traditional Okinawa what comes to mind? Maybe it’s Eisa dancers, sanshin players and taiko drummers pounding out their [...]

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CONTRIBUTED SARRA MCMILLAN Shortly after my arrival in Okinawa in December 2009, a new-found friend pulled me towards the flashing lights and screaming sounds of teenagers playing arcade games. “Have you ever done purikura?” she asked.The word was as unknown to me at that time as arigatou and irasshaimase, so I just looked at her [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON Next time you’re looking for a fun activity for your family over the weekend, why not consider a visit to the Gala Sea Salt Factory in Yomitan?  I know you’re thinking, what’s so fun about salt? That’s what I thought too, but let me tell you, a visit to Gala is [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON Located on Camp Kinser, the Battle of Okinawa Historical Display houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, photos, and memorabilia.  The museum is a volunteer only operation and maintains its collection from pieces donated through the generosity of veterans and private collectors, items recovered from construction sites and places of historical interest, [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON In Okinawa, we are fortunate to be able to attend a traditional tea ceremony as practiced in Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan. I recently witnessed one as part of my personal “Month of New Challenges”. The Tea Ceremony as we know it today originated during between 1336-1573 for samurai warriors [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER NORDELL My parents instilled a love of live theatre in me from a very young age. My family has always been involved in local community theatre. At first it was just my father and then my sisters began to act in the plays as well. While I was never able to overcome [...]

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