CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINE CZUBIK
When I arrived in Okinawa last winter, I was told to forget ever finding clothes to fit me off base. After doing some shopping, I think we may be too quick to discount some local retailers. In the least, this may be true for athletic gear. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Himaraya Sports to find this wall of shoes:
This is only one of three long walls where I found sizes up to Men U.S. 11.5 and Women U.S. 9 with a wide range of widths. [See Size Chart] There are also children’s shoes and a large assortment of Crocs.
In the athletic wear section, I was impressed with the variety of styles and brands to choose from in sizes to fit more than just the petite American. I wouldn’t say their selection will fit all Americans but I was astounded at how many items did fit. There is wide array of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, including tee’s with the endearing, nonsensical mix of Japanese and English – who wouldn’t love to send one to a niece or nephew in the states just for kicks?
In terms of sports gear, this place is packed, particularly if you are into tennis, baseball, swimming and basketball. Overall, as expected, prices are a bit higher than we are accustomed to, but they had an extensive sale when I visited making prices more comparable. If you’re in need for gear and don’t find what you need on base, or want something different from the rest of the team, don’t rule out finding what you need at Himaraya Sports. At the very least, you might get a good laugh over the wording on a t-shirt.
Himaraya Sports
Website: www.himaraya.co.jp
LOCATIONS:
Chatan
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00 to 21:00
Saturday 10:00 to 21:00
Sundays and holidays 10:00 to 21:00
Closed some holidays. Please call the store or check the website.
Phone: 098-936-8500
Address: Okinawa Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Kitamae 1-18-1
Urasoe ( This shop was reported as closed)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00 to 22:00
Saturday 9:00 to 22:00
Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 22:00
Phone: 098-942-5595
Address: Okinawa Prefecture Urasoe Shiroma 2008-1; SAN-A MACHINATO CITY, 2nd floor
Aeon Mall, Nago
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00 to 22:00
Saturday 10:00 to 22:00
Sundays and holidays 10:00 to 22:00
Phone: 0980-51-0311
Address: Aeon Mall 1F, Nago Midori Kawara 4472, Nago, Okinawa