CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNON R.
While driving aimlessly though the winding streets of Okinawa, we stumbled upon this awesome little café. There is a park directly across the street with several parking spots.
When we arrived, we were able to choose to sit inside or on the balcony. It was just after 11 a.m., so we were able to sit outside comfortably,...
CONTRIBUTED BY: THE THIRSTY SHISA
I finally made it over to the new Aeon Rycom Mall and quickly made a beeline for the Orion Beer Hall. This wasn’t necessarily easy to do though as the Beer Hall is located outside of the mall in a separate “village” area so navigating my way over there was a little tricky. After about...
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
Guys! I found a really awesome coffee shop that you need to check out! It was just opened on June 22nd by a young couple who have great style and personality. Sakura and Tarou not only make you feel welcome in their new shop, but they brew a great cup of coffee. They open at 7am...
CONTRIBUTED BY JARED DAYOUB
My intent in this article is to provide single service members information when PCSing to Okinawa via the Patriot Express, or AMC flight out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In the weeks leading up to my departure, I scoured the internet for as much information pertaining to the flight as possible using sites like this one as...
CONTRIBUTED BY KRISTIN LITTLE
I found my journey to yoga while looking for relief from anxiety and panic. I was not fully sold on the idea that yoga would help (but deep down I felt like it could be the answer). I had practiced yoga for about a year before moving to Okinawa, however, after our move and the subsequent culture...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARISSA MATSUZAKI
There are so many parks in Okinawa to explore. What type of parks do you fancy? How about one with a beach, a fish pond, the seawall, a playground, a field to play sports, or many trails for walking and running? Ginowan Seaside Park has all of those things and more.
Like so many others, I am...
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
As if you needed another reason to love Okinawa, the abundance of quality bakeries on the island is unbelievable. Add Imai Pain to that list.
Located near Shuri Castle and Shikinaen Gardens, if you find yourself in the eastern part of Naha, do your tastebuds a f(l)avor and stop in for some treats. Whether it’s savory or...
For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH BANCROFT
When you plan a vacation what is your least favorite part? Is it finding a flight? Reserving a car? Booking a hotel? Well, for me, it is definitely the hotel, which is why I am here to tell you about a new-to-me accommodation finder called Air BnB.
My husband and I tried Air BnB for the first...
CONTRIBUTED BY Fun Flying Four
Have you been to Minotagawa yet? You seriously need to... it’s a foodies delight!
Claire Bray-Collin already wrote about the delicious oHacorte Patisserie, (and I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of the tarts!) and Angie Brzycki mentioned a few restaurants in her post on the Minatogawa Area, but today I want to talk about another eatery:...
CONTRIBUTED BY BRANDI JAKUBOWICZ
It was a rainy Thursday afternoon when my husband unexpectedly had the day off of work. We planned to do some outside activities, but the weather quickly changed those plans. We decided that rather than venturing outside in the rain, we would go explore the new Aeon Okinawa Rycom Mall, hoping that it would be less...
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA REIDENBACH
Takaesu-San is a stylist gifted with the artistic ability to give a gorgeous haircut that flatters, the talent to move quickly and efficiently, and a charming personality that makes you feel comfortable, heard, and in good hands. She's the kind of lady you want to invite out for drinks with you and your girls. She's friendly,...
CONTRIBUTED BY JEANIE ANGEL
Hoshida Restaurant is located in American Village. It opened about a year and a half after we PCSed here. We were always very curious about it because it’s not like the other restaurants in American Village. You could walk right by it and hardly realize it is a restaurant at all. It is set in with...
CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNON R.
Have you ever thought about adoption, but weren’t sure how to get started? Or wondered if it was even possible being in a military family? I'm here to let you know that it is possible-- even from overseas. Being overseas can make the process slightly more complicated, but in all honesty, there's very little that you have...
CONTRIBUTED BY ERIN GODDARD
Giving birth is a journey: a beautiful, difficult, breathtaking journey that will forever change a woman. Whether you give birth by caesarian, with an epidural, completely naturally, in a bathtub, a hospital or in the backseat of a car (seriously, I met some grandparents at the airport last year whose daughter just did that here on...
CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA
If you want to get a dose of culture, doused with mud, and crafty all while having a good time then the Tanbo Festa in Kin Town is the annual event for you. The Tanbo Festival is specifically located in and around the Nature Miraikan park facility, which is north of the Kin Blue training area....
The 2015 calendar was available for purchase in November and December of 2014. This was July's page.
Naha
Photo credit: Pamela Oliveras
Pamela Oliveras Photography
"Listen! Hear the roar?
Stop! Feel the strong wind rush by
Typhoon time again" --Jenny Pittman
Kokusai Street
Photo credit: Jamie Snider
Jamie Snider Photography
CONTRIBUTED BY: LAURA SNELL
I discovered this gem thanks to a referral from a friend. Mimi is like a miracle worker. For your first appointment you go in and fill out what is the equivalent of a medical history report. You indicate what types of things you’re coming in to treat, then she will go over your entire body, touching...
CONTRIBUTED BY ALLI MARTIN
We LOVE Chinese food. Eat in, take out, it doesn't matter. When we were introduced to Getsuen Hanten by some friends, we were hooked. Not only is it across the street from our house (Plaza Housing), but it is delicious. The restaurant also has a very interesting history. As soon as you walk in, you will notice...
CONTRIBUTED BY: THE THIRSTY SHISA
On May 15th, I had the pleasure of attending the Okinawa Brewing Company’s grand opening of their new Mihama Café located in American Village. This new space not only offers them more room, but also allows them to operate a full service kitchen with a great menu. There is also a nice shady patio so...
CONTRIBUTED BY ANNIE CASTRO
My husband and I discovered someone that we now call “The Glass Man” on one of our first drives on the island, right after we'd gotten our own car and licenses. We were headed out to Cape Zanpa and I saw a bunch of glass cups and bowls sitting on tables on the side of the...
CONTRIBUTED BY: LAURA PITA
My girlfriends and I had lunch at this little Cafe a few weeks ago and the food was so delicious I knew I had to share it with you guys. Ima Café is just a few minutes outside of Kadena Gate 2, on 20, and the perfect lunch spot! *Be sure to arrive a few minutes...
CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNON R.
If you haven’t checked out the Green River Café, you are missing out on delicious food and live entertainment. It opened just a couple of months ago and the vibe feels like the island’s own original Hard Rock Café- with guitars decorating the walls and an area or two set up next to the tables for...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE ODRISCOLL
After a failed attempt to Space-A to Iwakuni, we finally made it to Hiroshima. We had one last ferry to take before we made it to our accommodations on Etajima, but we were here! Thankfully, we didn't have trouble making it onto the boat or getting to our house, which that has everything to do with...
CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA
Near the center of Kokusai Street, a new entertainment center has opened called HAPINAHA. The complex is large, bright, and inviting; it has a kind of Willie Wonka candy factory meets anime character theme park vibe. The interior hosts a multitude of various shops and restaurants that one can enjoy as well as a comedy theater...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE ODRISCOLL
A few weeks ago on one of our famous Oki Fun Days, we headed out to Hamahiga Island for the first beach day of the year! On my way to 413 Cafe (it was closed - boo), I spotted this handmade shop and couldn't help myself. It was such a gorgeous day, I was happily listening...
CONTRIBUTED BY EMILY BUREK
Last year I took a trip to Taiwan and tried xiao long bao for the first time. Xiao long bao is a steamed dumpling that is filled with hot broth and usually a mixture of meat and vegetables. Ever since that day, I have cravings for these hot round pockets of savory deliciousness. So you can imagine how excited...
Little Greek Kitchen, Yomitan, Okinawa
CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREW FINK
I actually stumbled across this gem called “Little Greek Kitchen” the day after it officially opened summer of 2015. Just a lucky find when I was out adventuring on the southeast corner of Ikei Island. The Greek food is amazing! As of December 2016 she moved her location to Yomitan.
And now the...
The 2015 calendar was available for purchase in November and December of 2014. This was June's page.
Okinawa City
Photo credit: Meredith Novario
Meredith Novario Photography Facebook Page
Route 6 Yomitan
Photo Credit: Jenny Pittman
"Oki Marathons
Diving expeditions, yeah!
Sushi go round next" --Calyn Paquin
Bise Beach in Nago
Photo credit: Tiffani Park
Ryukyu Mura
Photo credit: Meredith Novario
Meredith Novario Photography Facebook Page
CONTRIBUTED BY HOLLY BATES
You may have visited Hamahiga Island, home of Muruku Beach, but if Muruku has been your only stop- you are missing out! Hamahiga Island and is about a 20 minute drive from Gate 2 of Kadena. Listed as the third best place to visit in Uruma, This island is certainly worth your time and the...