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Ana Intercontinental Manza
ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort From the private drive where a guard greats with a welcoming wave, to the Okinawa local language greeting, my experience at the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort was the perfect staycation. The level of comfort and service exceeded my former hotel stays here even with a  globally competitive service industry in Okinawa.  The highly salty...
January 2018 Events Calendar contribute by Keri C January 1st – New Year’s Day Shopping malls/stores across Japan – Fukubukuro Shopping Celebrate the new year by experiencing Japan’s version of Black Friday! On New Year’s Day across Japan you’ll find stores selling “fukubukuro” (a.k.a. Lucky Bags), bags stuffed full of special merchandise from that store/café/restaurant and priced at a flat fee. Traditionally the...
Starbucks is at it again and this time with their Matcha White collection. They will offer a cold frappuccino and latte if you prefer a warm version of this green tea inspired drink. That's right, green tea. If you're not familiar with matcha, it's green tea leaves which are harvested slightly differnt from their bag bound counterparts and ground...
master tan
Our December Events Calendar is sponsored by Master Tan Chatan. Please check them out for all of your tanning needs . December 1st – end of February Renaissance Okinawa Resort – Renaissance Okinawa Resort Illumination Visit Renaissance Okinawa Resort in the months of November through February for free festive lights displays for Christmas and New Year. It should be a small but...
ariccia
November Events Calendar 2017 If you like authentic brick oven pizza please try our sponsors, Pizzeria Bar Ariccia Contributed by Keri C November 1st – end of October Renaissance Okinawa Resort – Renaissance Okinawa Resort Illumination Visit Renaissance Okinawa Resort in the months of November through February for free festive lights displays for Christmas and New Year. It should be a small but beautiful...
Mahoroba
Contributed by Keri C Sponsored by Mahoroba Noodle Shop October 4th – 6th Across Japan – Tsukimi (a.k.a. Jugoya), Moon-Viewing Across Japan people will be enjoying the beautiful Autumn moon as part of the Tsukimi (or Jugoya) tradition. Accompanying this moon-viewing are traditional foods reminiscent of the moon, like tsukimi dango or tsukimi udon (udon topped with an egg representing the...
Rest & Relax Cafe
Contributed by Meredith Nye Coffee time @ R&R Anyone who knows and appreciates coffee, knows that illy is some of the best out there and that's what Rest and Relax cafe serves. It had been awhile since I was able to enjoy a good cup of illy coffee so I decided on an iced vanilla latte. It was easily one of...
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...
Mittman
  In October 2017, Mittman will participate in Ship of the Ryukyu, a project organized by Okinawa Prefectural Government Office. Shows will start the weekend of the Naha Tug of War, and this will be the first time Mittman is performed in a large-scale hall. "Mittman," plays an active role in theatrical circles as a new form of entertainment from...
amakata
Many people find themselves in need of some legal advice and don't know where to go. In some cases, the issue can be simple and requires advice, but sometimes you may need a bit more. Amakata & Kawasaki can cover both types of situations and assist you with all of your legal needs. Amakata & Kawasaki is an Okinawa based...
  Premier iPhone/iPad/iPod repair HiTech Solutions is an U.S Veteran owned business supporting the Okinawa community with affordable iPhone iPad/iPod repair. Repair with care HiTech Solutions are IT specialist who focuses on restoring Apple’s mobile devices and each iPhone or iPad is treated with the same care as their own. Every repair is pre- & post inspected for ensuring the device is completely restored...
Okinawa Matsuri
Contributed by Maria Johns Matsuri The Matsuri Okinawa show is the perfect introduction to all things Okinawa. Matsuri translated is “festival” and this show was a festival of color, history, dance, and tradition on stage. The Show The show is in English so you truly become a part of the show. Every dance and performance on stage is explained through narration so you...
Okinawa Montessori School International
OUR PHILOSOPHY Okinawa Montessori School International dedicates itself to the Montessori philosophy and method of education. It adheres to the code of ethics of the American Montessori Society, where it is a Full International Member  OUR MISSION To partner with parents in providing a strong educational foundation that will have lifetime benefits on their children. Our goal is to provide opportunities to: ...
Da Vinci
Da Vinci International School: Winner of the Emerging Leader Award in Education 2017, by ACEI, the Association for Children Education International, in Washington DC. Why did Da Vinci get an award? Because the innovative proposal of education from their directors and the amazing improvements of their students. How is Da Vinci International Proposal different?  We teach our students to: Become independent Love learning Enjoy...
Top 3 Travel Destinations in Japan Japan is known to be one of the most desirable places to travel worldwide and is known for many things such as its trendsetting fashion, beautiful culture, history and its appeal to business and leisure travellers alike. This year, instead of going on a caravan holiday in the UK, why not go abroad? Although...
Contributed by Meredith Nye # Taco Tuesday everyday If you are anything like me, sometimes you just want to celebrate #tacotuesday on a Friday. Well, lucky for you American Village's Taco Loco serves yummy tacos every day of the week! Taku, the owner, spent a lot of time diving in Mexico and missed eating the food. There are many taco spots in Okinawa...
Contributed by Keri C. Sponsored by Taco Loco, Authentic Mexican food. July 16th – August 31st * Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort, 3F Terrace – Summer Festival 2017 *Thursdays and Sundays only during this period (with fireworks being on Sunday nights). This summer festival will run from 7-8:30 p.m. on the dates mentioned and will feature hula dance performances, taiko dance, festival foods like...
Mahroba
Contributed by Semibalancedmama Perfect choice for those looking for Ramen or Soba Walking down BC Street, aka Park Avenue, in Okinawa City you have plenty of choices when it comes to where you will eat your next meal. But, recently a new restaurant, Mahoroba, opened and I assure you that it will quickly become one of your favorite “go to” spots...
Cafe & Bar Tsuken Terrace at Tsuken Island Contributed by Louise Dupuy Video and Photos by Pete Leong Tsuken is a little known island only a 30 minute ferry ride from Heshikiya Port in Katsuren. Whilst it is possible to visit the island without a tour, it is harder due to limited availability on the ferry for cars, no rentals on island,...
    Click here to learn more about experiencing the joy of flight with FSO. contributed by Kerri C. June 24th – July 17th   Haneji/Makiya area, Nago – Nighttime Sagaribana Blooming   Visit northern Okinawa for the unique experience of enjoying the blooming sagaribana (a.k.a. Powderpuff tree) during this light-up event. It's free to visit and enjoy the blooms (between the hours of 19:00 and 23:00)...
kafuu
By Jam Kirby I know we live on an island surrounded by scenic views with tons of places to explore. In fact, some people think of their stay here in Okinawa as a three (or however long their tour is)-year vacation in paradise. And they’re right. But I know I speak for some folks when I say that there are days when you...
Royal Optical Co. l Okinawa Hai!
CONTRIBUTED BY ROSALIND ZICCARDI Royal Optical Co, owned and serviced by Shigeo Oshiro-san, was a fantastic find for me when I needed new glasses. I got the glasses I wanted, expert advice and service, had fast turn-around (for glasses with all the bells and whistles), three useful gifts, and a free repair only a week after getting my new glasses...
  June 1st  – June 25th   Bios on the Hill – Firefly Night Tour   Enjoy the beauty of Bios no Oka (a.k.a. Bios on the Hill) at night and the magic of fireflies lighting up throughout the park on their Firefly Night Tours throughout the month of June. The tour requires reservations (via TEL: 098-965-3400) and you should arrive around 6:30 p.m....
FS0
--- The Joy of Flight at Flight Simulator Okinawa--- Have you ever wanted to learn to fly, but didn’t think you had the time, or maybe you want to get some experience before jumping into a real aircraft? Get the full experience at Flight Simulator Okinawa (FSO), under the leadership of a FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Mr. Naoya Tamanaha...
The guacamole burrito truck-Okinawa hai
CONTRIBUTED BY HANNAH CURTIS   Looking for a great place to eat a burrito Our family enjoys eating out and we are constantly looking for new places to try and thankfully Okinawa has an abundance of cafes & restaurants, so that even after 2 years here we feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface of what is available. However we also have...
  Contributed by Louise Dupuy Having dinner at the Grand Mer's restaurant, Okinawa; a luxury resort nestled within Okinawa City, and only a short drive from Rycom Mall, Kitanakagusuku village, and the Okinawa Prefectural Park was great on several levels and I have compiled my experience so you can consider it for your next meal or special occasion.     The Dress Diner is...
Vongo & Anchor contributed by Maria Johns If you’re looking for the perfect cup of coffee with that signature beautiful foam design paired with a baked treat or toasty panini, Vongo & Anchor is your choice. I love it when restaurants put their customers in mind, you can tell by their decor, style, and most of all, the food, how much...
myloplus cafe
Myloplus Cafe Contributed by: foodYing Okinawa is known to have many cafes located in random locations everywhere on the island. I highly recommend searching for them when you have a chance. I happened to be in the Sunabe area this time, so had the opportunity to eat lunch with my friend at the Myloplus cafe. The Myloplus cafe is located on the second...
oki sneaker con
  We will be co-hosting Okinawa’s first sneaker convention (Oki Sneaker Con) in Okinawa City at the Koza Music Center along with the main Host, GetEm Kicks. So what’s a sneaker convention? The event is based off of conventions held all over the world where sneaker owners, shops and other vendors come together to buy, sell and exchange sneakers and...
ikei island culture beach festival
It's the summer season in Okinawa which means typhoons and festival season. Both are anticipated every year and enjoyed by many local people and travelers alike. This years season is kicking off with a beach festival being held on Ikei island called the Culture Beach Festival. The Beach Opens at 13:00 and they will start playing using by live...