CONTRIBUTED BY KAY MILLS
My husband and I are always on the lookout for new local restaurants, especially near the Sunabe Seawall as it makes for a wonderful after dinner stroll. We recently discovered such a place called the Seaside Terrace. It is literally across the street from the seawall, offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu, well, simply...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
This is Monette's second post about her family's adventures in Taiwan. Click HERE to read Part 1.
So our family adventure continues in Taiwan! Since we discussed the natural wonders in the first part, for this part we will check out the man-made wonders that amazed us.
Taipei 101 - The most obvious, popular attraction, and also the tallest building...
CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
I found out about this site from a friend stationed at Yokota just a few months after it officially opened to the public. Since I planned a trip up to Tokyo anyway, this place was on the top of my to-do list. If you plan to go, you should know that it is still pretty new, even...
CONTRIBUTED BY LEAH MAGID
Katrina recently posted about a lot of new low-cost airlines. You can find her post HERE. If you have tried any other airlines, we'd love to hear about your experience! Click HERE to send us your story.
If you have tried to get around Japan, you may notice that airfare is little expensive, or “spendy” as it’s...
The 2013 calendar was only available for a couple of short months at the end of 2012 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was March's page:
Japanese Underground Headquarters
Photo credit: Alex White; facebook.com/DovelyPhotography
Hiji Falls Suspension Bridge
Photo credit: Maura Harkins
Cape Zampa
Photo Credit:...
CONTRIBUTED BY MUNEERAH BEE
Mieko is a feisty, determined and opinionated little girl who is on a quest to meet a Kijimuna.
Although she initially dismissed the rumors about its existence, the elementary school girl is now determined to look for one after she experienced a sleep paralysis (because, you know, playful Kijimunas sometimes sit on you when you are sleeping).
And...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
Before 2012, I had never had a desire to go to Taiwan. I never even thought of Taiwan as a vacation spot. However, when we were looking for a place to vacation over the summer and found that most trips out of Japan would cost over a $1,000 a person just to fly somewhere, the Lord...
CONTRIBUTED BY LEAH MAGID
Just a few things I need to tell you before I get to the point of this story:
1. Several years before the Star Wars ™movies came out, my aunt put my hair in big cinnamon-roll buns on the sides of my head.
2. My name is Leah. It is, properly pronounced, the same as Princess Leia. “Lei-ah”.
3....
CONTRIBUTED BY DAPHNE SHAFER-REPASS
After a fun day at Expo Park, you may be looking for an alternate scenic route home through the mountains (rather than the scenic route by the sea), or maybe you’re on your way to or from Pineapple Park. However you find yourself on road 84, try to make time for a bite. There are a...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
After winning an EM gift certificate to a spa at a dinner I recently went to, I was ecstatic. I love spas and this was like an answer to prayer especially since I was really missing my husband. I was familiar with the EM hotel high atop the mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Chatan, Plaza and...
CONTRIBUTED BY DAPHNE SHAFER-REPASS
One of the wonderful distinctions Okinawan restaurants has is individuality, something unique in design or style that sets it apart. I mean, you can get soba anywhere, but what makes you return to your favorite soba shop?
Among the numerous home-restaurants in Ishikawa is Exit Café. With only a few places to park, and about five tables...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
Coming to Roguii is an experience in and of itself. The building is an old base-style home, but made into a friendly, cozy place with a relaxed atmosphere. On the walls and shelves are different knick-knacks from around the world and some of them are even for sale. Mismatched furniture, possibly from the base flea markets,...
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH FILLMAN
Just north of the aquarium is a quaint little village, hiding under dense foliage, called Bise. Throughout the village you will find yourself under a thick canopy of Fukugi trees lining sandy pathways. You will pass private homes, small restaurants, wandering animals, and a magical shell shop, among other surprises. Walking through the village the sun...
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTINA MEHRIARY
The gentle rustling of the sugar cane leaves beckoned us a warm welcome as we made our way down to the gentle waters of Toguchi beach.
The tide was out this time of day, and tidal pools could be found all along the stretch from the beach to the small island bisected by a rivulet of water traversing...
The 2013 calendar was only available for a couple of short months at the end of 2012 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was February's page:
Yomitan Pottery Village
Photo credit: Aviva Bowman; Aviva Photography, New Orleans
"We start with: ohayou gozaimasu, konnichiwa,...
CONTRIBUTED BY DAPHNE SHAFER-REPASS
Have you also ever wondered about the big tomato on your way to Hansen? Wonder no more. It’s a karaoke and restaurant/bar. And don’t let the bar part keep you from taking your kids. Totally family friendly, with a play area in front and various kids‘ needs (menu, changing area, cartoons). In fact, during the weekday...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
Reggae and curry soup? Nursing a sore throat on a cold and rainy day, I was craving my mom’s oxtail soup—the soup which would take hours to cook. My mom also had another special soup that she’d make for me when I was sick. There’s just something about soups that make you feel better. They’re comforting,...
CONTRIBUTED BY SUZIE SMITH
For the New Year I’ve been looking for a fun new way to incorporate more movement into my daily life as well as do something fabulous (jazz hands)! I was so excited to find out that a new dance studio right outside Gate Street on Kadena was opening up in January. I took one of the...
CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES
While on a long drive up north, we found a ‘classy looking sign’ which advertised the “Green Room Café” We happened to be coming from the Pineapple Park, and were hungry, looking for a place to eat above Nago. We decided to follow the signs for... what seemed like eternity. But isn’t that how it always...
CONTRIBUTED BY MUNEERAH BEE
You’re not likely to miss the Sam's Sailor Inn as you’re walking down Kokusai Street. Its exterior with a nautical theme is easy to spot from the outside, and you can expect more of that when you step in, from the ship-like design to the staff’s uniforms.
It was my first time at a Teppanyaki restaurant and I...
For those of you planning a move to Okinawa soon, we hope Marie's descriptions of the process of their travel and first months of settling in can help you with a few of the "unknowns." To read more of their story see links at the bottom of the post.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIE LEWIS
Kenny and I have turned over a...
CONTRIBUTED BY CALYN PAQUIN
With many noodle restaurants very close by, namely Ramen Kagetsu Arashi, Marugame and Taiwan Ramen House Ho-Ja to name a few, do we need another noodle restaurant? Sure we do! Out of nowhere pops a brand new restaurant, Tenkaippin Ramen ((天下一品 - originally from Kyoto) on route 58 in Chatan, right next to KFC.
Apparently, there are...
CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTOPHER DONG
“I wish there was a…” I cannot tell you how many food-crazed expeditions these words have launched during my few years in Okinawa. Hometown cravings are not taken lightly in my household, sometimes days, weeks even before a suitable replacement is found. Today’s hunt had been two weeks in the making, painstakingly researched and confirmed by...
The 2013 calendar was only available for a couple of short months at the end of 2012 and the beginning of this year. In case you missed the opportunity to purchase one for yourself, we'd like to show you what you're missing.
This was January's page:
58 past Nago
Photo credit: Pamela Oliveras; www.pamelaoliveras.com
See our 2012 Calendar photos HERE.
CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN WILLEMSEN
This summer my husband and I heard about a fine jewelry boutique on island called Ledeen Diamond Co. One of our friends had just finished purchasing a birthday present from the boutique and raved about the experience. I had been in the market for a pair of diamond studs for sometime and with so few chic...
CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O'DRISCOLL
My husband and I took a little stay-cation to Okuma. It was a last minute decision, but that's what happens when cabins and resorts fill up so quickly around here! I woke up one morning and saw a Kadena FSS announcement that the resort had opened up another "Turtle Nest" cabin and they were now taking...
Editor's Note: Back in 2008 Gordies Hamburger was reviewed in a post with Hearth Cafe. In an effort to help you make more informed dining choices we've moved Gordies to its own post.
CONTRIBUTED BY SUZY
Gordies Hamburger is a quaint little Hamburger joint which is run by a really sweet married couple. They have owned the establishment...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
Even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan, you can still appreciate this adorable park! We came across this area by chance and just had to stop and play around—yes, the playground is big enough for adults to have fun, too. It reminded me of the village where the Ewoks live in Return of the Jedi.
Although...
CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA WALKER
Just when I thought I knew my neighborhood, this cute new restaurant pops up. Shirokuma Thai is a few blocks north of Torii Station and has some of the most delectable treats I’ve had since being on the island.
When I entered this little Thai bistro, the décor struck me as a touch of fun, a lot...
CONTRIBUTED BY AMY MADDOCKS
While Geocaching the other day on Ikei Island, we came across a really cool historical site called Nakabaru Ruins. There are many things to see on this little island, so put this on the “to-do” list next time you are out there!
The first thing you’ll notice is the amazingly large hatchet-looking statue. After the perfect photo-op...