Just a bull on a lead. #Okinawa #OkinawaHai #DailyOki #Explore #Chinen #GetOutside #Livestock #Japan
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Sep 26, 2016 at 8:10pm PDT
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CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH BANCROFT
Whenever I have friends or family visiting Okinawa, I always make sure to take them to do some shopping on Kokusai Street in Naha. It is a fun experience and this time was no different as my friend and I stumbled on quite the find!
Have you ever wanted to indulge in an extra fancy or expensive-looking...
This morning's rainbow. #OkiHai #Okinawa #OkinawaHai #DailyOki #Rainbow #Japan
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:41am PDT
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We will be publishing base reviews of all US Military Installations on Okinawa over the next few months. Many thanks to Anthony for taking on this enormous, time-intensive and incredibly helpful series for our readers!
CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa City
Overview
Kadena Air Base rivals only Camp Foster as one of the largest equipped support sites for Americans assigned retired, or...
Mari-CAR Go Karts, Another Must Have Adventure in Okinawa
CONTRIBUTED BY JASON ANNIS
Have you ever dreamed of speeding through the streets of Okinawa as a character from Mario Kart? Well, dream no more – Maricar allows you to live your fantasy. This brand new adventure opened on 1 September 2016 in Naha and has already drawn a lot of attention....
Mihara Horse Stable Guided Beach Ride
CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH BANCROFT
Every now and then I get the itch to get back up on a horse and ride around for a bit. When a friend was recently visiting Okinawa we both had the chance to satisfy that need and we were surprised at getting a bit more than we expected!
I initially did...
This post was originally published on October 3, 2009; we are resharing it with you so you have a better understanding of this unique national sports holiday. Taiiku-no-hi is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October; this year it falls on October 10th.
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
Japan breeds a sports culture where spectatorship is equally important
In Japan, it seems...
Chubu Jewelry Repair Shop
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
I’ve been meaning to write this post up for a while now but put it off until 3 friends asked me in the same week about jewelry repair or ring resizing. Apparently now is the perfect time to share this!
I was looking to get my wedding band resized... you know... because... um... well......
Getting a Visitor's Pass on Camp Foster
CONTRIBUTED BY BRANDI JAKUBOWICZ
If your house is anything like mine, it tends to have a little bit of a revolving door in terms of guests. Family and friends that come and go, leaving you to go about your normal life until the next wave of company arrives. That has especially been the case while living...
Very Berry Cafe
CONTRIBUTED BY NAOMI K.
Almost hidden behind a building facing the street, this cute burger cafe might be easy to miss, but the several welcoming "open" signs beckon you in. With a large grass lot, parking is ample and there is spacious seating inside. Stylized like an American diner with big booths and Americana decor. I especially enjoyed the...
The 2016 calendar was available for purchase from November 2015 through March 2016. This was our final year creating and publishing this wall calendar; many thanks to all who contributed photos and haikus over the past few years, and to those of you who purchased these calendars to display in your homes.
This photo on October's page was taken at Ryukyu Mura.
Photo Credit: Dorota...
October 2016 Local Events Calendar
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
Here you’ll find a list of local events for the month of October. Local events on the island are constantly being created and changed, so please make sure to use the contact info provided on each event to verify information. If you know of an additional event that you’d like to share...
Point Cards
CONTRIBUTED BY KERI CARLSON
When I lived stateside I used to love when stores had frequent-buyer cards. I think most of my wallet was taken up with various point cards or store loyalty cards. Who doesn't love getting perks for buying things you already would have bought anyway? When I moved to Okinawa I didn't really think about that...
Breeze Cafe Sea Glass
CONTRIBUTED BY BRANDI JAKUBOWICZ
When you think of a ballpark, donuts may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you find yourself walking on the seawall and want a little treat you may be just in luck. I found myself doing just that after a pedicure at the nearby Cocok’s nail salon (which I...
Visiting Shrines & Temples in Japan
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
The two biggest religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. The former's place of worship is a shrine; the latter a temple. Whilst these two religions vary somewhat in custom, there are a lot of similarities between them. Shrine and temple visits are an absolute must if you want to experience...
Editor's Note: Stroller Warriors was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on April 3, 2012; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published September 23, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY TIFFANY COLLAZO
OKI FRIENDS, men and women, those with babies, big kids, teens and those with none, if you have a desire to...
Editor's Note: Newport Sushi was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 23, 2001; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published September 22, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY NICOLE RUSSELL
Newport Sushi is very close to Kadena with English speaking staff and delicious sushi. My husband and I recently came to...
Editor's Note: Kastahamandap Nepal Spice Kitchen was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on April 29, 2009; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published September 21, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
Have you ever wondered what the favorite dish of Japan is? Sushi? Udon? Surprisingly, it’s curry! Whilst...
Keiro no hi, the Autumnal Equinox Day is celebrated on the third Monday of September; this year it falls on September 19th; Shubun no hi is on Thursday, September 22nd. This post was originally published on September 18, 2009, and is being republished in time for these two Japanese holidays in 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
This weekend welcomes Japan's first Silver...
The Crabbiest Crab! #OkinawaHai #Okinawa #Itoman #Japan #DailyOki #IslandLife #Crabs #FishMarket
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Jun 26, 2016 at 6:02pm PDT
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Ramen 7 麺屋セブン (Hachiren # 2!)
CONTRIBUTED BY CAPTAIN IAN
Have any of you been to the ramen shop called Hachiren on 58, just north of Highway 12 on the left-hand side, next door to a scuba shop and a local food market? The one that’s been featured on numerous Japanese TV shows, and written about in ramen books around the...
The Cheese Guy In Okinawa
CONTRIBUTED BY JARED DAYOUB
Sometimes, the best part of traveling the world is finding comforting reminders of home. I recently returned from leave where I spent time visiting family in Traverse City, Michigan rediscovering my love for all things America… and cheese! So when I heard there was a shop in Okinawa with nothing but locally...
Club SEGA Arcade, Mihama
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
American Village in Mihama is a popular tourist hotspot just off Highway 58. It’s home to many restaurants, shops, and entertainment establishments, including two arcades. For the purpose of this article, let’s focus on one: SEGA.
At the back of American Village, next door to Makeman, you’ll find SEGA nestled in a multi-story complex....
Sunset views #Okinawa #OkinawaHai #DailyOki #IslandLife #Sunset #AmericanVillage #Mihama #Japan
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Aug 16, 2016 at 6:13pm PDT
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Shakes at The Shack
CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE KEIRN
Ever just crave a milkshake? Of course, you do. Well, let me tell you about something you’ve been missing out on all your life. Amazing, overboard, delicious and gourmet milkshakes all while taking in a beautiful ocean view easily accessible at the Seawall.
The Shack is a bar and grill which I can’t attest to...
Green Mama Cafe
CONTRIBUTED BY NAOMI K.
Tucked in the suburbs of Tengan, very close to Camp Courtney, you can find an adorable lunch spot named Green Mama Cafe down some narrow roads. Luckily they have a dirt parking field next door (left of the restaurant). The place is marked by a friendly wooden cactus character on the side of the...
Dragon Palace Arcade, Mihama
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
American Village in Mihama is a well-known and popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Most go for the food, fashion, and entertainment. However, American Village is also home to two arcades: SEGA and Dragon Palace. Let me tell you all about the latter.
Sitting just behind Carnival Park is Dragon Palace. For the...
The 2016 calendar was available for purchase from November 2015 through March 2016. This was our final year creating and publishing this wall calendar; many thanks to all who contributed photos and haikus over the past few years, and to those of you who purchased these calendars to display in your homes.
This photo on September's page was taken at Okuma.
Photo Credit: Pamela Oliveras
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
Here you’ll find a list of local events for the month of September. Events on the island are constantly being created and changed, so please make sure to use the contact info provided on each event to verify information. If you know of an additional event that you’d like to share with our readers, please add...
Editor's Note: Yoron Island was originally written about here on Okinawa Hai on June 5, 2009; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published August 31, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARIAM SID
If you like to get away from bustling busy city life to beautiful beaches and excellent diving spots, then Yoron Island of...