CONTRIBUTED BY DANIELA
We were heading towards Cape Zanpa and decided to check out the view from up above. The view was indeed beautiful. As we gazed down we saw a person snorkeling in the amazing blue waters. Instantly we are on a mission to find the way down there. We took every turn possible and we came across a...
CONTRIBUTED BY KELLYERACE
Sometimes I feel like I could do just fine as a vegetarian. Other times I eat Wing King. Something about that little plastic box 'o saucy wings brings out the animal in me and before you know it I've got nothing but a plate of meatless bones.
But who can resist, with flavors like spicy coconut, honey BBQ,...
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON
A big thank you goes out to Stacey for sending the info about this mall. I can't wait to check it out since, as you might have suspected, I love to shop! Also, my kids will get a huge kick out that cool train.
If you're craving for some Colors of Benetton, Osh Kosh, or just the...
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
Living in Okinawa is a different experience for everyone. However, a common theme that I've noticed from listening to people is that the simplest things about Okinawa can have a notable impact on their overall experience. Not how hard it rained throughout a weekend Okuma trip. (Been there!) Nor sitting in the gridlock traffic down to Naha....
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 DIANA MIDDLETON
Now, about this store, it truly lives up to the "kool" part in it's name because of the "too cool" fashions they offer. If you're looking for a huge store with lots of options, then Gookool is NOT the place to go. Instead, it offers some cool, trendy items at a reasonable price.
The store is actually...
CONTRIBUTED BY KELLYERACE
When I was in the States a few weeks ago, the meals often felt heavy and unhealthy to me -- even lunch. It seemed like just about the only light food to be had was a salad, I'm just not that big of a salad eater. I need something with a little substance. But smaller. Which is...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
As I traveled around Tokyo last week, I noticed a common theme. It's something that has caught my eye before but I really started analyzing it.
How are Japanese people able to sleep while on any mode of transportation train, monorail, cab and airplane?
Were they students? Hard core businessmen? Tired mothers? Or just everyday people wanting to...
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
For so many of us here on Okinawa, keeping up with the latest episodes of some must-see-TV helps to ease the twang of being thousands of miles away from home. Is it that dreamy guy wearing the stethoscope that lights your candle? Or does the sleuth in you yearn to solve the case during the incessant "dum...
CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA
Once more on my adventure brave and new. (R. Browning)
Amy is about to embark on her new adventure of moving to Okinawa. She's doing her research and spending tons of time online looking stuff up (that's how she found us!). But she has a question:
In one of my many web surf marathons I found a...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI
It's always nice to have several perspectives on a travel destination. Take a look at our sister site, Korea Ye, for tons of details about traveling to - and staying for awhile in - South Korea.
1. How long was the flight?
We flew Korean airlines from Tokyo to Seoul (Incheon airport- which by the way is a very modern and...
CONTRIBUTED BY DANIELA
Moon Beach is one of the first beaches I visited after first arriving on Okinawa and it remains one of my favorite. Far enough away from the bases yet close enough for a quick trip. Located in Onna Village it is easily accessible. Hotel Moon Beach is one of the oldest resort hotels on island. The story...
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON
The real name is Nature Earth Ocean and Space Thanks to reader Shannan who found this place, which seems to be just the right spot for all of your outdoor goods. Here is what Shannan has to say about NEOS:
"NEOS is referred to as Okinawa's REI. They have a huge assortment and selection of outdoor goods...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
Sixty seven uses for the small towel. That's my goal. One percentage for each moment I have left of being pregnant. I know that sounds dark to most of you, but small goals help me feel like I am making progress. Plus, I am trying to organize my living room and minimize. I've somehow managed to...
EDITOR'S NOTE: We published a newer review of this school on our site in October 2012, with updated information and price schedules. As a result we have closed comments on this post and will be continuing our conversation there. Thank you.
For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something...
CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA
Big thanks to Julia for sharing her trip with us!
1. How did you book your trip?
We booked our airfare through OTS at Plaza Housing although they have since relocated to Gate 2 street. We booked lodging ourselves either online or by calling the hotel using Skype.
2. How long was the flight?
We had to fly into Osaka Kansai...
CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER NORDELL
The 21st of July is Marine Day in Japan. At first being military-minded like I am, I thought that Marine Day was for The Marines. Then I started to wonder when Air Force Day or Army Day was. Of course I blurted out all of this to my husband before realizing that Marine Day was for...
CONTRIBUTED BY KELLYERACE
Here we have a big pot of cheesy fondue,
a bowl of mushroom and bacon pasta,
and a buffet of tiny deserts.
All of these are to be had at Marino's, an Italian restaurant down by the San-A off route 85 (there's also one in the San-A Main Place, Naha). I dig Marino's. It satiates my tummy when it needs...
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON
Thank you to the readers who helped translate the name of this store. I'm sure most of you have seen the new one recently constructed on Highway 23 just past Cocok's (go right out of Kadena's gate 2 and follow until you see the store on the left side just past the overpass for pedestrians) and...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
If you're like me - you never think twice about it. Any kind of meat product in a can freaks me out. I've never been a fan of hot dogs or bologna, mostly due to the thought of the ingredients, but also because of that tacky residue that it leaves on the roof of your mouth....
CONTRIBUTED BY KANDY
Update: Summer 2011
JCI. It's one of those "scary" we-don't-have-this-where-I-come-from type of things. Some people hire someone else to do all the required steps. In July 2008, OkinawaHai published an article about doing it yourself (the entire article is printed below). We'd like to think we've empowered many to try it on your own. It's not hard. If...
CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA
"It's hot! Damn hot! Real hot! Hottest things is my shorts. I could cook things in it. A little crotch pot cooking." Well, tell me what it feels like. "Fool, it's hot! I told you again! Were you born on the sun? It's damn hot! It's so damn hot, I saw little guys, their orange robes...
CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY
Imagine you are sipping tea in a perfectly manicured garden, with combed rocks, a few bonsai trees and the perfect amount of silent shade. It may be one of those details about Japan that you will want to replicate in your garden when you get stateside. It took me a while to notice this piece of...
CONTRIBUTED BY DANIELA
My husband and I have been living in Yomitan now for almost 6 months. Today, on a some what rainy Saturday we decided to venture out and see the Yomitan pottery village. It is a fantastic community of artist living and working together selling their crafts. You go from house to house and see their products. That...
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON
Meredith already posted an entry about this store last year, but an Okinawa Hai reader has revived interest in it (thanks Jessica). The store is called Nishimatsuya and is located outside Camp Foster on the beach access road. Although, most of us call it the Rabbit Store. Can you guess why?
If you're looking for cute...
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 JOELLE YAMADA
Travel changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of Life. Many travelers toss aside their hometown blinders. Their prized souvenirs are the strands of different cultures they decide to knit into their own character. --- Rick Steves, Europe Through the Back Door
This wandering life of...
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON
Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Okinawa Hai Reader ... Happy Birthday to You! Yippee, let's eat some cake! Oh, it's not your birthday? Oh well, let's eat some cake anyway. Yummy!
Speaking of cakes (was that segue too cheesy, maybe too cream cheesy?), where do you get a nice birthday cake...
CONTRIBUTED BY KAHO
An Okinawa Hai reader has a question about where to go for spray tans and hair extensions:
Hi there- do you know or could you find out somehow if there are any places on the island that do the spray
tan and also hair extensions... I know I sound like a barbie but I have my wedding coming up...
CONTRIBUTED BY KAHO
An Okinawa Hai reader is looking to buy cake decorating supplies:
Hello - I'm hoping you can help me. I'm trying to find out if there's anywhere on island to buy cake decoration stuff - i.e.: icing color gels, decorating tips. I've checked the BX and Crafty Things, and they have some things, but basically nothing I need. ...