This post was originally published on June 30, 2008. We're pulling it out of the archives for you to enjoy. Make a wish!
According to Japan-Guide.com:
Because the 7th month of the year roughly coincides with August rather than July according to the formerly used lunar calendar, Tanabata is still celebrated on August 7th in some regions of Japan, while it...
Editor's Note: Cape Hedo was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 6, 2009; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published July 4, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
Cape Hedo is a wonderful spot. Okinawa is rich with places of natural beauty (beaches, forests, mountains, mangroves, I could go on),...
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 July's page was taken off of Zamami Island.
Photo Credit:...
Editor's Note: Cafe Yabusachi was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 7, 2007; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published July 1, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
Cafe Yabusachi is located in the southern portion of Okinawa overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a place full of stories, legends,...
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
Here you’ll find a list of local events for the month of July. 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. In addition, if you know of an additional event that you’d like to share with our readers,...
CONTRIBUTED BY MARISSA MATSUZAKI
When it’s time to move to your next PCS location, you are usually eager to find out as much as you can about the place right? Of course, you are! That’s why so many of us read Okinawa Hai! Shortly after we received orders, I asked around for sight seeing recommendations. Over and over the recommendation...
Kadena AB, near Gate 3, NCO-CGO Housing
One of the biggest unknowns - and often unanswered questions - when moving to a new duty station is, "Where am I going to live? What will it look like? How much space will I have?" Though there are as many opinions about whether to live on base or off. Believe me, there...
Chatan Dragon Boat Festival #OkinawaHai #Chatan #Okinawa #Japan #DailyOki #Race #Boat #Harbor #GetOutside #Festival #Summer #IslandLife
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Jun 19, 2016 at 2:35pm PDT
Follow us on Instagram: @Okinawa_Hai
Big Dip Blue Seal Ice Cream
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
One of the first things you will discover when exploring off base on Okinawa is Blue Seal Ice Cream. They are located all over the island in many restaurants, grocery stores, malls, and sold at some of the tourist attractions.
We visited the location on 58 between Kadena and Camp Foster,...
CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE KEIRN
There is a brand new knock your socks off attraction in Nago. The Dino Park is incredible! My kids have been non-stop asking to go back because we all enjoyed it so much. It’s worth a trip up north just by itself.
You land in the parking lot and a life-size Triceratops towers over your car. Make...
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
As much as I absolutely love Japanese food (and trust me, I really do), sometimes all I fancy is a good old burger. Happily, Jet City Burgers has this and more. Nestled in Depot Island, American Village, it’s a must visit for lovers of American and Mexican cuisine.
Jetta Burger Market is a Cantina-style joint, with a fully...
Yawning or yelling...It's hard to tell with this one. #Shisa #OkinawaHai #OkiHai #Okinawa #Yomitan #Japan #DailyOki #GetOutside #Explore
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on Jun 1, 2016 at 4:02pm PDT
Follow us on Instagram: @Okinawa_Hai
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
Yomitan is where I call home here on Okinawa! We have lived here almost 9 months and I am so excited to explore all the great places to eat especially in “my” neighborhood.
Tonight my family and I decided to try a new place that just opened in April 2016 that serves wings, called the Smooth Bar...
CONTRIBUTED BY JARED DAYOUB
An escape to Kouri Island’s Shrimp Wagon Yanbaru Kitchen, northwest of Nago, will quickly remind you of the lyrics to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” The smell of boiled shrimp and saltwater is definitely what I needed to start my summer off right. I discovered the food truck on a solo trip to Kouri Island in search of the...
CONTRIBUTED BY ALLI M.
When you walk upstairs to the entrance, there’s a cute little wooden sign on the door that says “Thai Resort Dining.” Having been to both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I can tell you this place lives up to its claimed description. The restaurant is a bright island atmosphere with handmade décor, including chopstick lanterns and columns...
Morning goat walk. #Okinawa #OkiGoat #Goat #GoatWeek #Yagi #Hamahiga #IslandLife #DailyOki #OkinawaHai #GetOutside #Explore #FarmLife #Japan
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on May 24, 2016 at 2:38pm PDT
Follow us on Instagram: @Okinawa_Hai
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
The Torii Station swimming pool in Yomitan is newly renovated as of 2016, and it looks amazing. The water is clear and ready! Jason Evers is the aquatics director and I had the opportunity to stop by, take some pictures and verify the pool hours and information.
The pool has lockers, showers, restrooms, and an outdoor...
CONTRIBUTED BY KENDRA MIGITA
Nestled in the countryside of the island's south lays the most exquisite bingata shop called Nijigame Shouten (虹亀商店), which literal translation means Rainbow-Turtle Shop. Though the shop and workshop are located within a shipping crate in the middle of the jungle, like a geode, the exterior does not match the majesty of treasures within.
After falling in...
CONTRIBUTED BY MURIEL COLLINS
The only thing sadder than having a beloved café close is driving by its locked doors nearly every day; which was why I was surprised and curious to see that a new café had opened in the exact location where Soupcon closed just a couple months ago. Priveta Beach Cafe is owned by the proud and...
CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.
Sorry for the delay folks!
Here you’ll find a list of local events for the month of June. 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...
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 was taken on Mirage Island.
Photo Credit: J. Alan Frost
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
I discovered Maruki Pizza by accident. I walk daily and was so excited to find this Wood Fired Pizza place just minutes from my house, tucked away on a side street off Route 6 as you head toward Zanpa. Look for the Maruki wood sign along the way. One of my favorite things about Japan are...
When my family and I were preparing to move to Okinawa I had a hundred sixty-seven (thousand) questions. One of the biggest ones was about housing (what would it look like? what were our options?). The other was for my daughter: What were our options for preschool?
This was before I found Okinawa Hai, and before I joined this team,...
#Shrine #Hamahiga #IslandLife #DailyOki #Okinawa #OkinawaHai #Japan
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on May 17, 2016 at 3:06pm PDT
Follow us on Instagram: @Okinawa_Hai
Mintama Italian Restaurant
CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK
My family and I live in Yomitan and Mintama are within walking distance of our house, so I am so excited to share our experience. One of the fun parts of living and exploring a new country is the food. I have taken pictures of all my food as our friends and family back home...
Okinawa White Dental Clinic
CONTRIBUTED BY MURIEL COLLINS
I am one of those mutant breeds of people that actually likes going to the dentist. My appreciation for oral hygiene and a gorgeous smile probably has something to do with the five years of braces I endured; of which included being teased and called a “lobster” when I had to wear headgear...
Editor's Note: Okinawa Expressway and ETC was originally published on Okinawa Hai on March 27, 2009; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take, published May 23, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
zjnjyone who has been here more than five minutes (and for anyone who just arrived really), Okinawa is infamous for its...
Broken Sand Dollars are Still Beautiful #Okinawa #OkinawaHai #DailyOki #IslandLife #SandDollar #Nature #Beach #Japan #Explore #GetOutside *no beach in particular, broken ones are easy to come by*
A photo posted by Okinawa Hai (@okinawa_hai) on May 15, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT
Follow us on Instagram: @Okinawa_Hai
Okinawa Soba Soup At Onna Station Nakayukui Market
CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER GILES
Last week I wrote about Onna Station Nakayukui Market and all it has to offer visitors and shoppers. But of all the shops to explore, the “Okinawa Soba Soup” restaurant cannot be missed. My husband and I agree it is among the best soba we have had on the island.
The...
Maeda Flats Beach
CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETOWN (September 2007; 2016 update below)
photo submitted by Donna Mack
Maeda Flats is a cool beach because there is an area where the kids can play in the sand and if you go on a low tide day, they can wade in the water nicely. Also, just to the right of the sand, there is...