Okinawa Explorer Blog:

Okinawa Explorer Blog
- Entry
- Category

Okinawa Explorer by Kenny Ehman
Retail Price: $19.95
(tax included/shipping not included)

Upcoming Events and Festivals

January ~ February

Mikan-gari (Orange Picking)

Place: Izumi, Motobu (Mikan no Sato)

Time: 10 a.m. ~ 3 p.m.

Admission: 300 yen

Farmers open their fields to visitors for picking Okinawan "tankan" (oranges) during this time of the year for a small fee. While inside the orchards, you can eat as many oranges that will fill your belly. You then pay a fee by weight for the oranges you pick to take home. Go to "Mikan no Sato" on Route 84 to gain access to one of the orchards.

January ~ February

Cherry Blossom Viewing

Place: Nago Castle Park, (Festival: January 28^th & 29^th)

Yaedake, Motobu (Festival: January 21^st ~ February 5^th)

Time: Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Cherry Blossom viewing can be done at

anytime during the day. For more information on events during festival

dates, please check at Nago and Motobu local government Offices.

Admission: Free

Okinawa is known as the earliest prefecture in Japan for Cherry Blossom viewing. Enjoy the festivities along with locals during the end of January for a fun day.

January ~ April

Whale Watching

Place: Kerama Islands (Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island)

Admission: Adults: 4,000 ~

Majestic Humback whales from Alaska migrate to the warm waters of Okinawa every year and spend their time here from January to April. Visitors can view these amazing mammals through whale watching tours. For more information, visit the following websites:

Jumbo Tours
Okinawa Story

2012-01-19 | comment(0) | trackback(0)

Experience Okinawan Karate

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate and many visitors come to Okinawa for the sole purpose of discovering the roots of this traditional martial art. Karate students gain a valuable cultural experience while training at one of the many "dojo" across the island. The Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau website is a fantastic source of information for anyone wishing to learn more about Okinawan karate and also offers assistance to karate students interested in coming to train in Okinawa.

2012-01-19 | comment(0) | trackback(0)

Otonariya Bakery

In the last several years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of small bakeries on island. Great news for bread lovers because most of these establishments do a fantastic job at producing delicious european-style breads and pastries. Otonariya ranks up there as one of the best...Besides baking excellent classics such as baguettes, rye bread, and croissants, it also leads the way in innovation by mixing a variety of cheeses, herbs, fruits, nuts, and local delicacies into its breads to create incredible tastes. It is definitely worth a visit!

Otonariya is located in Seneha, Yomitan on Route 6 near the Yomitan Bus Terminal.

2011-12-18 | comment(0) | trackback(0)

Okinawa2Go!

Okinawa Prefecture has created a visitor service center utilizing the latest technology. For more information, visit the Okinawa2Go website here.

2011-10-02 | comment(0) | trackback(0)

Cafe Green Green

This cafe not only has delicious food but it also offers relaxation. Located on a backstreet in Kitanakagusuku, the terrace provides an escape into nature. The specialty is the Vietnamese Pho Noodles. The green curry and spicy curry are also very good. At night the menu expands a bit and the greenery becomes illuminated under lights.

Green Green Cafe is located off of Route 81. Turn at the corner where Kitanakagusuku Soba is located and follow the signs.

2011-09-18 | comment(0) | trackback(0)