CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN
Julia contributed an article about Ramayana over a year ago. I’d dismissed it because Ramayana is a chain store that can be found in various malls here on the island. What you usually find in them (besides the overwhelming cloud of incense) are smaller trinkets, candles, beaded items, crochet hats and tie-dye dresses. I hadn’t gone to the Ramayana store that is mentioned in the article because the stores in the malls weren’t thrilling me.
I was wrong. And so, this is an effort to redirect you to that store because it is FANTASTIC.
Unlike the mall versions, I think this particular store has some unique treasures.
The first floor of this store has the same things that are in the mall version, but there are additional items mainly in the smaller home furnishing capacity – baskets, tea cups, serving trays, table cloths and placemats, to name a few.
It’s the upstairs in this Ramayana that really sets it apart. The upstairs is dedicated to furniture. They are a bit pricy, but I can’t say that I have ever seen anything like the furniture they carry. It is very unique. They also have a collection of lamps and mirrors that are eye-catching as well.
I’m so in love with this store that I wanted to make a public apology. Ramayana, I’m sorry I doubted you. It was terrible of me to ignore you so long. I will make up for it with numerous visits. I promise.
(And, Julia, I’m sorry I doubted you too!)
Directions: From Foster commissary gate, make a RIGHT onto 58. Ramayana will be on your LEFT hand side before you reach the third stoplight.
I LOVE this store. I’ve found lots of really pretty things here. The nori and curtains are really pretty too
There is another chain of stores on the island that are similar to Ramayana called Chikyu Zaka but their name is only in Kanji on the sign. The biggest one I know if located in American village next door to the old Puna Puna restaurant (which I think might be an Okinawan style restaurant now). It has a very unique upstairs too with cool furniture pieces, and sculptures.
There is another one of the store located in Yomitan near the Fisherman’s wharf that is in a house and each room is decorated with items that are for sale. There is a little tea cafe on the premise too…I believe that another location (at least used to be) is on Chuo Park Ave.
All locations have various asian imports…southeast asia as well as southwest.
CHIKYU ZAKKA-MIHAMA and CHIKYU ZAKKA-SHOWHOUSE (Yomitan, next to YOMITAN MONOGATARI pub) closed on 1 Sep 2010 after a big sale.
CHIKYU ZAKKA-CHUO PARK AVENUE had relocated to Mihama, way back when.
CHIKYU ZAKKA-WAREHOUSE in Yomitan opened 8 October 2010, and is looking forward to serving you.
There’s another Ramayana inside the Big Jusco Mall (Gushikawa Jusco). It’s smaller than the one on 58, but just the same, they have nice things.
Interesting place…
My daughter and I went there today. We loved exploring through all the interesting pieces of furniture. They had a payday sale listed and a sign stating the more you buy the bigger the discount. The sale dates are the 1st, 15th and 16th of each month.
Does anyone know the hours for the store? Thanks.
We went to Chikyu Zaka frequently, esp. for birthday presents and Christmas ornaments. I even had a stamp card.
Does anyone know where I can get ryukyu glass online?
I ventured out to the Ramayana that is closest to the SPOT Gate w/ husband and baby in tow… I really enjoyed this store and my 3 month old did too! My husband was overwhelmed with the incense and decided to hang in the car! They have a great selection outside on their sidewalk with 20% – 50% off of selected items right now!