okinawa hai!

On Island Travels: Thai in the Sky, or Cafe Caracuma

One wonderful aspect of Military life that I did not expect when I was dragged kicking and screaming into this experience are the wonderfully outgoing people. I am naturally an introvert... you are an alien to me unless proven otherwise... I stick to what and whom I know. Thank goodness that the people that I've met on this island are not that way, or I'd still be sitting on my couch, sucking my thumb, counting down the months.

I think perhaps it's the nature of having to move every 2-3 years, and that many of these folks grew up as brats (I hate that term, my parents used to call me that when I was being rude). They moved around from base to base, and so they learned early on that there is no time to waste meeting people, because they would be leaving on a jet plane in no time.

In the spirit of this new found social structure, my husband and I generally move like wolves in packs. No trip to the beach is complete without 4-5 people... wanna go to Sushi Zen for dinner? You call Lauren, Damien & Janet, I'll call Cortney & Clay, everybody meet there at 6:30, now BREAK! I feel like I live in the freshman dorms again, but I have to say, I'm enjoying myself and my new friends a lot.

So the past several weekends, we've been road tripping. Packing our travel bags with sunscreen, towels, zesty beverages, maps, good intentions and not enough bug spray.

One good trip was to "Thai in the Sky" or Cafe Caracuma. While the food was very delicious, I would say the whole experience was more memorable for the road trip than for the dining.

Things you should know about road trippin on the Island of Okinawa:

1. Cartographers LIE. perhaps not intentionally, perhaps it is Japanese nuance. Perhaps much like D.C. was designed in circles to keep the Brits lost if they were ever to attack, Okinawa was designed to confuse Americans, should they ever attack and decide to stay for 60 years. Apparently we still haven't figured it out. Lesson learned - use maps as a suggestion, not as fact.

2. Even if you get lost on the island for days, as long as you have Yen handy, you will never run out of zesty beverages. Vending machines spring from the earth in the oddest of places. You might die of sugar shock, but there will always be sweet drinks. I recommend the Bilkka - lime & coconut deliciousness.

3. Make sure your driver and your navigator are on good terms. There will be incredulousness, and animosity, but as long as they are both well-intentioned the trip can end well.

4. Remember that life is a journey and not a destination. The TRIP is the experience. Take the time to stop if you are hungry, take some photos at scenic spots. And if by the time you get to your destination, it has closed 6 minutes prior, do not yell at the person who made you stop to use the restroom and took 10 minutes long. Especially when she is your navigator.

Now - about that Thai in the Sky:

It is actually called Cafe Caracuma, and is on the south-eastern tip of the island. We made the mistake of trying to get there from Shuri Castle, when it would have been easier to come all the way back to Kadena and start from scratch. But again, I refer you back to tip #4.

Once you get there, there is a bit of a wait, or at least there was for us - there were 17 parties ahead of us, which took about 1.5 hours to wait out. Luckily the grounds are quite scenic. 1st there's the view. There's a reason this place is dubbed "Thai in the Sky."

Then there is the most random prehistoric museum I have ever seen. A little barn full of dinosaur bones, teeth, amber, fossils.

Then there are the beautiful gardens surrounding the place.

And then finally, finally, finally....just when you think you can't take it any more, and why do they think that my wonderment at all these fossils is going to make me forget that I've been waiting to eat for and hour and a half, and why did I even go on this road trip that took me 3 hours to get here with these people I don't even know, and I should have stayed on my couch with my cat...waaAHHHHHH. Right at that point....the food comes. And order is restored.

Wasn't that a fun adventure troops? Who's up for a road trip next weekend?

Directions to Thai in the Sky (Okinawa Hai and the author of this post hold no responsibility for the accuracy of these directions. As my friend Clay says, sometimes you just have to Zen your way there...)

From Kadena, take 58 south, keep going until it turns into 331. Take 331 all the way to the bottom of the island. it veers East along the coast, keep on 331 and travel east until you hit 86, then take 86 north for a couple miles. The place is called Cafe Caracuma, and there should be signs. Hours are 10:00 to 21:00.

For Those Who Remain...

As we all know, one of the constants of military life is the goodbyes.  Right now, I feel like I am surrounded by PCSers.  In fact, we've got a number of OkiHai-ians heading out soon... *sniff*sniff*.  And though I'm so glad they are "going before" so that I can learn from all of their mistakes (heehee), I just thought I'd take a moment today to remind myself, and any of you who still have a good chunk of time left on this lovely island, to PLAN.

I love reading the posts here about various places to eat and shop and play and do, and I always think, "Man, we've gotta do that sometime."

And then a year has flown past.

So today for my "to do" spot, I just wanted to take a moment to say, "PLAN what you're going to do."  And I don't mean in that vague it'll-never-really-happen sort of way, but in the get-out-the-calendar-and -find-a-free-day sort of way.  I mean the track-down-a-babysitter- so-we-can-try-that-restaurant -without-the-kids sort of way.  I mean the I'm-going-to-save-$20-out-of-my -grocery-money-each-week -so-we-can-afford-the-cost-of-the-ferry-to-the-island sort of way.  The I-am-implementing-a-REAL-plan sort of way.

Otherwise, I'm afraid this time may just slip right on by. 

I'd suggest making some lists -- places you want to go (Kerama Islands), places where you want to eat (the little Italian place in Yomitan), cultural experience you want to have (joining an eisa group), classes you want to take (Japanese language class), and the lists could go on.  Post them on the fridge or other oft visited sight and let it remind you to GET OUT THERE.

I want us all to get to our PCS day and be able to say, "Ahhhh.  We really, truly LIVED here."  And be able to jump on the plane for the next adventure without feeling like we've missed out on something.  Seize the day?  Seize the tour?  Seize this life.

Taking the Plunge - BYOB

                                                            

Unfortunately, BYOB in this case doesn't mean "Bring Your Own Beer", but instead refers to a "Bring Your Own Buddy" promotion sponsored by Tsunami Gear through Memorial Day to encourage people to get their PADI scuba diving certifications.  It's a great deal because you and a friend, spouse, significant other, etc. can take advantage of free tuition for one person and basically split the cost.  You do, however, have to pay for your own class reading materials.  The grand total for me came out to about $120.00.  Not bad at all when compared to other facilities in Hawaii or in resorts/cruises. 

Financial details aside, here's my take on the scuba class experience.  I am personally not comfortable in the water.  I've been on this beautiful island for 2.5 years and not once did it occur to me that I should become scuba-certified due to:
1) my fear of deep water
2) my fear of snakes and other legless creatures in the ocean
3) my fear of not seeing my husband and children again.

Lest you think that I live my life in fear, I really don't - honestly!  I've hiked, biked, and want to sky-dive someday, but water comfort is just not my forte.  I learned to swim as an adult b/c we bought a house w/a pool and I needed to know how to get in to the deep end just in case my kids decided to jump in. We ended up living by the Sunabe Seawall with the East China Sea about 100 meters from our house.  It's beautiful to look at, but please don't make me get in there! So you get the picture that I love to look at water, just not be IN it.  Well, my almost-master diver husband, Bob , learned about the BYOB promotion and that was the end of it for me.  He's nagged, cajoled, bribed me for 2 straight weeks to take this class and I finally caved in to his pleas to take the plunge - literally.  Fortunately, I don't have to endure this alone, so I've dragged my good friends Kandy , Staci, and her hubby Steve along for this ride.

Classes are offered either on a daily basis for about a week or can be condensed into 2 consecutive weekends.  My BYOB buddy - Kandy, and I aimed for the weekends due to free childcare (aka our husbands).  Day 1 was mind-numbing due to the approximately 5 hours of classwork and pop quizzes and then a swim "assessment" in the pool where you have to swim for 200 meters without stopping and then tread or float in the water for a full 10 minutes.  I was pretty worried about that swim portion of the assessment b/c I was out of shape before I had my silly Billy and it's been a downward spiral fitness-wise since his birth. So I practiced a bit and Kandy and I passed! Hallejujah!  Now the fun stuff can begin….

Day 2 was another day of  2-3 hours of classwork and a 50-question final exam.  By this time, we're ready for some real-life diving, even if it's in the pool.  After orientating ourselves to the equipment and learning how to put it on, our instructor, Charles, told us to fall face first into the pool.  It's embarassing and comical how much of a novice I am! I bobbed around uncontrollably with the scuba gear and felt ridiculous.  Then we went underwater and miraculously became weightless and free AND we were breathing underwater!  That first breath underwater is both weird and wonderful all at the same time.  That took some getting used to and right when I got used to breathing underwater, we had to learn several underwater emergency skills where our regulators (aka the breathing apparatus in our mouths) are taken away from us.  What??!! You're taking away our life-giving oxygen?  Again, that took some practice and mental mantras of "it's going to be ok, it's gonna be ok", but eventually that becomes second nature, too.  We could have taken all night to go through all the skills, but Instructor Charles decided to give us a break and come back for an extra night of pool scuba skills.  That was Day 3, which was pretty much 5 hours of being in the water.  Now on to the real stuff - the wide, wide ocean!

Day 4 was comprised of 2 separate dives.  We reported to Tsunami Gear at 6:15am and got into the water at around 7:30am on the seawall in the Minato area.  We descended with the help of a rope attached to a buoy and that was comforting.  It was also comforting to be there with Kandy and Staci, my female comrades in a class full of young marines and active-duty male instructors .  However, kudos to Charles and his assistant instructor, Andy, for being super-nice and patient and funny and charming while at the same time instilling in us the seriousness of how important it is to learn these emergency skills and dive correctly.  The whole notion of blowing out your lungs if you ascend too quickly or getting the bends is enough to make one listen very carefully to instructions and follow them! 

So Kandy and I descended slowly hanging onto that rope for dear life and made it to the bottom safely.  Then we started swimming and that's when fear took in b/c I started sinking very fast and kicking at coral - oh, how terrible i felt for disturbing any living things in there!  Asst. Instructor Andy quickly inflated my BCD vest, but that made me start floating to the surface (remember that rule of not ascending too quickly?!), so he pulled me down and took out air to equalize my position.  Sounds comical right now with my feet firmly planted on dry land, but 30 feet deep underwater, it was downright frightening.  When we came out of that dive and took off all our equipment, it turned out that Bob (my hubby) and I had miscommunicated and somehow I had enough weights for a 220 lb. person in my BCD vest!  Ooops....please learn from my mistake and make sure you've got the right amount of weights BEFORE making your very first ocean dive!  Needless to say, the 2nd ocean dive was much better although much longer.  We were underwater for quite some time and also had to demonstrate more skills at the surface.  If  you get at all motionsick like I do (i.e. riding in the backseat induces waves of nausea), be sure to take some dramamine or other medication to help with seasickness b/c I was pretty sure that I was going to hurl at some point after bobbing around in the ocean water for awhile.  But wonderfully calm and nurturing Staci helped me out and basically guided me back to shore before I had time to "feed the fish" as Instructor Charles put it.  Blechhh.  So that was the end of our first ocean dive day.  We survived!

Day 5 was also made up of 2 dives, but this time, we're making our descents rope-free and only a few more emergency skills to go such as retrieving lost masks and learning how to "hover" in midwater so as not to disturb any aquatic life.  We met again at the seawall, but along a different spot where we had to wade through the coral before a ledge drops down to 60 feet - yikes!  Kandy and I, being petite girls, had a hard time navigating all those rocks and coral, so ended up just snorkeling most of the way out to deep water. We decided beforehand to hold hands on the descent and throughout the underwater exploration so as not to lose each other AND it was just plain ol' comforting to have some sort of lifeline when you're so deep underwater! To make a long story short, these dives were wonderfully exciting.  We got to see lots of creatures that you'd rarely see while snorkeling , our underwater comfort level increased, and we were allowed to use cameras, so that was alot of fun.  One of the guys in the class was kind enough to use Bob's underwater camera to take some shots of me and Kandy in full scuba regalia underwater.

All in all, what a relief to know that we did it!  I was completely out of my comfort zone, but somehow surged forward and got certified.  It wouldn't have been half as fun without awesome instructors and nice guys in the class AND of course a buddy like Kandy and Staci to joke around, commiserate, or celebrate with. So cool and comforting to have girls in the class with me.  Really, it did seem at times that scuba diving is a male-dominated world.  Where are the fashionable platform fins like these ?  It may be TMI, but I'm a nursing mama and they've got nursing tops for everything it seems - how about a quick-release nursing wetsuit?!   All kidding aside, Kandy and Staci really were my cheerleaders and helpers and such.  Thank you, Kandy and Staci and Steve, too!   Also much thanks to my lovable husband for making me do this in the first place (Bob, I get at least 1 shopping spree out of this! :) and for the hours of childcare and encouraging words.

Just a couple of notes about the whole process if you're in the same boat as us - meaning that you have a family or are a bit older (don't panick! by "older" I just mean older than the 18, 19-year old fit and healthy Marines who were in our class).  It's definitely an energy-draining process b/c of the newness of being underwater, learning difficult skills, swimming, etc., but the good news that I discovered is that scuba diving burns more than 500 calories per hour! woo-hoo!  I guiltlessly indulged on ice cream on those days that we were in the ocean.  The course is also time-consuming.  It was an average of 7 hours away from home and family.  For me, that was difficult b/c I had 2 little ones plus a nursing 4-month-old.  But Bob and I made it work by having our dinner breaks together and the whole family visiting me between dives out on the seawall.  So now Bob and I are a diving duo and we're looking forward to an activity together that's an escape from our cute, but very active kiddos . 

Thanks for taking the plunge with me and see you in the water soon! :)

Lily Festival on Ie Island

So I'm freaking out a little. We got here 13 months ago and there have been so many events about which I heard myself say, "We've GOT to do that next year!" And now it's next year. And here's the Lily Festival again, about to come and go and hubby has to work all weekend. Sigh.

But luckily for us, Marisa and her family went up this week, had a lovely time and took some great pix... thank goodness for Marisa!! CONTRIBUTED BY MARISA

If you have dreams of dancing while being surrounded by thousands of beautiful lilies or maybe you’re just looking for a nice family outing, the Lily Festival (Yuri Matsuri) is the place to go. The Festival runs through May 5th. Here are details from our experience at the Lily Festival last Sunday --

For our ferry ride from Motobu Park to Ie Island, we got a nice cold coffee out of the vending machine to drink while watching the island get smaller and smaller during our thirty minute ride. My kids got a kick looking over the side of the ferry for flying fish, the Exocoetidae (they’re quick, so my girls only got to see three). If I remember correctly, it cost 3340 yen (round trip) for us (two adults and two kids), but I can’t recall the individual prices. We had planned on taking our vehicle (it’s like our security blanket), but you had to have a reservation to take you car during the weekend we went. If we would have taken our car, it would have cost us about 6500 yen, it all depends on the length of your automobile. Now that I’ve gone to the Lily Fest, I wouldn’t recommend taking your car, you really don’t need it at all. During the fest, the ferry boat leaves every hour on the hour.

Once we got off the boat, we veered to the right where buses were waiting to take ferry passengers to Lily Field Park. We paid our 200 yen for the adults and 100 yen for the kids (one way), sat back and rested during the ten minute bus ride.

Lily Field Park is field with tons and tons of lilies, mostly the white Easter Lilies (teppoyuri) and a patch of varied colorful lilies. There’s a path to walk on that takes you around the park so you can see each and every lily, plus stop and get a bite to eat from the many food vendors (there were none of the usual carnival game vendors). At the other end from where the bus drops you off, there is a small petting farm with bunnies, chicks, goats, pigs, ponies and ostriches. Huge kiddie fun. In the middle of the park, a big tent was set up where music was being performed.

We spent about two and a half hours there checking out flowers, eating, petting animals and taking photos. It’s a great, peaceful and calm family outing.

There was one thing about the bus, make sure you check when the last bus leaves to take you to the ferry. There was a sign on a little building right across from where we unloaded the bus that clearly stated the last bus left at 3:30 on the day we were there. We didn’t notice the sign until we were getting back on the bus… at 3:30, phew!

To get there: After searching online, we could not find any directions on how to get there, but if we managed, anyone can. We took the Okinawa Expressway to Nago, then followed the signs to Motobu Port. Not once did we have to do a went the wrong way turn around, so it was pretty simple to get there.

Addition to Churaumi Aquarium

Everytime we get to the Aquarium I hold my breath in hopes that the coolio looking kid's play structure might be open FINALLY. It was originally slated to be open at the end of August 07. No joy. So you can imagine my glee when we drove into the parking lot and saw REAL KIDS playing on the incredible blue climbing structure.

We hadn't been up there since Christmas, so I have no clue when it opened, but it's open NOW!

There is an easier climbing area for 3-6 year olds and then a more difficult area of 6-12 year olds (3rd small pix). And it's gianormous!! Seems to go on for days. We were getting dangerously close to nap-time-crisis-mode, so we were only able to stay for about 45 minutes -- but my 2 year old was in heaven. Next time we'll plan to get our butts out of the house sooner so that we can be at the Aquarium by 10am so as to make the dolphin show at 11am and then the play structure til hunger for pizza hits... maybe we could find a place up in the sky that serves it?? :)

Kitone Festival @ Murasaki Mura

Photo by the one and only Aviva! Research and post by the radiant Kaho!

Golden Week is approaching.  What's Golden Week?  Here's the explanation I found on japan-guide.com.

The Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays within seven days. In combination with well placed weekends, the Golden Week becomes one of Japan's three busiest holiday seasons, besides New Year and the Obon week.

Looking for something to do during the Golden Week?  Here's one event on the very first day of Golden Week, April 29.  It is a Showa Day, the former Emperor Showa's birthday.   

KITONE FESTIVAL
Kitone Ichi is the name in Japanese and it's direct translation is "Kitone Market".  This festival with markets will be held at Murasaki Mura on April 29, 2008.  It starts at 11:00 A.M. and will end at dusk. 

What is Kitone Ichi?
It's an eco-friendly market with music performance.  The stalls will be opened by eco-friendly stores, cafes and artists in Yomitan Village.  From the pictures I saw on-line, it looks like a hippy's market.  All the products are handmade by the people who participate.   

The items that will be sold are handmade arts and crafts such as jewelries, ornaments, candles, soaps, T-shirts, clothes, old books, healthy food and drinks. 

Admission Fee
500 Yen (One Year Free-pass "Passport" is 700 Yen)
When you pay admission, if you tell the employee that you came for "Kitone Ichi", part of the fee will go to the "Kitone Festival Fund". 

Note
Please bring your own cups, plates and silverware.  There will be no trash can at the market.  Why?  Eco-friendly, you know. 

Naming of Kitone Ichi
"Ki" means "tree" and "ne" means "root" in Japanese.  The founder of this festival writes "tree and root are the same "tree", but we only see the part that is above the soil.  If you study the roots, you will discover a whole new world."

I hope that the weather will be nice!  I would love to hear what you thought of it since I don't get to go as I have a plan to be out of town around that time!  Eco-friendly rocks!

Swimming with the Dolphins

CONTRIBUTED BY DANIELA WELBORN

Alright, we did it! We gave in and payed the money...and....it was totally worth it!!!! Today was our anniversary and since we been together for some time now we don't do the jewlery/flowers/chocolate/dinner thing. Well, we still do the dinner thing, but not today.

So, here is the deal.

OMRC Dolphin program has different programs throughout the day. If you are not a guest of the hotel you can not make a reservation ahead of time. You have to come on the day you want to do the program you chose and hope for the best.

Today was our lucky day. We picked the "Into the Blue" program. You get wet suits, booties, mask, and snorkel. We chose to bring our own wet suit and booties. If you don't speak Japanese it's okay. Everybody will try to do their best to translate. We had a lady in our group that did most of that. Then you get a lecture on dolphins, you practice snorkeling, and off you go.

The trainer will teach you commands and then you execute them and the dolphin will do as you say. This is very much fun as you get to interact real close with it. This takes about 30-45 minutes. All the while people are taking pictures that you can purchase later. The "finale" is when you snorkel across the lagoon and the dolphin is swimming with you.

I was just a tiny bit disappointed, because I thought we were going to do the "holding on to the fin swim", but come to find out it is a different program. This program states for "Japanese speakers only", but I inquired and even if you don't speak it you can still do it. You will just miss out on a big part of the lectures.
All in all it was very fun.

All this is happening at the Renaissance Hotel north of Yomitan. We paid 10.000 yen per person. The real shocker came when we bought 4 pictures and paid 52,-. Note to self, a set in Japanese means 1 picture not 2! There are different programs that accommodate different age groups. So, even if your kids are small there is still a program for them to have fun with a dolphin.

Then there is the issue of "should a dolphin be in captivity...." Well, as far as I understood it "our" dolphin was rescued after she was bitten by a shark. The scars were visible when we were petting her and that is how I found out. Then they have a breeding program for spotted dolphins which is the only one in Japan. I have mixed feelings about it, but the atmosphere was great and the dolphin seemed to have fun. Kind of like my dog when I walk her, if that makes sense.

Phone: 098-965-5629. To email for help in English: nirai@omrc.jp

Murasaki Mura

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

Murasaki Mura is an old Okinawan village where you can make various crafts. Entry was only about 500 yen but they’ll get you on the crafts. Within the course of an hour we had dropped close to an additional 4000 yen painting a pair of shisa dogs and a whale shark.

There was a moment’s hesitation but then I was thinking that ten years from now I won’t remember the cost so much. Instead I’ll have great souvenirs to remember our time in Okinawa...unless of course one of the kids breaks them before then! I’ve already had to relegate our crafts to a high shelf since my youngest had taken to banging the shisa dogs together.

My 3 year-old and 21 month-old had a great time painting and surprisingly enough did not make that much of a mess. They provided t-shirts for the kids to wear to minimize the chances of getting paint on their clothing. You can paint indoors or outdoors. The weather was really nice but we chose indoors so we could sit around their saltwater fish tank.

We made a beeline for the shisa dog painting from the get-go and left Murasaki Mura to get lunch soon afterwards so I didn’t see much else in terms of other crafts. I did notice that you could make your own candles and clocks. The clocks looked like a fun project and ranged from 2000 to 3000 yen. There’s supposed to be many other crafts there including making your own Okinawan sugar, bingata, Ryukyu glass, and shisa dogs.

I wish we had spent more time there as it’s a nice place to take a stroll with their stone walkways and old buildings. Also nice to take a walk so you can decide which crafts you’d like to do more. I’m quite happy with the shisa dogs we picked but they had plenty to choose from at other buildings as well…shisas with funny faces, shisas playing instruments, even shisas relieving themselves!

If you are going to be at Murasaki Mura there are a few other places that might be worth stopping by. Our original intent was to head to Gala Aoi Umi to see the salt factory but we never made it there. We did however stop at Hotel Nikko Alivila’s Kinshasa restaurant for all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch (more on that later!) and then Boulangerie Couques and Michel’s afterwards. If you’re coming from Torii Station Michel’s is on the right with a pink and white awning just past Boulangerie Couques. They have fantastic cream puffs there. All in all it was a full day of fun crafts and delicious food!

For more information check these links:

Here's the FIRST one.

And ANOTHER.

And the last one.

HOURS:

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Last entry at 5:30 PM

PHONE NUMBER:

098-958-1111

Directions:

1. From Kadena Gate 1 take a RIGHT onto Hwy 58.
2. Pass Kadena circle and take a LEFT at Route 6 heading towards Torii Station and Cape Zanpa.
3. Pass Torii Station on your left and look out for a Lawson’s on your left.
4. At the 1^st traffic signal after Lawson the road will split. Take the LEFT fork and follow the signs for Hotel Nikko Alivila.
5. Murasaki Mura will be on the way to Nikko Alivila. You’ll see it on your left side with parking on your right.
         

Terme Villa Chula-U

Joelle, our faithful To-Do editor, has left us for a few weeks after a successful Space-A flight with two kids. Wow. In the meantime, Kaho took the time to answer a question from a reader about Chu-La. Thanks, Kaho. Happy vacation, Joelle!

I was wondering if anyone had any info on the Chu-La spa. 
I think it is a bath house?  I wanted to try it out but I
was curious about what they had there, the price, etc. Before we
PCS'ed here in October we were on mainland Japan for 4 years.  I got
the chance to go to a Japanese bath house (I called it the "naked
baths").  It wasn't a natural "hot spring" but just a lot of relaxing
and soaking in different baths....while totally naked. After the
intial nakedness shock wore off it was really enjoyable and very
relaxing!  I haven't heard of anything here...or anything spa-like?
Any one know of anything remotely relaxing and spa-esque I would
greatly appreciate it!

Chula-U is a fun and relaxing place to go as families, couples and friends!!!  There are a lot of spas all over Okinawa and Chula-U is just a one of them, so I will mention some of them that I know later in this blog.

I'm sure people will have helpful comments about this place or other places, so make sure to come back and read the comments as well. 

Chula-U is to me a casual resort swimming pool spa.  You wear swim suit to the outside pool, so no nakedness except for the bath areas which are separated from outside with the wall and women can only go into the women's bath.  It's no Club Med with Europeans.  Sorry, boys.  I've never checked, but I'm sure there is a bath area for men as well.  It is located right next to the Beach Tower Hotel in the American village. 

As you walk into Chula-U, you see this very nice lobby with high ceiling which sort of reminds me of the public bath that I used to go with my grand-parents when I was little.  You put your shoes in a cupboard to your left and pay the fee at the reception.  You receive a towel and a key to your locker and then you proceed to the changing room. 

If you are a virgin to a Japanese public bath, please don't flip if you see naked people walking in front of you.  Yeah, it might be a little bit awkward at first, but no big deal.  I think. 

Chula-U's swimming pools have natural spring water that has good health effects such as regaining energy.  Each pool has water with different temperatures.  I remember that one swimming pool has water like a regular swimming pool and it would be a bit too cold for winter.  There is a very nice jacuzzi if you walk up the stairs from the swimming pool.  The sun set would be gorgeous and I imagine that it would be very romantic.  Don't get too excited about this one, because it won't as there will be kids splashing water and people coming in and out of the jacuzzi.  It's popular.  I took my sister to Chula-U when she was in town and we went to the jacuzzi.  There were a couple, a family and us.  The family left and it felt like we should've left, too, but it felt so good that we stayed.  Just a little more.  It was a bit.... awkward, so we left. 

What I love about this place is that after I relax sitting in hot spring, I can take a bath.  I know that it's weird  to get naked and use a public bath/shower with no partition, but it feels wonderful to shower afterwards.   

The very first time I went to the Chula-U, I was pregnant, but I didn't know yet.  I went there with two pregnant friends and one of them told me later of the risks for pregnant women to be in hot water.  I called the Chula-U to ask about this, and as you can imagine, they did not say that it was safe.  I researched a lot online about this and I was relieved to find out that it would be fine for a pregnant woman to be in warm water as long as she was not feeling uncomfortable.  Then I recalled that when I was pregnant with my first child, I took a hot bath every single day after 33rd week till the birth.  My child is fine. 

The second time I went to the Chula-U was with my sister and I was 5-month pregnant with my second child.  I was worried that I would be stopped to go in since it was quite obvious that I was pregnant, but I wasn't.  If you look like you're going to pop, you might be stopped.  I was careful not to get too warm.  I felt good afterwards and loved it.  Now the baby is 4 months old and she's fine.  If you think that you would worry, don't go to be on the safe side.  I am from Japan and I know that Japanese pregnant women take a bath during their pregnancy for hundreds of years and I've never heard of any birth defect due to that, so I felt comfortable going during my pregnancy, but that's just me. 

Click here for the pictures of the facility.

Fee and Hours 

Hours: 10：00～22：00 (No entry after 21:00)

Fee (From the left)                            Adult       Child      Toddler (1-3 Y)   Senior citizen
Weekday（10:00～18:00）               ￥1,000 ￥700 ￥300 ￥1,000
Weekday（18:00～22:00）               ￥1,300 ￥700 ￥300 ￥1,000
Sat. Sun. & Holidays (10:00～22:00)  ￥1,300 ￥700 ￥300 ￥1,000

The prices include body soap, shampoo, conditioner, q-tips, razors, tooth brushes, lotion, hair brush, and face wash.

Phone: 098-926-2611
E-mail: info@chula-u.com

Directions
From Lester's main gate, drive straight all the way to the end of the street and the Chula-U will be at the end on the left side.  Plenty of parking space is available.  Your right will be the Beach Tower Hotel. 

Other Spas

Kanna Thalasso
Kanna Thalasso is located in Ginoza.  It is located not so far from Camp Hansen.  I have never been there myself, but I've taken our house guests there and they liked it.  There are different pools with the ocean water and the thalasso therapy is believed to cure some illnesses.  For more detailed explanation about thalasso therapy, here's the Wikipedia definition. 

If you have been to Kanna Thalasso, please post your comments about this place!!

Ganbanyoku - Hot stone bath
This is quite relaxing.  Some people might not like it, but I thought that it was fun. 
If you would like to learn more about ganbanyoku, click here for the explanation and click here for pictures.  I didn't realize that ganbanyoku is only for women...  I'm sorry about that, guys.  I wonder if there are places where men can go as well.   

I've only been to ganbanyoku place called Ishino Fushigi in Okinawa City. 

Directions to Ishino Fushigi
From Kadena Gate 2, turn LEFT at the first stop light and get onto 85 (some people know this road as 23).  Go all the way to the junction under a pedestrian's overpass to turn onto 85 (85 is a loop).  If you pass this, you will end up at the Gate 3.  Cross the junction with Route 329.  You'll also pass Coop on your right and soon after that, you will find the blue ganbanyoku building "Ishono Fushigi" on your right.  I think that it is on the first floor of an apartment building.  Parking is behind the building and it's a bit tricky to find it.   

Hiking.

"Put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking out the door..."

Anybody remember that song??  It's from one of my favorite Christmas movies, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town", the one where Fred Astaire narrates and sings.  And why the heck am I mentioning it in March???  Well, for some reason it is the song that plays on a loop in my head whenever I go on a difficult hike.  And as I grew up doing that weekly with my family, it's been sung in my head A LOT.  But it always helped me get up the hills and head down the other side.

I learned a lot from hiking with my family:  how to pee in the wild without getting my pants wet, the perfect drinking pace to make it through my bottle of water by the time we got back, how to walk over difficult terrain while holding hands with my boyfriend -- cuz OF COURSE we could never let go, what happened to our "wilds" during times of drought because we often walked to a waterfall that didn't always fall, and the importance of jumping HIGH over any stick in the path as they often turned out to be rattlesnakes.  For my parents, it was a way to get us away from the stereo and the TV and out communing with them.  And since we were always allowed to invite our friends, they were able to get to know our friends and see us interact.  I wasn't raised by dummies, I'll tell ya that.

But other than Hiji Falls and Ishikawa People's Park, I don't know anything about places to take my kiddos for a good Saturday morning hike.  My oldest is just getting to the age where this might be fun but driving an hour to hike makes it "unfun."  Hoping you can help me out and tell of places you walk/hike! 

I have to do some secondary begging.  I'm hoping to be on the Patriot Express tomorrow to Seattle, or some other Space-A next week.  I'll be gone for a couple weeks and am hoping a few of you have TO DO things you could share with the rest of us.  A favorite beach, info on sports or a favorite exercise class, other classes that you have taken (craft, language, scuba, cooking, underwater basketweaving), etc.  We love those well-kept secrets shared with all!!  Email me at todoinokinawa@yahoo.com -- THANKS!

Eastering!

Ok -- so let's amass our Easter weekend info!  Please tell us of any egg hunts, bunny sightings, church programs, food celebrations or other party things that we can hit this weekend to get our fill of the season!

This is what I've got...

Base brunches :

• Kadena NCO Rocker Club --  Sunday, 9:30-2pm, $16.95
• Kinser Surfside, Thirsty's, Awase Meadows, The Palms, Butler O Club -- Sunday, 10am- 2pm  (Bunny will be at Butler O club w/ goody bags and to take pix w/ kids)
• Crow's Nest on Camp Shields -- Sunday, 8-11am (Breakfast) & 11am-2pm (Brunch) -- Bunny from 9-11am for pix

Activities:

• Marek Park -- Spring Fest -- Saturday, 10am-2pm, Food, Games & Bunny will make an appearance

Base Church Services:

• I started to type all this in, but Stars & Stripes has it all in one spot.  Only change that I know of is that the Sunday sunrise service on Kadena is at 6:15am not 6:30am.  There are a number of servcies being held Friday & Saturday as well as the expected Sunday morn ones.  The Good Friday service at Lester was highly recommended by a friend of mine -- it's held outdoors -- noon today.  Here is the info on all.

Boiling Eggs:

• So I've had some funny conversations with friends this week about how to hardboil eggs for decorating.  Seems everyone has a different way of cooking them -- even had someone suggest that doing it in the oven was the best way.  Would love to know how you do it!  I just put all 36 (I know, overkill) in cold water, brought to a boil for about 10 min. and that was that.  Other ideas?

Side Note:

• The Battle of Okinawa offensive began on Easter Sunday in 1945.  Might take a moment this Sunday to remember all those, American & Japanese, who lost their lives in that conflict.

A little of the Irish...

Hmmm...  So supposedly there is going to be a St. Patrick's Day Festival tomorrow (March 15).  However, I haven't heard anything about it since the announcement that SOFA status can't drink off base.  I mean, what in the world do you do at a St. Patrick's Day celebration if you can't have some Guinness??  Does anyone have updated info on this?  Here's what I had:

When:  Saturday, March 15
Where:  Chuo Park Avenue which is the road Paddy Mac's Irish Pub is on --- street will be closed to traffic from 1-8pm.  Main stage is between 330 & Korinza Mall, smaller stage in front of Teruya Music Store.
What:  Parade is at 2pm and live music & stuff from 4-8pm. 

Please comment if you know anymore about this!

Azaleas Anyone?

So, they aren't my favorite flower.  They're too bushy for me and for some reason remind me of old people.  Not that I have anything against old people. In fact I have a number of them I love dearly.  None the less, azaleas are not my favorite.  But I've seen some pix of the whole hillside up in Higashi Village covered in azaleas and I have to admit it's a right decent photo op for sure!  If this rain goes away, you may want to consider a bit of a drive up that way...The Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji) runs from March 9 to 23.  There are activities planned for the weekends, but still plenty of viewing (48k bushes???) during the week.  This weekend there are canoe rides through the mangrove trees (1-2000 yen) and next weekend Okinawan dancing & Shisa dancing.

Details:  8:30am - 5pm daily.  200 yen for adults & older kids, 100 yen for elementary students, free kindergarten & under.  Free parking.

Directions:  Higashi Village is on the north east side of the island.  Take the 329 north to the 70 north.  I'm hoping to go this weekend, so will give better directions then but it looks to be at about the same latitude as Okuma.  Evidently you should see signs saying Tsutsuji with arrows pointing the way.  The hiragana for that looks like 2 backwards "C's" and a backwards "J" with two little apostrophes...

Uruma Area Park

I realize that most anything off base sounds MARVELOUS at the moment -- but this park really does sound fantabulous!

CONTRIBUTED BY BAMBI CALDWELL

On the 329 just North of the Izumi Hospital is a park.  It is hidden behind buildings and has a lot of fun stuff to offer.  When you go behind the cream-ish/orange building you will find a baseball field and to the left you will see a park on top of the hill.  There are slides, rope swings, a tire swing, a spider net, and an obstacle/exercise course.  If you keep walking around the hill(we made our kids instead of letting them dart straight up the hill) it will lead you to a couple picnic tables that you can watch the kids play on as they are with the playground. 

There is also a building that rents out skates/helmets and sleds.  You can rent the sled and go down the grass to do "Okinawa sledding".  Sorry, we don't know the price of these because we opted for the other 2 activities which are a cement sled track (in Utah they have one in Park City the call the Alpine Slide) and then the Japanese cars (like by the train ride at Neo Park).  Both cost 100 yen per ride and were a ton of fun.  The cement track we let the 6 year old go down by himself (granted, he has had lots of practice since we go to Utah every other summer and he spends the day on these tracks!) and the 2 year old drove with dad.  The 2 year old said that it goes fast and is fun.  Of course, you have to walk back up to the top and that was some good exercise also!  The ride hours for winter are 10:00-4:00 with a "relax break" for an hour (I can't remember if it was 12:00-1:00 or 1:00-2:00) and in the summer they stay open until 5:00. 

On top of all the fun stuff you could do, they have a camping area and also some cabins you can rent!  At the back of the cream-ish/orange building is a restaurant if you are hungry and of course, there is ice cream and soda machines!

Directions from Kadena Gate 3:  Go strait till you get to the 329.  Turn left onto the 329.  Watch for the 329 to split.  You will keep going strait at the split.  The light after the split (also the light after the Izumi Hospital) you will turn left (it is 1.1 k after the 329 split) and go up to the Wago Hills Sports Garden (golfing area).  When you get to the parking lot park in a space on your left side.  Continue to walk up the road that you were just driving up between the cream-ish/orange building and a grey building.  You will be there!

Directions from McT: Take the 8 to the 329.  Turn right onto the 329.  At the 3rd light turn left.  Follow this road and go over the other 329 to Wago Hills Sports Garden. Park on the left side and walk up the road to go between the cream-ish/orange building and the grey building.

What to do... what to do...

Hmmmm...  I was going to do a post today about the Pottery Festival happening this weekend at Camp Zampa... but for all with SOFA status, that's off the table...  Sooooooo....  ummmmm....  How 'bout I follow Kelly's lead (from yesterday's post) and we focus on possible base activities!!

Firstly, here's the website that tells you all the movies playing at base theaters -- alllll around the world.  To kill a little time, you can actually amuse yourself by looking to see what you COULD see if you were in Iraq or the Azores or Germany...

And with the lovely weather today you might be dying to head to the beach!  Never fear, there are lots of beaches on various military locations -- Torii, White Beach, Kadena Marina, Okuma.  And here is the tide chart for this year.  It will let you know when is the perfect time to see the tide pools at Torii, etc.  (Please comment and add other bases that have nice beaches, I'm still learning!)

Also, we've got LOTS of lovely posts under "To Do: Outdoors" of gorgeous parks around the island but I think all are off base.  So, please tell us of your favorite on base park to take the kiddos to.  I took the boys to the park just inside the "Spot Gate" on Foster -- grabbed some Subway and enjoyed the sun while the boys played.  Another friend mentioned Jeffrey (??) or Jimmy's Park -- come in Kadena Gate 1, left at the first light, and you'll see a nice flat area with a park, space to bring bikes and let the kids ride around (please help if I've given wrong directions).  And my son's just happy to wander around the airplanes just inside Kadena Gate 1.  So tell us where you like to take your kids to blow off some steam! 

Thanks for helping us revamp our plans for the next few days (or weeks???)!!

Araha Beach

We're mind readers here at OkiHai and so we know some of you have been wondering about Araha Beach and because we have such cool & helpful contributors... TA-DA, here's the info from Julia Chen!

There are so many things that I will miss about Okinawa but I think one of the things that I will miss most is Araha Beach.

There are so many gorgeous spots out here with beautiful blue water but I guess Araha is special to me since I’ve spent quite a bit of time here with my boys. I live within walking distance so it’s a convenient place to take the kids to play. They love the huge pirate ship that is one of the things that makes Araha so memorable. It’s got a little bridge at the top with a lookout tower, nets to climb, a tube slide, and a zip line. Fun is aplenty here. For the smaller kids there’s a more manageable version further away. There are a few teeter totters too.

The beach can get quite busy during the hotter months especially during Golden Week. The beach itself is kept quite clean and the water is pretty tame so it’s nice for the little ones to wade in. Between frolicking in the ocean, playing in the sand, and the pirate ship my little guys are entertained for quite a while. 

Another thing I love about Araha is the walking trail. It’s so relaxing to take a walk while taking in the beautiful blue water. I see joggers and people walking their dogs all of the time. The walking trail connects with Chatan Park so you can actually walk a good distance – a little bit South of San-A in Hamby Town all of the way to Jusco in American Village.

Pavilions and grills can be rented here if you’re in the mood for a beach party. 

Directions from Kadena Gate 1:

-Take a LEFT to head South on 58 from KAB Gate 1.
-Pass the Camp Lester hospital gate and take a RIGHT at the 2nd light onto 130.-Take a LEFT at the next traffic signal.
-Pass Nishimatsuya (pink and white building with a White Rabbit on the sign) on your left.
-Look out on your right side for a pink diamond shaped sign that says Arapana on it. Take a RIGHT just after the Arapana sign for beach parking. (If you pass San-A on your left you have gone too far.)

 Note: If the parking lots here are full there is an additional parking lot. You will have to go back the road you just came on passing Nishimatsuya on your right. Shortly afterwards you will see a canal with white guardrails. Make a LEFT on the far side of the canal, proceed to the end of the road, and make a RIGHT into the parking lot.

Whale Watching

This is the whale who came one night
When the tide was high and the stars were bright. 
A humpback whale, immensely long,
Who sang to the snail a wonderful song
Of shimmering ice and coral caves
And shooting stars and enormous waves.

And this is the tail
Of the humpback whale.
He held it out of the starlit sea
And said to the snail,
"Come sail with me."

 From Julia Donaldson's The Snail & the Whale

Diann asked a question about whale watching on a different post, but I wanted to give it a bit more space in hopes ya'll have more answers than I do about opportunities to see these beauties up close and personal during this, their migration season.  Here's what I know:

Kadena Marina (634-6344) - Saturdays/Sundays, 7:30 am meet, return 1-2pm.  $75 adults, $45 for kids 5 & up.  None under 5 allowed.  Daniela had this to say about them: "We went with Kadena Marina last weekend. The boat only holds 12 people at the most, but the guy knows where to go to see some whales. He has been doing this for 25 years. I have to admit that the voyage was rather on the rough side and even one Marine? got sick and fed the fish. The only way I kept from doing the same was by driving the boat. It was great of the skipper to let me do that. Unfortunately the whales love to hang out in rather choppy waters. The Captain said that the Japanese boats hang out more to the south. I am not sure if that will make a difference with how rough the water is. I do know their voyages are shorter and that might be the reason they stay closer.

Kadena ITT (634-4322) - Saturdays/Sundays, 7:30am - 1:30pm, $55 adults, $45 for kids 4 & up.  Anybody been on this?

MCCS Tours+ (646-3502) - Saturdays & some Sundays, 8am- 3pm, $60 adults, $41 for kids 5-11, $5 for kids 0-4 -- maybe this means the little ones are allowed on the boats?  There is also a stop in Naha for shopping on this trip.  Anyone done this?

That's the info I have.  Would love to know if anyone has gone on a Japanese tour and the details of that.  Did anyone manage to go and not get sick? 

Sounds like a fun, adventurous Valentine's Day-type activity...  a babysitter...  time on the open sea with your love...  enjoying the earth's beauty...  throwing up over the side...  side by side...  :) 

Where do you camp?

Or maybe the correct question is, DO you camp?  I have friends who hope to never repeat the camping experiences of their childhoods and maybe you are one of them.  But me?  I loved it then and I love it now.

I've found that without throwing the TV and the computer and the phone out the window, it is hard to get more than an hour of QUALITY time as a family.  But go AWAY for the weekend (even if it is a mile down the road) and VOILA -- massive amounts of togetherness time!  My parents spent thousands of dollars one summer and took us to Hawaii, but I don't think my memories of that are any better than those I have of us camping each spring and summer on the coast in So. California.  Sandwiches never tasted better, doing the dishes was never such fun, playing "fort" never so awesome, hot chocolate never such a treat and going to bed never as much of an adventure as when you are camping -- and it probably didn't cost them much more than the same time spent at home.

As I'm writing, my husband and son are still napping in our massive tent on our big blow up mattress (I camp, but I'm not crazy!).  And I'm ruining my carbon footprint for the weekend by writing to you from the little computer room at Okuma.  Which is where WE are camping, by the way.  Granted, it's a bit windy and chilly up here this weekend -- my husband mentioned in the middle of the night that it sounded as if we were sleeping on a helipad -- but we're having fun!

So, do you camp?  And if so, where on Okinawa have you camped?  I love coming up here because it makes a day at the Aquarium seem like a shorter trip (though it isn't really), but would love to know of some other places to try out our new tent and to let the boys roam free...

Info on Okuma camping:  $8 a night ($7.20 with the club card).  You can rent almost everything at the Outdoor Rec building on Kadena near Overton pool, but I was surprised to find you can rent almost everything up here, too (lanterns, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, pack n plays, ice chests, etc).  Firewood and ice can be bought as well.

Or tell me just how much you hate camping!  :)

Cherry Blossom Festivals

So the Powells & Kelly want to know about the Sakura (Cherry blossom) Festivals which are supposed to happen next weekend (25/26/27 January).  And since I'm going to Okuma for next weekend, I do to!!  But I'm very frustrated because I can't find specific info related to THIS year. 

However, here is a collection of info I found this morning sprinkled with lots of stuff on last year's festivals.  Hopefully it will help some, but what I'm really counting on is that some of you will know more than me and help us out here!!

From Shizuko's Japan Travel Blog: Cherry blossoms have begun to flower in Okinawa. Yaedake Sakura Matsuri at Yaedake Sakuranomori Park in Motobu Town is known as Japan's earliest cherry blossom festival in the year. It's held from Jan. 19 to Feb. 11 this year.

 

From Japan Guide: Full bloom (mankai) is usually reached within about one week after the opening of the first blossoms (kaika). Another week later, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. Strong wind and rain can cut the blooming season even shorter.

 

More from Japan Guide: Hanami literally means "flower viewing", however, it commonly refers only to cherry blossom viewing. Cherry blossom viewing is easy: Simply enjoy the intensity of the many blossoms by looking at a single tree or a group of trees. From a distance, the trees appear as beautiful clouds, while the beauty of single blossoms can be enjoyed from a close distance.

Hanami can be just a stroll in the park, but it traditionally also involves a picnic party under the blooming trees. Hanami parties have been held in Japan for many centuries, and today are held in public and private gardens and parks across the country. In especially popular places it is common practice to reserve a picnic spot long before the party is held. The typical praxis is to spread one's picnic sheet early in the morning and either mark it with the group's name and party's starting time or to have somebody positioned there during the whole day until the rest of the group arrives after work.

 

From Schauwecker’s Japan blog: Okinawa's dominant cherry tree variety is the Hikanzakura (not to be confused with the Higanzakura) with deep pink blossoms. It differs in several ways from other cherry tree varieties found across Japan.

We visited two of the most famous cherry blossom spots of Okinawa Main Island: Nago Castle Park and Yaedake on the Motobu Peninsula. Only a few of the trees in the Nago Castle Park already had their blossoms opened. We were a few days too early. The cherry trees stand along the stairs leading up the hill, on which Nago Castle was once located. Today, a shrine and public park remain.

Yaedake is a mountain on the Motobu Peninsula. Hundreds of cherry trees line the road, which leads up the mountain for several kilometers. While several of the trees were already in full bloom, the peak of the hanami season was also only just about to commence.

 

From Okinawa Tourist Info from last year: This year, Naha's cherry blossoms are expected to be at their peak around the beginning of February, and enjoyed for about 2 weeks.  As Okinawa's Taiwan cherry blossoms bloom from North to South, there is still a chance to enjoy the graceful rosy-pink flowers, even if you have missed the flowers of Northern Okinawa. Yogi Park, where the festival will be held is located in central Naha, only 15 min. away from Naha Airport. It is a fine place for a little stroll as there are nearly 400 cherry blossom trees along the river.

 

From 2Camels: The festival itself has many highlights including all sorts of delicious food, games, rides, parades, folk music, concerts, folk dancers, flower displays, kimono shows, religious ceremonies and a beauty pageant.

A winding path of over 700 stone steps leads you up to the Nago Castle site. The path is lined with beautiful ishidoro or stone lanterns. About half way up the path you will find a Torii Gate and a Shinto Shrine providing a lovely place to rest and either take pictures or videotape the scenery.

 

For a festival at Shuri Castle.

Directions from Japan Update last year & other info: The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is pretty much an all-day excursion, partly because of the walking, viewing, eating and listening to the music, but also because of the traffic. We noted before the traffic is heavy, because you¹re not the only one wanting to see the cherry blossoms. Take the Expressway north to its end, at Kyodo, just south of Nago. Follow the traffic to Central Nago, then again as it turns right to Central Park. We recommend you park well away from the festival site, both for reasons of cost, but also the ease of getting away when it¹s time to go home. There will be many parking areas with people trying to get your attention to park.

From the bases, plan on at least one hour travel time to get there. Don¹t forget to have the little ones make their pottie breaks before leaving home.

To visit Mount Yaedake, follow the same route, but instead of turning right at Nago Central Park, continue north another kilometer to Prefectural Road 84. Turn left, then follow the English language signs toward Ocean Expo Park until you see a sign pointing to Mount Yaedake.

Off the Beaten Path Okinawa Part II

On Thursday, some of my ESL students at Central Texas College shared their favorite "off the beaten path" places to eat.  Today, we've got three more places to read about:  a museum, a beach, and a great place to check out a beautiful sunrise.  Enjoy!

THE PERFECT SUNRISE at the "Big Time Resort Ikei Island Hotel":  Contributed by SEIKO

Address:  1286 Ikei, Yonashiro Uruma City

Phone:  (098) 977-7711

Restaurant Hours: 

Restaurant Ichihashi  - 0700-0900 (Breakfast) / 1130-1400 (Lunch) / 1800-2100 (Dinner)

Restaurant BBQ Shidakaji - 1200-1400 (Lunch) / 1800-2100 (Dinner)

Directions:  (From MCCS website)  "To get to Ikei, take Route 8 toward White Beach.  Turn left on Route 31.  Follow the road to the bottom of the hill and bear left.  Cross the long bridge to Henza and wind around the island.  Remain on this road and you'll eventually come to a red bridge that leads to Ikei.  All signs to "Big Time Resort" lead to the island."

If you want to see a beautiful sunrise, I recommend going to the Ikei Big Time Resort Hotel.  They have a private beach and the view of sunrise from there is beautiful.  The island (Ikei Island) is small and the hotel is located at the southern end on the east coast.  When my husband and I went there for the first time, the huge, round, shining, golden sun rose on the horizon in the east.  It looked like a golden road had appeared on the ocean.  It was the most wonderful sunrise I've ever seen.  Since then, we sometimes go there, but have never seen it.  You need to check the weather forecast before you go because you can't see it if it there is bad weather.  But I recomend going not only for the sunrise;  if it is clear during the day there, you feel like you are standing at the end of the earth.

SUNAYAMA BEACH:  Contributed by TOMOKA

Location:  4 km north of downtown Kirara, Miyako Island -- 20 minutes from Miyako Airport

Amenitites:  shower and restroom, vending machine, and stores located by the parking lot

Sunayama beach is located on Miyako Island, which is 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa.  One of the unique points about this beach is that you have to go up a hill to get there.  When you get to the top of the hill, there stretches a breathtaking view of the emerald green sea and white sand below.  The magnificent thing about this beach is that there is nothing artificial about it.  Everything is created by nature:  the white sand, clear water, an arch-shaped cave that was carved up by the waves, and the hill which enhances the spectacular view of the beach.  The beach is widely known both by the locals and tourists;  however, there are seldom too many people for you to enjoy yourself, like on the beaches of the main island of Okinawa.  Visiting this beach is strongly recommended if you ever get a chance to go to Miyako Island.  At sunset, you can also enjoy a different view of the beach.

OKINAWA PREFECTURAL MUSEUM:  Contibuted by FUSAKO

Address:  3-1-1 Omeromachi Naha City Okinawa

Phone:  098-941-8200

Hours:  0900-1800 Tuesday-Friday / 0900-2000 Saturday-Sunday / Closed Mondays

Admission:  400 Yen for General Museum, 300 Yen Art Museum / Annual passports also available.  See website above for details.

Directions:  For a map click HERE .  *Just looking at the map, it looks like you head south on 58, pass through the Rt 82 intersection, turn left at your third light after 82.  You'll see a McDonalds on your left.  Go through one light.  The museum should be about 2 blocks after the light on your left.  If you have better directions, please post them in the comments section! -Kelly

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum opened in November 2007.  The museum has three exhibitions now.  One of them is called something like, "Okinawan Life".  The exhibition shows a collection of nearly ten thousand items and is divided into seven sections.  Computers help give more detail to explain the documents.  You can also do things there like experience how to keep balance when you put a basket on your head - just like the Itoman women did who sold fish in that style.

Another exhibition is "The Great Journey of Humankind".  The exhibition takes us far back in time.  Four skeletons that are eighty thousand years old were discovered in Okinawa.  You can see them at the museum.  One of them is almost faultless.  Also, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum has the oldest Japanese fossils, two bones that are twenty-six thousand years old.  At the museum, Minatogawa-jin and Homo-Neanderthal bones are reproduced in the image of human beings.  I recommend visiting the museum because you can learn about human beings' evolution and development.

Christmas ToDo's

Here's your chance to sparkle & shine & light up our neighborhoods!  Do tell of Christmas activities around you -- whether off or on-base...  If you see a poster or an advertisement somewhere, scribble down the details and then post the info for us here... 

(For instance, anybody know about the "Rudolph/Frosty" movie showing?  And can we join carolers anywhere?  And how about sitting on Santa's knee?  Info on helping the less fortunate during this season?)

We need your help!  Please comment!

Fukushu-en Chinese Gardens

CONTRIBUTED BY BAMBI CALDWELL:

This garden was beautiful!  The entry fee was free and you just tell the people at the front entrance how many people (at least on the day we went -- Adventure Okinawa says it is 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for 10-16 year olds). You can pay 100 Yen at various machines to get food to feed the fish and turtles in the ponds around the gardens.  There were a lot of beautiful gardens and a great place for the kids to run around.  There were rock paths to hike up and over the waterfalls and also a bridge that had a cement statue on every post that was of every Chinese Lunar Calendar creature (Rat, Horse, Snake, Etc) and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the beauty you are surrounded by. 

It is peaceful and located in downtown Naha.  The garden is a quick trip if you are chasing a running toddler, but we spent 2 hours there and could have spent longer if the kids weren't ready for lunch!  The gardens are within walking distance of Kokusai Street (I would say 4-6 blocks) so you could make the trip an all day affair.  We walked to McDonald's because it is on the same end of Kokusai Street as McD's.  The gardens are open year-round and closed on Wednesday's.  The hours are 0900-1600.

Directions to Fukushu-en:

-From Kadena travel toward the airport on 58
-After you pass Hwy 222 (there is a walkover bridge) begin to look for the Blue/White Sign that says Fukusheun Gardens
-Turn RIGHT at the light with the Fukushu-en Garden Sign (Route 42 Intersection)
-The gardens will be down on your Left 0.6km
-The gardens will have a large concrete wall surrounding it
-Turn Right at the entrance of the park and you will see a parking lot on your right (free!)

A few landmarks that you will pass on the way:
- Mona Kids, Camp Kinser, both large bridges

Travel time, depending on traffic, at least 30 minutes from Camp Foster.

Tobaru Koen Park

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA CHEN:

Tobaru Koen is home to the largest rollerslide that I’ve been to on-island so far. My kids love it! The last time we went I had to check the back of my pants to make sure they weren’t on fire. I’m not kidding when I say that there was a slow burn back there from all of the friction. A good piece of cardboard is highly recommended for this activity. I was smart enough to have a piece in my car but of course I didn’t bring it with me to the slide. We must have gone up and down about 5 times before I had to put my foot down and call it quits. I got quite the workout climbing the steps to get back to the top each time.

There’s also a fun little toddler playground that has a slide and several teeter totters. Bring your sand toys as there’s plenty of sand here for the kids to frolic in!

Directions from Kadena:

-Take a LEFT out of Kadena Gate 1 to head South on Hwy 58.

-Take your 1^st LEFT to get onto Route 23.

-Take a RIGHT at the 3^rd traffic signal. You’ll see a Lawson’s on the right hand side of this intersection.

-The parking lot for the toddler playground is on your right hand side just after the 2^nd traffic signal. If this lot is full, there are about 6 additional parking spaces further up the road on your right hand side.

Torii Beach

Thanks to Diana Middleton for submitting this info on Torii Beach.  I've heard about the tidepools, but it's great to get confirmation:

"We love it because it's a beach. Enough said. Anyway, they have great sand, great water, nearby restrooms, a park, and a waterslide. My son spent most of his time collecting sand crabs. What more can you ask for??"

Here is a description and directions provided by MCCS:

"Another favorite for beach parties, Torii Station boasts a large playground, locker room with showers and bathrooms, lifeguards, snack bar, newly refurbished covered picnic area, and a large expanse of beach. Don't forget sports sandals or water shoes�the sand is full of coral that could injure tender feet. And, you'll need them to walk out onto the exposed reef during low tide to see all the cool creatures that collect in the tide pools. But if you ask kids what they like best about Torii Beach, no doubt they'll say the large water slide. To get there, head north on Highway 58 and go through Kadena Circle. Watch the blue highway signs for Highway 6 and the turn left at Iramina Intersection. Torii Station is about 4 km on the left."

Ishikawa People's Park

Again, thanks to Diana for this post as well!

Ishikawa People's Park is a great place to go hiking with the family. We have taken our kids there a few times (ages 4 & 6). Everyone can finish the hike on their own, but sometimes my 4-year-old daughter will con her daddy into putting her on his shoulders. Hey, if he can handle it, more power to him, right?!

Anyway, the hike is cool because there is a little castle-like structure that the kids can play on before they get into the serious hiking portion. We also ran into a couple of beetles (which my son thought was the coolest, since he is into the mushi king craze). Please do not be discouraged by the wild boar signs, we haven't run into any yet and I'm not sure who would be more scared! You can take different paths and end up on a short hike or a long one.

From MCCS' web site:    "There are several hiking trails featured at this small facility, lengthy enough to give you time to commune with nature. Head north on Highway 58 past Kadena Circle and turn left onto Highway 73. Go under the Expressway, and then turn left past a car garage. After about four kilometers, you'll see a parking lot for the park. Most trails start just past the castle."

Shuri Castle

The following post came from Diana Middleton.  Big thanks for writing this up for us!  If any of you have something cool TO DO around here and haven't seen a post about it, please email me at todoinokinawa@yahoo.com -- I'd love to add your experience to the wealth of information here!

    

     My MIL, my two kids (ages 4 & 6), and I went on a tour of Shurijo Castle and everyone loved it. We left first thing in the morning so that we arrived as soon as they opened. The directions on their web site are perfect. The prices are 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for HS students, 300 yen for elementary students and ages 5 and under are free.

    Aside from being a beautiful restoration of a castle from way back in the day, the Castle has a lot of added bonuses to make the trip special. For one, the kids can collect stamps at each location. My kids took turns at each station and other kids were doing their own sheet. They looked forward to each station which made the trip a little more exciting for their age group. Also, while you are in the main castle section, you can pay to have tea served. It was a nice break from the walk. We also saw some traditional Ryukyuan dances (check their web site, these do not happen every day), which was absolutely beautiful! We finished up our tour at around lunch time and had a nice meal in one of their restaurants. There are lots of souvenir shops, so my kids picked out cool t-shirts and some note cards. The history in itself is worth it for the walking you do!

     Here's a picture of my happy 6-year-old viewing a replica of the castle with all of people lined up in rows. It was a cool model and doesn't he look happy??

     Their web site: http://www.shurijo.com/english/

    

     I'll add that I went with my mom and small kiddos back in August.  If you've got a stroller, you need to take the handicapped path up to the castle (avoinding the stairs) and you can't take the strollers into the buildings at the top -- so bring slings or whatever you need to carry the little ones.  You'll have to take your shoes off and carry them with you in the plastic bags provided.  The parking was a little strange to me -- it's a 2 hour limit (or it was the day we were there).  Let me know if any of you have different info.  And I'll second the cool stamps things -- my kids are too little, so I did it myself!

Ryugujo Butterfly Garden

Not worth driving all the way up there for. Not quite that cool. But if you’ve already made the trip up to the Aquarium or the Pineapple Park or you’ve spent the morning picking oranges then it’s a MUST SEE!

When entering the building, you’ll be surrounded by the typical Okinawan souvenir items (awamori, packaged sweets, t-shirts, etc). But over to your right is the entrance to the butterfly area. For 400¥ (adults) or 200¥ (3-15 yr olds) you can enter the garden – be sure to pick up a red umbrella on your way out – evidently the winged ones like red. Wander down the path and then up into the “Butterfly House,” a net-enclosed area. Here you can enjoy being swarmed by beautiful butterflies to your heart’s content – putting on one of the red hats provided will also help.

When you leave there you can… well… you can leave... OR you can spend a few more minutes walking around the garden and enjoying their interesting collection of hermit crabs, lovely plants and, of course, the requisite Blue Seal Ice Cream.

Either way, the whole visit won’t take you more than 30 minutes unless you choose to have lunch upstairs where they have an incredible view (see 3rd small pix). The kids loved the butterflies (they’ve got cocoons on display too in case you want a live illustration of the book you’ve read TOO many times: The Very Hungry Caterpillar).  I thought it was pretty neato, too – but it’s a quick visit to add on to a day full of other activities.

You’ll pass the Butterfly Park on your left about 4 minutes before you get to the Aquarium on Motobu Penninsula.

Orange Picking?

Staci tagged this onto another post this week, but I thought it deserved a post-of-its-own.  So here's her question:

"Anyone know where there is a mikang (small orange) farm- where you can pick them? My son LOVES them…and we did it in Sasebo.I think the orange season is November? It would be a fun kid outing if anyone is up for it!"

I actually read something about this in my handy dandy Okinawa Explorer.  It says this:  "Orange picking season runs from October to February in the village of Izumi.  During this time of year, as different types of oranges are harvested, farmers open their fields to visitors for a small fee.  For information on orange picking, go to Mikan no Sato Izumi, which is next to Pain-en on Route 84 (look for the oragne sign) or ask at one of the fruit stands on Route 84."

We were in the area this week while staying at Okuma and hoped to get over there to try it out, but alas, the boys fell asleep in the car after the Butterfly Garden and I just couldn't be bothered to drag them out again.  SOOOO, please, please, pretty please, tell us if you've done this or if you know anyone who has or if you just want to share with us how much you love oranges!!!

Ryukyu Mura

Dragging an infant, toddler, pre-teen, husband and in-laws ANYWHERE might not sound like much fun, but I have to admit that we all completely enjoyed ourselves at Ryukyu Mura. It’s basically a traditional Okinawan village with exhibits showcasing various festivals, crafts and foods. We got there just in time for the Parade (10am -- also at 4pm) that condenses a years worth of festivals into one parade: Usudeku, Karate, Miruku, Kajimayah, Lion Dance, Juri, Mamidoma & Eisa. I especially loved the older lady who walked around with a huge bottle of awamori balanced on her head and the wonderful eisa dancers (they do their own show at 9am & 1pm). The Lion came right up to my son and snapped its jaws and scared him a bit, but he recovered. There were several opportunities for the audience to join into the dancing.

Then we went to the Habu Show (happens every 45 minutes or so throughout the day) and watched the snake handler play with the Habu which was in a glass box next to its nemesis – the mongoose. I get the impression they used to have fights between the two, but are no longer allowed due to those pesky animal rights laws – thank goodness! But there is a computer animated video of what that fight might be like. At the end of the show, you are invited to swallow a mouthful of “ground up Habu” that is supposed to give you energy – and then of course given the chance to buy the powder to take home with you…. hmmm…

At several places throughout the park you have the chance to participate in the local crafts. You can buy a ticket to paint Shisa dogs, try your hand at bingata or pottery, learn the dances or to play various instruments (the prices start at 800¥).

We had a chance to see many parts of traditional life in Okinawa and rewarded ourselves at the end with Okinawan donuts and coconut milk (there was also a restaurant where you buy the ticket corresponding to what you want to eat). There is a lot for sale – the typical souvenirs as well as locally produced sea salt and brown sugar.

Ryukyu Mura is located north of Kadena in Onna Village. Take the 58 north past the turns for Torii until you see a digital TV type of thing on the left that says Ryukyu Mura with an arrow to the Left. Turn left and follow the signs for a little ways. You'll see the parking on the right side of the road and the entrance on the left. They open at 8:30 and last entry is at 5:30pm. If you buy tickets from ITT they are 770¥ for adults, 700¥ for students 16-18kj & 390¥ for kids 3-15. Tickets are about 50¥ more at the door.  Phone: 098-965-1234

Urasoe Dai Park

Urasoe Dai Park 2, originally uploaded by juliamagnolia. (Click on the photo above for more pictures.)

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

One of the things I love about Okinawa is the wonderful parks out here.  With the weather on its way to cooling down I'm looking forward to rediscovering these treasures.

One of those treasures is Urasoe Dai Park. It's a great park located between MCAS Futenma and Camp Kinser.  There's a large play structure suitable for older kids that has a few large slides and ladders to climb.  It can be quite challenging for a younger child and if you have one that needs more supervision you are guaranteed a good workout climbing and chasing after your monkeys.

There is also an area for smaller children with a play structure, slides, teeter totters, and swings.

Directions from Camp Lester:

• Take a LEFT out of Lester's Main Gate to head South on Hwy 58.


• Pass MCAS Futenma and McDonalds on your left side and make sure to stay in the left lane so that you DO NOT go over the overpass.


• Pass A& W Drive-Thru Restaurant and Mos Burger.


• Take a LEFT at the intersection of Arin Krin Garlic Restaurant (white building on your far left with garlic head people running around) and a McDonalds and Pachinko Parlor on your right.


• Pass a red and white Meiji sign on your right and then take a LEFT at the 2nd light.  (You will see a tiled roof bus stop and a Coke sign on your right.)


• Take a RIGHT at the next corner and go under the overpass.


• There will be a parking lot on your right side and additional parking on your left.

Maeda Flats Beach

CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON

originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

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 great diving/snorkeling area. My stepson found a cool starfish and some "neat-o mosquito"-looking fish (his words). Also, if anyone is interested, the actual Maeda Point is great for diving/snorkeling/surfing and they also have a mild hiking area--mild being for beginners who just want to take a stroll and have a nice view of the beach. The sand at Maeda Flats is great for burying your family, too!

Here are directions provided by MCCS:

Maeda Flats is a great place for reef walking. The out-of-the-way beach is a favorite to explore because of the protected cove. There are no amenities, but the sand is soft and the water clear. Low tide reveals a reef which is home to much marine life which you can get a glimpse of without mask and fins. Maeda Flats is the area to the left of Maeda Point, a popular dive spot. Take Highway 58 north past Kadena Circle, make a left at the Ryukyu Mura sign. Turn left at the second light past Ryukyu Mura. Make a right at Maeda Misaki, about .8 km, and then left just before the parking lot.

kurashiki dam

CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON

originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

This a great place to take the kids for a dip in the water and for a picnic. Some local Okinawan friends of ours brought us here and we have loved it ever since.

To get here, go straight out of Kadena Gate 3 and turn LEFT at the second light (you'll see large signs guiding you there).  Pass Western World on your right side and take a RIGHT at the intersection for Southeast Botanical Gardens.  (You'll see a large sign for Southeast Botanical and a small white one for Kurashiki Dam at this intersection.)  Follow the road a little further down (roughly 2 km) until it dead ends.  You'll see parking on the right with large stone steps leading you to the dam entrance and the little waterfall and play pond area.

The play pond area is not deep and the kids can wade in the water or play near the falls. It's a blast!! The kids love it every time we go here. They also have an observatory and display room.

Mihara Horse Riding Club

CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON

My children love this and I usually take them here twice a year. The pony rides are only $10 and if we had more time, we would definitely do the lessons. My daughter is interested but I want to wait until she's a little older. Here's a picture of my very happy daughter getting a pony ride. Enjoy.

They are located just past the Courtney front gate north on 75.

Their SITE has more detailed information about what is offered and how much and so forth.

Renaissance Resort

Renaissance Resort, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

(Click on the photo above for more pictures.)

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

There is so much to do at the Renaissance Resort out by Onna that I hardly know where to start.  For a flat fee of 1260 yen (starting from age 6 and up) you can use their outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, and beach.  There is also a touch pool that you can wade into which the kids love.  The last time we went there was a starfish, some sea cucumbers, and various fish swimming around.

They also have dolphin programs here.  Prices range from 3000 yen per person to 8000 yen per person.  If you don’t want to do a program you can always catch a glimpse of the dolphins from afar.  My kids are usually quite happy with that.  I tried one of the programs last year with my older one who was about 18 months at the time but he was pretty scared to get up so close.

For more general information, click HERE.  For more information on the dolphin programs, click HERE.

Directions from Kadena:

• Take a RIGHT onto Hwy 58 from Kadena Gate 1.


• Continue on Hwy 58 past the rotary, some large cow and pig statues on your left, and a large sign for Ryukyu Mura also on your left side.


• You will go over a stretch of road where you can see the East China Sea on your left and Renaissance Resort (large white hotel) up ahead.


• There are a couple of options for parking:  1) You can take a LEFT-hand U-turn just before the light and park in the parking area on your left or adjacent to the hotel.  2) You can park in another designated parking lot on the right hand side of 58 but you will have to pass the light and make a U-turn up ahead to get to it.  Driving time is roughly 25 minutes unless traffic is really bad.

Okinawa’s Neo Park

CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA

Neo Park, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

What a deal!!  1500 yen per year's membership for you PLUS 4 other family members (bought ahead of time at ITT).  Of course, it's hardly nearby.  Neo Park Zoo is located in Nago City, so it's a good hour drive from Kadena.  But since we stopped there on our way up to Okuma, it was the perfect way to spend the morning.

The MCCS website gives the following info about the park:  "The park is divided into four habitats, two of which are covered by large dome-like cages designed to house 873 species of birds. The covered habitats feature several smaller animal environments: Flamingo Lake, where flamingos, storks and other exotic birds flock to search for food; and Lemur Island, were visitors can purchase bananas and raisins to feed lemurs."

But for my 2 year old, the most exciting part was that many of the animals can be touched or seen up close.  As soon as he walked through the main doors, he was surrounded by ibis & cranes (birds) and he got to feed them!  It's basically nothing like any zoo you'd find in the States (insurance would never cover it) -- but it was relatively clean and my son loved it.  The membership does not include the chance to feed & ride on the tortoises (300 yen) or the small fees for bird food or carrots for the horses/goats, etc.

Near the African (Afurcan) Savannah area was a little place to buy shave ice & drinks.  We had a fabulous concoction of shave ice, coconut flavor and tons of mango spooned on top (400 yen).

My son's other favorite part was the small gauge train (also not included -- 600 yen for adults, he was free) that took us around the whole park, stopping periodically to tell us (in beautiful Japanese) about the animals (30 minute trip).  You can also have your/family picture taken in traditional costumes for 500 yen.

Again, not a zoo like at "home" -- but was a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Neo Park is on Highway 58 in Nago City, just past the Nago Bus Terminal. The signs will lead you there. Or call them (098)-052-6348

More details linked from the wonderful internet:

The Marines said this.

Flickr said this.

Hi, Ho, Hiji Falls

CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA

Hiji Falls, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

I'm not a wuss.  No really, I'm not!  Granted, I had a baby 3 weeks ago and was attempting to carry all 11 lbs of him in a sling -- and my husband was alternating between energetically encouraging our 2 year old to walk, and carrying him on his shoulders.  So maybe I'm not to best person to give a review of hiking to Hiji Falls, but here it is anyway...

Whoever wrote the sign (or brochure) that says the 1.7km hike to Hiji Falls takes 35-45 minutes was either on drugs or endowed with wings... or at the very least, not walking with two children.  It may be 1.7km (just over a mile) but that MUST be a measurement as the crow flies which does not account for the HUGE staircases scattered generously through the hike.  It took us about an hour to reach the suspension bridge, which is only halfway.  At that point we passed a guy hiking with his dad who told us that we "hadn't seen anything yet" and that the staircases got worse from there on.  We happily smiled for pictures on the bridge and did an about face to walk back to the car.

I would still suggest it as a beautiful hike.  We saw many lizards, butterflies & beautiful giant ferns and also found a place that allowed us to walk down to the creek where my 2 year old enjoyed playing in the water for awhile.  But, I wouldn't suggest it for those with kids unless you have all day to do it -- and lots of water and snacks.

How to get there:

Easiest to visit if you are staying at Okuma.  When driving north on the 58, the turn to Okuma goes to the left.  To get to Hiji Falls, you turn right instead and drive a mile or so to a parking lot where you pay 300 yen (adults) for the pleasure of hiking.

HERE are other people's photos of Hiji Falls.

Sunset Mihama Water Park

This is one swell water park. There are two water slides, a lazy river which is less lazy and more flowing, and a toddler pool. Click the picture above for more visuals. It's only open until September 2nd so get there fast. They are open from 10 until 5:20 every day. There are mandatory breaks and such sprinkled throughout the day just so you know.

Here are your options:

For admission to just the water park it's 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for kids between 4 and 12.  Kids under 4 are free. However if you are group (15 people or more) then an adult pays 400 yen and kids between 4 and 12 are 250 yen.  (from 4
There's also a spa here that I have never been to. If you have then share some details, please. So if you get a combination ticket for the water park with the spa then an adult ticket is 700 yen and kids between 4 and 12 are 500 yen.

Summer Plan: Pool, Spa and Lunch at 2F Restaurant (Japanese lunch) is 1,700 yen for an adult and 1200 yen for kids under 12., Kids (12 and less).

Here are the directions:

Turn at the LESTER MAIN GATE also known as THE STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU GATE. If you're coming from Foster regions, turn left. If you're coming from Kadena regions, turn right. STRAIGHT through first light. RIGHT in front of Beach Tower Okinawa Hotel after passing Jusco. LEFT at stop sign. Follow this curving road into Sunset Mihama Hotel. Parking is on the RIGHT.

You'll see the water slides to the left of the hotel. It'll make sense to you where you should head. So head there while the dog days of summer persist.

I love this about okinawa: san

美浜　北谷町　沖縄, originally uploaded by 瑞士大龙.

For just 500 yen, you are invited to a fifteen minute eternity in which you will probably beg for one more chance to mow a lawn, wash a dish or just change a dirty diaper.

This ferris wheel stands to save you oodles of time and money because even therapy can't turn your life into a bed of roses this quickly.

Or as the brochure promises, your heart will be danced in the sky.

More or less, yes.

Toguchi Beach

TOGUCHI BEACH LOW TIDE, originally uploaded by downtownjuliebrown.

Are you looking for a beach that screams "back to nature" but is kid friendly as well? Toguchi Beach is all that and more. This beach makes me feel like I'm on the set of "LOST" because it's isolated and wild in some parts. The views from some of the bluffs are breathtaking. And yet, they have a kiddie play area with two of the coolest cement slides on the island. Also great covered pavilions for picnicking. Very awe inspiring, yet practical at the same time. But then again, that's what Japan is all about.
Directions to Toguchi Beach:

North on Hwy 58 (that's a right out of Kadena Gate 1). Pass Navel Kadena and the Mcdonald's on 58. You will see a light immediately after the pedestrian crossway and across from Kadena gate 4. This is the MizuGama intersection. Make a left at this light. At the second light after you turn the road forks so make sure you take the left fork going towards the tombs. You will shortly find yourself on a red bridge. Keep going, you will see a Family Mart on your left. At the next light you will see a Japanese gas station with blue trim and an orange and white sign. There is a large stone shisa at the entrance of this gas station. You will also see a large red arrow for Toguchi Baech pointing left with the words 1 km on it. Following the arrow, turn left. You will find yourself on a small road with fields and houses. Look for the red arrow that says 500 km and turn right at the arrow. Toguchi Beach is at the end of this road and you should automatically turn into the parking lot.

From Kadena Gate 3:

There is a shortcut to Toguchi Beach. Take a left out of Gate 3. At the next light you will see a sign with a large white/orange dragon on it. There is also an overhead sign pointing to Kadena Athletic Field. Take a right at this light. Keep going. You will eventually cross hwy58. After about 10 minutes you will see a Japanese Gas station with a large stone shisa on your left. Keep going staright. You will also pass a large red arrow marked 1 km on your right. Look for the arrow marked 500 m. Turn right. You will find Toguchi Beach at the end of the road.

Manta Park

originally uploaded by juliamagnolia.

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

This park is near the Gushikawa Jusco mall and has a lot of fun things to do.  There is a large roller slide surrounded by a cement slide and climbing walls.  There's also a wooden play structure where kids can climb , slide, swing, or brave the balance beams.  There is plenty of open space to run around, a basketball court for older kids, and pavilions to take refuge under whether there's rain or shine.
Directions from Kadena from Gate 2:

• From Gate 2 head straight through the Goya four-corners intersection onto route 20.


• Pass the intersection for 329 onto 33 and take a LEFT at the 1st traffic signal to continue on Route 33.


• Follow 33 as it curves to the left and right.  You will pass an Esso gas station at the 3rd traffic signal and then a Hot Spar, both on your left.


• Pass a San A on your right and you should see a sign for Union and then an Eneos Gas Station on your left.


• The park will be on your right side just past Eneos.

Take the Legion Gate Exit (exit by Taco Bell and the Shopette) and head straight out onto 81.

• Continue on 81 as it turns into 227 and pass Comprehensive Park.


• You will pass a Shell station on your right and then an intersection with both a San A and Mos Burger.


• Take a LEFT at the 2nd light after the San A/Mos Burger intersection.  You should see a yellow building with some big fish on your right just after you turn.


• Take a RIGHT at the 2nd light (there will be a Lawson’s on your right).


• Take a RIGHT at the 3rd street and park along the road.  It’s an easy turn to miss so if you overshoot you can take a RIGHT at the Eneos gas station instead to loop around the park.

Comprehensive Water Park

Comprehensive Water Park, originally uploaded by juliamagnolia.

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

It was already a hot day today but I'm sure it will only get worse as summer approaches.  One good thing about that is that there will be plenty of opportunities to head to Comprehensive Water Park.  With three water slides, 2 kiddie pools, and a lazy river it's a great place to stay cool. Click the photo above for more pictures of the park.

There are 3 break times during which everyone has to get out of the water.  The first one is from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM with the other breaks at 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM for 15 minutes each.  So if you have an impatient toddler who won't be able to wait to get into the water don't show up at 11:50!

If you get hungry or just want a quick break there is a snack bar conveniently located on the second floor of the entry building.  They have the typical items like soba, curry rice, and ices.

You can also pack your own food and eat it in either of two designated areas....a shaded area with benches by the locker rooms or on the second floor.

They have a bunch of rules...too many for me to write up but here's a pic if you have great vision!  Also they will not let you down the water slides with jewelry so it's better to leave the valuables at home or risk losing them!

Tickets for the water park are 840 yen for adults (19 years old & up), 310 yen for students (7-18 years old), and 100 yen for children (3-6 years old).  Children that are 2 and under are free.

Hours for May, June, and September are from 9:30 AM-5:45 PM on weekends & Japanese Holidays.  Weekdays they are closed.
Hours for July and August are from 9:30 AM-6:15 PM daily except on Tuesdays when they are closed.

Don't forget to bring yen and a floatie if you have kids!

Directions from Foster:

• Take the Legion Gate Exit (exit by Taco Bell and the Shopette) and head straight out onto 81.


• Continue on 81 as it turns into 227.


• Pass the Red Torii Gate on your left side.


• Take a LEFT after the 3rd overpass into the parking lot.


• Park here and take the pathway that would be the first left after your initial turn into the parking lot.  Head up the hill and pass the large building off to your right.  Keep going straight until you see a little white guardhouse and then follow the path as it curves to the right and heads downhill.  The water park is on your left.

Directions from Kadena:

• From Gate 2 head straight through the Goya four-corners intersection onto route 20.


• Continue on this road past the intersection for 329 and then a KFC on your right side.


• Within 1 or 2 traffic signals after KFC there will be a large intersection with a San A and a Mos Burger on the left side.  Turn RIGHT at this intersection and continue going straight on this road as it turns into 227.


• When you pass another San A on your right side look out for some overpasses up ahead.


• Take a LEFT just before the overpass (there will be a P sign here) to cross over the road and get to the parking lot.


• Park here and head back up the road you just came on passing a large building off to your right.  Keep going straight until you see a little white guardhouse and then follow the path as it curves to the right and heads downhill.  The water park is on your left.

For more on the non-water part of Comprehensive Park check out Kelly's post HERE.

Wakatake Park

originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

Last time we went to Wakatake Park Julie had the brilliant idea to make origami boats and float them down the stream. It was a huge hit for Eli. So was getting wet.

Watatake Park has water to play in, a playground to romp on, a field to spin in, a wall to scale and a gazebo to shade yourself under.

Click on the photo above for more pictures.

Directions:

• LEFT onto 58 out of KAB Gate 1.


• Drive past Foster towards Futenma.


• At the 3rd light after the light at Futenma you will see a tall purple building on your left called Onishi building.


• Take a RIGHT at this intersection.


• At the second street (NOT the second light) take a LEFT.


• At the first street take a RIGHT. The park is on this road to your left.


• We have parked along the perimeter despite what appear to be No Parking signs. It's not a heavily trafficked area. Not sure where exactly parking is okay. In any case, you'd be able to see them if they were aiming to tow your car.

Iso Park

Iso Park, originally uploaded by juliamagnolia.

Iso Park has a great wooden play structure for older children and is okay for toddlers as well with some supervision.  There are a couple of slides and swings, a log bridge and rope bridge, a zip line, and lots of places to climb for your little monkeys. HERE is another shot.

Directions from Camp Foster:

• Take a LEFT from the Foster Commissary Gate to head South on Hwy 58.


• Pass McDonalds on your left side and make sure to stay in the left lane so that you DO NOT go over the overpass.


• Pass A& W Drive-Thru Restaurant and Mos Burger.


• Take a LEFT at the intersection of Arin Krin Garlic Restaurant (white building on your far left with garlic head people running around) and a McDonalds and Pachinko Parlor on your right.


• Pass Meiji (big red and white sign) on your right.


• Iso Park will be on your right shortly afterwards.


• Take a RIGHT directly into the parking lot just before a pink building on your left.

the pool rules

originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

Hark! A kid's pool. A FREE kid's pool. This pool rules. And don't forget a bathing cap.

I'm not sure when exactly it opens for the year but I'm guessing the beginning of May during Golden Week. Click on the picture above for more flattering images.

How to get your feet and knees in the pool:

North on 58 out of Kadena Gate One. Pass two lights. The second light will have a Lawson's and KFC to keep you oriented. Take first left after the second light. Navel Kadena will be on your left. This street will dead end at the park but you will not see the pool just yet. I recommend taking a left behind Navel Kadena and parking along that road. There are a couple of parking lots nearby but they are often manned by police and don't look welcoming to the public but I may be wrong. When you enter the park walk left and towards the sea-wall. You'll see baseball fields and playground equipment but keep going left and towards the water. In the other pictures of this pool you'll see an octopus-shaped slide. The head of the octopus is visible from various points in the park. Navigate according to the octopus head!

And while you're in the neighborhood, how about some soba with a view?

Comprehensive Park

(HERE is a link to Comprehensive Water Park if that's what you are really looking for.)

As many of you know, we have a park here in Okinawa called Comprehensive Park.  Despite the promise of a wide range of park activities that its name suggests, my husband, Joe, and I have never felt compelled to visit.  Until yesterday.

Why oh why did we wait a year and a half to visit this wonderful place?  It's got a full-on water park, with slides and pools and a view of the ocean.  (Unfortunately, according to the sign, the admittance of tattoed people is prohibited.  Sorry Joe!)
There are walking paths, a couple of running tracks, a weight room, and dance classes.  There are ponds where you can buy boxes of fish food to toss into the mouths of the most desperate carp I have ever seen.  (Feeding fish is, bar none, Joe's all-time favorite park activity.  But seriously, the Japanese park carp are worse than pigeons in their frenzy for food.  They did their best to fly into the air and bite my hand off.  I'm not kidding.)

There are tennis courts, camp grounds(!), a bicycle race track,and playgrounds.  You can rent bicycles there.  If you are feeling really ambitious, I suppose you could even ride a unicycle.  I saw not one, not two, but THREE little kids teetering around (successfully!)on unicycles.  Crazy.

I didn't see a cafe, nor a zoo.  A few months ago, Joe and I met a man married to the designer of the park (he was an asssistant designer).  Maybe we should complain to him.  Nahhh...the place was awesome.  Besides, in our couple hours there we didn't even see the whole thing.  Who knows what else other kinds of excitement Comprehensive Park holds in store!

Directions

From Kadena:   If you are driving out of Kadena Gate 2, drive straight through the Goya four-corners intersection onto route 20. Take this road about 10 minutes until you reach the major intersection for route 329 and then turn right. Stay on this road until you reach the park. You will pass a San-A and McDonalds and a few minutes later will see road signs announcing Comprehensive Park. Finally, you’ll see the arched entrance on your left side. Turn in here, park your car, and go explore!

From Foster:  Head out the Legion Gate to Route 329 and keep going about five kilometers until you see the entrance gate on the left side of the road.

Geocaching

CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY

Well, it's that time of year again...geocaching time! Actually, it's always geocaching time, especially here in Okinawa. Many of you may be familiar with this past-time, but if not, I'd like to share some information with you that might inspire you to get out there and try it for yourself.  It's really a lot of fun.  Interested?...Read on.

Geocaching is basically a big 'ole scavenger hunt, but more technologically advanced, as you need to use a GPS to find the treasure, or "cache". Usually the cache consists of little trinkets like keychains, erasers, and stuff like that and also a log book where you log in your name, date, and any notes after you've found the cache. It's often a pretty modest affair. The fun is in the finding - being outside and discovering new places on the island. After searching high and low for several minutes (or hours) for a cache, finding those little baubles is actually quite thrilling! And, you can take an item with you, as long as you leave something in return for the next visitors. (My friend geocaching in Hawaii, once found a pair of Dave Matthew's Band tickets! Me, I've gotten a full stamp card entitling me to a free Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee...hey, it's something.)

There are all different kinds of caches in all kinds of places. Families go geocaching all the time, couples, older folks, health nuts...as such, you can find a range of difficulty levels to suit your particular tastes and abilities. Just choose the cache that works for you!

So, what do you need to begin?

1. Well, you need a handheld GPS first of all. If you don't have one, you are on an island full of military folk who like to know where they are going. Ask a friend if you can borrow theirs. If you're in a big group, try to get more than one GPS. They take a couple of minutes to learn to use, but hey, if I can do it, anyone can. Seriously.

2. Go to one of the geocaching websites. Here's the address for Okinawa's local geocachers http://www.okicache.com/index.php You can do some research and get a better feel for what it's all about.  Also, be sure to check out this website:  http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?lat=26.346867&lon=127.78285This is a list of all the caches in Okinawa (and their GPS coordinates)  that have been registered on www.geocaching.com(the worldwide big daddy of geocaching websites.) If you click on the "map it" icon in the upper right corner, you can see where all the caches are on the island -so, if you wanna check out places near your home, you can easily see which ones are right there.  In addition to the GPS coordinates of the site, you'll find information about the difficulty of the hide and the terrain, whether or not the cache is recommended for kids, comments from people who've found the cache already, etc.

3. After you decide which caches you want to find, print out the information for them and log the GPS coordinates into your GPS. Select several, so that if you can't find one, or find one really quickly, you can have a couple backups. We usually do about 3 or so in a day.

4. Load up your car with kids, food, GPS, rain gear, snorkel stuff, whatever you think you might need. Remember to bring the printouts though, 'cause they have additional clues on them that can help you if the coordinates are not enough.  (The GPS will usually get you within a few feet or so...but even that close, they can be surprisingly hard to find if hidden well.) And also bring your little do-dads to add to the caches. We usually make a day of it and maybe picnic, snorkel, explore or do whatever in between caches.

5.  Get out there and start a huntin'.  Oh...but one thing, just be sure to be somewhat covert when you find the cache so that outsiders ("muggles" in geo-speak)  don't break into the loot after you leave and ruin the hide for others.  Ahh!  It's all so cloak and dagger!

Any questions or comments, just let me know!  Happy caching! -Kelly

Okinawa City Athletic Field

Okinawa City Athletic Field 3, originally uploaded by juliamagnolia.

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIA

Okinawa City Athletic Field is a convenient place to take your kids to play if you're in the Kadena area.  This park is located just outside of Gates 2 and 5.

There are a few distinctive things about the playground area here.  There is a HUGE cement slide , a netted play structure that reminds me of a Christmas tree, and a rope climbing wall.  There is also a play structure with slides and tunnels.  A smaller play structure suitable for younger children has slides as well and is surrounded by a few teeter totters.

Directions:

From Kadena Gate 2:

• Take a RIGHT at the 2nd light which will lead you down the ramp to merge with 85.


• At the 3rd light make a LEFT and enter the parking area on your RIGHT.


• You can park here and walk OR take a LEFT at the road at the far end of the parking lot to go under the overpass and up the hill.  The playground will be on your right and you can park on the side of the road.

From Camp Lester:

• Make a RIGHT onto 58 to head towards Kadena Air Base.


• Make a RIGHT onto 23.


• Pass A&W and then Gate 5 on your LEFT side.


• Make a RIGHT at the 2nd light after Gate 5 and enter the parking area on your RIGHT.  (Be aware that there is NO turn lane at the 2nd light after Gate 5 so if you prefer you can turn at the 3rd light instead and loop back around).


• You can park here and walk OR take a LEFT at the road at the far end of the parking lot to go under the overpass and up the hill.  The playground will be on your right and you can park on the side of the road.

Tokosaki Rainbow Park

originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

CONTRIBUTED BY ANGELA

Angela recently visited a new park near ASHIBINA, the outlet mall, in Tomigusuku City. While it may be a bit of a drive there's outlet shopping and this super park to make it worth it.

Name:  Toyosaki Rainbow Park

Activities:  There are 7 slides and a toddler play area. There are also tennis and basketball courts.

Toilet: Nice and clean.

DIRECTIONS:

• Go south on 58 towards Naha airport.


• Pass the airport you will see a billboard for ASHIBINA, the outlet mall. Then turn right to a new road across the sea.


• You will see the outlet mall on your left. Take a left at the next light towards the mall.


• Then turn right at the first light. There is a new big book store on your right and the outlet is on your left.


• Go straight and when the road T's take a right.


• YOU FOUND IT!

Southeast Botanical Gardens

 

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIE

Photo by jeremyarthur75.

Have you been to the Botanical Gardens? They're a beautiful place to go for playgroup or just when you have some extra time. They have a great playground for the kids here and several ponds to feed Koi. Also the grounds are beautiful and they do have a small collection of butterflies, beatles and other animals. Right now they have a Mommy/Baby program where parents and grandparents who have young children (ages 0-4) can get in free! Considering the admission is usually 1000 yen, it's definitely a family day must! The program right now has been extended until March 31, 2008.

Here's the link to their English site which has hours and a map.

Here is the link to a google translated page for details on their mommmy/baby program.

In the summer they also have special events which include a water slide. In the winter they have a really awesome light show. There is the Restaurant Botanika on the grounds which offers a nice buffet. They also have a soba shop or you can picnic on their grounds. Go, enjoy, for free!

Directions to Southeast Botanical Gardens:

The map on the website is the best for directions. From Kadena Gate 3 however, go straight out Gate 3 and keep going on rt 74. Follow the signs and you will be there within 10 minutes.

Yamauchi Park

Yamauchi Park, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

There's a lot going on at this park. A basketball court with bleachers, a paved track around the periphery for bikes or strollers, bathrooms, a drop slide, a roller slide with a train-shaped staircase and a sizable pavillion for shade and snacks. Parts of this structure are well-used but no worries and there's something for kids of all ages. Also, there's plenty of space to run free or kick a ball.

Getting there:

From Kadena Gate 2 take a right at the 2nd stop light to get onto 85 (this street is also known as 23). Pass the intersectin for Okinawa Minami Expressway, go under the highway overpass, and you'll come to an intersection where Kadena Gate 5 is on your right. Turn LEFT. Pass Tsutaya on the left. Turn LEFT before LAWSON, take an immediate right after that (you'll see MOMO painted on the building in front of you), follow the street as it bends to the left and take another immediate RIGHT. You're at the park. You may park along the street. If there is no parking there follow the park around and you'll find plenty of other parking.

From Highway 58 North or South: Turn onto Highway 23. Drive pass the A&W and at the first stop light after A&W you'll see Gate 5 on your left. Turn RIGHT here. Pass Tsutaya on the left. Turn LEFT right before LAWSON, then take an immediate right after that (you'll see MOMO painted on the building in front of you). Follow the street as it bends to the left and take another immediate RIGHT. You're at the park. You may park along the street. If there is no parking there follow the park around and you'll find plenty of other parking.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

aquarium1, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

CONTRIBUTED BY KAHO

If you’re after peace of mind, this is the place to go. I never knew how peaceful the underwater world was until I went to this aquarium. As I am scared to scuba dive, I enjoy experiencing what I imagine to be under water by walking through this aquarium. The aquarium is inside the Ocean Expo Park located in Motobu, the city in the north of Okinawa. The aquarium has the world's largest acrylic glass panel which is 8.2 meters high, 22.2 meters wide and 60 cm thick. In this tank you can see three whale sharks (7 meters long) and many manta rays swimming with other fish.  It’ll be fun for kids to see the “Okichan Theater” which is a fun dolphin show. Of course, there are many more attractions that the aquarium offers other than the main tank and the dolphin show. For more information, please check the links listed below.

The admission for an adult costs 1,800 yen, but if you stop by at the Family Mart which you’ll pass on the way to the aquarium in the corner of Route 449 and 114, you’ll be able to purchase discount tickets. If you reside in Okinawa, it’s worth purchasing a year pass to the aquarium as it only costs 3,600 yen. It’s the price of two admissions and if you go to the aquarium more than twice a year, you’ll get your money’s worth.

There is an Okinawan food restaurant in a beautiful setting not so far from the aquarium called “Ufuya (Big House)”. It is a great restaurant to go either on the way to or the way back from the aquarium. For more information, please check the article on “Ufuya” on our blog. There are also two places to eat in the aquarium. One is “Inoh”, a nice restaurant with an amazing view of the East China Sea. This restaurant is located on the top floor of the aquarium where you first arrive from the parking lot. The entrance to the restaurant is on the left side of the escalator. They have a lunch buffet with the cost of 1,260 yen (about US$11) per adult. The other is “Café Ocean Blue” which is located right next to the main tank. It is a nice place to eat and relax, but you’ll be paying for the place rather than the food.

Getting there:

Take the Expressway north all the way to “Kyoda I.C.” After you pay the toll, you’ll continue on the expressway and it eventually merges with the Highway 58. Keep driving north on Highway 58. Take the Route 449 north. You should see the sign for the Ocean Expo Park along with the Route 449. You’ll drive on the Route 449 for a long time. You’ll come to a junction with the Route 114 and a Family Mart convenience store on the left hand corner. Turn left onto the Route 114 to the Ocean Expo Park. It takes about 1.5 hours from Okinawa Minami Expressway (Exit #4) near Kadena Air Base.

Below are awesome guides for the aquarium.

Churaumi Aquarium Guide

Churaumi Aquarium Official Site

Civic Center Park or Yaejima Koen

 

Civic Center Park or Yaejima Koen, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

CONTRIBUTED BY JULIE

I love this park. It’s perfect for the child who wants a little bit of everything. We do a lot of picnics here and it's conveniently about 5 minutes from Kadena’s Gate 2.  There are three different play areas.There is a TODDLER PLAY AREA with a wooden slide.

Also there's a thrill-a-minute DROP SLIDE and a wooden treehouse attached to a ROLLERSLIDE.

In the Spring the cherry blossoms here are beautiful. In the summer, it's shady and cool. However, be sure to bring bug spray in the summer because the mosquitoes can be pesky.

Directions to Civic Center Park:

Exit Kadena Gate 2 , make a left turn at the first light (after the overpass and before the bridge).The ramp will lead you to hwy 23. Follow this hwy and get into the right lane. At the third light you will notice a pedestrian bridge overhead. Before you get to the bridge there will be a turning lane on your right. Make a Right turn into the Civic Center parking lot and park here. The entrance to the park is by the vending machines.

Okinawa Zoo & Museum

Okinawa Zoo & Museum, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

It's worth the 2000 yen to get a season pass here. Okay, so the animals don't have the fancy habitats that you might find back in the States. On the bright side though, the walk through the zoo is much shorter since the animal's quarters are on the small side. In ten good strides you can take in hippos, chimps, lions, tigers and giraffes. All the big name animals are right there for your kids to call out to. Even a raccoon, like the one you might see in your garbage can back home. Or the enormous bats that keep watch over the humid Okinawan nights.

The walking loop by the animals is steep. If you prefer traveling downhill then start at the top, otherwise take the elevator to the bottom and work your way up. I find it steep for pushing a stroller up but my friend says the same about going down. Whatever tickles you.

There is also a train, carousel and a bumper car track. These are separate fees and range between one and two hundred yen. And there is a man-made pond with pedal boats and food for the ducks and fish. And, wow, these carp can open wide.

For an additional 200 yen (on top of the 500 yen admission fee to the zoo), you can explore the Wonder Museum. Most exhibits are interactive and hands-on even for toddlers. Here's a PEEK, and ANOTHER, and ONE more. The museum is often balmy so dress accordingly.

The admission information is available HERE for those of you with incredible vision. Or for the rest of you there's a website with lots of pictures and Japanese. Or how about I just summarize.

• The park opens at 9:30 and closes between 5:30 and 6:00 depending on the time of year.


• It is closed every Tuesday


• Admission for adults is 500 yen unless you're in a group of 20 or more. If that's the case then you pay 400 yen.


• Junior high & High school students pay 200 yen or 150 yen if in a group.


• 4 year olds through elementary school students pay 100 yen or 150 yen in a group.


• Everyone under 4 is free everywhere!


• The Wonder Museum is 200 yen for adults AND is in addition to the zoo admission price.

Getting there:

Straight out Kadena Gate 2. Cross straight over the 330 intersection. You will pass Koza Junior High School on your right and Koza Baptist Church on your left. There will be a sign overhead written in English indicating a right turn about a mile after the 330 intersection. It comes up suddenly and right before a steep-ish downhill. At this intersection is a groovy red and yellow mural, perhaps graffiti, on a tall stone wall. Continue on this road for less than half a mile. You will see the parking lot on your left.

Lester Hills Park

Lester Hills Park, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

Some call it Sunset Park. Some call it Lester Hills Park.

PoTAYto, PoTAHto.

I like to call it Lester Hills because it's near Lester and that is easy for me. Either way you get a stunning view of the west coast and the ocean on a clear day. And some space to play. Look and look again.

It is hilly and near a road with fences so you need to watch the toddling wanderers closely here.

Getting there is simple.

Left out of Kadena Gate 1 onto 58. Just pass Lester is the intersection for 24. Take a left here. You'll see Keystone Church on your right. Go about 2 kilometers on a windy, windy road. You will see an Eneos gas station on your right and immediately after that is the lower parking lot. If it is full then keep winding to the top of the park where there is another parking lot.

Nago Central Park

Contributed by Julia

Nago Central Park 4, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

This park is way up in the mountains allowing for some beautiful views of the city and ocean. And you won't see play equipment like this anywhere else. There's a huge climbing coil that connects the upper and lower part of the playground. There is also a rollerslide (bring cardboard to protect your burning bottom!), nets, fireman poles, see-saws, a zip-line, swings and SPACE. WIDE OPEN SPACES.

Take a look here and here and here and here.
There are also walking trails here. Paved walking trails. Just south of the playground is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over a ravine. The bridge leads to some shrines.

Come here when the cherry blossoms (sakura) are in bloom. It's also near Expo Park if you're making a day trip of it which you might as well if you've come all the way up to Nago.

Getting There:

Take Expressway 3 from Foster Legion Gate or whatever Expressway entrance that suits you. Expressway 4 entrance to the expressway is near Kadena Gate 2. Again, whatever works for you.

Exit Expressway in Nago where it will spit you back out on 58. Continue on 58 into Nago and shortly after you pass an A&W on your LEFT there will be a sign for 84. Take a RIGHT. There is no option to go left.

Take a LEFT at the Orion Brewery (which will be on your right side). This should be 2 or 3 lights. You won't miss the brewery. At the next traffic signal, take another RIGHT and follow the road to the park.

At the moment, this road to the park is closed for driving. There is a dirt parking lot at the bottom where you could park and walk up. Not sure where the park is from this angle. So if the road up the mountain is still closed then instead of taking the previous RIGHT up the mountain (after the LEFT at the brewery) you continue to go straight on that road.

Eventually you will see a Lawson's on your left. Turn RIGHT at this light onto 71.

You will go through 5 lights AFTER turning onto 71. The light where you turned right does NOT count as one of them. You will pass Hokubu Hospital and another Lawson's. Just past the Hot Spar you want to take a RIGHT.

Take another RIGHT at the T instersection to head down the hill.

Pass the steps for the cherry blossom viewing area on your LEFT and look out for a small parking area on your RIGHT.

Park here and go down the steps to the park. You should be able to see part of the roller slide from the parking area when you get out of the car.

Ginowan Seaside Park

There's lots of space here for walking, biking, kicking balls, throwing frisbees and playing.

Go south on 58 out of Kadena Gate 1. Shortly after Foster's Commissary turn RIGHT at the first large stoplight. There will be a sign saying "Convention Center." Keep going on this road for at least 3 kilometers or more. You will pass the 100 Yen Shopping Plaza and ANA Hotel. On the right side, there will be a red, Asian-style entrance gate. It will look like this:

Entrance to Ginowan Seaside Park

Turn RIGHT through those gates and turn LEFT into the parking lot. Continue to the end of the parking lot where you will see a whale fountain. Follow the path on foot toward the play structures.

Here are a few pictures of the park:

Pirate ship thing-a-ma-jig

A spot of shade and a place to eat

Crazy trapeze net climbing obstacle course

Swings

Kuwae Nature Park & Playground

kuwaenaturepark_playground2, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

It is, like it promises, a park AND a playground so there's plenty of walking or running space and then a small playground with a covered area for eating or catching shade. There are also bathrooms close by to the playground. It's a contained playground which makes it easier to keep your eyes on the kids.

It's been much more entertaining for the little ones than I expected it to be.

Now for the directions...

When heading out Kadena Gate 2 make a right at the second light onto Route 23. Follow this road past Gate 5 and continue to the 3rd light after the Gate 5 turn. There will be a pedestrian bridge at the light. Turn left here. At the 1st intersection there is a monument on the farthest right corner near the fire station. Turn right. The park is about 100 feet down on the left. Park in the lot here (this is far from the playground part of the park) or pass the park and make a left at the next corner. You will see the large playground. Park here. Or take a left after you see the playground and park along that road. It's more of a side street than the first road.

Or if you are coming from Kadena Gate 1 take a left onto 58 and then a left onto 23. At the pedestrian bridge take a right. At the 1st intersection there is a monument on the farthest right corner near the fire station. Turn right. The park is about 100 feet down on the left. Park in the lot here (this is far from the playground part of the park) or pass the park and make a left at the next corner. You will see the large playground. Park here. Or take a left after you see the playground and park along that road. It's more of a side street than the first road.

Treehouse Park

Treehouse Park, originally uploaded by okimamas&papas.

Treehouse Park (Adan Children's Park):

Left out of Kadena gate 1 and travel south on 58. Pass Lester and
Foster. When you see the entrance to MCAS Futenma on your left start
counting lights. The one at the Futenma intersection being the first.

Before the 4th light move into the right turning lane
and take a right. At this intersection you will see a purple high-rise
building on your left. It says Oshini Housing Co. Ltd. It's an easy
landmark.

When you turn travel to the 5th road on the right. Make a right and
the park is on the left. I'm a little unsure whether it's exactly the
5th right but if it isn't you'll be able to take another right and see
the park. If you go to far you'll shoot out onto the by-pass at the
endtrance to the Convention Center. This is not a very long road and
the park is parallel so if you miss the initial right (or if it isn't
exactly 5 lights) then just take a right and look for fake trees on
the horizon.

Sunabe Ba-ba Park aka Dolphin Park

You should get to know this park immediately. There's a beach, a field, a  dolphin-shaped play structure, gazebos, a skate park, a fast slide and SPACE galore.

Directions to Sunabe Ba-Ba Park (Dolphin Park):

Turn left out of Gate 1 of Kadena onto Hwy 58.  Get into the far right lane to turn right at the next stoplight.  There will be a large "US Autosales" sign in red.  Go down this road to about the 3rd stoplight - this will be the LAST stoplight on this road before you hit the seawall.  Turn right until the road dead-ends into a junkyard.  Turn right when the road dead-ends.  About 100 yards down this road is Dolphin Park on the left side. Parking will be on your right facing a baseball field.