Story Southern Okinawa
Food and adventure in Southern Okinawa Published in 2021

 

Southern Okinawa

Food and adventure in Southern Okinawa

 

9:00     Itoman Fishing Cooperative Osakana Center

 

 

Savour the bounty of Japan's waters at Itoman Fishing Cooperative Osakana Center - it's one of Okinawa's many markets and eateries where you can sample seafood fresh off the boat. Itoman has 11 stores and holds a morning auction at the nearby fishing port. It's a great place to taste freshly-made sushi and raw oysters, as well as fill your stomach with cooked seafood, all of which can be consumed on-site at the dine-in area.

 

 ↓ Car, 10 mins
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10:00     DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

 

 

The DMM Kariyushi Aquarium is unlike any other aquarium you've seen. Featuring stylish art installations and visual technology, the aquarium boasts unique environments ranging from an indoor subtropical forest that houses animals like, penguins, and otters, to featuring of marine life with artistic settings - including jellyfish swimming in colourful cylindrical aquariums . There's also a zone where you go barefoot over a glass panel, as well as large screens projecting virtual images of swimming whale sharks and giant squids.

 

 ↓ Car, 30 mins
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12:30     BUKU-BUKU teahouse and Gyokusendo Cave in Okinawa World

 

 

Head to Okinawa World for a trip to the massive subterranean world of the Gyokusendo Cave, a large limestone cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that are well-lit and accessible via boardwalks. After exploring the caves, take a break with a cup of Buku Buku tea unique to Okinawa at the cafe! Buku Buku Cha is a traditional, fragrant brown rice tea that's made with a special bowl and whisk to create the mountain of foam, usually served with a piece of Ryukyu confectionery.

 

 ↓ Walk, 10 mins
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14:30     Café Yabusachi

 

 

Stop by Café Yabusachi, perched on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Hyakuna Beach in the southern region of Okinawa. This cafe serves a wide range of Japanese-style western fare, from taco rice to parfait. From its large windows and terrace, you can enjoy an uninterrupted, expansive view of the ocean. The drive to the café also boasts many scenic spots, including castle ruins, natural springs, and beaches which you can stop at along the way.

 

 ↓ Car, 10 mins
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15:30     Sefa Utaki

 

 

Okinawans practise an indigenous religion that places emphasis on the worship of nature. Sefa Utaki is the spiritual heart of this religion, nestled in an area dotted with rock formations and grottoes found in a densely forested hillside along the ocean. It came to prominence in the 16th century and is one of many sacred sites dotted around Okinawa. Sefa Utaki's sacred spots are connected to each other via serene walking trails.

 

 ↓ Car, 45 mins
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18:00     Taste of Okinawa

 

 

Taste of Okinawa is a culinary space that showcases the flavours of Okinawa in two ways: cooking classes and local craft beers. The 3-hour Cooking Experience (starts from 10:30 and 15:30, except Monday) includes a tour to nearby Naha Public Market where you learn about the local ingredients used to prepare a 4-course menu under the guidance of a chef. Their bar serves Okinawan craft beers, paired with a special local menu, which you can enjoy when not driving.

 

 

Published in 2021