Flower

Cuisine:

50,000 azaleas in Higashi-son, Okinawa to celebrate spring

From March 1 - 24, Tsutsuji Matsuri, or Azalea Festival, will return to Sonmin no Mori Tsutsuji En (Villagers’ Forest and Azalea Park) in Higashi-son, for its 37th installment.

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Travel

Cuisine:

Nearby Ie Island offers idealic escape

If you’re looking for an exciting day trip or relaxing weekend, head for the tiny island of Ie off the coast of Nago. Nicknamed the island of flowers and sunsets, Ie draws visitors to its shores with beautiful scenery and historic sites.

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Community News

Cuisine:

Did you know?: Deigo official Okinawan flower

The deigo, or tiger’s claw, was named the official flower of Okinawa in 1972. Deigo trees are normally in bloom around mid-April through May. Around that time, the red flowers of the trees can be seen at places like Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park in Okinawa City, or Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City.

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Food & Drink

Cuisine: Japanese

Kijimunaa near Camp Foster serves omu-taco rice

You may have heard and even sampled Okinawa’s signature so-called soul food, taco rice – south-of-the-boarder-seasoned ground beef atop rice with shredded cheese, lettuce and tomato. But, what about its cousin, “omu-taco rice”?