OKINAWA

Food & Drink

Eel away the summer heat: In Japan, July 19 marks start of cooling off with tender unagi

Another option, eating unagi freshwater eel, is a favorite among locals since the grilled and sauced delicacy is thought to help curb summer heat and fatigue. 

Travel

Quick trip to Okinawa’s marvelous mangroves

On a Monday morning in late September, I hit the road and headed north. With the end of Japan’s State of Emergency being in sight, it was finally starting to feel okay to enjoy some outdoor activities.

Food & Drink

Kakigoori Time! Cool down with Japanese shaved ice!

Summer in Japan gets scorching and steamy. Mid-summer Temperatures often reach 95 F or higher depending on the region. Along with beer, watermelon and soomen (cold udon noodle), kakigoori (shaved ice) is a popular cold food that cools us down during summer. 

Food & Drink

Taste of Japan: Story behind Okinawa's ‘A-lunch’

Yoshoku, or Western dishes, came to Okinawa decades after hitting Japan’s mainland. The adoption of the Western cuisine was accelerated when the island became more exposed to American food after the battle of Okinawa.


Latest Stories

Photo Of VIDEO: Sugar Loaf site of brutal WWII Okinawa battle

Travel

VIDEO: Sugar Loaf site of brutal WWII Okinawa battle

Among the notable battle sites in Okinawa such as Hacksaw Ridge, Kakazu Ridge, and the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, Sugar Loaf may not attract as much attention as the others.

Photo Of VIDEO: Japan Kitchen: Turning instant noodles into okonomiyaki

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Japan Kitchen: Turning instant noodles into okonomiyaki

Instant noodles are great for a quick meal on the run or in between grocery store raids, but they also make great bases for more intricate meals.


Videos


More Stories from Okinawa

Photo Of Jason Derulo, rapper Saweetie to perform at Afro Jam Festival on July 17-20 on Okinawa

Travel

Jason Derulo, rapper Saweetie to perform at Afro Jam Festival on July 17-20 on Okinawa

This summer, the Okinawa Suntory Arena will be serenaded by some big rap, R&B and pop artists for Afro Jam Festival 2025 running July 17-20.

Photo Of Horror house returns to Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom

Travel

Horror house returns to Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom

Summer is the season for horror in Japan. Cool down with a chill at haunted houses and other spooky activities.

Photo Of Exploring Okinawa: Kouri Island beaches so beautiful, multiple visits required

Travel

Exploring Okinawa: Kouri Island beaches so beautiful, multiple visits required

On a hot summer day in August, I headed to Kouri-jima, an island off the coast of Okinawa’s Nakijin Village.

Photo Of VIDEO: Visit WWII battleground at Okinawa’s Kakazu Ridge

Travel

VIDEO: Visit WWII battleground at Okinawa’s Kakazu Ridge

Kakazu Ridge played a pivotal role in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Only a short 15-minute drive from MCAS Futenma and you can immerse yourself in a piece of island and world history.

Photo Of Quick trip to Okinawa's marvelous Miyagi Island

Travel

Quick trip to Okinawa's marvelous Miyagi Island

Past Henza Island, the road will lead you to Miyagi Island, formerly known as Takahanari Jima, or “a high and distant island” in Okinawan dialect.

Photo Of VIDEO: Sample recipe for delicious passionfruit jam

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Sample recipe for delicious passionfruit jam

On a rainy day in late May, I visited Agarihama Ichiba, a local farmer’s market in Yonabaru Town. In search for some seasonal produce for a summer recipe to try, I had tomatoes, goya (bitter melon), or gumbos in mind

Photo Of New fishing pond park in Okinawa more than just fishing

Travel

New fishing pond park in Okinawa more than just fishing

In Japan, Tsuribori refers to ponds where you can enjoy fishing without even going to sea.

Photo Of VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa with stroll around Shuri Castle’s neighborhood

Travel

VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa with stroll around Shuri Castle’s neighborhood

Though Shuri Castle may top your list among the many attractions to visit in Okinawa, the neighborhood surrounding the iconic castle is home to many other historical sites to check out.

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now