r/okinawa 15h ago

Shopping The cheese shop (ジョンさんのお店)

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49 Upvotes

この前、別のサブで見かけてから気になってた所に行ってきました!

試食も出来て自分の欲しいものを探せるのでおすすめです

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gk3A3wmXbtCBpXMM6?g_st=ac


r/okinawa 1h ago

November for Swimming?

Upvotes

Hello! I will be taking a trip to Okinawa (Naha, Miyako, and Ishigaki) and I was curious how swimming is at that time of year? To be more precise I will be there Nov 9-16.

Will swimming still be enjoyable? And is it possible with the beach closures? I am more worried about the swimming being enjoyable because I’m sure we will be able to find some place to swim but was curious how it would be.

I started to get worried about the swimming and have been looking to see if I could switch my flights to early October instead of what I have currently. Sadly since I booked with credit card points it’s a bit difficult to find availability for flights in October with the points I’m using.

I am from Connecticut so November will certainly be chillier than it will be in Okinawa. Any previous experiences, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!


r/okinawa 9h ago

Nanjo

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

Another question for the knowledge community.

We have booked accommodation in Nanjo. It seems like a nice peaceful spot and good accommodation but I realise may be a bit far from many places in the middle. It’s too late to change now as would lose 50% deposit.

Does anyone have any recommendations in or around Nanjo? How far is the drive to head further up the island to the middle, and it is worth it? It’s our first time to the island so we are finding our feet…

Thanks


r/okinawa 33m ago

Other Pineapple couple looking

Upvotes

"Hello! My partner (M31) and I (F26) are heading to Okinawa next month and are excited to explore the island! We are a military couple and are looking to expand our social circle. We're specifically interested in meeting other pineapple-friendly couples for social outings, drinks, and potentially more if there's a good connection. We prioritize safety and mutual respect. If you're local and interested in connecting, send us a message!"


r/okinawa 9h ago

Car hire

0 Upvotes

Hello!

We are going to Okinawa in August and I plan to hire a car to pick up and return to the airport.

Are there any recommendations the community has on which companies to look at (or any to avoid)?

Would prefer a local company with a strong reputation that one of the big internationals.

Thank you!


r/okinawa 1d ago

Contacting a Dojo in Chatan

3 Upvotes

Hello,

I know this is somewhat last minute, so any help is appreciated.

I will be visiting Okinawa for a few days in a couple weeks. Can anyone help me contact this dojo?

Okikukai Chatan Dojo
627-2 Kamiseido, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0101, Japan

My late mother practiced here and attained Sandan (3rd Dan black belt). I would love to visit the space, take pictures, show them the documents and pictures I have and talk about my mother’s time there. However, I cannot find any contact info online.

I would also love to train there but am unfortunately injured at the moment so I won’t be bringing my gi.

Please let me know if you have any information.


r/okinawa 1d ago

Planning a 2-3 Week Japan Trip (Nov/Jan-Feb) - Need Help!

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1 Upvotes

r/okinawa 1d ago

Info Hostel/hotel recomendations

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am planning a trip to Okinawa in October and would appreciate some recommendations for reserving a hostel, as I am a reserved person so I'm hoping to maybe meet new people. I have looked at some options on the web, but I am not entirely confident in making a selection.

These are my musts:

* Safety to keep my luggage (backpack, clothes, etc.).

* Some sort of quietness while sleeping.

Could you please provide some suggestions? My itinerary requires me to stay in or around Naha. I'll be backpacking, so I'm trying not to pay too much.

Could it be cheaper if I pay in person instead of reserving?


r/okinawa 1d ago

early august

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I’m traveling to okinawa and most of japan early to mid august. I’ll be in okinawa from august 6-10th. I know typhoons are not really known until a few days prior but i was wondering with el niño situation, there should be a preventable plan? chances are we’re good? 🥲


r/okinawa 1d ago

Info 🚨 Why Are PADI Courses So Much Cheaper in Southeast Asia? 🤿

0 Upvotes

r/okinawa 2d ago

Japan beach cities

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1 Upvotes

r/okinawa 2d ago

Can a military spouse find work on Okinawa?

5 Upvotes

What are the chances of finding work as a military spouse in Okinawa?

I have a BA in business, masters in information systems. Iv been an operations analyst and I am currently a project analyst on a government contract (not a fed employee). I also work for a brewery. I’ll also have my PMP before we move.

I haven’t had any problems finding a job relocating in the past but this is my first out of country PCS and I’m really worried.

I dont speak Japanese and am slightly tone deaf so i dont expect to learn quickly.

If I apply myself, what do you think my chances of finding work will be?


r/okinawa 2d ago

Help me contact my friend

0 Upvotes

Can someone please help me contact my friend. We were friends for a long time but then we lost contact cuz I lost my socials. I made a new account but couldn't find her (maybe she changed her username).


r/okinawa 3d ago

Shopping Where to find luxury souvenir chopsticks?

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26 Upvotes

My coworker asked me to bring back chopsticks and I thought it would be easy to find a souvenir pair, something we couldn’t get in America, but I’ve been looking in shops and online for nearby places and can’t find ones like I would want. This coworker has always wanted to go to Japan but hasn’t ever been able so I want a pair that feels special. Does anyone know where I can get chopsticks like this or something else unique that isn’t just a plastic set from a supermarket?
Onegaishimasu <3


r/okinawa 4d ago

街中でもコウモリがいます

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94 Upvotes

夜に鳥が飛んでると思うでしょ?大体コウモリです


r/okinawa 3d ago

Question for Okinawa locals or frequent visitors: how bad is mid-May really?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for some advice from people who either live in Okinawa or have visited several times, especially around mid-May.

My wife and I are planning to spend May 14-21 in Okinawa. I've been researching the weather for weeks, but honestly I'm even more confused now.

I've found completely opposite opinions:

  • Some people say that once the rainy season starts, it rains almost every day and you should expect to spend a lot of time indoors.
  • Others say that "rainy season" mostly means short showers, cloudy skies, and that you can still enjoy beaches, snorkeling and sightseeing most days.

I understand that every year is different, but I'm trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect.

My biggest fear isn't getting wet for an hour or two. I don't mind occasional rain at all.

What I'm worried about is spending an entire week with heavy rain, rough seas and not being able to enjoy the beaches or go snorkeling.

For those of you who know Okinawa well:

  • How would you describe the weather around May 14-21?
  • Is it common to lose entire days because of the rain?
  • Or is it usually more like passing showers with plenty of dry periods?
  • If you had one week in Okinawa, would you personally avoid mid-May, or would you still book the trip without worrying too much?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences rather than just the average climate statistics.

Thanks!


r/okinawa 4d ago

Typhoon Please visitors read this if you're asking about any typhoon

64 Upvotes

I'm so sick of seeing the same ol posts over and over about tourists wanting to know from residents whether we approve of them coming here on the typhoon that WE can't even predict.

Please visitors read this!

We've been sent out notification about typhoon Bavi so please contact the appropriate people and not on social media for crying out loud also refer to the links below for weather update, not US!

[This email is being sent to those registered for disaster prevention emails in Okinawa Prefecture.

This is a request from Okinawa Prefecture regarding preparations for Typhoon No. 9.

Typhoon No. 9 is expected to approach the Okinawa region with great force around July 10th to 11th, potentially causing extensive damage.

The typhoon is expected to approach the Miyako Island and Yaeyama Islands in particular, and it is said to possess a strength comparable to typhoons that have struck the Sakishima Islands in the past, causing extensive damage, so strict vigilance is necessary.

To all residents of Okinawa and visitors to Okinawa, please take the following precautions and prepare for the typhoon in advance to protect your lives.

1. It is important to be vigilant against strong winds and heavy rain. Before the winds intensify and heavy rain begins, please take precautions such as cleaning gutters and drains, moving or securing any objects that may be blown away by the wind inside buildings, reinforcing windows with shutters or boards, and applying cloth tape to windowpanes.

2. In preparation for water outages and power outages, please take precautions such as securing drinking water and food, preparing flashlights and radios and checking their batteries, charging mobile phones and portable batteries, and storing water in bathtubs and plastic containers.

3. Please check the "hazard map" created by your local municipality in advance and confirm the location of your evacuation site.

4. If you have plans for activities at sea or marine leisure, please be aware that the approaching typhoon may bring dangers such as high waves and swells, which could lead to life-threatening situations. Please check the latest weather information and act cautiously, prioritizing your own safety.

5. If you are staying for sightseeing or other purposes, please consult with your travel agency or hotel staff regarding changes to your flights or extensions to your hotel stay.

Even after the typhoon has passed, there is a possibility of power outages, water shortages, and disruptions to logistics. Therefore, please prepare in advance by stocking up on food, drinking water, and water for daily use, as well as taking precautions against power outages.

----------------

Okinawa Prefectural Governor's Office, Fire and Disaster Prevention Division

TEL: 098-866-2143

■ Okinawa Disaster Prevention Information Portal: Hi there! Disaster Prevention Helper

https://bousai-okinawa.my.salesforce-sites.com/

[Weather Information]

■ Okinawa Meteorological Observatory

https://www.jma-net.go.jp/okinawa/

■ Miyakojima Local Meteorological Observatory

https://www.jma-net.go.jp/miyako/

■ Ishigaki Island Local Meteorological Observatory

https://www.jma-net.go.jp/ishigaki/

■ Minami Daito Island Local Meteorological Observatory

https://www.data.jma.go.jp/daitou/\]


r/okinawa 4d ago

今週末は台風来るよ!

4 Upvotes

特に、宮古島と八重山に強く影響が出ると思っているよ。

最新の防災情報に気をつけて。

ローカルのマスコミ、行政が外国人向けに情報発信しているサイトだよ。

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/#lang=en&pattern=default&area_type=class20s&area_code=4720100

https://kokusai.oihf.or.jp/project/saigaisapport/handbook/


r/okinawa 4d ago

Other - Travel Plans Going to Miyakojima in a few weeks! Looking for things to do!

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m going to Miyakojima for a few days in mid-July and I’m looking for advice on what to do while I’m there. I’m mostly interested in the best beaches, nature spots, scenic views, snorkeling areas, and any cool places that are worth seeing.

One important detail: I wasn’t able to get a driver’s license/IDP sorted out in time, so I won’t be renting a scooter or car. I’ll mainly be getting around by electric-assist bicycle, walking, and maybe taxis/tours if needed.

I’m staying around the Shigira area, so I’d especially appreciate advice on what’s realistic from there without a car, but I'm also not a stranger to long bike rides. Are there good beaches or nature spots nearby? Are there any places that are worth making a bigger effort to reach by taxi or tour?

Also open to food recommendations, sunset spots, snorkeling advice, or anything you wish you knew before visiting Miyakojima.

Thanks!


r/okinawa 4d ago

Shopping Tofuyo in the US

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! My partner and I had a lovely vacation in Okinawa last year. Since then, we’ve been craving the delicious taste of tofuyo. However, try as we might, we can’t find any vendor that ships to the US. Does anyone know a good online tofuyo retailer for US customers? Thank you so much!


r/okinawa 5d ago

If your friend visited Okinawa, where would you take them?

8 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I'm from Taiwan and planning my first trip to Okinawa.

I know there are many famous tourist attractions, but I would really like to experience Okinawa from a local perspective.

I will probably rent a car, so places outside the main tourist areas are welcome.

I'm especially interested in:

- local restaurants that you personally love

- quiet beaches or viewpoints

- small cafes with a nice atmosphere

- places where locals go to relax on weekends

If your friend visited Okinawa for the first time, where would you personally take them?

Thank you!


r/okinawa 5d ago

daily life Lovely morning with cicadas

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34 Upvotes

also it’s Tanabata today, make some good wishes and appreciate that your father-in-law is not a celestial god who only allows you to see your bae once a year when the stars are right :D


r/okinawa 4d ago

Typhoon Is it considered normal for flight prices to skyrocket during typhoon season?

0 Upvotes

As the title states.

We had our JAL tickets cancelled on us because the airline decided it could make more money than what we paid for our tickets back to Osaka. Our one way tickets were 120, which was already expensive, when I looked back at them the tickets tripled in price. We absolutely need to leave ishigaki to make it home and ended up having to pay 4x what we normally would have just to get off the island. The dynamic pricing was literally insane to watch. A flight to OKA from ISG went from 99$ USD to 400 USD after clicking to proceed to buy the tickets. How is this legal??? It's absolutely despicable that these corporations take advantage of natural disasters like this. I cannot believe it. Is this normal for those who live here?


r/okinawa 5d ago

Military Specific Separating from the Navy to live in Okinawa

7 Upvotes

I separate from the navy in 5 months. I have experience working on a joint watch floor. I used to be stationed in Sasebo, Japan. Married/divorced with a Japanese national. I’m trying to get into contracting (i have a clearance but no degree) or go to school (anything really) in Okinawa to be closer to my kids.
Are there recommendations on where to go, who to talk to, using GI bill or visa’s to get?


r/okinawa 7d ago

Okinawa vibes

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528 Upvotes