Japan Day 9: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Previously:
Japan Day 8: Mihama American Village And Shuri Castle, Okinawa

Churaumi Aquarium is homed to one of the largest tank in the world (Kuroshio Tank) and contains of wide variety of species, including the three giant whale sharks and manta rays.  I could just stand there for hours watching those big fishes swim by and whenever the three of them pop up at the same time on the glass window, it was amazing.

You can actually make your own way to aquarium by bus that takes about 2 hours journey.  However, in more convenient way, we chose a day trip tour that include aquarium entrance fee, Pineapple Park (my apologies, I forgot to attach pictures from this park) and Ryukyu Glass Village.  Hassel free and we just need to make our own way to the bus terminal.  The tour costs 4,800yen.  Depart 8 in the morning and back just before 5pm. 

Having fun with those star fish and sea cucumber

Pork belly taco

Stew pork belly with rice and tomato salsa

Eating while watching those giant whales.  What more can we ask!

At the Ryukyu Glass Village

One of the restaurant serving local delicacies just opposite the Makishi Market



Fresh de-skinned fugu fish at Makishi Public Market

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Japan:

Japan Day 10: Fujiya Hotel, Hakone



Japan Day 8: Mihama American Village And Shuri Castle, Okinawa

Previously:
Japan Day 7: Greeting From Okinawa

Take bus number 28, 29 or 120 from Naha bus terminal

The Mihama American Village is a large entertainment complex with American theme as many American military bases are located in this area.  This village resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of fashion shops selling American brand clothing and restaurants that specializing in hot dogs and hamburgers.  Plus a big Ferris Wheel that can be seen from afar becomes the most recognizable symbol of this American Village.  The nice boardwalk of Sunset beach just a few steps away from the complex.  The village can be reached in a short walk from Gunbyoin-mae or Army Hospital-mae stop.


Sunset Beach

From there, we headed straight to Shuri Castle.  Made our way to Shuri station and then we had a bit of walk (around 10 to 15 minutes), you can actually catch the bus that will stop near castle but we just want to enjoy the city in the meantime.  

Again Shisa on the rooftop

Outer gate of Shuri castle

Shureimon Gate

The Seiden - Main hall

The throne of the Ryukyu king inside the Seiden

Convenient lift for wheelchair and pram - My boy got a little nervous and excited at the same time, on the lift by himself

Just before the castle close, we had an early dinner at Suimui restaurant still inside the castle area.  Trying their local delicacies such as Champuru, taco rice and Okinawa soba.  They are a real comfort food with great taste.  I surprisingly like that taco rice.  I will definitely try to make this dish at home, instead of tortilla, we just use rice which must easier to find. 

And bitter melon is actually one of the secret food for locals having a long life expectancy.  With an average life span is about 100 years up, among the highest in the world.  Mainly, it have been linked with their good health and diet. 

Pork spare ribs

Goya Champuru - stir fried bitter melon with tofu, egg and pork

Taco rice - American influenced dish with typical taco ingredients, such as ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes salsa and served over rice

Okinawa soba - unlike any soba dishes in Japanese mainland, in here they use buckwheat flour.  Therefore, it is more like a ramen dish instead, then topped with soft boiled pork and green onions with thick broth

Mihama American Village

15-69 Mihama, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

Tel: +81 98-926-5678

Bus no. 28, 29, or 120 from Naha Bus Terminal
730yen, about 55 minutes

Shuri Castle

1 Chome-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture

Open everyday: 8am-6.30pm

Shuri Castle can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or a five minute by bus from Shuri Station on the Okinawa Monorail

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Japan:

Japan Day 9: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Japan Day 7: Greeting From Okinawa

Previously:
Japan Day 6: Pierre Herme And Bake Cheese Tart, Shinjuku

Hello Okinawa!!  We will spend the next three days in island, the southernmost prefecture of Japan.  Nearly 3 hours flight from Tokyo, which is actually much closer flying from Taipei.  This island is well known with its tropical climate, broad beaches as well as its World War II sites.  The capital city, Naha is located in the biggest island called Okinawa.  Things to visit around here are Peace Memorial Museum, American Village and Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks and manta rays. 

The town is connected with convenient monorail

Tempura soba

Tempura don

We stayed at Mercure Hotel, Naha.  They have a great location, just a stone away from monorail station (Tsubogawa stop) and just a few stops away from city center.  The hotel is very quite, clean and friendly service. 





Shisa is a traditional symbol of Ryukyuan (the local people of Okinawa), resembling a cross between a lion and a dog.  Often comes in pairs, this shisa is placed on the rooftops or the gates of local houses, believed to protect from some evils.  For the cuisine, purple yam, bitter melon and taco rice are a must try while you were here.   

This souvenir shop is selling everything made from purple yam, from the most famous purple yam pies to take home to ice creams and cakes

Happy 2nd birthday my boy

Hotel Mercure Naha, Okinawa

3-3-19 Tsubogawa - Naha

900 0025  OKINAWA - JAPAN

Tel:  (+81)98/8557111



Stay tuned for the next blog still in Japan:

Japan Day 8: Mihama American Village And Shuri Castle, Okinawa