Day 5: Whale Watching Tour --> Nangoku Shokudo (Lunch) --> Okinawa World --> Peace Memorial Park

The whale watching tour was a solid 3-hour affair and essentially claimed the entire morning. By the time we were done, it was the perfect time for lunch. 

I've got to caveat this.

For some reason, when I google the name and address, it no longer corresponds to where I actually went in Okinawa. Perhaps things have changed. Or by some weird stroke of fortunate, our driver actually knew where we wanted to go based on the (wrong) address I gave him. 

Whichever it was, I am glad we got to where we were, a tiny family-run restaurant out of an actual residence. It was just 4 counter seats and 4 cozy table-for-4 settings. And a tiny corner for kitschy souvenirs. 

What drew to this place, was that we could get simple home-cooked Okinawan bento sets. I remembered reading reviews from locals that the food was homely and delicious. (Have no idea where those reviews disappeared to now).

Menu was definitely limited (since its a tiny family run thing). We ended up getting the chicken bento sets, since none of us wanted seafood. As advertised, simple and homely goodness. Another plus, it was cheap too. Our lunch came up to less than $10 SGD per person (even with the cup of coffee I was desperate enough to order).

 

Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express: Orient Express Restaurant High Tea

 

So a couple of weeks back, my group of foodie friends and I were fortunate enough to snag a table at the Orient Express Restaurant, a train carriage themed restaurant under the Orient Express exhibition at Gardens by the Bay.

Fortunate because by the time we agreed to go, a lot of the tables/dates were already snapped up. In fact, tables of 2 and 4 were already sold out. But on that same note, because we were a bigger group of 6, we got ourselves a pseudo-private carriage all to ourselves.

I didn't manage to get a picture of our "private" carriage but here's what a cozy table for 4 would have looked like. 

The Orient Express restaurant is basically a dining experience that's supposed to replicate what you might experience on the actual Orient Express. Lunch, brunch, high tea and dinner menu are available with options for vegetarians. Menus were curated by 3 Michelin star French chef Yannick Alléno.

Here's a screenshot taken off the website of our high tea menu. While I loved the idea that coffee or tea (and chocolate too!) is free-flow, we realised that the baristas making the drinks were not consistent. My friends got iced teas that were either too sweet or too bland, even when they ordered the same teas. I just stuck to my iced latte since its hard to go wrong with Nespresso.

Food (as seen in the menu) is a mixture of sweet and savory. My personal favourites include the Goodwich roasted mushrooms and spinach, foie gras and mimosa egg. I'm more of a savory person than sweets, so I'm less keen on the sweet items. However the au café pastry really sang to my tummy while my friends commented that they enjoyed the profiteroles.

Service was in general, decent. There was a really lovely waitress who took time to explain the items served and was really accommodating. But perhaps we were a table on our own right at the end, it was sometimes hard to get our drink orders. 

Goodwich roasted mushrooms and spinach. The cheese on this was an absolute heavenly kicker.

Overall, an interesting experience but what was truly enjoyable was having spent the afternoon with good company, having fun and laughter in a private carriage space. We've also sort of decided that once travel is back to normal (although that would seem like eons away), we wouldn't mind doing an actual Orient Express train trip.

Tourist Information

Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express exhibition and restaurant

Website: https://www.orientexpressexhibition.com/ 

The Uncertain 7-Day Okinawa Journey: Whale Watching Tour

 

Day 5: Whale Watching Tour --> Nangoku Shokudo (lunch) --> Okinawa World --> Peace Memorial Park

After a good night's rest, we started Day 5 on an early note. By 8:20 am, we were already en route to a harbour for a whale watching tour. This was supposed to be one of the highlights of the tour but I was sadly quite disappointed. 

From January to March, as part of their migratory route, you can find humpback whales frolicking around the coasts of Okinawa.  They supposedly travel all the way from the waters off Alaska to the waters around Okinawa to give birth and raise their calves. I had purposely timed our travel to catch this awesome natural phenomena. 

There are several whale watching tour operators, so I just let our tour organiser make the decision to book the tickets for us. My only request was to have the tour in the morning so that we can avoid the mid-day heat. To be honest, I didn't even bother to find out which operator it was. Only now that I'm writing this post and snapped these pictures of the guidebooks that were given to us, then do I have a notion as to which operator it was.

Once we reached the harbour, the tour operator was already waiting for us. We were asked to register and sign some waivers before dad and I were allowed to clamber on board one of the boats (as seen in the picture above).

Unfortunately, that morning itself, my mom wasn't feeling too great (side effect from her medications) so she opted out and rested in the car instead. Great decision actually. Because there were several others on our boat, who got really sea-sick. So those of you with motion sickness, please do avoid heavy meals and take those motion-sickness medication prior the tour.

Dad and I were also given a copy of a whale watching guidebook that detailed possible movements (aka potential camera shots) to watch out for. It was just a simple 4-page pocket-sized handbook and extra plus, the guidebook was in English! 

As with such animal watching tours, it's not always a given that you will get the opportunity to see them in action. So every time I get on one of these, I would always remind myself not to be too upset if the tour was a wash. Except this time, I was disappointed, but it was not because the whales weren't around.

In fact, we were fortunate enough to see (likely) a mother and her calf, and another whale! So that's 3 whales in one boat-show. One of the whales even executed a breach!

What upset me was that it seemed like my boat captain didn't get to a vantage spot! I thought that our boat seemed stuck most times, while the other boats were moving into really good spots. In fact, for that particular whale breach, we were blocked by that particular boat (which had a front-seat ticket!) in my earlier picture. In fact, the whales seemed to stay mostly in front of the other boat!

I was so disappointed losing that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to  see such a spectacle! The whales seemed to enjoy performing for the other boat more while I was desperately praying (sadly unanswered) for my boat captain to just shift to the side.

In fact. the photos you see here on the blog, are the only (half) decent ones I could get. Also managed to get a couple of short clips during those rare moments the whales did come over to our side.

Loved the experience. And would love having a better experience, so yeah, this will definitely still be on the itinerary the next time I head to Okinawa again. 

Tourist Information

Figured a shot of the operator's details on the guidebook would be best. Details on the bottom right corner.

The Uncertain 7-day Okinawa Journey: Hotel JAL City Naha

 

Days 4 to 6: Hotel JAL City Naha

Once happily sated with yummy ice-cream in our tummies, we headed to our hotel: Hotel JAL City Naha. I'd be honest. Given that we were to spend our last 3 nights in the same hotel, Hotel JAL City Naha was not my first choice. I had my sights on another hotel touted to have the best breakfast buffet in Naha city, but that one was fully booked. 

Nevertheless, by the end of our trip, we were quite pleased with the hotel's location and mom even expressed that the next time she returns to Okinawa, she would want to come back to this hotel.

Hotel JAL City Naha is situated right smack in the middle of Kokusai-dori Street, the main shopping street in Naha. There's absolutely no way you can miss it from the main street, at least not with that walkway boldly advertising the entrance. And if by any chance you do miss it, then look out for the display windows of the Coach outlet store. 

I had no idea when I made the booking that the hotel housed one of mom's favourite brands within its premises. Walk into the hotel via the main street entrance, turn and you'll be at the entrance to the Coach outlet store. In fact, the hotel reception was even further in from the store. Staying at the hotel also gave us an additional discount coupon which mom happily utilised later the next morning after our check-in.

By the time we reached the hotel, it started to rain and the winds were getting strong. Reception was however a warm, friendly welcome and staff were really quick to assist us in transporting our luggage from the vehicle and out of the rain. Even the interior of the hotel felt cozier and everything and everyone felt like warm sunshine amidst the grey skies gloom and cold.

Check-in was a breeze since the reception staff spoke English and in no time, we were in our room putting down all our bags and luggages. 

Our room unfortunately wasn't the biggest. We had to move some of the furniture around and that gave us just enough of a walkway with our luggage opened and shopping stowed away. Spacious enough considering the typical 'tiny hotel on prime land' models in Japan.

Other than space, there really isn't much else to "complain" about. Actually, nothing really. Even the space was managable. The room was really clean and we slept really well in those beds. 

Likewise, the bathroom was small but just spacious enough without feeling too cramped. The only complaint I really have, is that I have to climb into the bathtub just to shower. It can be quite hazardous for my elderly parents and clumsy me.

My mom is someone who insists on having breakfast in the hotels that we stay. She really loves her breakfast buffets. Hence even though we were on the main shopping streets where food (and breakfast) is aplenty to be found, we had our breakfast all in the hotel.

The breakfast buffet spread while not huge, was decent enough. We had the typical cold stations of hams and salads, then the hot stations with the eggs, sausages and local Okinawan dishes, the fruit section and beverages. Nothing terribly exciting to wow about in that sense, but decent and yummy enough to still sate the morning appetite.

What really pleased the parents with this hotel, was its location. Apart from the Coach outlet store (and hotel discount), mom was so happy to find out that her favourite Ichiran ramen store was just a few steps away. When we ventured out that rainy night we checked in, and upon her discovery, mom refused to let us move further and decided that dinner would be her favourite ramen. Subsequently, later in the trip, she even went back a second time just to have her fill of the ramen.

Apart from Ichiran, the Yu rail, Don Quijote, etc were all within walking distance of the hotel. In the short 3 days that we were there, my parents got confident enough to venture out on their own. In fact, my mom claimed that the street was simple enough with sufficient landmarks that she knew how to get around on her own. And that's precisely what she did one morning, walk out on her own to the market to get fresh fruits!

And like I mentioned earlier in this post, she's already decided that she'll be back staying in this very hotel the next time she's back in Okinawa for the Churaumi Aquarium. 

Tourist Information

Hotel JAL City Naha

Address: 1 Chome 3-70 Makishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0013

Tel: +81 98-866-2580

Website: https://www.naha.jalcity.co.jp/ 

The Uncertain 7-day Okinawa Journey: Mihama American Village

 

Day 4: Busena Marine Park --> Nakamura Soba --> Cape Manzamo --> Mihama American Village

Once we were done at Cape Manzamo, it was time for some shopping! The Mihama American Cillage was on the route back to Naha city and hence, it was on the itinerary for a pit shop.

Ok, to be honest, that wasn't the real reason why its on the itinerary. I wasn't too terribly excited about the shopping here initially. I mean, from what I read online, it catered mostly to the US military staff stationed in Okinawa. The Mihama American Village is, as its namesake, fashioned to resemble an American styled entertainment complex. There are many US military bases in Okinawa and the complex itself was apparently even built on a disused base! I guess, it serves as a nice reminder of home for the many American staff stationed in Okinawa. 

Given that it's an entertainment complex, its not surprising that there's an array of shops and restaurants. There's also an arcade and even a movie theatre. It would have been a good place to try the unique American-Japanese fusion cuisine like taco rice since there were many places offering them. Except we were done with lunch and it was way too early for dinner. Plus, we wanted to save tummy space for ice-cream instead.

Interestingly, my parents and I ended up spending the bulk of our time in Mihama American Village in drug stores and a version of a Don Quijote store. We ended up hauling shopping bags worth of Japanese snacks, household items, fashion accessories and even Sanrio knick-knacks! Serious. I bought myself a Sanrio calculator because it was just about SGD$15. I remembered seeing one in sunny Singapore for easily twice the price. Several of my Sanrio-fan friends also received gifts bought here. The variety and price was just too good to turn away from. Even my usually thrifty mom approved.

Unfortunately, because we spent so much time in those stores, we didn't have as much time exploring the other nooks and crannies of the place. If time had permitted, I would have loved to take a leisurely stroll to Sunset beach which was apparently within walking distance of the Mihama American Village. Okay and plus, we were way too laden with our shopping. 

Instead, we hopped back onto our car for a short ride to a Blue Seal ice-cream store. When in Okinawa, definitely make sure you make the time to stop for a Blue Seal ice-cream. Blue Seal is a Japanese ice-cream chain prevalent in Okinawa and their slogan? "Born in America, Raised in Okinawa". So surprise that there would be a store within the vicinity of the American Village. 

 

What I love most about ice-cream parlours, is to walk up to the colourful display counter, read through all the different flavours and then picking some of those to try. Cheap thrill but I love the idea that I can try different flavours for free before making a decision. 

We went with tropical flavours and those that Okinawa is famous for: Okinawan salt cookies, coconut, pineapple and the beni-imo. Dessert before dinner but heck, who cares when you're on vacation! Besides, these were super yums calories!

Another plus, there was a small display section for Blue Seal merchandise and I stopped to get some stationary as keepsakes.

Tourist Information

Mihama American Village
Address: Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama, 9-1, 〒904-0115
Closes at 10 pm

Blue Seal Ice-cream
Depot Island Building D within the Mihama American Village
Opening hours: 12 noon to 8 pm, Mondays to Fridays and 11 am to 8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays

The Uncertain 7-day Okinawa Journey: Cape Manzamo

 

Day 4: Busena Marine Park --> Nakamura Soba --> Cape Manzamo --> Mihama American Village

After a filling lunch, it was perfect that we adjourned to the nearby Cape Manzamo for a leisurely, scenic stroll. Now Cape Manzamo, or Cape Manza as the locals call it, is quite the famous tourist spot. I'm pretty sure that even if you have never heard of its name, you would recognize a picture of the elephant-like rock formation. It's so famous that on normal days, you'll have to time your visit else you'll be lost in the hordes of tourists brought there by the swarms of tourist buses. 

Well, that's pre-Covid days. During our time in Okinawa, places that were still open were quite empty, which was a bliss since I really don't do well with crowds. Awesome opportunity for really nice pictures.

Except part of the grounds were closed as they were building an observatory. I took a picture of what it's supposed to look like and I believe it opened in October 2020 (OMG! 2020 is over!).

I recalled mom getting excited over the "this is how it will look like" photos and expressed that she would like to be back just for the observatory. The observatory supposedly has restaurants, a food court and souvenir shops. There is an admission fee of 100 yen but you are allowed to re-enter multiple times on the same day.

Unfortunately, we had to maneuver around the construction. Thankfully it was just a short walk-around to get to the magnificent views.

Grateful to my parents who waited patiently while I took many photos. The views around were just gorgeous with the East China Sea all laid out in front of you. My parents agreed that it was just so picturesque, which probably explains why they were so agreeable to hang around patiently.

Definitely a must-stop if you are in Okinawa.

Tourist Information 

Website: http://www.vill.onna.okinawa.jp/about/information/1484719566/1484720229/ 

Address: Onna-son, Kunigami-gun 904-0411