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).

 

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

The Uncertain 7-day Okinawa Journey: Nakamura Soba

 

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

Once my parents were done being thrilled by the glass-bottomed boat ride, we set off to have an early lunch. An approximate 20 minutes car ride away from the Busena Marine Park is Nakamura Soba, an Okinawan Soba restaurant that is extremely popular with the locals.

And thank goodness we made the choice to have an earlier lunch, because even then, by the time we arrived, the place was already packed and we snagged the last window counter seats! The family that came after us had to wait for quite a bit before they got seats!

Nakumura Soba is housed in this nondescript building by the road and next to the sea. If you're lucky like us, you'll get window seats and can have lunch with a view, abet with a lot of cars whizzing by. 

Ordering is like in many other Japanese restaurants, via a vending machine. I'm sorry I couldn't get pictures of the menu and the vending machines, but we were being quite rushed and I didn't want to be impolite. After that, it just got too packed to get any photos. 

My dad ordered the last bowl of the tebichi soba, which is a bowl of Okinawan soba with stewed pig trotters. Apparently there's only a limited number of servings of this each day. 

Mom got the sanmainiku soba, Okinawan soba with extra thick slices of stewed pork belly. The portion was huge enough that mom couldn't finish all the pork slices and passed me a slab of the meat.

And my own bowl. I stuck with a normal version. To be honest, I'm not a fan of Okinawa soba, they're a tad too sweet for my liking. But of all the Okinawan soba I've tried on the trip, this was by far, the best. By the way, the noodles are handmade.

And of course, the best part, eating your meal with a view!

Tourist Information

Nakamura Soba

Address: 〒904-0404 Okinawa, Kunigami District, Onna, 字 字瀬良垣 1669-1

DID: +81 98-966-8005

Opening hours: 11 am to 8 pm

The Uncertain 7-day Okinawa Journey: Busena Marine Park

All right, so I know this is like blog interruptus. I always seem to take long hiatus. But yes, back again to complete this Okinawa series.

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

We had a relatively later start to Day 4 and walked out of our hotel at 10 am to a bright, sunny morning. The sunshine was especially awesome since the previous day was a gloomy, rainy disaster. So with sunshine and smiles on our faces, 45 minutes after setting off, we arrived at our first destination, the Busena Marine Park. 

To be honest, I had hesitated putting this on the itinerary. While checking online, I read mixed reviews and there were several who expressed that the observatory tower was not worth the price. Well, I won't be able to comment on that since the tower was closed the day we arrived because of maintenance / bad sea conditions. 

That said, it was totally fine by us since the primary reason this pit-stop eventually made it onto the itinerary was the glass-bottomed boats. I thought it would give my parents a thrill to experience an underwater sea view since they would never get to snorkel or dive. 

So after we purchased our tickets, we strolled down a little road (alongside some resort) to the nearest bus-stop for the free shuttle bus ride to the docks.

If you want to clock your 10,000 steps, you can definitely walk to the dock. It would probably have just taken you 10 to 15 minutes. However as the sun was coming down on us quite strongly that morning, my parents and I were really quite glad to hop onto the vintage-looking shuttle with the really friendly driver!

So this is how the glass-bottomed boats look like from the outside. 

And how it looks like on the inside. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a whole boat picture. Basically, the glass panels run down the middle of the boat and passengers are to sit on either side of the panels. The operators didn't pack the boat, so we all had ample space and didn't have to jostle for the viewing panels. Awesome.

Those of you who enjoy snorkeling and/or diving would understand when I say the underwater world is a beautiful (and sometimes scary) one. For my elderly parents who didn't have the opportunity to do so when they were younger and are by now too scared to attempt, the glass-bottomed boat is probably the next best parallel for them to experience something similar. And my parents loved it! They oohed and ahhh-ed, pointed to each other different fishes, reefs and starfishes that they could spot. And my mom, who gets sea-sick, expressed that she wished the ride had been longer and that the boat could have taken them further out.

I'm just really glad my parents enjoyed the ride, and to me, that's worth the price of an otherwise really expensive ticket. 

And when we got off the ride, we were fortunate enough to have a school of puffer fishes welcoming us back on land! The Japanese who were in our boat were definitely excited, several were pointing and exclaiming "Fugu!" 

Hopefully, they weren't thinking of the delicacy.

Tourist Information

Busena Marine Park

Website: https://www.busena-marinepark.com/english/index.html

Address: 17441 Kise, Nago, Okinawa 905-0026

DID: +81 980-52-3379

Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm