Okinawa's rainy season has ended early, and summer is in full swing! The streets are now bustling with tourists.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Okinawa or a repeat customer, are you feeling exhausted by the intense heat while strolling along Kokusai Street?

Okinawan summers are incomparably hotter than those on the main island of Japan, so when shopping on Kokusai Street, I recommend planning to take breaks at stylish cafes!

Here are some places on Kokusai Street where you can relax right away.

1. CLIMAX COFFEE

When you think of cafes in Okinawa, the first one you should know about is "CLIMAX COFFEE." CLIMAX COFFEE is a cafe exclusive to Okinawa, and you'll see their signs everywhere on the main island of Okinawa.

Actually, "CLIMAX COFFEE" was originally a music label, and it seems to have been a famous label that discovered artists like "HY" and "Kiroro." This is information that even locals are starting to not know, so be sure to mention it when you're showing off your Okinawa trivia! (laughs)

The interior of the shop has a calm atmosphere and is so welcoming that even locals use it as a meeting place.

The shop has a cute exterior and attracts a wide range of customers, from young women to local elderly patrons. When you order, the staff will introduce you to the cakes and other items recommended for the day.

If you go to "CLIMAX COFFEE," I would definitely recommend the pancakes.

Since many U.S. military personnel live in Okinawa, you can enjoy American food there. Pancakes are a prime example of this.

■Black Sugar Syrup Matcha Pancakes (Size S ¥590)
This pancake, which blends Japanese and American influences, is a perfectly balanced dish.
The whipped cream isn't too sweet, and the combination of pancakes and brown sugar syrup is fantastic.

■Lunch Set (¥980)
The set includes a panini, fries, a muffin, soup, and a drink, and you can choose a hamburger instead of the panini.

With such a variety available at reasonable prices, it seems to be a popular lunch menu item. At the chain "CLIMAX COFFEE," pancakes are popular in central Okinawa, while paninis are actually more popular in the south.

It's located on the 2nd floor of the Ryubo Department Store building, right in front of Kencho-mae Station on the Okinawa Monorail.

It's easy to find, located right at the scramble crossing at the entrance to Kokusai Street and directly in front of the prefectural office. The terrace seating is breezy and very pleasant!

Climax Coffee Ryubo Department Store
1-1-1 Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture (2F)
098-943-1117
Business hours 10: 00-21: 00

2. BALL DONUT PARK

In the middle of Kokusai Street, across from the Lawson convenience store at the entrance to Ukishima Street, there is a street called Paradise Street. "BALL DONUT PARK" is located immediately to the left after entering that street.

"BALL DONUT PARK" only opened last year, but its stylish exterior and sweet aroma are sure to draw you in.

It's a little hard to see in the photo, but can you spot how the store's lighting forms the letters "B," "D," and "P," the initials of the store? There's a mark on the road at the exact spot in this photo, so please be sure to take your picture from there! (laughs)

Even just looking around the interior, your eyes will be drawn to the cute tiles. Many of the staff are handsome mixed-race men, giving you a real taste of Okinawa! Of course, there are many female repeat customers too. (laughs)

■Lemon Sugar (¥540)
My top recommendation is definitely the shop's most popular item, the Lemon Sugar donut. The combination of donut and lemon might seem a little surprising, but if you take a leap of faith and squeeze some lemon into it, you'll definitely become addicted.

I never imagined that the sweetness of the donut and the tartness of the lemon would go together so well. Since they also offer takeout, I've started seeing a few people eating them while walking around Kokusai Street.

■Tropical (¥600)
If you want to experience a tropical paradise with lots of fruit, this is for you.

It contains plenty of bananas, mangoes, and berries, which are great for women, so it seems good for beauty too. I think it would be a good idea to order it as a dessert with a drink. It's a popular menu item among tourists, so please give it a try!

Ball Donut Park
1F, STEP Building, 1-1-39 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
098-988-9249
Opening hours 12: 00 to 20: 00
No regular holiday

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3. Vita Smoothies

Whether you're coming from the direction of the prefectural office or Makishi Station, if you walk along Kokusai Street to the area around Don Quijote and Starbucks, many people will quickly become exhausted by the heat and crowds. (laughs)

So, how about a smoothie? Vita Smoothies is the place to go for a wide variety of smoothies that are perfect for boosting your nutrition.

When you reach the intersection where Starbucks is located, head down the street opposite Don Quijote and the public market. That street is called "Okiei Street." Walk down this street for three minutes and you'll find "Vita Smoothies" on your right.

The shop is decorated with botanical-patterned items, giving you a tropical feel. Enjoying a smoothie in such a setting is truly special.

■Bitter melon rush (¥500)
When you think of Okinawa, you think of bitter melon (goya). And when you think of bitter melon, you think of bitterness. But now, bitter melon, which contains nutrients that are effective against summer fatigue, can be made into a smoothie! (lol)

Of course, it's a matter of personal preference, but this bitter melon rush has the power to blow away fatigue.

The rush of bitter melon orders sometimes elicits wry smiles from the staff, but even if you're just sightseeing, why not give it a try to beat the Okinawan heat?

■Tropical Mango Smoothie (¥650)
This is probably the most popular item on the menu at "Vita Smoothies," isn't it?

Made with rare mangoes, this tropical mango smoothie is perfect for a body tired from the heat. The natural sweetness fills your mouth.

Mangoes have great beauty benefits, so please try drinking this to replenish your vitamins.

Vita Smoothie
2F Makishi Building, 17-17-1 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
098-863-3929
Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 20:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays

4. Coral Seat Kitchen

Sakurazaka Street is a side street off the Lawson convenience store at the foot of Tenbusu Naha, where a large LCD monitor stands tall. If you go past the park and up the slope to the right, you'll find a famous movie theater where locals gather.

"Sangoza Kitchen" is located next to a local movie theater called "Sakurazaka Theater."

During international film festival season, this is a popular spot where famous celebrities gather, but tourists might have a hard time finding this theater.

■ Chicken mince and bean keema curry with summer vegetables (¥700)
This "Sangoza Kitchen" actually offers a wide variety of curries, and this is the one I'd like to recommend from their lunch menu right now.

Of course, their other curries are also staples, but the spices in this keema curry are perfect for getting through the hot Okinawan weather with energy. Enjoying curry with Okinawa's famous Orion beer at lunchtime might be a great idea.

Many of the staff members are friendly and approachable, making the experience enjoyable.

■Today's Cakes (¥300-¥500)
The cakes, baked fresh daily by the staff, are not too sweet and pair perfectly with coffee. Since there are several varieties available each day, it's a good idea to ask the staff for their recommendations.

They value originality, and every time you visit, you'll find a selection of cakes you've never seen before. They seem to have a strong focus on health, and the fact that their cakes have a healthy taste is another plus.

Coral Theater Kitchen
3-6-10 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside Sakurazaka Theater)
Business hours 9: 30 ~ 23: 00
098-860-9555

5. trois (trois)

This shop has a rather unusual name, "trois." It seems to come from the French way of saying numbers, "un, deux, trois."

To get there, as we also mentioned in our "Vita Smoothies" article, take the road next to Junkudo bookstore on "Okiei Street." Continue straight along that road, and you'll find "trois" on the left side of the road junction.

It might be hard to tell from the photo, but the area where the restaurant's sign is located is actually a terrace seating area. At night, it's lit up, creating a relaxed atmosphere, making it a hidden gem known only to those in the know.

The owner has actually studied in France, and the restaurant is one of the few French restaurants where you can feel the atmosphere of France, with photographs taken by the owner himself displayed inside.

■Porcini and Shimeji Mushroom Butter Sauté (¥850)
Trois is famous for its galettes, and their galettes use buckwheat flour, giving them a wonderfully balanced buckwheat aroma. The moist texture and chewy consistency, combined with the fresh, cold vegetables, create a truly exquisite combination.

At first glance, it looked like a small portion, but when I ate it, I was surprised at how filling it was. As expected of a traditional French dish, it had a comforting warmth to it.

■Orange Suzette with orange pulp and orange sauce (¥750)
This crepe is the perfect choice for dessert. The orange sauce, with its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and the chewy texture of the crepe, will make your relaxation time feel luxurious.

Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems like the customers at "trois" tend to stay longer than those at other shops. Perhaps it's the warm atmosphere that makes them want to relax? I'm guilty of that myself, too. (laughs)

trois (Trois)
1-14-16 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 1F
Opening hours 17: 00 to 23: 00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
098-861-2188

6. Kuma Café

Once again, head from "Okiei Street" to Junkudo, turn into the alley across the street, and it's a one-minute walk. On the left is "Kuma Café," marked by a red flowerpot and a blue bear. As the name suggests, there are lots of bears both outside and inside the café.

Despite being close to Kokusai Street, this cafe offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, truly deserving of the title "hidden gem." It's highly recommended for those who want to escape the crowds and find some peace and quiet.

■ Kiyomi Orange Crème Brûlée (¥430)
Above all, what I would recommend at "Kuma Café" is the dessert.

Look at these bear-shaped cookies! Aren't they adorable?

The caramel sauce is baked to a crisp, and the soft pudding is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

■Sunday Lunch Plate: Pork with green onion and salt sauce (¥500)
Amazingly, their Sunday lunch plate is only 500 yen. And with each dish carefully prepared, you're guaranteed to get more than your money's worth.

They offer a different lunch menu every day, even on weekdays. Everything is reasonably priced and the portions are generous, so they have many repeat customers. There are a lot of bears, but what's unique about "Kuma Café" is that it makes you feel comfortable even if you're a man dining alone.

Kuma Cafe
1F, Kowan Building, 2-21-1 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Business hours
8:00～11:00
11:30~ 18:00
[Sun] 12:00 - 18:00
Breakfast service, lunch service, Sunday service
Closed every Wednesday

7. Cafe Chataro

If you turn off the main street in Tenbusu Naha, cross Sakurazaka Street, and take the left at the first intersection, you'll come across a cafe with a rather retro atmosphere.

Cafe Chataro is another hidden gem that you might not easily come across on a single trip. It's the perfect place to experience the old-world charm of Okinawa.

Pottery and ceramics are very famous in Okinawa, and "Cafe Chataro" also has a craft museum where you can learn about the history of Okinawan pottery.

Although it's actually a cafe, it's a familiar shop to locals, with some people even coming just to buy handicrafts before heading home.

■ Hateruma brown sugar milk zenzai (¥550)
Did you know that zenzai (sweet red bean soup) is famous in Okinawa? Blue Seal ice cream and mango soft serve are also good, but zenzai is an essential part of any discussion about Okinawa.
Of course, zenzai (sweet red bean soup) is available, but it takes time to find truly delicious zenzai.

Once you try this Hateruma brown sugar milk zenzai, you might never want to eat any other kind of zenzai again.

When it comes to the sweetness of kidney beans, I think this is the best place. The best thing about Cafe Chataro is that you can keep digging and digging and still find kidney beans. Please give it a try.

■Chataro Cappuccino (¥450)
After enjoying zenzai (sweet red bean soup), this Chataro cappuccino is what you'll want to drink after your meal.

What's sitting on top of the foam is actually brown sugar.

With its distinctly Okinawan combinations and flavors, and the faint sound of the shamisen playing even while you're drinking coffee, this place, just a short distance from Kokusai Street, makes you feel like you've come to visit an Okinawan grandmother's house.

The sweetness is mild, and I'm sure I'll be buying it again.

Cafe Chataro
1-8-12 Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
098-862-8890
Business hours 10: 00 to 20: 00

Summary

Okinawa also gets very hot during the season, with many tourists suffering from heatstroke. Even if you take frequent breaks, you might find yourself getting overwhelmed by the heat and unable to visit all the places you wanted to see.

With limited time for sightseeing, be sure to plan a break at a cafe to fully enjoy Okinawa and experience the island to your heart's content!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
• Jalan net