Sights of Yomitan/Chatan/KozaSights of Nago/Onnason
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Okinawa Terror Story Tour! Spooky Okinawa stories, folklore and mythical spots!
After the wet and moist rainy season comes the long-awaited Summer.
The secret to overcoming the heat of summer is not eating a delicious cup of Japanese Kakigori, nor a scrumptious bowl of Hiyashi Chuka chilled noodles. No, the best way to relieve the heat is to hear a tale that will send a chill down your spine and into your bones — that’s right, horror stories!
This occasion’s plan is an ace up our sleeve to scare away the heat! We will introduce Okinawa’s famous horror stories, spooky folklores and legends. Of course, it won’t end there! We will also take you to the locations where those stories and legends took place!
The settings of this here story and that over there story… are actually right beside Okinawa’s staple tourism spots!?!?
So, let’s get out of our rooms chilled by air conditioners and embark on a Spooky Story-Spot tour that will *really* freeze us to the core!
Fall in Love with Okinawan Chocolate. Drops of Bliss at Jacaranda Blue
When you want to unwind.
When you have earned a reward.
When you want to have a good tomorrow.
Chocolate, with its sweet aroma and taste to match, is the magic potion to heal our bodies and souls.
And for this reason we made our way to Jacaranda Blue in Ginowan in search of this coveted chocolate.
At first you may think that the words chocolate and Okinawa may seem strange together, however the cacao beans which are an ingredient of chocolate are from a tropical plant which grows in hot humid regions.
When it seems like it is getting too hot to bear, eating something that has actually been produced in a hot climate is actually quite beneficial for your body.
If you are in Okinawa this is a taste that you must try. Let’s start our search for the coveted pieces of chocolate
Contents
1. What kind of shop is Jacaranda Blue ?
2. Full of Okinawan Ingredients Jacaranda Blue Chocolate
3. Sweets – Taste Okinawa
4. Jacaranda Blue – Information
5. The beloved pieces of chocolate.
What kind of shop is Jacaranda Blue ?
If you follow the signs , pass through a line of houses and make your way to the top of a slight slope you will find Jacaranda Blue.
Waiting for you at the door is a sweet smell that invites you in leaving you wanting more.
Using things that are locally produced / local production for local consumption is an idea based on the French pastry industry led the chef to create his pride and joy which is chocolate confectionery.
We are welcomed by the sight of the “Vendeuse” selling the sweets at the head of the store. Turning our eyes to the glass case at the front of the store, we find what we are looking for.
Simple and quaint, with an aura that could not be concealed, the Parisiennesque “Bonbon Chocolate”.
The chocolates were so beautiful that the sight alone caused me to let out a gasp,however with chocolates names such as “Miyako Miso” and “Haru Ukon” something was a little odd.
I couldn’t get my head around most of the labels, but I did learn that the names had great significance around the Okinawan dinner table.
Jacaranda Blue is the place where you can experience the taste of Okinawa with chocolates that include local ingredients.
The chef pays respect to the ingredients taken from the locality and to the producers using the ideals of French confectionery to breathe life into these bonbon chocolates.
Full of Okinawan Ingredients Jacaranda Blue Chocolate
Okinawa Chocolat Box of 9/￥2,300 includes (tax)
I like chocolate with a unique taste.
I recommend the (Okinawa Chocolat) Box of 9/￥2,300 includes (tax)
The well wrapped chocolate can be a treat for yourself or it can work perfectly as a souvenir present for someone special.
The feeling of excitement when the box is being opened is worth every moment. Seeing that you have gone to all this trouble make sure to taste and compare all 9 chocolate varieties.
According to the Vendeuse a great way to enjoy this delicious chocolate is to first slowly it melt in your mouth before eating it.
And she was right, if you eat it this way with every breath you take, you’ll take in the sweet smell of the chocolate, giving you double the happiness.
1: Miyako Miso
The malt taste you feel in your tongue feels strange but goes well with the chocolate. Even after you finish eating, there is a pleasant after taste. A chocolate for adults. We recommend having it with alcohol.
2: Brown Sugar
The marvelous combination of the aromatic and sweetness of the brown sugar mixed with the bitter cacao taste. Although it is rich in flavor it only leaves a slight aftertaste. It has a taste we would recommend even for those who don’t often indulge in chocolate.
3: Tankan
Tankan is a citrus fruit that is often eaten in Okinawa similar to a mandarin. The bitter-sweetness of the peel, the citrus smell plus the bitterness of the cacao brings out an undeniably delicious taste.
4: Island Chilli (Shima tougarashi)
Drop a little on the tip of your tongue, for a slightly ethnic and flavorful fragrance. Shortly after experience an unexpected level of spice. This single drop of temptation, will leave you wanting to eat more.
5: Haru Ukon (Spring Tumeric)
If at first you notice the aroma of the tumeric, then you will slowly start to smell the cacao. However, if at first you notice the cacao smell, then the aroma of ukon will slowly make an appearance. A chocolate with an aroma you can enjoy. Goes well with a strong green tea.
6:Shimamaasu
Shimamaasu is Okinawan salt. The moment it touches your tongue, you will taste it’s strong, sweet, salty flavor. Surprisingly smooth with conflicting tastes creating harmony. In this one piece of chocolate the rush of sweetness is almost poetic, just the memory of the taste is enough to make you happy.
7: Jiimamii
Jiimamii refers to peanuts. This piece comes with a taste that you think you may be familiar with but once you try it, you will realize that your expectations have betrayed you. Even the taste of the peanut is something quite spectacular You will have to try it and see!
8: Fuuchibaa
When we talk about fuuchibaa we mean Japanese mugwort. Compared to the mugwort used in Japanese sweets, this has a different feeling. The vibrant floral smell is its main feature You can enjoy a new type of deliciousness.
9: Shima Koshou (Island Pepper)
Shima Koshou is often referred to as Pibachi This is a chocolate with a spicy, herbal aroma similar to cinnamon that goes well with coffee.
- Sweets – Taste Okinawa
△ Macaron/ 1 for ￥160 (including tax)
At Jacaranda Blue as well as chocolate bonbons there a re a variety of sweets made using local Okinawan ingredients.
Usually made using Almond powder, these macarons are made using peanut powder after going through a week long oil extraction process. With a light crunchy texture, you can also enjoy the aromatic scent of the peanuts.
As well as flavors such as vanilla and framboise , you can also enjoy Okinawan flavors such as brown sugar and Japanese mugwort .
They are beautifully wrapped so we also recommend these as souvenirs.
△<Okinawan Coral Box of 5/￥400 includes (tax)
We would like to recommend the Okinawa Sango, which only became available as a result of the endless research, experimentation and trial and error of the chef.
The white caramel softly melts as soon as it touches your tongue spreading a mellow aroma and sweetness throughout your mouth. It has a gentle after taste, yet a strong flavor unbelievably created from simple ingredients.
As hinted in the name there is real coral inside, as you reminisce about your vacation with friends enjoy the caramel’s strange yet wonderful taste.
Jacaranda Blue – Information
Jacaranda Blue | Shop Information
■ Address : Okinawa, Ginowan City Nagata 1-8-7 Maison Tomori
■ Telephone : 098-892-8654
Opening Hours：11:00 ~ 19:00
■Regular Holidays : Tuesdays and Wednesdays
■ Car Park : Yes ( 3 spaces at shop front)
■ Website : https://jacarandablue.ti-da.net/
Except for fresh cakes, most of our products can be delivered regionally. Take home chocolate without having to worry about it melting due to changes in temperature.
You can contact us in advance and book a delivery. For further details please contact us by phone at the number above.
The beloved pieces of chocolate.
We would like all our visitors to return home relaxed and with a smile. As we know it is not an easy to get to location, it is our aim to create a place where our customers can enjoy from the very moment , they head out to us, whilst they are choosing their sweets right up until the moment they open the box.
Of course we want to create delicious treats people can enjoy eating, but we also want to spread the joy that can be found when eating them with a friend or giving them as presents.
These are the words of the Chef and Vendesue delivered to me with a warm smile by Mr and Mrs Tomori. Any of the arrangement of sweets at Jacaranda Blue are bound to tickle anybody s fancy.
Just one piece is enough to put a smile on your face.
Try one of the treasured chocolates and feel the real Okinawa in a fabulous shop nestled alongside Okinawan houses.
Written by : mochiking
Founded in Yomitani Village Mainichi Shokudo is an Okinawan Soba Restaurant Loved by the Locals
Founded in Yomitani Village Mainichi Shokudo is an Okinawan Soba Restaurant Loved by the Locals
Yomitani is a village filled with delicious bakeries and fancy cafes.
There has been a recent increase in Okinawan soba restaurants, and we paid a visit to the Mainichi Shokudo that has gained quite a following with the local community since opening its doors in 2017.
The yellow exterior doesn’t look like your ordinary soba eatery, and once you enter even the interior looks like a cafe.
However, when it comes to the taste of the soba it is the real deal. The delicious taste of the stock is without a doubt what pulls in the local clients.
It has a space for kids and colourful chair that create a bubbly atmosphere. I went to find out what makes the uniquely coloured Mainichi Shokudou so facinating.
Contents
1. The pull of the vibrant yellow exterior.
2.The spacious cafe style interior
3. A kids’ space in a soba restaurant? !
4.Soup that you will drink to the very last drop.
5. The perfect side menu
6. Summary
The vibrant yellow exterior.
Mainichi Shokudo is located in Yomitani Village, Chuubu Okinawa. It is located near Yachimun no Sato.
Make your way using a satellite navigation system and follow the signs along the way. You will come a cross the striking yellow establishment that seems as if it is a natural part of the surroundings.
Based on its appearance you would be forgiven for thinking it was an ordinary cafe.
With a name like Mainichi Shokudo you would be tricked into believing that you had come across a restaurant serving typical Japanese meals, but there is no doubt that this is an Okinawan soba place. It far from a cafe or a typical Japanese eatery.
This is the Mainichi Shokudo oozing with uniqueness from the appearance all the way to its name.
2.The spacious cafe style interior
The interior holds a range of different coloured chairs creating a poppy atmosphere. There are not many seats in comparison to the spacious interior , giving you room to relax.
If you picture the typical soba restaurant, you may imagine a very busy and noisy establishment. However, this Okinawan soba restaurant feels more like a cafe.
The smell of the stock soup floats from behind the counter, filling the room with a delightful aroma.
The sight of the well arranged pottery will give you that at home feeling.
Even the view of the kitchen from the counter is colourful.
3.A kids’ space in a soba restaurant? !
This is the kids’ space that you didn’t believe could exist.
An Okinawan soba restaurant with a kids’ space is not something that you would expect to see.
It is only the size of one tatami mat, but kids can enter the land of colouring books and toys. Remember to tell them to remove their shoes first.
Keep your kids entertained while you wait for your food, by using this space perfect for customers with children.
We even have a baby bouncer. Child sized cutlery and child seats are of course also available.
4.Soup that you will drink to the very last drop.
We ordered an Okinawan pork gristle soba. A full bowl topped with two thick slices of pork.
Tempted by the smell of the bonito stock flavour, the first thing I tried was the soup. I was surprised by how delicious it was.
It is rich in flavour yet leaves you feeling refreshed. It doesn’t have that greasy feeling, so you can easily drink it to the very last drop.
The mixture of soup and the thin flat noodles boiled together with the bittersweet Okinawan pork is perfectly balanced.
The lightness of the soup and the thick slices of pork creates a deep contrast in taste which you can’t stop eating.
I tend to usually leave some noodles and soup in the bowl, but just for today I finished everything down to the very last drop of soup.
Here is the Okinawan pork gristle soba [A-sa] in the Okinawana local dialect is the word for an edible green algae.
With a slight smell of the ocean and an original taste.
Make sure to try the A-sa soba on your second visit or you can share if you come with a friend.
There is also a three meat slice and a yushi tofu soba option available.
5.The perfect side menu
You can order soba as a meal by itself, however we recommend the juicy set . Where you can have other delectable dishes comparable to the soba.
There is also taco rice and Okinawan pork gristle rice bowl, so if you want to eat something else other than soba you will not be disappointed.
The Okinawan soba restaurants specialty dessert zenzai (made from sweet red beans) or the owners coffee of choice are essentials for after your meal.
6.Summary
It may not be noted in many tourist guidebooks, but there a lot of local patrons of the Mainichi Shokudo.
From the groups in their laborers outfits to the families with young children that frequent this establishment we can see that this restaurant is loved by people from all walks of life.
According to my friend that lives in the area, when it comes to Okinawan soba this place is number one and I’m sure that there are a lot regular customers who would agree.
Mix with the locals and enjoy this delicious and friendly soba in a spacious and relaxing surrounding.
What is the “King Tacos” which is loved by Okinawan?
“Taco rice” is a representative dish of Okinawan “B-class gourmet,” cuisine that is delicious and inexpensive. If you’re going to try taco rice, wouldn’t you like to eat delicious taco rice?
Today, we will introduce the “royal road” that cannot be missed by any means of taco rice, which is loved by Okinawans.
Experience of making Benimo Sweet Potato Tart in Okashigoten Onnason Store!
“Benimo Sweet Potato Tart” is a souvenir staple from Okinawa.
The Benimo Sweet Potato Tart is made by “Okashi Goten” Sweets Palace, the original store known for sweet potato confections.
This store is frequented with people who visit during their trip to Okinawa.
We’ve got a bonus tidbit of information, that “There’s a rare, exclusive experience available only at the Onna store branch of Okashi-Goten.
To see if this is true, we’re going undercover to check out the Okashi-Goten Onna store.
What type of exclusive experience could there be at such an already well-known place?! Let’s go and check it out!
Guide: How to fully enjoy Araha Beach (Chatan-cho)!
Araha Beach is located in Chatan-cho, in the center of the Okinawa main island, along the Western coast. It is a resort town with many foreign residents, and plenty of facilities in the nearby area!
Here, we would like to tell you about the unique features of a beach in the city, which is different from a typical lesser-known beach.
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Murasaki Mura Visit Report
What can I do at ‘Murasaki Mura?’ Budget? Required time??
… We visited in person to answer those questions! Read more
The “Blue Cave” of Okinawa! A complete explanation of the popular marine spot
The most famous snorkeling and diving spot on the main island of Okinawa is the Blue Cave. It is covered completely in blue light and radiates a wondrous atmosphere.
The fish of the Blue Cave are used to people, and will make you happy when they come up close to you. Now, without delay we will introduce the ways you can enjoy the mysterious experience in the wonder that is the Blue Cave!
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