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Hatenohama, The Other Side of Kume Island: Picking Tours in a Smart Way

Kume Island was once called “Kumi No Shima” in ancient times. It meant, “the most beautiful isle in the Ryukyu Islands”.
Should you find yourself visiting Kume Island, then Hatenohama is simply the place to be.
Never sinking even in full tide, it seems like a mirage straight out of a fantasy setting; a desert floating in the sea.

The combination of the sky, the sea and its white beaches… There are many no-man”s-islands in Okinawa but all of them do not hold a candle to the beauty and size of Hatenohama; Hatenohama is simply on another level.

In this occasion, please let us introduce the charms of Hatenohama, how it can be accessed, as well as picking tours in a smart way that is guaranteed to wow yourself!

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Fall in Love with Okinawan Chocolate. Drops of Bliss at Jacaranda Blue

 

Jacaranda Blue 沖縄しょこら マカロン

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 ?

Jacaranda Blue 店舗外観 内観

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.

 

Jacaranda Blue ショーウィンドウに並べられた沖縄しょこら

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

Jacaranda Blue 沖縄しょこら 9個入

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.

 

Jacaranda Blue 沖縄しょこら

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

Jacaranda Blue マカロン 3個

△ 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.

 

Jacaranda Blue 沖縄サンゴ 5個入

△<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.

Jacaranda Blue オーナー 奥様

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.

まいにち食堂 店舗 外観

 

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

まいにち食堂 内観

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.

まいにち食堂 カウンター席

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? !

まいにち食堂 キッズスペース

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.

まいにち食堂 軟骨ソーキそば

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.

まいにち食堂 軟骨ソーキあーさそば

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

まいにち食堂 じゅーしー

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.

 

Take a warm dip in Okinawa! Top 5 onsens for hot spring fans ♪

Okinawa hot spring spot

Whether it’s freezing cold or blazing hot, it’s always weather for Japanese onsen, or hot springs.
Even in the balmy Okinawa Prefecture and its remote islands, there are plenty of onsen to visit!

To think that Okinawa isn’t just home to scenic locales and a beautiful ocean but also warm hot springs… it’d be a waste to head home without visiting at least once!
You might think we’re full of it, saying the words “southern island” and “hot springs” in the same sentence, but these baths drawn from the deep Okinawan sea are just as soothing and satisfying as anywhere else.

As such, this time we’d like to introduce you to 5 all-natural onsen found on Okinawa’s main island.
Of the many locations in Okinawa, these are the top five that’ll make you want to scream “Let’s go there right now!” Feel free to use it as a reference for your Okinawa trip!

* Please note that all of this information is accurate as of November 2017. For more detailed information, please visit the onsen’s official webpage (may be in Japanese only).

<Contents>
1. Ryukyu Onsen Ryujin-no-yu (Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel)
2. Mie Castle Onsen Uminchu-no-Yu, Shimanchu-no-Yu (Loisir Hotel & Spa Tower Naha)
3. Terme VILLA Chura-yu (The Beach Tower Okinawa)
4. Jurassic Onsen Churaumi-no-yu (Hotel Orion Motobu Resort & Spa)
5. [Closed] Natural Bath Aroma – Naha location

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Appealing Point of Minna Island ~Suprising Beautiful Ocean~

水納島イメージ

Minna Island is an isolated island popular for its convenient access from the Northern Okinawa main island.

Would you like to enjoy swimming in the ocean and other ocean activities in a surprisingly beautiful ocean?
 
Here, we will be introducing this beautiful isolated island, Minna Island.

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Summary of All the 13 Airports in Okinawa!

“airport

Did you know that there are 13 airports (excluding US military facilities) in Okinawa including airports on remote islands?

If you are planning to visit one of these remote islands, you should know about the airports there.

So, today, we will introduce all the airports in Okinawa!

Some remote islands can be accessed by air and ocean while some can only be reached by air or ocean.We will cover them as well!

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Sesoko Island ~Fascinating Remote Island which is accessible from Naha!

瀬底ビーチイメージ

One of the appeals of Okinawa’s main island is that you can travel between islands by car.

Prominent among these is Sesoko Island, for the clearness of the water and the whiteness of its beaches.

We are going to go over plenty of information about the marine sports, activities, and cafes you can enjoy in Sesoko Island, as well as how to get around and access these locations.

With such gorgeous scenery and clear water, you won’t want to wait to visit!

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Appealing things to do in Okinawa! ~Diving in Ishigaki Island~

diving at Ishigagki island

We all want to dive into the underwater world, at least once. The fishes living in nature, the stunning coral reefs, the white sand, the topographical features—the underwater world is truly a beautiful and mysterious place.

Even those without a license can peek into the underwater world through trial diving lessons.

Get ready to be introduced to the charm of diving in Ishigaki Island. Wouldn’t you like to experience the fun of diving in a tropical island, at least once?

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Murasaki Mura Visit Report

MurasakimuraのseesaafactoryWhat can I do at ‘Murasaki Mura?’ Budget? Required time??

… We visited in person to answer those questions! Read more

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