Kin Town is like this: A retro town full of unique spots.

<>Kin Town

Kin Town is a municipality located on the east coast, opposite Onna Village, which is famous as a resort area.
Due to the presence of the U.S. military base Camp Hansen, the area is characterized by its strong influence of American culture. In Shinkaichi, the town in front of the U.S. military base gate, you can see scenes that reflect American culture deeply rooted in daily life.

On the other hand, being able to enjoy nature is also one of Kin Town's attractions.
Taking advantage of its east coastal location, the area is gaining popularity for activities that allow visitors to experience nature, such as marine sports and mangrove canoeing.

Another popular winter attraction is professional sports training camps. Improvements to facilities for these camps have made it possible to comfortably enjoy watching and observing them.

This article will introduce you to the main spots and points of interest in Kin Town!

<Table of Contents>
1. Kintaco, the birthplace of taco rice.
2. Sunrise Beach, opened in 2022.
3. Shinkaichi, an American-style townscape
4. Awamori sleeping in the darkness?! "Aged awamori cellar in Kinbu Limestone Cave"
5. Nature Mirai-kan, the base for mangrove canoeing.
6. In winter, it becomes a training camp site for professional baseball and soccer teams.

Show all table of contents

1. Kintaco, the birthplace of taco rice.

Kin Town is the birthplace of Okinawa's soul food, "taco rice." In 2010, an event was held to create a giant taco rice, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the "world's largest taco rice."

The taco rice that the entire community is enthusiastic about was born at "Parlor Senri." Although Parlor Senri itself closed in 2015, its sister store, "Kintaco" or "King Tacos," still enjoys strong support as a long-established taco rice restaurant representing Okinawa.
Kin Town
With plenty of ground meat, a generous amount of cheese, and a torrent of vegetables, King Tacos' taco rice has remained unchanged for generations. The taco rice you can enjoy at "King Tacos Main Store," which still has its main store in Kin Town, the birthplace of taco rice, is truly exceptional.
Kin Town

King Taco Rice Kinbu Main Store

Address
4244-4 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL
090-1947-1684

HP
https://www.facebook.com/kingtacos/

Business hours
10:30AM ~ 21:00 PM

2. Sunrise Beach, opened in 2022.

Opened in 2022, KIN Sunrise Beach is a new landmark in Kin Town. At 800 meters long, it boasts one of the longest beaches in Okinawa. One of KIN Sunrise Beach's charms lies in the tranquil, Okinawan scenery it offers, a stark contrast to the resort hotels lining the west coast.
Kin Town
In addition to swimming in the sea, the resort offers a wide variety of activities, including barbecue menus and marine sports, making it a great place to relax and enjoy yourself. The spacious grounds also feature numerous rest areas, allowing you to unwind while maintaining a sense of privacy.
Kin Town

KIN Sunrise Beach

Address
10819-4 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL
098-968-3373

HP
https://kin-sunrise-beach.com/

Business hours
9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

Remarks
Closed days: Mondays except during spring break, Golden Week, New Year's holidays, and July-August (peak season).

3. Shinkaichi, an American-style townscape

Shinkaichi is a commercial area with restaurants and other shops located in front of "GATE 1" of the U.S. military base Camp Hansen. Having flourished as a town in front of the U.S. military base, Shinkaichi has a strong American influence, with many shops displaying English signs.
Kin Town
However, while it's broadly categorized as American culture, the dilapidated buildings contribute to a dangerously retro American atmosphere. On the other hand, the presence of Japanese-style shops creates a somewhat chaotic and inexplicable vibe, which is unique to Shinkaichi. It's a spot where you can experience a deep charm that's difficult to describe in a single word.
Kin Town

Shinkaichi (Kin Town)

Address
Kin Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

4. Awamori sleeping in the darkness?! "Aged awamori cellar in Kinbu Limestone Cave"

The aged awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) cellar in Kinbu Limestone Cave is a spot that takes advantage of the cave's unique characteristics to age awamori. The natural limestone cave, which is 270 meters long and 30 meters underground, is ideal for storing awamori, and more than 10,000 bottles of awamori are aged there.
Kin Town
The "Limestone Cave Aged Sake Cellar Tour" allows you to enter a limestone cave that is normally off-limits to the public. It feels like you're exploring a cave, but then you glance to the side and are thrilled by the sight of rows of awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor)!
Kin Town
Since they also accept bottle keeping, why not try aging some awamori as a reward for your future self or as a gift for someone you're grateful to?

Kinbu Limestone Cave

Address
245 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL
098-968-8581

HP
https://www.interlink-okinawa.com/koshugura/

Business hours
11:00 AM - 15:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays

Remarks
The reception for the Kin Limestone Cave Aged Sake Brewery Tour is at "Cafe Restaurant Choraku," 4348-15 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture.

5. Nature Mirai-kan, the base for mangrove canoeing.

Nature Mirai-kan is a nature learning facility facing the Okukubi River in Kin Town, where you can directly experience the town's charm. It's a popular spot for activities that allow you to enjoy nature.

Among the many activities, "Mangrove Canoeing," which allows you to enjoy canoeing while gazing at the mangrove forests known as the "forest of the sea," is particularly popular. The feeling of gliding through the river like a jungle is like exploring uncharted territory, and it really sparks a sense of adventure.
Kin Town
The facility offers accommodations, including cottage-style buildings and a camping area. It's a well-equipped facility where you can enjoy nature while choosing your preferred style of stay.
Kin Town

Nature Mirai Kan

Address
11818-2 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL
098-968-6117

HP
https://www.nature-kin.com/

Business hours
9:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Inquiry reception hours)

6. In winter, it becomes a training camp site for professional baseball and soccer teams.

In winter, the town becomes a popular training camp location for professional baseball and soccer teams. Every year around February, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles hold their first-team training camp there. The venue, Kin Town Baseball Stadium, is free of tall buildings nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy the camp with an open and unobstructed view.
Kin Town

Kin Town Baseball Stadium

Address
11053 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

HP
https://www.town.kin.okinawa.jp/soshiki/shakaikyoikuka/gyomuannai/448.html

Also starting around January to February is the training camp for Urawa Reds, a popular J1 League soccer team. The venue, Kin Town Football Center, is a well-equipped facility with a pitch certified by the JFA (Japan Football Association). The pitch is close to the stands, and the exciting training scenes are a treat for fans!
Kin Town

Kin Town Football Center

Address
10988 Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

HP
http://www.sportskin.jp/gymnasium/?facilities_id=9

Final thoughts

Kin Town has many other unique spots that we couldn't introduce here. If you ask, "What kind of town is Kin Town?", it's hard to describe in a single word, as it has many different facets. Okinawa, with its resort atmosphere, is great, but why not enjoy Kin Town, which has a strong local charm?

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