Okinawa, Off the Beaten Path
Okinawa Off the Beaten Path
With so many idyllic locations and historical spots across Japan, choosing a travel destination can be quite a difficult task. Having spent the last 5 years living in Okinawa, I would recommend the subtropical island to anyone searching for picturesque beaches and endless amounts of adventure. Okinawa’s unique island culture has turned out some of the world’s longest life expectancies amongst the local community and is known as one of the five “Blue Zones” around the world. If you are a traveler looking to connect with some of Okinawa’s best-kept secrets and are wanting to try out a few off the beaten path experiences and made with love products you might want to check out these one-of-a-kind small businesses during your next visit.
Okinawa: healthy mindset and Relaxation
YOGA TREE
First stop, for those wanting to ground themselves with a little relaxation, I recommend The Yoga Tree. The studio is run by an infectiously magnetic and positive energy exuding student and instructor of yoga, Roksana Ubowska. Roksana, also a healer whose mission is to reconnect people with themselves on a deeper level, founded the studio in 2019.
She says, “After 6 busy years of life in Tokyo and Yokohama I realized that lifestyle wasn’t sustainable for me anymore. I was on the edge of burnout. I started to research more easygoing, slower pace living places, that’s how I found Okinawa. With its subtropical climate, lush nature, and variety of beaches I wanted to give it a try. I instantly fell in love.”
The studio is along Highway 58, north of Naha in the cute seaside town of Sunabe. This colorful little town is known for surfing, snorkeling, amazing sunsets, and endless choices of delicious places to dine. As soon as you step foot into the studio the outside world fades away. Whether you are an amateur or a well-rounded yogi there is sure to be a class to fit your needs.
Periodically there are unique workshops and events such as Thai massage, kombucha making, essential oil education, sound bath meditations, outer island retreats, and even mid-day dance parties. One thing that I love most about The Yoga Tree is the diversity of the students, classes, and teachers alike. Classes are even available live online, so you can stay connected with your practice no matter where you are. Be sure to visit the website to view all available classes and upcoming events.
Okinawa: cooking experience and craft beer
TASTE OF OKINAWA RESTAURANT AND COOKING EXPERIENCE
Whether you have a passion for craft beer or cooking, Taste of Okinawa Restaurant is certainly worth visiting. The restaurant which specializes in craft beer from all over Japan also offers an engaging, hands-on cooking experience. Participants can make Okinawa soba from scratch as well as learn about the local ingredients used. Through the market tour participants can gain insight into the Okinawan cooking staples. Only interested in eating and drinking? No problem. This restaurant’s extensive menu is diverse, ranging from arancini made with Ishigaki rice to bagna cauda accompanied by local island vegetables such as handama (a purple leafy vegetable) and goya (bitter melon). The fish and chips, spare ribs, eisbein, and locally produced gin are all mouthwatering menu selections as well.
Owner of Taste of Okinawa, Tomoaki Goeku says, “After studying in China and the UK for 20 years I wanted to move back to Okinawa to live with my family and also contribute to the local community and economy with a sense of value that I gained from my international career path. I started my business to promote Okinawa as one of the most attractive international tourist destinations. Okinawa is more commonly known as a beach resort destination but it also has a lot of unique cultural aspects that differ from mainland Japan. ”
The cooking experience, which can be booked via their website, encourages guests to communicate with the locals and gain an in-depth understanding of and love for Okinawan cuisine.
Cheese Guy
One of the things many foreigners miss while living in Japan is easy to access to high-quality appetizing cheese. In Okinawa that isn’t a problem. Fortunately, we have an award-winning cheesemaker based in Nanjo City, a serene agricultural area in the southern part of the island. John, the owner of The Cheese Shop, is a jolly guy from England where cheese is a significant part of the food culture. 15 years ago when he came to Okinawa he realized Okinawa was lacking a product that he thought he could surely make himself. He immersed himself in the art of cheese making and he commenced his endeavor to provide an incredible product for the local and ex-pat community, as well as the rest of Japan.
The tiny but welcoming shop is a short drive from Naha but the assortment of cheese and opportunity to sample everything is a turophile’s dream come true.
Many of the cheeses include Okinawan herbs or ingredients such as goya (bitter melon), locally grown basil, turmeric, shima-rakyou (island shallots), fuchiba (mugwort) and an herb known as cho-mei-so or in Okinawan as sakuna, which translates to “long life grass.” The list of different cheeses goes on with one of his newest creations being a Oaxaca, Mexican style cheese. Yogurt made with only two ingredients; fresh full cream milk and a yogurt culture and a few types of butter are also available. All of the products which are made by hand using local dairy are completed in a manner that requires skill and judgment.
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Okinawa: handmade souvenirs
Aloha Sea Candy
Aloha Sea Candy, our next hidden treasure is for visitors who wish to take home a little piece of Okinawa. Starla who is from Hawaii is the artist behind the new business. She is an adventurous beachgoer who wants to share her passion for beach-combing Okinawa’s gorgeous shorelines through her collection of wearable sea art. Her pieces invoke a sense of happiness and are all handmade with ethically sourced local shells and beach finds.
She says, “I hope when people wear my jewelry they feel connected to the beauty that surrounds us here in Okinawa”.
Due to the nature of her jewelry, each piece is uniquely alluring and a memorable island keepsake. Customizable pieces are available to ship within Japan and to the US. The vibrant collection can be viewed either on the Aloha Sea Candy Facebook page or Instagram page.
The vibrant collection can be viewed either on the Aloha Sea Candy Facebook page or Instagram page.
Earth & Pure
Looking for another perfect gift idea to take home for yourself or friends? Take a peek at this Okinawan based artisanal soap and cosmetic line Earth & Pure. Anji who arrived in Okinawa two and a half years ago is a highly skilled soap maker and magician when it comes to blending nourishing, chemical-free ingredients into natural cosmetics. I have tried a handful of her products and I can honestly say I prefer them to the world-famous and sought after Lush Cosmetic line.
She hosts monthly events at a local farmer’s market called Happy More situated in Ginowan, which I also highly recommend visiting but that is for another blog post. The bountiful nature and tranquil atmosphere Okinawa offers to seem to have inspired Earth & Pure’s “rainforest” and “ocean” soaps. Anji keeps it real and uses only cruelty-free raw materials.
Like the majority of small businesses, Earth & Pure’s events and product details can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
Like the majority of small businesses, Earth & Pure’s events and product details can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
D-Y-W-F
With a simple Ecosia* search, adventure seekers can find a handful of handcrafted experiences, from pottery making to glass blowing. However, one very matchless experience that might fall under the radar is hand-forged jewelry making. D-Y-W-F (don’t you wanna fly over the sky) is an independent artist and jeweler who runs a quaint studio in the Sogenji area of Naha. This DIY jewelry making experience is perfect for friends, couples, or even sole individuals hoping to craft something special with their own hands. The studio offers three metals to choose from, bronze, silver, or gold. Pieces are customizable and can be taken home the same day. The workshop is for private reservations only so customers are sure to have a memorable experience in an intimate setting.
Bookings can be made through the popular Japanese site JLAN. D-Y-W-F Workshop Reservation
The artist also has an online shop which can be found at; D-Y-W-F Online Shop
Ecosia* the search engine mentioned in the above article uses the ad revenue from searches to plant trees around the world where they are needed the most to combat the global warming crisis.
Okinawa: off the beaten path and into your heart
I hope this article has encouraged you to visit in person (when traveling is safer) or via the web some or all of these truly distinct small businesses and that it has shined a light on a few passionate and talented individuals who are lucky to call Okinawa home.
Have you or anyone you know visited or heard of these small businesses? Feel free to leave your comments below.
Due to the current state of emergency in Okinawa travel to and from other prefectures is highly discouraged. The healthcare facilities in Okinawa are not equipped to handle case surges non-essential travel might cause. Furthermore, everyone hopes to keep the high population of elders safe and thriving. Please stay safe and keep Okinawa safe.