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Updated by Melinda Enfinger on Feb 26, 2024
Headline for Top 10 Things You Miss About Living In Okinawa
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Top 10 Things You Miss About Living In Okinawa

Being stationed in Okinawa definitely has its benefits! Many of them we don't think about until we PCS back to the states. What did/do you enjoy or take for granted but now you miss (or will miss) being in the US?
(CLICK THE "ADD TO LIST" LINK TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LIST. IF YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS ARE ALREADY LISTED OR SOMEONE ADDS THEM, JUST VOTE FOR THEM RATHER THAN ADDING THEM MULTIPLE TIMES.)
14

The seawall

The seawall
There is something peaceful (and cool) about the giant concrete jacks that protect the coastline from massive errosion.
4

The Vending Machines!!

The Vending Machines!!
Probably the best vending machines on the planet! From the larger size (than in the states), familiar brands to Japanese exclusives like Aquarius, Pocari Sweat, and Calpis (yeah, there is no way to say that without is sounding like "cow-pis" unless you have an extremely exaggerated drawl!)
This could be it's own list! Hot coffee, soft drinks, food, BEER!! What was/is your favorite?
6

The 100 Yen Store

The 100 Yen Store
Like a Dollar Store, but MUCH, MUCH COOLER!! Everything you could ever imagine and more for ridiculously low prices!
7

American Village, Jusco, and the ginormous ferris wheel.

American Village, Jusco, and the ginormous ferris wheel.
It isn't even riding the ferris wheel that makes it so great--it does offer an amazing view--it's JUST. SO. BIG. and that's just cool.
13

Okuma

Okuma
One of the best get aways
12

Okinawa's Salt Water Aquarium

Okinawa's Salt Water Aquarium
The largest salt water aquarium on the planet (until the Atlanta aquarium one-upped it). This is a must-see for kids of all ages. There is just no denying the awesomeness of having lunch beside this gargantuan tank of sea life. Just wow.
9

The scenery!!

The scenery!!
Yes, it's crowded, but even on bad weather days there is something beautiful about life on a subtropical island!
3

The Four Seasons Restaurant

The Four Seasons Restaurant
Benihana's got nothing on this place!!
8

Taco Rice and Cheese

Taco Rice and Cheese

No matter if you had it in Kin at "Restaurant" or at White Kitchen, it was the best taco rice you ever had. #hangovercure #amazingeats

15

The roller slides

The roller slides
AWESOME, no matter what age you are!
11

Ghengis Khan Mongolian BBQ.

Ghengis Khan Mongolian BBQ.
5

Blue Seal Big Dip Ice Cream

Blue Seal Big Dip Ice Cream
Ice cream, fruit, toppings, ice cream, whipped cream, corn flakes, and an ice cream cone! All served in a random measuring cup. LOL
20

Gate 2 street

JIMI HENDRIX FROM GATE 2 STREET. I ALWAYS HAD A GREAT TIME LISTENING TO HIM PLAY HIS GUITAR AND SING. YOU CAN SEE VIDEOS OF HIM ON YOU TUBE.

Okinawa Sightseeing-Nago Pineapple Park
To the Nago Pineapple Park! We're a theme park full of Southern Fruits and Colorful Plants.
22

Sushi-Go-Rounds

Sushi-Go-Rounds

Yum! The food keeps on coming straight to you--just grab what you want!

17

The culture of service... Everywhere!

The unmatched customer service!
Mc Donalds Fries!
SAM'S|SAM'S BY-THE-SEA AWASE
The Nakagusuku bay can be viewed from windows of the restaurant. We offer many charbroiled Steaks and fresh seafood.
16

Walking in the footprints of history

Walking in the footprints of history
The site of the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific during WWII, the entire island is a history lesson. There is so much more to learn from exploring the island than can be learned from a book.
21

Arin Krin - The Garlic Restaurant

Arin Krin - The Garlic Restaurant

Everything garlic- everything DELICIOUS.

23

Okinawa World!

Okinawa World!

Make beautiful hand blown glasses to take home, watch Okinawan Dancers, check out the caves, and watch a Habu fight a Mongoose--all in one place!

Cocok's (with a silent K) - Nail Art, Hair Salon, Massages

CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA My husband even loved it. Granted, he didn't get to experience all that those amazing women can do with one little paint brush (he thought that might be a little over the top), but the 45 minutes leg and foot massage just about transported him straight into heaven.

Ono Kau Kau, Chatan-cho - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - TripAdvisor
Ono Kau Kau, Chatan-cho: See 3 unbiased reviews of Ono Kau Kau, rated 4 of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked #48 of 228 restaurants in Chatan-cho.
10

Okonomiyaki--Japanese Pancakes

Okonomiyaki--Japanese Pancakes

Amazingness!

24

Sata andagi

Sata andagi

What I wouldn't do for some of these hot, delicious Okinawan deep fried donuts!