Updated by Melinda Enfinger on Dec 20, 2024

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.)

The seawall

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

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?

CURRY HOUSE CoCo ICHIBANYA

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.

The 100 Yen Store

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

Okuma

One of the best get aways

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.

The scenery!!

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

The roller slides

AWESOME, no matter what age you are!

The Four Seasons Restaurant

Benihana's got nothing on this place!!

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

Ghengis Khan Mongolian BBQ.

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

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.

Sushi-Go-Rounds

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

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.

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.

Arin Krin - The Garlic Restaurant

Everything garlic- everything DELICIOUS.

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.

Okonomiyaki--Japanese Pancakes

Amazingness!

Sata andagi

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