Hello, "Travel Ruarua" is here to report... This time, let's travel to Japan.
Let's go to "OKINAWA" and drive around the paradise island.
Which is located in the southernmost part of Japan.
Many people may think that Kyushu Island is the southernmost. No no no, it's Okinawa.
For fun, this trip invited "Cony" and "Brown Bear" to travel with us. Let's go on a trip together.

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Let's start with "flight tickets". This trip took place from December 28, 2015 to January 1, 2016, which is 4 nights and 5 days. This is a good amount of time for this experience, especially since it was during New Year's.

There are currently no direct flights from Thailand to Okinawa.

While there may be occasional special flights, it is generally necessary to transit through Taiwan, Hong Kong, or a major Japanese city before reaching Okinawa. This is due to the island's remote location in the southernmost part of Japan.

This trip, however, opted for Hong Kong Airlines for three main reasons:

1. Full-service airline

2. The transit time is not too bad (if the flight is not delayed).

3. Friendly price

Hong Kong Airlines offers a wide range of flight options, making it difficult to choose. After careful consideration, I opted for a flight departing from Bangkok late at night and transiting in Hong Kong in the morning. This allows me to arrive in Okinawa in the late morning, with a transit time of approximately two hours.

The return flight departs from Okinawa in the evening and transits in Hong Kong late at night, arriving in Bangkok just as the morning begins in Thailand.

For those who are disappointed, if you have a long layover in Hong Kong and want to grab a bite to eat in the city, you can do so. There are places where you can have a quick meal during a long layover of 7-10 hours (depending on your preference).

Regarding the cost of travel during the New Year period, I booked my flight tickets at the beginning of October. The price was around 15,000 baht per person (including meals and baggage allowance). This is considered quite reasonable.

This trip we rented a car. I will tell you how to book a car later.

As promised, this trip is a road trip, driving around non-stop.

Let's start with how to book a car.

The reason I'm interested in renting a car is because I think it will be more convenient than using public transportation. Public transportation may not be as readily available or as convenient as in larger Japanese cities. Additionally, I have experience renting cars and driving in Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Osaka, which has shown me that renting a car and traveling in Japan is not difficult at all. It also makes it easier to plan my trip.

Let's start with the preparation...

Okinawa Car Rental Options

Okinawa offers car rental services similar to other major cities in Japan. However, one unique option is a local company called ABC Okinawa Rent a Car. You can find more details about their services at the following link: http://www.abc-car.net/en/

2. Booking is not difficult because the website is in English. However, unfortunately, during the period when the admin will travel, the company's cars are fully booked. So...disappointed T_T

3. I decided to return to the website I had previously rented from, http://www2.tocoo.jp/en. The rental price of this company is slightly more expensive than ABC rent a car, but it is okay. This website is similar to a search engine for car rentals, with a wide variety of car brands to choose from and the option to pick up the car at the airport upon arrival.

(I will explain each step below.)

4. An international driving permit is essential for renting a car. You can obtain one at the Department of Land Transport in Mo Chit (opposite Chatuchak Market). For document requirements, please refer to the Department of Land Transport's website for more details: http://www.dlt.go.th/th/index.php…

If you are still hesitant about renting a car in Japan, I highly recommend giving it a try. For those who are worried about accidents, you can purchase car insurance when you rent the car. It only costs a little extra on top of the rental fee, but it will give you peace of mind during your trip. In my experience, Japanese people do not drive very fast and are courteous drivers, so you will not feel as pressured as you would driving in a city like Bangkok. However, it is still important to follow the traffic rules.

Here is the translation:

Here is a preview of the car booking website. Please take a look.

The website allows us to search for the time period we will be traveling after we have booked our flight tickets.

Next, select the pick-up location for your trip. Most people choose the airport they will be arriving at (in the example image, this is Fukuoka Airport).

When we click search, the website will find available cars for us. It depends on the brand of each company or outlet that has the brand. Inside, there will be details about the size of the car, the number of passengers, and various options.

The GPS device offers a choice of languages, including Japanese and Multilingual. However, there is no need to worry about receiving a Japanese-language device. Based on experience, Japanese GPS devices have a mode that allows for English speech. It is recommended to have the staff set this mode for you upon receiving the car.

The Multilang GPS only has an English menu, but the place names on the GPS are still in Japanese. Sigh!

The bottom of the webpage allows you to select the type of vehicle.

For groups of 2-3 people, a compact car like the Honda Fit (Jazz) is recommended. It offers excellent fuel efficiency.

If you are traveling with 5-6 people, it is recommended to use a minivan. This will provide comfortable seating and ample luggage space for everyone in your group.

Note: When renting a car in Japan, it is important to consider the size of the car and the number and size of the luggage compartments to ensure that it is suitable for your trip. Otherwise, you may encounter problems when picking up the car.

Note 2: Japan also offers cars with 660cc engines, which are very fuel-efficient. However, they are best suited for two people.

Once you have selected your desired vehicle, you will proceed to the Appication Form section.

This section requires the following:

1. The flight we are taking.

3. International Driving Permit of the driver

4. Credit Card

The bill will include the additional option and car insurance charges, which will be deducted from your credit card. The car rental fee should be paid at the outlet when you pick up the car.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The website offers the option to book pocket wifi and etc cards (similar to Easy Pass in Thailand) directly.

Done, you can now press start booking process.

"With people ready and the car prepared, we're about to embark on our adventure! Upon arriving in Okinawa, we headed straight to pick up our reserved car. For this trip, we opted for the services of Nippon Rent-A-Car."

A shutter bus is available to transport you from the terminal to the car pick-up center, which is located near the airport.

Upon arrival, present your car reservation, passport, and driving license at the counter. The staff will process your request promptly.

For this trip, we decided to rent a small car because there were only two of us. We ended up with a Suzuki Swift, which was our companion for the entire five-day journey.

Rent fee included 31,212 JPY

In addition, the staff provided an Okinawa Road Map guidebook, which was excellent and included map codes for all locations. It also came with a coupon booklet for discounts at various places. This was fantastic!

Note: Mapcode is a numerical code for each location that we can enter when traveling to various places in the GPS. In addition to Mapcode, we can also use the phone number of various places in the GPS. It's very convenient!

The first destination is "Nakagusuku Castle," which is only about 20 kilometers from the city center.

This is an ancient castle on Okinawa Island, which is listed as a World Heritage Site.

The castle, situated on a high hill, boasts a vast expanse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the boundless Pacific Ocean.

Admission fee is 400 JPY per person. However, the weather today is a bit gloomy and the wind is very strong, making it quite cold. (Plus, there's no one around)

For more information, please visit http://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en

As evening falls and hunger pangs set in, the question arises: what to eat?

Our first dinner was at Hariyun Restaurant.

The highlight of this restaurant is the fresh Gurukun fish, a type of Okinawan fish delivered directly from the fishermen and kept in a fish tank at the restaurant. This dish costs 980 JPY.

Upon tasting, the freshness and fullness of the meat are immediately apparent. Each bite is satisfyingly substantial.

After finishing the sashimi, the restaurant will also serve the fried fish bones as tempura. You can really eat the whole fish!

Those interested can follow the GPS and enter the store's phone number 098-989-5062. (The store is closed on Wednesdays.)

Ah, this restaurant has an English menu and pictures of the food. I'm saved!

On the first day of our Okinawa trip, we visited the Okinawa Zoo. You might be wondering why we went to a zoo at night?

The beautiful Illumination light and sound show takes place at the end of the year. However, it's recommended to check the specific dates before visiting.

It was the last day of the event when I went on December 28th.

The entrance fee is 2,200 JPY per person, which is a bit expensive, but once you get inside, I can assure you that it's worth it. The illumination here is beautiful and abundant, and the venue is also very spacious. There are also various shows on stage throughout the day, as well as numerous stalls offering Japanese-style food. The atmosphere is similar to a temple festival in our country, except that it's very cold here.

The park was bustling with families enjoying a day out, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

If you have plans to visit Okinawa before the New Year, be sure to stop by here.

The next day, we drove to the northernmost point of the island. We had to take the expressway, which is the only one on Okinawa Island. At the end of the expressway, we came across the legendary Blue Seal Ice Cream shop, so we had to stop by. But the real bonus was the viewpoint next to the shop...it was amazing!

The ice cream is delicious. Let's continue.

Head to the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, **Hedo Misaki**. The scenery is breathtaking, making the 3-hour coastal drive well worth it. The ocean views along the way are simply stunning.

Admission is free here. There is a steady stream of both Japanese and foreign tourists.

The area is characterized by high cliffs and rocky outcrops. The seawater crashes against the rocks with great force, creating a stunning blue-white spectacle. The landscape is further adorned by meadows and numerous sharp rock formations.

If you're renting a car in Okinawa, consider adding Hedo Misaki to your list of destinations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7113.html

You must be hungry... Let's find something to eat.

Today, I would like to recommend Capital Steak House located in Chatan City. The highlight of this restaurant is its teppanyaki.

The set menu includes the soup of the day, an appetizer of your choice, a salad, a tenderloin steak, dessert (cake, fruit, or ice cream), and a drink (beer or soft drink) for 2,200 JPY per person.

Excellent value for money, very filling, and incredibly delicious.

Meat lovers, this is for you!

A must-visit spot in Okinawa is the **Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium**, located in the **Ocean Expo Park** in Nakijin Village, northern Okinawa Island.

This place is incredibly vast, offering a plethora of sights to behold. However, our focus remained solely on observing the diverse array of fish species present.

The Okichan Theater features a 20-minute dolphin show four times daily (11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM). Please check the show schedule in advance as it may be subject to change.

Additionally, there is a zone where we can get up close and personal with dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon.

The highlight of the exhibit is the Kuroshio Sea, home to three majestic whale sharks and 70 other fish species, all swimming in Japan's largest aquarium tank.

The grandeur of the scene left me speechless for a moment. Admission to this section costs 1,850 JPY per person.

Before entering the Aquarium, there is a photo service available. The photos are cute, but it's up to you whether you want to buy a large one.

The surrounding area is teeming with diverse marine life, offering a captivating spectacle. The idyllic seaside ambiance attracts both international and Japanese visitors seeking relaxation and recreation. The area resembles a public park, making it an unmissable destination.

For more information, please visit http://oki-churaumi.jp/en/

Let me interject with a brief comment on driving here.

This road trip, we did not use an ETC card when using the Expressway.

ETC cards are similar to Easy Pass in our country. I usually use them when driving in other cities in Japan because I don't have to prepare cash to pay. I just drive through and wait for the bill to be charged to the credit card I registered.

However, Okinawa decided not to implement it as they deemed the expressway distance, at only 50 km, to be too short.

The maximum speed is 920 JPY.

When entering the expressway, choose a lane that does not say "ETC". Then, receive a card like the one in the picture from the automatic card dispenser.

Upon reaching the exit, I handed the ticket to the officer in the booth, and that was it.

This is the appearance of the card border.

Let's continue our journey.

The first destination for the third day of the trip is the Busena Underwater Observatory, which resembles a resort town with a pleasant atmosphere and clear blue skies.

The highlight here is the underwater observatory, where you can observe beautiful fish swimming around.

The entrance fee is 1,030 JPY per person, and only 24 people can go down at a time because the bottom is quite narrow. But it's really enjoyable to watch the small fish swim by. There is also a vending machine where you can buy fish food for 100 JPY. Even standing on the bridge, you can see fish swimming everywhere. The seawater is really clean.

Additionally, a glass-bottom boat tour is available for 1,540 JPY per person, offering a unique perspective of the underwater world. The first tour departs at 9:10 AM.

For those who wish to participate in both activities, combination tickets are available for 2,060 JPY per person.

The distance between the parking lot and the underwater observatory is quite far. Walking might be tiring, so there is a free shuttle service available. During the ride, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the seaside atmosphere.

Further Information

http://www.busena-marinepark.com/english/

The next destination is Cape Manzamo.

Another scenic spot located in the northwest of Okinawa Island. No entrance fee required.

The highlight of this location is the cliff face, which has been eroded into an elephant trunk-like shape, as shown in the picture. The tourist area is not very large, and there is a circular walking path that takes a short time to complete. There are a few souvenir shops at the entrance where you can buy gifts.

Note: This place seems to be a popular tourist destination. If you're unlucky, you might encounter a large group of tourists all at once!

Another "cape" worth visiting is Cape Zanpa. (I have a bit of a strange obsession with visiting capes, haha. I think every cape has hidden beauty.)

At Cape Zanpa, there is a lighthouse that we can climb. It costs 200 JPY per person to climb the 99 steps. The view from the top is amazing, but it was a bit scary because the area to stand on is very small. It was a great experience overall!

I'm so hungry!

This afternoon was incredible! I hadn't planned on coming here, but I stumbled upon a poster at a restaurant advertising a fishing trip to see fresh catches. I decided to follow up and book a trip for tomorrow. This is Toya Fishing Port.

Unfortunately, the boat will not be going out to fish during the New Year period (the date we went was December 30th). So we missed out on that.

However, amidst the disappointment, there are also positive aspects.

This means we will encounter a seafood market with fresh, and I emphasize "fresh," seafood straight from the boats that just went out fishing this morning.

The restaurant is located right by the Toya pier. The dining tables are very relaxing.

The restaurant is called Uminchu and is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The interior of the shop resembles a small fish market, with fish being filleted fresh and at incredibly low prices. Additionally, customers can order food to enjoy while they wait.

It offers a variety of dishes, including rice bowls, sashimi, and tempura.

Orders came in like crazy, like we were starving. It only cost 2,500 JPY! It was soooo good!

Raw fish on rice / Sashimi set / Fried seaweed / Tofu fish head soup

Where else can you find a view like this and delicious food for only 800 baht? Right here at Toya Fishing Port.

Amazing!!!

This is a highly recommended local spot. If you're looking to slow down and enjoy the local vibe, this is the place to be!

View of Toya Fishing Port and the car for this trip.

The last one for today…

This evening, we stopped by the bustling Mihama American Village, a vibrant hub reminiscent of Siam Square in our home country. The area boasts a plethora of trendy shops and offers numerous photogenic spots. A giant Ferris wheel provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Today, I had the opportunity to relive my childhood by riding the Ferris Wheel. The view was stunning, as you can see in the pictures. The cost was 500 JPY per person.

As the sun began to set around six o'clock, I took a short walk to Sunset Beach to witness the breathtaking spectacle. The day concluded with a stunning sunset.

According to my research, this place was originally built as a recreational facility for American soldiers stationed on the island. The design is heavily American-influenced, making you forget you're even in Japan. American soldiers are everywhere, and shops here close promptly at 9 pm. Plan accordingly.

Capture the atmosphere of both the bright daytime and the beautifully lit nighttime.

More information http://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/

Let's watch the sunset together... isn't it romantic, viewers?

And then came the middle of the night…multicolored lights were turned on. Beautiful Good Night OKINAWA.

Today, we drove south, with our first destination being Ou Island, a small island south of Okinawa.

A must-try spot here is the Nakamoto Tempura restaurant, which has a long queue all day. It is located next to the bridge that crosses to the island. As soon as you get off the bridge, you will see the restaurant (and the long queue). The restaurant is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

The restaurant only offers deep-fried items on the menu, including squid, fish, sausages, seaweed, shrimp, and more. The prices are very reasonable, and the total cost of this meal was only 450 JPY.

All orders are for takeaway only. However, there are 2-3 small tables with plates, cups, and chopsticks available for those who wish to dine in.

Next to the tempura restaurant, there was also a small raw fish shop. I bought a pack of tuna for 500 JPY.

If you are thirsty after eating, there is a water dispenser available.

The parking area is located right next to the small bay, offering stunning views as a bonus.

Note: To be honest, I felt indifferent towards the tempura at this restaurant. It wasn't as overwhelmingly delicious as I had imagined. However, since I was already there, I decided to give it a try.

The beautiful view is a bonus to this meal.

After a quick bite, we continued our journey. Today, we will visit another tourist attraction where we can learn about the Ryukyu culture of Okinawa.

Our next destination today is Okinawa World, located in Nanjo City, approximately 11 km from the capital city of Naha.

This place offers a wide range of activities, including traditional house workshops, Eisa drum dance shows, snake shows, fruit orchard tours, a glassblowing factory, and a Ryukyu village. It's a one-stop shop for entertainment, with plenty to keep you and your children occupied.

This place also offers local souvenirs for you to take home as a memento.

Admission fees vary, but a ticket that grants access to two locations, Culture Kingdom Village and Gyokusendo Caves, costs 1,240 JPY per person.

Unfortunately, I was unable to capture any photos of the Eisa Dance drum show because photography was prohibited. However, the performance was exceptional, with the drummers putting on an energetic display. If you're planning to attend, be sure to check the show times in advance to ensure you arrive on time.

For more information, please visit: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7106.html

The Gyokusendo Cave is part of Okinawa World. It's a vast and extensive cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites lining the walking path.

The trail is also very good, comfortable to walk on, and not slippery. It takes about 30 minutes to walk through the cave, allowing you to fully experience nature.

Note: The passage is a one-way path. Once you enter, you cannot turn back. Please proceed with caution.

It is recommended to start by exploring the cave first, as it leads to the final zone of Okinawa World. You can then walk back to the entrance.

Okinawa's cuisine boasts a unique identity, with dishes that are distinct from other regions of Japan.

Beyond the usual offerings of sashimi, rice bowls, tempura, and shabu-shabu found in other Japanese cities, let's explore the unique culinary delights that await you here.

The restaurant's cuisine boasts a distinctly bold flavor profile, exceeding the typical expectations of Japanese cuisine and catering specifically to the preferences of Thai diners.

Today, we're having lunch at a restaurant on Kokusaidori Street, the main shopping street in downtown Naha. There are so many restaurants to choose from in this area!

At that time, I didn't have a specific restaurant in mind, so I walked around in circles for a while. I ended up at this restaurant because... the storefront looked interesting! That's all, haha.

Today, I had a delicious local meal, including Taco Rice, Stir-fried Bitter Melon with Egg, and Salt-Grilled Pork Belly. It was absolutely amazing!

If you come to Okinawa, you must try these 3 menus. Plus, this restaurant is decorated in a classic Japanese style.

I can't read the name of the restaurant, but I know it's located across the street from Free One on Kokusaidori Street. You can try searching for it.

Let's take a look at the storefront that made me decide to walk in.

Let's take a look at the food (this is just a part of the Recommended Menu).

As mentioned earlier, my trip coincided with the New Year, so I had the opportunity to count down here.

Okinawa hosts numerous New Year's events, but I opted for a location slightly further from Naha.

This year, join the countdown at the Itoman Peaceful Illumination event in Itoman City, located in the southern part of the island.

The atmosphere was pleasant, the lights were beautiful, and the fireworks were decent. There was a large crowd, and a live band was performing. The atmosphere was similar to a local temple fair, with many food stalls set up in tents. Many families with young children were present. Even though it was a countdown event in a rural area, there was a huge turnout.

The entrance fee is 500 JPY per person, which includes admission to the Illumination.

This event is held annually. If you are interested, please visit next year.

And so, we have reached the final day of our journey...

My New Year's journey began with a visit to Naha's landmark, Shuri Castle. This castle served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for centuries. Admission fees are charged by zone, and there is no charge for simply staying outside. It is also a World Heritage Site.

For more information, please visit http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/

As a final stop before heading home, we made a quick shopping trip to the Ashibinaa Outlet, conveniently located near the airport.

On January 1st, stores in Japan offer lucky bags to customers. These bags contain a variety of items from different brands and are a popular way to celebrate the new year.

The contents of the bag remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: the price is incredibly reasonable. The total value of the items inside the bag is guaranteed to exceed the purchase price.

The atmosphere was bustling with people out and about shopping. There was also a local children's show happening, which was a delight to watch.

Before saying goodbye to Okinawa, we couldn't resist indulging in one last scoop of the island's iconic ice cream, Blue Seal. This spacious branch also offers a tempting selection of savory dishes, including a variety of delicious spaghetti options. We highly recommend trying their spaghetti - it's truly a culinary delight!

For a history of the different flavors of ice cream, visit http://en.blueseal.co.jp/

In the end, I truly appreciate your following. I am so glad that this post might be helpful to many friends who are planning to travel to Okinawa, the paradise island.

Conclusion: 15 Key Takeaways from the "Okinawa Mission"

This section summarizes the key takeaways from the "Okinawa Mission," based on personal observations. Please note that these are interpretations and may require further verification.

1. Naha city center has a high volume of traffic and frequent red lights, especially on Kokusai Dori (shopping street).

2. If the GPS leads you to Kokusai Dori, try to turn off this road. The GPS will then calculate another route for you (if you are not going to this shopping street, it will save you a lot of time).

3. Convenience stores are mostly Family Mart and Lawson, which offer parking if they are not located in the city center. The ready-to-eat meals are okay (they save you money on food), but not as delicious as those at 7-Eleven (which you won't find in Okinawa).

4. Restaurants on Kokusai Dori Street are relatively expensive, mostly serving Yakiniku and Tepanyaki cuisine.

5. On-street parking on Kokusai dori is quite expensive. If possible, look for parking in the alleys off this street. The alleys are very narrow, but there is parking available. You need to drive slowly and look around in the alleys to see if there is any parking available. This will be much cheaper.

6. There is only one expressway that runs north on the island. The full price is 920 yen (approximately 50 km) and decreases according to the distance traveled.

7. There is only 1 Parking Area and 1 Service Area on the expressway.

8. Blue Seal ice cream shops can be found on almost every corner, offering a variety of sizes and menus. Some shops only serve ice cream, while others also offer crepes and pasta. Prices are relatively affordable (a single scoop ice cream cone costs around 300 yen).

Driving outside the city is easy as there is not much traffic. However, be cautious of taxis, which tend to drive aggressively but still follow traffic rules.

10. Purple sweet potato snacks can be purchased at the Naha Airport duty-free shop, but the selection is limited.

11. Naha Airport has only one duty-free shop, which is not very large (no brand-name stores). Therefore, you may not need to allocate too much time for shopping at the airport (as far as I know, there are no Tokyo Banana or Royse!)

12. Souvenir magnets are available in the airport, but if you want a wider selection and better quality, it's recommended to buy them at the shopping streets.

13. Parking fees around the city are not too expensive, and most of the places to visit in Okinawa offer free parking.

Main souvenirs here are:

• Purple sweet potato snacks: These are a popular local treat made with the region's famous purple sweet potatoes.
• Chisa dolls: These are traditional wooden dolls dressed in colorful kimonos.
• Commemorative T-shirts: These shirts feature designs and logos related to the area. (Prices tend to be high.)
• Carved wooden sandals: These sandals are unique to the region and feature intricate designs. (These also tend to be expensive.)

And lastly,

15. I really want Slow Life to come. ^^

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