Walking on Kokusai street recently and I saw this Buddha with a hoodie outside a clothing store. Nice!
Naha, Okinawa. - Fuji X-Pro1, 35mm f1.4
Street Photo - Kokusai Street, Okinawa, Japan.
Japan Photo of the Day
American Village in Chatan
American Village in Chatan Okinawa.
Highway 18 in Northern Okinawa
One of the many scenic views in Northern Okinawa, Japan.
Bicyclist on Highway 18 in northern Okinawa.
Curcuma Thai Restaurant
Today I drove down south near Chinen as part of a Spicy Food feature we are working on for Okinawa Living to try out a dish from a Thai restaurant in the area called Curcuma. Curcuma sits on the cliffs overlooking the eastern coastline of Okinawa and has a spectacular view. Today's blue skies and turquoise colored water made the view breathtaking.
East coastline of Okinawa, Japan near Chinen.
Since this was not a standard restaurant review we were able to get right to the heart of the reason for our trip. Tasting Curcuma's hottest dish, the green curry loaded with 25 hot red peppers! At least thats the number the staff told us. :) While the dish was hot no doubt about it, it wasn't so hot that you couldn't still taste and enjoy the flavor. Although I would recommend passing on the water and chasing everything down with some type of milk based drink which is much more effective at cooling the burn from the peppers. So I'm told.
Thai Green Curry at Curcuma Thai Restaurant.
All in all I would definitely recommend the restaurant. Food was good, the view was fantastic and the drive wasn't that bad either. As for the peppers... proceed at your own risk. :)
Zanpa Point
I drove up to Zanpa Point yesterday afternoon to shoot the cliffs and hopefully get a sunset. The clouds ended up covering the sun as it neared the horizon but the colors were still pretty cool so I stuck around even as most people left. I had shot quite a few images and I wasn't getting excited about any of them and then something completly normal but unexpected happened. The light in the lighthouse came on. It took a few tries but eventually I got a shot with the light shining in my direction. Perfect end to a long day and many hours in this one location.
Sunset at Zanpa Point in Okinawa.
Kyoda Rest Stop
Located just off the expressway on highway 58 in Nago City you'll find a small Rest Stop or Road Station as they are referred to here called Kyoda. Like most Road Stations in Okinawa Kyoda provides road information and an opportunity to rest before continuing on your trip. You will also find a variety of local fresh produce, fruits and seafood, bento lunches and other food shops such as soba and tacos.
Kyoda rest stop off Highway 58 in Okinawa.
Vegetables for sale at Kyoda rest stop in Okinawa.
Shop keeper at Kyoda rest stop in Okinawa.
There are souvenir shops and handmade clothing and jewelry products. All of which are from the local Yanbaru area. One of the most popular food treats are Okinawan Doughnuts called Sata Andagi. I'm told that you must arrive early (before noon) as Sata Andagi sell out quickly.
Handmade Souvenir Shops at Kyoda rest stop in Okinawa.
Kyoda is an interesting mix of food and souvenirs. So whether you need to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat Kyoda is sure to fit the bill.
Kyoda Rest Stop in Okinawa.
Man shopping at Kyoda rest stop in Okinawa.