| Okinawa |
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| Place: OKINAWA, JAPAN Time of Year: May 19-23, 2006 Period of Stay: Four nights Basic Itinerary: 19 – Flight from Tokyo Haneda to Naha 20 – Ferry to Zamami Island 21 – Zamami Island 22 – Boat to Aka Island, Ferry to Naha 23 – Flight from Naha to Tokyo Haneda Accommodation: 19 – Hotel Taira, Matsuyama Area, Naha The hotel was located in a rather seedy area of Naha, but was pleasant enough. The room was en-suite, with a fridge and TV, including AFN – Armed Forces Network. Not much of a view, but a roof over our heads. Single – 4000 yen/night, Double or Twin – 6300 yen/night 20-21 – Asagi Guest House, Zamami Island Japanese and Western rooms, en-suite, with TV and digital radio. Breakfast included, with optional dinner. Very friendly staff, who speak some English and who took us to see the sunset – though unfortunately no sun! Very comfortable considering we were on a tiny island. Tatami- room – 5000 yen/person per night (includes breakfast, but extra cost with dinner) 22 – Hotel Taira, Matsuyama Area, Naha Food: Naha Thai Thai Restaurant (Exotic Asian Dining), Matsuyama Area The food was surpassed by the décor, with flaming torches outside, and branches weaving in and out of the metalwork. The main feature of the interior was a tunnel, a few feet off the floor, with additional seating inside. A good selection of Asian dishes, the fried-rice was particularly tasty, though not set up to cater to vegetarians. Meal for two – 3000 yen (approx) 4th Street Organic Pizza & Pasta, near Kokusai-dori Simply marvellous! A bar and restaurant with subdued lighting, big screen TVs and English-speaking staff. A two-hour all you can eat and drink course, with pasta and pizza dishes cooked to order. A wide selection on the buffet tables for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The bread was a personal favourite, the best I have eaten in Japan. The pizzas were also excellent, as was the cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. Cannot recommend it highly enough. 2500 yen per person for two hours of eating and drinking. Marumiya Restaurant, Zamami Island A standard Japanese restaurant, serving local fish dishes and traditional fare, with a large and very tasty bowl of katsu-don. May be difficult for vegetarians, but salads are available. Meal for two - 1500 yen (approx) La Troquet, Zamami Island An small, upstairs bar and restaurant, two minutes up the road from Zamami’s port. The fish of the day is very fresh, and very tasty, with noodle salads and other dishes suitable for vegetarians. On a small island with few options, this is one of the best. Meal for two – 2500 yen (approx) Activities: Naha Riding the monorail Shopping on Kokusai-dori Walking along the seafront to Naminoue Beach Watching the young kids play baseball and the old folks play croquet in Wakasa Park Lots of nightlife in the Matsuyama area Zamami Islands Cycling around the island to the various observation platforms Lying on the beach at Ama and Furuzamami Excellent stones to skip on the beaches Plenty of butterflies Also available – scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaks, boat trips to other islands, camping and whale-watching in season Remarks: We weren’t too impressed with Naha to be honest, it was rather grotty and grey. Once we got away from that concrete jungle, we were much happier on the delightful island of Zamami. So small we were able to traverse most of the island in an afternoon, and out of season, so we were able to have the whole beach to ourselves much of the time. The people were friendly and helpful, the food was good, though perhaps not enough fresh fruit for our liking. Still, a fine place to visit for a relaxing holiday. Score: Naha – 3/10 Zamami – 9/10 |
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