Nagoya Castle
One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.
It was under renovation, so we couldn’t go up. Looking forward to seeing its new look after the work is finished.
Sekai no Yamachan Main Store
The specialty of this restaurant is the "Maboroshi no Tebasaki", which would make you absolutely addicted for its spiciness and flavor of the "Maboroshi no Kosho（Phantom pepper）" and "Hiden no Tare(Secret sauce)".
The chicken wings were so good, and the chicken skin dumplings were really unique.
Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa
Built near the Toyosaki Seaside Park Beach, Okinawa's first outlet mall is named "Ashibinaa," which means "playground" in Okinawan language, symbolizing a gathering place for people of all generations.
A great place to drive to, park, and shop.
Towada Lake Sightseeing Cruise
Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began roughly 200,000 years ago. Renowned as one of Aomori’s most scenic destinations, it offers breathtaking views that can be fully enjoyed from the water aboard a sightseeing cruise.
The high-speed boat is fast and convenient. It gets very cold in winter.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
“Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium” is a popular tourist spot, located in Okinawa’s Kaiyohaku Park. If you take the building’s escalator down from the 4th floor to the 3rd, you’ll find yourself at the entrance to the aquarium. The aquarium is designed as a “deep dive” into the ocean as you go down to the 2nd and 1st floors, so as you descend, a magnificent world filled with mysterious Okinawan ocean creatures unfolds before you!
This was my favorite place. There’s also a cafe where you can take a break, and looking out through the huge glass is so soothing. The fish swim around so freely.
Naha Airport
Naha Airport sits on Okinawa’s main island, serving as Japan’s southern gateway to the world. Flights here service a regular roster of domestic flights to major cities including Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu), and Fukuoka, while international routes link Okinawa directly with several Asian destinations. In addition to frequent flight options to Okinawa’s outlying islands, including Ishigaki, Miyako, and Kume, the airport sees over 20 million passengers each year.
There’s even a machine in the international departures waiting area that sells rice balls.
There are a lot more shops now, so make the most of your last chance to shop before immigration—drugstores, Yukishioya, and more.
America-mura
In the 1970s, the area around Nishi-Shinsaibashi came to be known as "America-mura" because the warehouses were converted into stores that began selling used clothes, records, and miscellaneous goods that were imported from the west coast of the United States.
It’s full of American vibes. Walking along the waterfront road at sunset and feeling the gentle breeze put me in such a good mood.
Minatogawa Stateside Town
A unique spot created by renovating foreign residences built in the 1950s and 1960s for U.S. military personnel, now lined with cafes, variety shops, galleries, and more. Appearing suddenly in a residential neighborhood in Urasoe City, its retro American-style streetscape offers one of Okinawa’s most distinctly international atmospheres.
A great place to slow down and relax. Some shops have added hands-on perfume-making, and there are also some creative local goods you can buy to support local artists.
SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY
Jointly operated by PARCO, which runs fashion buildings across Japan, and SAN-A, a supermarket chain in Okinawa, SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY is housed in a six-story building, with its 1st to 3rd floors serving as a commercial area. Boasting 78,000 square meters of retail space, it stands as one of the largest shopping facilities in the Okinawa region.
The food court has tasty options, and the sporting goods stores are great for shopping.
OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts
Step off and just over from Otsuka Station to find OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts, a playful, casual hotel that reflects the nostalgic charm of Otsuka-a lively district where bustling shopping streets meet the classic vibe of the city’s old-school streetcar. After exploring the retro streets where locals mingle, kick back in one of the eclectic, cozy guest rooms designed to feel like a secret hideaway.
Finally had the chance to stay at the Hoshino OMO5 series in Okinawa. The welcome drink was nice and cold.
We also happened to catch an awamori tasting. It was great that the introduction could switch between English and Japanese.