Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is definitely a spot you can’t miss in Otaru! The whole street is packed with Hokkaido souvenirs and tasty snacks. Every few steps, you’ll want to stop for samples or take photos. It’s seriously so easy to get carried away.
This time, I also made a special visit to the super popular Gin no Kane Cafe. The best part is that you can choose your own coffee cup, and after you finish your drink, you get to take the cup home as a souvenir. It’s like having a cup of coffee plus an extra travel memory. Such a nice little ritual!
If you’re visiting Otaru, make sure to leave some time to wander slowly. You might just bring home your own little Hokkaido story too.
Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street
Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is located in the center of Naha City and is the main street representing Okinawa. It is the largest downtown area in Naha City and is famous as the center of commerce and entertainment. It is known as "Kokusai-dori (International street)," based on the concept of "a people-friendly town and a town that is fun to walk through.
Every time I come to Okinawa, I always make time to explore Kokusai-dori!
There are so many great things to buy and eat here. You can find almost everything, from Okinawa-exclusive snacks, souvenirs, drugstore products, and cosmetics to unique little items. Before you know it, you'll have shopped until your arms are sore.
The street is about 1.6 kilometers long, and there's never a dull moment as you stroll and browse. Just pop into any store that catches your eye, then find a café to rest when you get tired. That's the most relaxing pace for a trip. It gets even livelier after the lights come on at night, and the whole area is filled with a travel vibe.
If you happen to visit during the Sunday pedestrian zone, you're even luckier! The entire street becomes pedestrian-only, with street performances and events to enjoy, making it even more relaxing to explore.
If you visit Okinawa without taking a walk down Kokusai-dori, it feels like something is missing. Be sure to leave plenty of time, or you'll end up browsing for so long that you won't want to leave, while your wallet quietly gets thinner. -
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RyukyuMura
RyukyuMura is a theme park that recreates an old Ryukyu village, chock full of authentic experiences including folk songs and performing arts.
If you want to experience authentic Ryukyuan culture all in one place while visiting Okinawa, I highly recommend stopping by RyukyuMura!
As soon as you enter the park, it feels like you've traveled back to the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The traditional red-tiled houses, stone walls, and narrow alleys are full of character, and every photo has a nostalgic Japanese feel.
Besides watching traditional folk songs and dance performances, you can paint your own shisa, make Ryukyu glass and coral picture frames, and even dress in traditional Ryukyuan clothing for photos, creating plenty of Okinawa memories. If you're bringing kids, the treasure hunts and puzzle-solving games are also fun for both children and adults.
This isn't a place you just rush through. It's somewhere you can truly experience Okinawan culture with your eyes, ears, and hands. It's a great place to spend 2–3 hours exploring at a relaxed pace. If you're visiting Okinawa, consider adding it to your itinerary. I guarantee it'll be more interesting than you expect. -
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Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum
The largest cultural facility in the prefecture that combines a museum and an art gallery, affectionately known as Okimyu.
This was my first time visiting the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. I thought it might be a little boring, but I unexpectedly got really absorbed in exploring it. The museum and art museum are in the same building, so whether you want to learn about Okinawan history or see an art exhibition, you can do both in one visit. The museum presents Okinawa's story from the Ryukyu Kingdom to the present in a very engaging way, and there are also traditional homes from the past that you can visit. It's fun to take your time looking around.
The art museum's exhibitions are also very well curated. In addition to local Okinawan art, there are works from Japan and other parts of Asia to enjoy. The whole environment is very comfortable and doesn't feel overwhelming.
If it happens to be raining or you don't want to keep visiting outdoor attractions, I think this is a great place to come. Enjoy the air conditioning, see the exhibitions, take some photos, and the time flies by. It's a place that's more worth spending time at than I expected. -
