If you're exploring the Minatogawa Stateside Town in Okinawa, you absolutely can't miss this small and charming Houkiboshi canelé shop!
Tucked inside a retro American-style bungalow, the storefront is extremely photogenic. Every casual snapshot comes out full of atmosphere and Instagram-worthy. The signature items here are delicate, bite-sized mini canelés that are crisp outside, soft inside, and just the right sweetness. But the most surprising find this time was actually the little star-shaped cookies also sold at the shop! Baked golden and crisp with a rich buttery aroma, they're incredibly addictive to snack on while walking around. Before I knew it, I'd finished the whole bag. They're a hidden standout I wish I'd discovered sooner!
Houkiboshi “Brown Sugar Canelés - 10-Piece Set” | Review by W10B
Other Reviews by W10B
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Palette Kumoji
Centered around a department store, Palette Kumoji is a large multi-purpose facility that also includes a theater, movie theater, museum, and civic gallery. Located at the southern entrance of Kokusai Street, it serves as a starting point for exploring the area.
When visiting Naha, definitely make time to explore Kumoji! This place is a real treasure trove, packed with a dazzling variety of products. The fresh food section has tempting, fresh local Okinawan fruit, while the souvenir section offers a wide selection of beautifully packaged cookies and sweets—it’s hard to choose. The upper floors also frequently host all kinds of unique cultural exhibitions. Whether you want to sample local flavors, shop for souvenirs, or leisurely stroll through an exhibition, you can do it all here!
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Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri
After the Bon Festival of the Lunar calendar ends, Okinawa’s All-Island Eisa Festival is held on that weekend. Eisa is a dance with chanting performed to welcome and send off ancestral spirits during July 13 - 15. With the shamisen (Japanese banjo), singing and drum beat, the traditional art of Okinawa is danced.
So incredibly lucky! I happened to come across the annual “10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade” on Kokusai Street in Okinawa.
The entire street was closed off for the celebration, with 10,000 people gathered together. The sheer scale gave me goosebumps! The deafening sound of taiko drums thundered through the air, each powerful beat hitting me right in the chest. The dancers moved in unison to the traditional sanshin and spirited calls, filling all of Naha with incredible energy and vitality. Getting to experience such a powerful festival in person during my trip was truly exciting and unforgettable! -
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Hakata Ikkousha Main Store
Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.
Another favorite added to my ramen list! The mountain of green onions at Ikkousha is almost unfair—the whole bowl is covered with a little green hill. The finely chopped, crisp green onions pair with their signature rich, foamy tonkotsu broth, adding an enticing sharpness while perfectly balancing the richness of the fat. Every bite of noodles comes with a big mouthful of green onions. Happiness.
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