We will be publishing base reviews of all US Military Installations on Okinawa over the next few months. Many thanks to Anthony for taking on this time-intensive and incredibly helpful series for our readers!

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

Torii Station, Yomitan

Overview

Torii Station is a United States Army Garrison located off the Yomitan peninsula which is surrounded by brilliant blue teal water and spectacular views of the East China Sea. Yomitan town is known for being one of the first cultivators of the sweet potato in Japan as it often called the “beniimo (purple sweet potato) hometown.” Yomitan is also famous throughout japan for producing some of the finest examples of the yachimun style of pottery.

Lodging

Torii Station does not have family housing located on the Garrison. Most personnel that work on Torii Station live on the neighboring Kadena Air Base. All housing on Okinawa is run by the Air Force. For more information or floor plans you can visit the Okinawa housing website at: http://www.housing.af.mil/okinawa/

Currently, you can only live off base if your designated housing areas are 98 percent filled or above. Generally 4 bedroom housing fills up the fastest. The housing occupancy numbers are updated weekly.

There are no temporary lodging units on Torii Station. Typically most inbound families to Torii Station stay at the WestPac Lodge (Camp Foster) http://www.mccsokinawa.com/lodging/ or Shogun Inn http://af.dodlodging.net/propertys/Kadena-AB (Kadena AFB).

Shopping

The newly opened Army Community Group of Okinawa (ACGO) gift shop in building 243 (behind the pool) has beautiful items for sale that support local charities. This particular gift shop also specializes in items made locally in Okinawa. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1000-1400, Wednesday from 1400-1800 and the first Saturday of the month. You can call locally 644-4980 or find more info at: https://www.facebook.com/ACGOkinawa

The base has a small Express Exchange near the front gate in building 238. The annex building 251 houses a barber shop, beauty shop, dry cleaning, tailor and laundromat. The exchange website for Torii Station is: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores/Okinawa/OKI/Yomitan/Torii-Station-Express-1771309

Community Bank has a banking center located in building 244. There is also an ATM located in the Express Exchange, building 238. For more info on hours or contact numbers visit: http://www.dodcommunitybank.com/m/locations/banking_center?id=684

There is a fully functional United States Post office in building 226 that offers retail services such as Express Mail, Priority Mail, standard shipping, stamp sales, and money order sales. The post office accepts cash, credit, or debit cards. The Torii post office also houses PO boxes which are issued to personnel with an area clearance. Despite many misconceptions, a sponsor can reserve a PO Box for an inbound family as long as he has a copy of that inbound family’s area clearance and orders. It is extremely helpful for a family to know their new mailing address before they have to move to Okinawa. For more info visit: http://www.mcbbutler.marines.mil/BaseInformation/PostOfficeInformation/ToriiStationPostOffice.aspx

Dining

Army MWR has two dining establishments on Torii Station. The first is called Havana’s and is located in building 200. The Havana Restaurant has a diverse breakfast and lunch menu which can be found at: http://www.toriimwr.com/havanas.html

During the summer season you can enjoy CJ’s Sunset Grill located on Torii’s recreation beach next to the waterslide in building 316. CJ’s serves burgers, sandwiches, Fries and other fast food favorites. If you are hosting a party or get together CJ’s offers several catering packages. For more info visit: http://www.toriimwr.com/cjs.html

Near the front gate is a Subway retailer adjacent to the Express Exchange.

Within the Torii library is a coffee shop called Pirate Republic Co.

Recreation

Just inside the front gate you will find Building 240 which houses the pass and ID section and most notably, the Torii Arts and Crafts facility. The arts and crafts studio offers services such as framing, woodcrafts, pottery and children’s programs. For more info visit: http://www.toriimwr.com/artscrafts.html

There is a garrison gym located in building 275 which offers a large weight room, adequate cardio room, racquetball courts, Family Fitness Room, Outdoor workout area, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. For specific information on hours or contact info, please visit the Torii Gym website at: http://www.toriimwr.com/toriigym.html

Torii Pool is newly renovated as of 28 April 2016. This facility is located in building 242 and offers scuba classes, pool parties, and unit training during non-duty hours. To find out the latest up to date information visit the pool website at: http://www.toriimwr.com/pool.html

Torii Beach is one of the most popular recreational areas on Okinawa. It houses one of the island’s only free waterslides as well as rental cabins, pavilions, recreational equipment rental, and a large shower/bathroom facility with lockers. The water offshore stays quite shallow which is ideal for people new to Okinawa’s water environments or families with grade school children. For more info visit the beach’s website at: http://www.toriimwr.com/toriibeach.html

Torii Station also rents out their beach cabins for eligible Active Duty, Retired, and DoD Civilians and their dependents. The reservation number is 011-81-611-744-5396 commercial and 315-6444659/4698 DSN. Visit the Torii MWR website for more info: http://www.toriimwr.com/toriibeach.html#cabins

Education

Housing locations determine where children go to school on Okinawa. All on base schools are run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Pacific and are considered to be the safest and highest performing in the nation. There is a school liaison located on Torii Station in building 236, room 226 and can be reached at DSN 644-4703. For more information on DODEA schools on island visit: http://www.dodea.edu/Pacific/Okinawa/

The Garrison Education Center (building 246) offers tuition assistance help and hosts various self-help and transitional classes offered by the Army Continuing Education System (ACES). The education center contains offices manned by representatives from the main college campuses offered on Okinawa as well as flyers and literature from various online campuses. For more info on the education options on Torii visit: https://www.goarmyed.com/public/facility_pages/Okinawa_Torii_Education_Center/default.asp

MWR manages the library on Torii that checks out books, E-books, movies, and video games. There are also a variety of resources on site such as computer access, printers, and reference materials. For the latest info on the garrison’s library services visit: http://www.toriimwr.com/library.html

Torii Station is also one of the few places on Okinawa who have an Active Duty Armed Forces recruiter. The Army recruiter is located in building 224. For more info visit: https://usarmyrecruitingstationjapan.wordpress.com/

Family Services

Army Community Services has a facility which is located within building 236. It is here where you will find your newcomers info and orientation, volunteer programs, loan closet, Exceptional Family Member Program Representatives as well as other services. For more information you can go to their webpage at: http://www.toriimwr.com/acs.html

Medical

The dental clinic provides services to all age groups and beneficiary types depending on space and resource availability. It is located in building 226. Appointments can be made dialing DSN 644-4286. Specific information can be found at: http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/dentac/

Transportation / Car Care

There is a fuel station operated by the Exchange on this garrison located in building 127. The service station does oil changes and other repairs by appointment. Store information can be found at: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores/Okinawa/OKI/Yomitan/Torii-Station-Express-1771309

The auto hobby shop on garrison is called the Auto Skills Development Center in building 284. This facility is run by MWR and offers incidental repairs or bay, lift, tool rental or classes for those wanting to get their hands dirty. For the latest info visit: http://www.toriimwr.com/autoskills.html

There are various taxi services available in the area. Here is a useful Okinawa Hai article from Staci on the subject: http://okinawahai.com/taxis-and-thong/

Popular Nearby Attractions

Torii Station and its surrounding neighborhoods are some of the most scenic and interesting on the island. For this reason the area is a popular attraction for vacationers, nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Below are but a few suggestions by fellow Okinawa Hai alumni that you can use to embark on your own adventure.

Ryukyu Mura

Forest Adventure Park

Cape Zanpa Lighthouse

Gala Salt Factory

Yomitan Pottery Village

Yomitan Glass Man

Zakimi Castle

Zaikai Wooden Way Walking Trail

And as always check out our To Eat Index by location for the inside scoop on the best places around Yomitan and Onna Village to get your food fix!

Editor’s Note: [Establishment] was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on August 28, 2008; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published April 25, 2016.

CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY

Arin Krin is like a Tardis (Doctor Who fans know where I’m going with this). Small on the outside (and with limited parking, more on that later); deceptively big inside. But what is Arin Krin? Allow me to explain, and then tempt you in to visit.

Better known as the ‘garlic restaurant’, you’ll find it sat on a corner plot along Highway 58, in the Makiminato area of Urasoe (find it here:. First off, parking is limited. They have about 4 spaces right out front, but if you have anything bigger than a sedan, you might be out of luck (one parking space is behind a post, and is tiny! Definitely more suited to Cube car or smaller). You can park along the street, but again it’s pretty limited. This is a shame, because Arin Krin is perfect for large group dining.

See what I mean about large group friendly? If you’ve ever been to a Bavarian bar, this is sort of what it looks like, except the decor is muted, with little hints of Okinawa here and there (big awamori pots mostly, but also some wall art). I quite liked the simplicity. Take your seats, or benches, and prepare to be amazed at what you can do with garlic.

Once you’ve figured out parking (or gotten a taxi and done away with that bother entirely), enter the garlic house! It’s called this for a very good reason: practically everything on the menu has garlic in it somewhere. More on this later. It’s a decent sized space with two dining areas, one with conventional tables and chairs, the other (closest to the kitchen) has larger tables and long benches.

And with that, we are on to the best bit; the food. It’s insane how much choice you have. If you hate garlic, you’re in the wrong place! Almost every dish has garlic of some form in it, the clue is in the name! It’s tough to choose, because everything looks and smells delicious. I went in a small group, and we decided to just order a few things each and share the garlicky love. This turned out to be a great idea, because it meant we all got to try a sample!

In particular, the tacos pizza, fried chicken, garlic beef, egg plant gratin, and fried mashed potatoes were my favourite.

The fried mashed potatoes! Medium sized balls of soft, gooey mash, with a cheesy centre, ensconced in a light, fried batter. They were magical.

Everything we tried was good though, and a lot of items had a subtle undertone, rather than a full on vampire killing strength garlic taste, which is nice. They do, however, have items with a stronger flavour, if that’s what you’re after. The garlic pizza is ideal for this. It had cheese and herbs on it, but honestly all you can taste is the garlic.

Drinks wise, you can either go soft or alcoholic. They have sodas, fruit juices, wines and beers, something for everyone. Plus you get unlimited refills on water. Everyone in my party went with fruit juice or soda, due to driving and work the next day, but you don’t need to drink to have fun!

(Photo Credit: Aviva)

Price will vary depending on what you eat, and how much of it. I think altogether we paid just under $100, but that’s four people with over 10 dishes and drinks, a steal if you ask me. You can pay with yen or a credit card. It was a great night. Quiet, relaxed atmosphere, great service, great food, and great company. A winning formula.

Arin Krin

Hours: Open 5pm-1am

Phone: (098) 877-3971

Address: 1 Chome-9-11 Makiminato, Urasoe

Google Maps Coordinates: 26.2662328, 127.72420390000002

Directions: Head south on HWY 58. After Camp Foster (and before Kinser) 58 will split and the middle lanes go up into an overpass/bridge thing. Don’t go up, stay to the left passing an A & W. At the first light where the overpass ends you’ll see Arin Karin on the corner on your left. It’s covered with crazy drawings of little garlic men. (There’s a big Pachinko Parlor with a Micky D’s on the right.)

Parking: Parking here is quite difficult as the restaurant has only about four spaces. Make sure you don’t park at the building across the street. I usually park on the street around the corner (along the chainlink fence.)

Editor’s Note: In July 2015 we were informed that Toyohanten had closed. In April 2016 we received word that it has reopened in a new location. The photos & hours/location info below were sent in by J. Ferguson in April 2016. The written post below refers to the old location and food; please leave a comment if you’ve been and things are dramatically different than described.

CONTRIBUTED BY NICOLE LEHNER – February 21, 2011

photo by J. Ferguson

Today for lunch my husband and I decided to find a new place to eat, and remembering how much the both of us love Chinese food we decided to try Toyo Hanten. It was by far the best Chinese food we’ve ever had! Not only do they have great food, and impeccable service, but it’s children friendly and has an added touch of authentic Chinese décor.

Each meal area is separated by blinds and beaded curtains, so it is like you’re sitting at your own dining table and yet without the need to do the dishes afterwards! If you have a large party or would like to hold a party, you can call ahead to reserve one of their larger rooms, and they also cater.

photo by Nicole Lehner

When we were seated, the hostess showed us a button at the end of our table and told us to ring it when we were ready. Our family ordered a selection of chicken fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, pork dumplings, and steamed pork shao-mai and it cost around 3,300 yen.  The portion sizes were large enough to share with our two children and to take a bit home for later.

photo by Nicole Lehner

Another perk is their menus are in English and Japanese accompanied by pictures and separated into food groups of Chicken/Duck, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Vegetarian, Soups, Noodles, Dim-Sum, Rice and a few Desserts. If you’re with a big party and do not know what you would like to eat they have grouped menus where you order a collection of dishes ranging from 2000 yen to 5000 yen. Their single servings of foods come in two sizes small and regular, most of the dishes range around 600-1,000 yen, and the more expensive meats such as seafood and duck range around the 1,500-3,000 yen. They even have a children’s plate that comes with a few sides, dessert, and a drink. Oh, and did I mention that they have all their dishes available A LA CARTE??!

photo by Nicole Lehner

Toyo Hanten Chinese Restaurant

Hours:  1100 – 2300, 7 days a week

Phone:  098-936-4026

Payment:  Yen, Credit Cards

Address: Japan, 〒904-0102 Okinawa-ken, Nakagami-gun, Chatan-chō, Ihei, 北谷町伊平264

Google Maps Coordinates:  26.32073363336387, 127.76071558092042

Website:  www.toyohanten-okinawa.com

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER GILES

The best carrot cake in Okinawa can be found just south of Onna. The carrot cake is so popular they offer whole cakes made to order. A slice of this cake, perfectly balanced with a cup of coffee, is unexpectedly exceptional.

Maeda Breeze Café is a contemporary Euro style café along route 6 between Cape Zanpa and Maeda Point. My husband and I came across this lovely place on our way to Ishikawa. An antique bike between two café tables distinguishes the beautiful window filled storefront. It is the perfect rainy day spot to visit with a friend, and a quiet place to read a book or stop over on your way down route 6.

The lovely storeowner speaks English very well and the English menu features photos of each item. They have a cute sandwich board advertising a variety of daily specials. Their most popular breakfast item is the French toast and most popular lunch is the Panini set.

If you are in search for the perfect slice of carrot cake, or a quiet café with a high-end feel, this place is a must.

Maeda Breeze Café

Hours: Thursday-Monday 8am-6pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Phone: 098-989-8099

Website: http://www.localplace.jp/t100065597/

Payment: Yen or credit card

Address: 〒904-0417 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District, 恩納村真栄田1430-12

GPS Coordinates: 26.4371076, 127.76542470000004

Directions: On route 6 between Cape Zanpa and Maeda point

CONTRIBUTED BY JENNIFER GILES

Last week I wrote about Onna Station Nakayukui Market and all it has to offer visitors and shoppers. But of all the shops to explore, the “Okinawa Soba Soup” restaurant cannot be missed. My husband and I agree it is among the best soba we have had on the island.

The covered open-air seating is protected on three sides by other stalls. You order from a ticket machine but don’t worry, the ordering process is self-explanatory and there is enough English and photos to ensure you get what you intended to order.  You hand your ticket to the friendly staff at the window and your Soba set is made to order within minutes.

Even though it is self-service and quick, the shop does not spare any details. The soba is served in local pottery and the set includes a side of fried rice, local seaweed and two tiny fried doughnuts.

Condiments are on the picnic style tables with bench seating and drinks are self-service. When you are done, be sure to explore all the shops and stop by the Onna Village Museum that is a short two-minute walk away. (Be sure to check out the post linked above to learn more!)

Okinawa Soba Soup

Hours: Open until 7pm

Phone: 098-982-5112

Payment: Yen

Address: 1656-8 Nakadomari, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-0415

GPS Coordinates: 26.4364522, 127.79336179999996

Directions: Located within the Onna Station Nakayukui Market, on route 58 near the Renaissance Hotel and Resort

CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK

My family and I live in Yomitan and Mintama is within walking distance of our house, so I am so excited to share our experience. One of the fun parts of living and exploring a new country is the food. I have taken pictures of all my food as our friends and family back home in the States love seeing the food we eat. Weird? I know.

So let’s focus on Mintama.  This restaurant is a great place to have lunch or dinner.

Mintama offers a pleasant ambiance; it is a great place to have a date night or dinner with the family. As you walk up you are greeted with a traditional style Japanese building with a clay tile roof. The restaurant sits nestled on a side street surrounded by a small cozy landscaped entrance. As you walk up the wood sliding glass door invites you to enjoy a nice dinner.

The staff is very accommodating and take care and pride in their presentation of the dishes, and they do have an English menu. Most of the staff we have encountered does well with communicating with us. I would suggest calling ahead for dinner and make a reservation as it can get busy and be sure to bring Yen as they do not take credit cards.

My favorite item on the menu is the Balsamic Glazed Mahi. The fish is cooked to perfection and nestled on a large tomato and drizzled with a fresh balsamic glaze. Another family favorite is the Rafute. They also serve pizza, pasta, salad and some traditional dishes as well.

Mintama

Payment: Yen only

Phone: 098 958 6286

Hours:
Lunch 11 a.m. -130 p.m.
Dinner 6p.m.-10p.m
Closed on Sundays

Address: 1787-5 Nagahama, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa

GPS Coordinates: 26.4141006, 127.73259959999996

Directions: Located off Route 6 in Yomitan, about 25 minutes from Kadena AFB. Be sure to park across the street; look for the red circle “Target” like signs.

CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK

I discovered Maruki Pizza by accident. I walk daily and was so excited to find this Wood Fired Pizza place just minutes from my house, tucked away on a side street off Route 6 as you head toward Zanpa. Look for the Maruki wood sign along the way. One of my favorite things about Japan are the concrete block wooden road signs.

As you drive down the street you actually see the back of the building first. Again, look for the little brown wooden sign once you turn; they do have a parking lot.

It’s a quaint little building, but don’t be fooled – the inside has much charm. You are required to remove your shoes; the owner provides slippers, but if you prefer socks or bare feet that is okay.

The inside’s charm is all about the wood floors and the brick oven. As you sit at the table you can watch as the staff carefully cooks your meal. The customer service is great! The wood fired brick oven is in sight and I think it’s fun to watch your pizza cook while you enjoy your family or a date night.

We have visited Maruki’s several times and have always ordered pizza along with the pasta, caprese, bowl of mixed olives, and the salad. The pizza is a thin crust with lots of flavor. The salad is large enough to share and is priced reasonably. They also serve beer, wine and a few “cocktails”.

There is an English menu and the staff does well with understanding your order. I would suggest if you are a larger party and it is the weekend to call ahead for reservations. At the time this was written they are open for Lunch and Dinner.

Maruki

Phone: 098-923-2826

Hours:
Monday 11:30 -3:30 and 5:30 – 10:00
Wed- Sunday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm   5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Payment: Yen only

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruki.pizza/

Website: http://marukipizza.ti-da.net/

Address: 230 Senaha, Nakagami-gun, Yomitan-son 904-0325, Okinawa

GPS Coordinates: 26.4235247, 127.73121049999997

CONTRIBUTED BY MURIEL COLLINS

The only thing sadder than having a beloved café close is driving by its locked doors nearly every day; which was why I was surprised and curious to see that a new café had opened in the exact location where Soupcon closed just a couple months ago. Priveta Beach Cafe is owned by the proud and kind Imura Kazuya. He greeted me and my friends with warm hospitality, “Thank you for coming! I am happy to have you!”

Much of the old Soupcon décor, dishware, and furniture is still in use at the café. The menu is in Japanese but Kazuya-San patiently translated each item for us while explaining the various dishes in detail. He seemed surprised to have American patrons so I think as time goes on and more Americans visit his café he will add an English menu. And visit you must!

The menu is similar to Soupcon’s offering coffee options, a full bar for cocktails, and a substantial lunch set option which includes onion soup, salad, choice of a main dish, and a drink for ¥950. My friends and I split three different dishes: the toasted sandwich with pork sausage, garlic butter mussels with pasta, and beef curry.

All three were delicious but it was unanimous that the beef curry was our favorite! The iced coffee is still served in the charming mason jars and the view is still to die for!

As we left, Kazuya-San asked if we would pose for a photo for his Facebook page and encouraged us to tell our friends about his new café. So here I am, telling you that you must check out Priveta Beach Cafe! Yes, it is sad that Soupcon is closed, but Priveta Beach Cafe has promise to be a new favorite spot on this beautiful island!

Priveta Beach Cafe

Contact: Imura Kazuya 098-964-3864

Hours: Lunch 11:00am – 3:00pm Dinner 5:00pm – Midnight

Payment: Yen

Address: 1-6-38 Ishikawaakebono, Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture 904-1107

GPS Coordinates: 26.418412, 127.829320

Directions: Take a Right out of the Courtney main gate on to 75. Drive about 3 km passing the horse stables. Take a right at the first traffic light after the stables. Drive about 1.3 km and Priveta Beach Cafe will be on your right.

CONTRIBUTED BY ALLI M.

When you walk upstairs to the entrance, there’s a cute little wooden sign on the door that says “Thai Resort Dining.” Having been to both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I can tell you this place lives up to its claimed description. The restaurant is a bright island atmosphere with handmade décor, including chopstick lanterns and columns adorned with palm fronds.

At lunch, there is a Thai buffet. You pay at the door (1080 Yen per person in cash or card). The food does rotate, but you will always find a few Thai “staples” on the buffet table: pad thai, pad see ew, papaya salad, two types of curry, and stir-fried veggies. The only thing I was missing was Thai iced tea, which they did not have.

The food is just as good as that at a “Thai Resort,” flavorful, full of delicious spices, and there’s something for everyone! Beware that the papaya salad is a little spicy – it is supposed to be spicy, but just a warning before you try it. They also have this really cool Thai noodle soup bar, where you can choose the flavors and spices in your soup. There are directions perfectly placed on a wooden block next to the cooking station and it’s simple! Be careful how many red chilies you put in your soup!

Also, the times that I have been to the restaurant, they have provided a dessert – sliced melon in coconut milk. We like to eat it in a small bowl with a little bit of rice… if you have ever been to Thailand, it may remind you of mango sticky rice. Unfortunately, as we all know in Japan, mangoes are too expensive, so they cannot justify serving mango as dessert here, especially when the lunch is only $10!

click to enlarge menu photos

For dinner you order off the menu. Prices average about $10, comparable to other Thai restaurants in the area. They also have a full bar if you would like a cocktail with dinner.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask for the frequent diner card!

Thaicoon is located at the beginning of the seawall, on the second floor of one of the buildings. There are a few parking spots designated for the restaurant and the rest is your typical seawall street parking; we have never had a problem finding parking.

Thaicoon

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11am-11pm. Monday lunchtime only. Closed on Tuesdays

Payment: Yen and Credit Card

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thaicoon/900189060016797

Address: 〒904-0114 Okinawa-ken, Nakagami-gun, Chatan-chō, Minato, 10−20

GPS Coordinates: 26.3219077, 127.7499123

Directions from Camp Foster: Exit the commissary gate and head north on the 58. Turn left at the light before the 23, you will see a restaurant on the corner called “American American café.” Head down that road (you will see San A Supermarket). Make your next left at the San A. Then turn right on the second street. Thaicoon will be on your left after a few streets.

Directions from Kadena: Exit Gate 1 and turn left to head south on the 58. Pass the 23 and make your next right turn, you will see a restaurant on the corner called “American American café.” Head down that road (you will see San A Supermarket). Make your next left at the San A. Then turn right on the second street. Thaicoon will be on your left after a few streets.

CONTRIBUTED BY JARED DAYOUB

An escape to Kouri Island’s Shrimp Wagon Yanbaru Kitchen, northwest of Nago, will quickly remind you of the lyrics to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” The smell of boiled shrimp and saltwater is definitely what I needed to start my summer off right. I discovered the food truck on a solo trip to Kouri Island in search of the sought-after views of crystal blue water from the bridge connecting Yagaji Island to Kouri Island. After making a right turn at the end of the bridge, I was immediately greeted with the sight and smell of the Shrimp Wagon.

The “wagon” is conveniently located in a parking lot next to a pavilion with picnic tables and other seating. There are also two public beaches within walking distance, on either side of the bridge. More details on the island itself have been covered in a separate article here on Okinawa Hai, so I’ll leave you a link to do some research. I do recommend that couples take advantage of a sunset stroll on the bridge though!

The Shrimp Wagon serves up plates of delicious shrimp smothered in garlic, butter, and lemon sauce alongside white rice. They also offer a spicy alternative with cayenne pepper, which I imagine is just as good. It’s worth mentioning that the shrimp are grilled and served with the shells on, so I recommend removing them before you dig in. The recipe, I later learned from their website, is inspired by similar mobile cuisine found on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. This means they serve Hawaiian Sun’s guava juice, which has always been a favorite of mine since pulling into port at Pearl Harbor years ago. They also have a small selection of imported beers, to include Corona and Heineken.

The average cost of a set is around ¥1,200, not including drinks, but in my opinion, it is well worth it. I brought my friend and his wife on the next trip, and they shared my love for the tasty crustaceans. If seafood is not your thing, there are alternative options both on their menu and at the restaurant under the pavilion. If you have room for dessert, there is a place to buy ice cream as well.

The Shrimp Wagon is run by two local Okinawan women, who provide excellent service. I am a huge fan of food trucks, and after recently watching the movie Chef on Netflix, I have an even greater appreciation of what it takes to operate one. That being said, with how busy the truck was, they did a great job of keeping up with orders and serving us with a smile.

If you decide to go, let us know about your experience in the comments section. Hope you have a great summer exploring Okinawa!

Shrimp Wagon Yanbaru Kitchen

Payment: Yen or Credit Card

Hours: 7 days a week from 1100 – 1800

Phone: 090-8056-1242

Website: http://shrimp-wagon.com/english/

Address: Japan, 〒905-0406 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District

GPS Coordinates: 26.695432316306945, 128.02241721907956

Directions: Type Shrimp Wagon into Google Maps and you are good to go! In case you don’t have access to this app, the article mentioned earlier has detailed directions. It is past Nago, and it takes about an hour and a half to get there. You can take 58, but I recommend taking the expressway to Nago to significantly decrease travel time. Once you cross the bridge to Kouri-jima Island, make a right turn followed immediately by another right into the parking lot. It is free to park here, but if it is full, there is a second lot across the street that charges ¥300.

CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK

Yomitan is where I call home here on Okinawa! We have lived here almost 9 months and I am so excited to explore all the great places to eat especially in “my” neighborhood.

Tonight my family and I decided to try a new place that just opened in April 2016 that serves wings, called the Smoooth Bar N Grill. NO I did not misspell “smooth” it is actually spelled with 3 “o’s”. I am a sucker for a place that has a view of the water and you certainly do not realize that the Smoooth Bar N Grill has a view as you drive past but it does which makes it a winner in my mind.

Smoooth is located off route 6 in Yomitan by the Marudi grocery. The parking lot is in the back of the restaurant. They have both inside and outside seating. We chose outside to enjoy the sunset over the East China Sea.

The staff was friendly and accommodating. They have an English menu but Yukihiro spoke very good English and we had no problem communicating with him. My family ordered the honey mustard and bbq wings, chili cheese fries, shrimp, edamame, garlic sausage, Belgian fries and free popcorn.

Many items were “pub” style food but there were choices that surprised me, for example: duck, lamb, iejima beef and yes wait for it alligator and ostrich. Of course they do serve beer but as a reminder please 1 drink 1 number be safe and have a designated driver.

They also serve breakfast at 11:00 and it seems French toast and coffee is the speciality! I plan on going back to give breakfast a try.

Smoooth Bar N Grill

Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 to 2:00pm
Dinner: 4:00pm to close

Payment: Yen

Website: http://smooothbg.com
Facebook Page

Phone: 098-958-2422

Address: 1705 Yomitan-son Nakagami-gun, Okinawa

GPS Coordinates: 26.3960554, 127.74427719999994

Directions: From Kadena Gate 1 turn right onto Hwy 58 follow for  11 KM; turn left onto Hwy 12 (new road GPS may not recognize). Take to the very end, then turn left on Hwy 6. Smoooth is on the right before the Marudi Grocery.

CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY

As much as I absolutely love Japanese food (and trust me, I really do), sometimes all I fancy is a good old burger. Happily, Jet City Burgers has this and more. Nestled in Depot Island, American Village, it’s a must visit for lovers of American and Mexican cuisine.

Jetta Burger Market is a Cantina-style joint, with a fully stocked bar. I love the style; it’s got an industrial feel, but with elements of Mexico threaded through, giving it both warmth and colour. Staff are friendly, and most speak good English. There’s also English on all menus, helpful if you don’t speak Japanese!

The good stuff. Food. In short, it’s great. They have burgers, tacos, burritos, and that all time Okinawa speciality, taco rice. You can buy most things in sets with drinks and fries, making it good value too. I am a particular fan of their Daytona burger, and of course, the taco rice.

You get a generous portion, it’s all ultra fresh, and it’s delicious. If you love avocado, you’re in luck! It’s included in a lot of dishes here. Still peckish? Treat yourself to one of the side dishes (cheesy fries are the best!) or save room for an indulgent dessert.

As far as drinks go, they have a ridiculously generous selection. Soft, fruit, alcoholic, hot, and smoothies. Let me focus on that last one a little. They’re awesome. Seriously. There’s a set you can buy which includes a burger, fries, and smoothie, so give one a go! I adore the matcha one. It has caramel in it. Caramel! It’s a real winner. If you aren’t a keen matcha connoisseur, that’s okay! Give one of the fruity options a try instead. The blueberry is crisp and refreshing, and for the sweet toothed amongst you I can recommend the banana! It totally counts as one of your five a day.

If you’re looking for something a little more adult, the bar has you covered. Wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails. I love cocktails, and the selection here isn’t half bad. Pair your tacos with a tequila based mix, or keep it classy with a rum blend. Feeling adventurous? They have habu sake on hand.

This is a great place for groups. They have an outside (covered, so it’s still good during rainy season) and inside seating area, with plenty of space for crowds. I would say mostly geared towards adults, but children are very welcome too, and there’s a little menu to accommodate little appetites. It’s on the second story, so not overly stroller friendly, and sadly not good for wheelchair users or the mobility impaired.

Price wise, I’d say it’s midrange. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. If you are wanting drinks, I’d budget around 2,000-3,000 yen per person. Taking advantage of the set menus will help keep costs lower.

Do they have the best burgers on island? Why not give them a try and let us know!

Jetta Burger Market

Hours: 10:00 to 24:00

Phone: 098-989-5123

Website:  http://www.depot-island.com/en/shop/jetta-burger-market/

Address: Second floor, Distortion Fashion Bldg. 9-19 Mihama, Chatan Town

GPS Coordinates: 26.3162389, 127.7550039

Directions: Located in Depot Island in American Village

CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK

One of the first things you will discover when exploring off base on Okinawa is Blue Seal Ice Cream. They are located all over the island in many restaurants, grocery stores, malls, and sold at some of the tourist attractions.

We visited the location on 58 between Kadena and Camp Foster, located near the Mihama American Village entrance. This location is better known as the “Big Dip” Chatan Restaurant. What I liked about this location is the 1950’s ice cream parlor feeling you get when you walk in. The store has traditional parlor furniture, red seats and booths, black and white checkered floors and 1950’s style pictures depicting the history of the store. There on the walls you can see the photographs of the original store and sign that says “Big Dip”.

First, a little history about Blue Seal before we dive into all the flavors you can choose… Blue Seal was born in America but raised in Okinawa in 1948. Originally the company, Foremost, established a factory on a military base to supply the troops with dairy products. The products were a commodity and only available inside the base. In 1963 the company moved off base and in 1976 Foremost became Blue Seal. More detailed history can be found here: History of Blue Seal

THE GOOD STUFF:

You can’t miss this building it has a huge neon ice cream cone front with the words “Okinawa Ice Cream”.   We of course stopped for ice cream only, so let’s dive in with how many flavors are available. If I counted correctly there were 26ish flavors ranging from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coconut, mango, and many more… but my favorite is the Okinawan salt cookie!

They also have soft serve ice cream in basic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, mango, beni-imo (named for the purple potato) and bana-pa-co. Want to mix it up? Order a swirl of those flavors. If you didn’t get enough ice cream while visiting Big Dip, they have a freezer full of flavors you can take home too. Other sweet treats like donuts are also available, along with some Blue Seal gifts.

Not in the mood for ice cream? The Big Dip also serves a variety of food for lunch and dinner. Those items include a large selection of pasta, as well as burgers, fries and hot dogs. I hear the Okinawa Taco Dog is very popular and I must return to try!

If you have not visited a Blue Seal yet I say stop what you’re doing and take the kids/family out for dinner and dessert!

Blue Seal Ice Cream

The following info is for the Chatan location:

Payment: Yen and Credit Cards are accepted

Phone: 098-936-9659

Hours: 10:00 – 25:00

Last call for Burger 24:00

Fries and parfait 24:30

Address: 1-5-8 Chatan-town Okinawa

GPS Coordinates: 26.3133725, 127.76092310000001

Directions: Located off Hwy 58 between Kadena Gate 1 and Camp Foster. Look for the big neon Ice Cream Cone.   If you are traveling from Kadena look for the Starbucks. If coming from Foster it will be on your left turn into the parking lot there is auto store ( AutoBacs) next to the Big Dip. There is parking in the back.

Other Locations

Editor’s Note: Cafe Yabusachi was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 7, 2007; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published July 1, 2016.

CONTRIBUTED BY DONNA MACK

Cafe Yabusachi is located in the southern portion of Okinawa overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a place full of stories, legends and beginnings. Cafe Yabusachi is is surrounded by the blue sea and the sky, and is a great place to have lunch, tea or a wedding reception. My family and I have not explored much in the southeast area of Okinawa so we were so excited to go try a new cafe and explore the area.

Cafe Yabusachi is in Hyakuna area of southern Okinawa and the cafe’s name – Yabusachi – comes from “Yabusatu-utaki” which is one of the 7 sacred places of Okinawa and located near the cafe. It is believed this is the place where the goddess, Amamikiyo, the creator of deity, landed after descending from the “Land of Gods” and buried in her hands into the soil and plants to create the Ryuku Islands. The entire area where the cafe is located has long been called Yabusatsu no Urabaru and worshipped as a sacred place.

We decided to go and have lunch and upon arrival you are taken in immediately with the panoramic views of the ocean. This seems to be a very popular spot with the local Japanese; we were 5th in line at the time of opening at 11:00, however, we did not have to wait long before we were seated.   We were lucky enough to sit outside on the balcony overlooking the ocean. The cafe has a very clean, crisp decor with a modern atmosphere and the wall of windows draws your eye immediately to the view of the ocean.

The menu was in English and our staff was very accommodating. I ordered the white fish with a wine sauce, my son ordered the cream pasta with salmon and my husband enjoyed the hamburger steak. The dish my son ordered came with salmon but he doesn’t like fish so the staff was very nice about changing the dish and actually brought the salmon on the side as an appetizer for my husband and me.

The meals came as a set which included soup, drink and a salad bar. There are desserts and other drinks you can order off the menu. Our meals were reasonably priced varying from 1200.00 Yen to 1500.00 Yen. They only take Yen no credit card.

They also have a Tea Time from 3:00pm to sunset. If you are looking for a destination wedding, they do cater to wedding receptions and advertise birthday cakes. They offer a wedding reception package that you can customize. According to the cafe’s brochure they have 5 or 6 cakes available that are cooked daily but will take orders up to 3 days in advance.

Cafe Yabusachi also sells small items to include 35 Coffee; a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coffee is donated to the Coral Reproduction Project.

The drive to the cafe is really nice and there are many castle ruins, natural springs, shopping and beaches to stop at along the way.   We visited the ruins at Tamagusuku-jo site, Hyakuna Beach, Mirabu Beach, Ukinju-Hainju Springs, and the Kakinohana Springs.

I highly recommend taking a day and explore this beautiful section of the island.

Cafe Yabusachi

Website: http://yabusachi.com/
Facebook Page

Payment: Yen only

Phone: 098-949-1410

Hours: 11:00 a.m. until sunset, closed on Wednesday (open if it’s a holiday)

Address: 646-1, Hyakuna, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture 901-0603

GPS Coordinates: 26.1417584   127.7954698

Directions: This is not the fastest way, but the easiest way. Take the Expressway south and exit at the Nishihara Jct/Haebaru. After you pay the toll and exit, the expressway continues. Get off the expressway at Haebaru Minami IC. Turn right at the first stoplight onto Highway 507. After about 5 minutes of driving, the road curves to the right. Follow the street and take a left at the first stoplight to continue on Highway 507. Stay on Highway 507 all the way to the end. Highway 507 ends when it hits Highway 331. Turn LEFT onto Highway 331. Pass Route 17 and 48. After passing 48, you’ll still have to continue for another 3-5 minutes while seeing the ocean as you drive. After the second stoplight from 48 (no stoplight at this junction), start driving slowly. You’ll see the cream colored two story building with a crane painted on it on your right. Take a right into a driveway.

Plenty of parking available on site

CONTRIBUTED BY

My husband, mom, and I were traveling back from the aquarium on 58. It was dinner time so we were looking for somewhere to eat. My husband pulled into Nagumagai Restaurant. It smelled and looked really good! Unfortunately we didn’t eat there that night because its yen only.

A few nights later we drove back and had an amazing meal! I didn’t take any pictures to review that time, but we recently went back for the first time almost 2 years.

The staff is super friendly and they have a large menu. There is chair options, but most of the tables are traditional Japanese tables where you sit on the floor.

Its a unique experience and the food is super yummy and inexpensive. We spent 2,500 yen for three of us this most recent visit. It’s an inexpensive place with good food!

Nagumagai Restaurant

Menu: (click photos to enlarge)

Payment: Yen only

Address: 547, Yofuke Nago Okinawa Japan 905-0022

GPS Coordinates: 26.5753538, 127.98560509999993

Directions: From Foster go out Legion Gate and go straight through the light at 330. The next light make a right. The following light you will turn left onto the expressway and head towards Nago. Take the expressway all the way to the end. Drive 2.5 miles (you will pass the restaurant) and make a U-Turn. Nagumagai Restaurant will be on your left.

From Kadena go out Gate 2 and make a right onto 23. The next light make a right onto the expressway and head towards Nago. Take it all the way until the end. Drive 2.5 miles (you will pass the restaurant) and make a U-Turn. Nagumagi Restaurant will be on your left.

OPTION 2:  Take 58 all the way north. When you merge with the expressway follow above directions.

CONTRIBUTED BY “MAGNUS verMASTERNAK”

I ran out of propane on the 4th of July, so I rolled down the street for some soba. Great soba (recorded in this article by my wife on Okinawa Hai), but not really American Independence Day food. I was jonesing, so on the 5th of July I decided to go to H & S Burger in Onna. I’ve driven by the colorful building on highway 58 a number of times and have been looking forward to trying “Healthy and Smile” Burger.

H & S Burger is laid back and beachy, with burger and Hawaiian themed decor and kitschy little random knick-knacks everywhere. The owners played an instrumental sound track of classic and contemporary tunes. Its dining room has 4x tables with seating for 4 at each, 1x table with seating for 2, and a bar facing the front window of the shop with seating for 4.

H & S has a good burger selection, which is presented in a menu/photo album that is available in English. The owners also speak enough English. The menu includes: mushroom cheeseburger, teriyaki burger, avocado burger, Hawaiian burger, BLT burger, yokubari burger (with pineapple and fried egg), bleu cheese burger, meat & tofu mix burger, as well as taco rice and loco moco.

They offer a normal selection of soft drinks, as well as beer and awamori for 500 yen. Most of the burgers are just under 1000 yen, except for their superstar… the HEART ATTACK MURDER BURGER!  This monstrosity consists of 4 patties covered with cheese and costs 2315 yen.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued, but I thought of my 43-year old heart and thought better of ordering one.

I ordered the BLT burger. It came on a buttered and toasted sesame seed bun with a side of fries, which were like McDonald’s fries, although less crisp but nicely seasoned. I snapped a photo and started piling on some fries, because I’m from Pittsburgh and we do that. I took a bite and chewed slowly to really feel it out, and then proceeded to go ham on that burger. It was outstanding. Well-seasoned and tender, with meaty, smoky bacon and fresh toppings. Not huge but not small either.  My wife would be pretty full from eating one, but I could have eaten two… it was so good! I almost did order another one to go, but then I thought of the heart again. “Healthy & Smile” Burger… not healthy, but I did leave with a smile.

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H & S Burger, Onna

Payment: Yen only

Hours: Open daily from 11:30-9pm

Phone: +81 98 989 3538

Address: Japan, 〒904-0413 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District, Onna, Fuchaku, 53

GPS Coordinates:

Location: North of Moon Beach on 58 across the street from the ocean-front Sheraton resort. Parking is to the left of the building. The bathroom is outside.

Google Map Link

CONTRIBUTED BY ALLI M.

If you have ever to been to Bali, you will know the local cuisine is delicious! The dishes are similar to other southeast Asian foods, with selections of fried rice and curry, but using Balinese spices.

click photo to enlarge menu

Bali Noon Bali Moon offers a small selection of Balinese cuisine in a comfortable and clean atmosphere. It does feel like you are in a small resort restaurant, with pretty lanterns and decorative pillows done in a tasteful manner.

There are separate menus for lunch and dinner; lunch served noon-2:30pm and dinner served 6pm-10pm. The lunch menu has offers a smaller selection of their most popular dishes, with an average price of 1100 Yen.

For lunch I ordered the Nasi Goreng – Balinese fried rice with herbs and chicken. The food was flavorful, but the best part was the dessert! We ordered two desserts (we couldn’t resist). The Dadar Gulung – Balinese pancake roll stuffed with palm sugar and coconut was fantastic! We also tried the Black Rice Pudding, which was decent, but not as delicious as the rolled pancake.

You should check out Bali Noon Bali Moon! They are located in Plaza House Shopping Center off the 330 and take credit card and Yen. There is a large orange sign for the Shopping Center with several other restaurants and shops.

Bali Noon Bali Moon

Payment: Yen and Credit Card

Hours: Open Daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 6pm-10pm

Facebook

Phone: 098-933-1144

Address: ‪3-1-12 Kubota, Okinawa 904-0023, Okinawa Prefecture

GPS Coordinates: 26.3197637, 127.7940153

Directions: (from Camp Foster) Exit the Legion gate and turn Left on the 330. Follow this road up to where the Aeon mall is being built. Plaza House Shopping Center will be on the right hand side past the mall.

Directions: (from Kadena) Exit Gate 2 and make a right on the 330. Take the 330 down and you will see Plaza House Shopping Center on the left. It is before you hit the big Aeon mall.

CONTRIBUTED BY CASEY ANNIS

Pure peacefulness and serenity await you at this beautiful café in Onna village. I met a friend there for the first time the other day and was taken aback by the view as I walked into the café.

The café upstairs has a pottery store as well. It is a bit windy so I would recommend a ponytail for the ladies, or a hat. But the wind is so refreshing in this Okinawa heat. There is a basket by the café entrance with slippers to put on and a shelf to leave your shoes on. At first I thought this was a little odd, but it is actually relaxing while you enjoy a meal and the view.

The owners are a husband and wife team. The wife runs the restaurant upstairs, which has a limited menu with a few offerings such as pizza and taco rice. The husband runs a pottery studio downstairs. Some of the pottery he makes he also sells in the café. I found some really unique pieces with sea star sand in them that I had never seen before.

They ask that you call ahead for a pottery making reservation, but you will need a native speaker to call. Their classes range in price from 40-90 minutes and ¥1,600-¥3,000 yen depending on which type of pottery you want to make.

Once you step foot in the café you will fall in love with the calmness that envelops you as you stare at the beautiful blue sea. We were there from 12-2:00 and it was so serene I didn’t want to leave. I felt like we were eating at a resort hotel.

Menu Photos; click to enlarge

Doka Doka Café

Seasonal Hours of Operation
June-September: 11-8 (with the last order at 7)
October-May: 11-7 (with the last order at 6)
Closed on Sundays

Phone: 098-965-1666

Website: www.dokadoka.ti-da.net/

Address: 243-1 Maeganeku, Onna

GPS Coordinates: 26.445858, 127.807134

Directions: Take Hwy. 58 north and pass the Renaissance Hotel and Onna no Eki farmer’s market. Drive down and turn right onto the Hwy. 58 bypass road and take a left shortly after turning onto a side street going up a hill. You will see a wooden sign that says Doka Doka on it as you turn. Just up the hill Doka Doka is the first building on the left side. They have 2 parking areas; one with a few spaces is in front of the building and one down a sharp hill to the left side of the building.

CONTRIBUTED BY NAOMI K.

Tucked in the suburbs of Tengan, very close to Camp Courtney, you can find an adorable lunch spot down some narrow roads. Luckily they have a dirt parking field next door (left of restaurant). The place is marked by a friendly wooden cactus character on the side of the road.

As you walk in, there is a beautiful cactus garden along the walls, and there are even a few smaller cacti plants for sale.

They share a space with the hair salon (Laulea) but the first door opens to a nice air conditioned indoor spot with cozy décor. It is quite big, and perfect for large groups and on this particular day it was full of lots of local mothers and their children, so it is very child-friendly.

The set menus are huge with an assortment of appetizers. There are two sets, a soup set or a plate set. For the soup set, I chose was chicken curry soup which was bone in with a potato and a bell pepper and was quite delicious. The other option was a meat and onion soup. The soup option came with tiny portions of the following: a cracker with marmalade, penne pasta with tomato sauce, grilled eggplant with shiso, anchovies, kabocha pumpkin, pork in the center dish and a choice of rice or bread.

The side of salad had a pumpkin dressing over a bowl of cabbage. There was a tiny cup of kombucha (fermented tea) that tasted more like a fruity vinegar. For dessert it was a chiffon cake, light and fluffy with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Lunch set came with hot or cold, tea or coffee (self serve) and water all for ¥1200.

The other set is a plate set which was crispy chicken with a peanut sauce as a main course and came with many of the same appetizers (eggplant, kabocha, penne) a different salad, a chili sauce, and the same kombucha, same dessert and drink set. Both were ¥1200 each and filling but not too overwhelming.

They had lighter sets (soup, pizza) which I attempted to order but failed, as well as take out. You can get salad, carrots, penne, with a choice of pumpkin or chicken curry or meat onion soup for ¥700 or add the drink bar to make it and even ¥1000. It is a ¥100 cheaper for that one to be take out. The pizza included salad and pumpkin sides with an open faced pizza for ¥750. None of this is written on the English menu so it was a little difficult to figure out.

click menu photos to enlarge

Service was friendly and patient. They also had some smoothies and juice drinks and a child’s menu. They seemed to focus on healthy organic style food.

Green Mama Cafe

Payment: Yen

Hours: Open 11:00-16:00 (Wed-Sat); closed on Sun-Tues.

Phone: 098-923-0571

Website: tairaion.ti-da.net

Address: 〒904-2201 Okinawa-ken, Uruma-shi, Konbu

GPS Coordinates:  26.392465, 127.852210

Directions: Coming out of Courtney Towers housing gate, make a left on 224, cross the 75 and on the following light, make a sharp right by the community center. Make the second left before the bridge and take that long street until you see a 4 way intersection. Green Mama is on the left corner.

CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE KEIRN

Ever just crave a milkshake? Of course you do. Well let me tell you about something you’ve been missing out on all your life. Amazing, overboard, delicious and gourmet milkshakes all while taking in a beautiful ocean view easily accessible at the Seawall.

The Shack is a bar and grill which I can’t attest to but they are quickly becoming popular for these incredible shakes dubbed “Freak Shakes”. There are flavors like Peanut Butter Dream topped with waffles. Yes, waffles. Don’t knock it until you try it.

My husband got his fix with an Oreo Dream complete with a piece of cheesecake in it. Creamy… legit… cheesecake in a shake. Words can’t describe how delicious these are. They have six different shakes on the menu so there’s a good chance you’ll find your perfect fit. The pictured shakes are all the small size.

There were a few things we learned in our decadent indulgence at the Shack. At 1500 yen for a large and 900 yen for a small they are on the expensive side for a milkshake, but considering what you get the price seems justified. Secondly, they do not allow for substitutions or changes to their menu. You get what get.

They do have both an English and Japanese menu and we had no language barrier issues. We have gone twice and once had great service and then again not so great. It’s a bar, though, so we weren’t too discouraged and we got such a sugar high we didn’t care. It won’t keep us from coming back that’s for sure! We brought our children around sunset for shakes and there weren’t any issues with having your kids in a bar. I wouldn’t do it when it’s prime drinking time but it seemed completely age appropriate during the daylight hours. Get your Freak Shake on!

The Shack

Payment: Yen or Card

Phone: 081 98-926-0773

Website: theshacksfreakshake.wordpress.com

Hours:
Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday and Thursday 3pm-Midnight
Friday 3pm-1am
Saturday 1pm-1am
Sunday 1pm-8pm

Address: 2F, 1-655 Miyagi, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture 904-1113, Japan
Google Map

GPS Coordinates: 26.32709, 127.74538