This visit to Hokkaido is my third over a four-year span but the beautiful island never fails to fascinate me each time. Perhaps the different season and travel theme conspired to maintain that novelty feel. Indeed, Hokkaido has been so successful in establishing herself as a winter holiday destination that the notion winter is the best time to visit sticks in the mind of most visitors. But I beg to differ, the island has so much to offer to anyone and everyone all year round beyond the powdery snow of Niseko.

I hope this travelogue will trigger readers’ interest in some activities that can be enjoyed in summer, in particular, Eastern Hokkaido. Why Eastern Hokkaido, you might wonder? This non-touristy region is blessed with some of the most diverse seasonal beauty, the freshest food from the land and sea, hot springs that reinvigorate the bodies and a stupendous choice of attraction that will make you wish the clock stops ticking. And yes, Hokkaido is very photogenic, so do be reminded to bring more memory cards.

 A brief insight into Eastern Hokkaido

Hokkaido (literally “Northern Sea Circuit“) is Japan second largest island and northernmost prefecture. It is separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo.  Eastern Hokkaido is divided into different geographical regions, with each region differing slightly in culture and landscape but still uniquely Eastern Hokkaido. Some of the local hosts that I spoke with even identify themselves (humorously) as “Hokkaidians” rather than Japanese, apart from some local accent that distinguishes themselves from mainland Japan.

#01 – Beautiful Sceneries

Gorgeous sceneries abound in Hokkaido and you will be spoilt for choices of scenic spots. Some popular landmarks are more accessible while others will require experienced local guides to bring you as it may be their “secret” places off the beaten track.

Märchen no Oka (A fairytale hill) @ Memambetsu

Meruhen no Oka (meaning a fairytale hill) is one of the most popular landmarks you should not miss. Eye-catching artwork-like landscape with rows of cultivated farmland on the hillside and trees on the ridgeline beautifully transforming with the season, time of day as well as the different phase of the crops sprouting flowers at a different period.

Another part of the farm just steps away with meandering crops flanked by a roll of Japanese white birch trees. Certainly a lovely minder of Hokkaido summer colour. Come winter the area will be blanketed in snow with the landscape transforming into a monochromatic white.

Just a short seven to eight minutes drive away along the town road Asahi Minami no.10, this is another location featured in the renowned Akira Kurosawa classic film “Dreams”, like the Marchen No Oka venue earlier. If the movie name does not ring a bell, visiting these two places will surely arouse your curiosity in the dream-like movie.

Shiretoko Peninsula

At first glance, the flat and sparse brown-soil beach vista strikes a minimalist zen-like feel, till when you warm up to how this is like an artist palette, letting you put your creativity to the test. The beachscape changes with the tide, with certain areas forming a reflective surface that is ‘Instagrammable” as you seek the best angles.

Depending at various time of the day, the stream run-offs to the sea carve a picture that differs daily and by the tides flow. Just hope for nice clouds to enhance the effect.

You can make use of the different tones and textures for a unique feel. This is the location where tripod, neutral density and polarizer filters will be necessary.

#02 – Gorgeous National Parks

UNESCO World Heritage Site @ Shiretoko National Park

Naturally beautiful Shiretoko National Park is a must-visit for the gorgeous mountainscape and wildlife within the park. The UNESCO certified park will have you spellbound one way or another, like this reflective pond at the Five Lakes, a set of five small lakes formed long ago by the eruption of nearby Mount Io and fed by underground springs.

Apart from the three kilometres of regular nature trails that lead around the picturesque five lakes, the photogenic crafted elevated boardwalk itself is the perfect showcase of Japanese fine carpentry skill and attention to details.

Mt. Io and Akan Manshu National Park

Akan Mashu National Park is composed of two separate parts. The smaller, western portion contains Lake Akan with the lakeside hot spring resort of Akankohan Onsen. The larger, eastern part contains Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Iozan (Sulfur Mountain) and centrally located Kawayu Onsen.

Nice walking trails offer a pleasant easy hike around the mountain with the longest path (2.5 kilometres) leading to the visitor centre of nearby Kawayu Onsen. This flat, well-maintained route passes through acres of blossoming azaleas flowers and shrub amid white birch trees during summer are a real treat for the senses.

Mt. Iozan (literally “Sulfur Mountain”) is an active volcano. Iozan stands outside of the hot spring resort of Kawayu Onsen. The area with the volcanic activity is less than five minutes from the town centre by car. The ever-shifting wind will make this “hot steaming” site a joy to photograph. Just mind the sulphur smell in the air.

Its yellow, sulfurous ‘hissing” vents can be viewed from a close proximity. Eggs, cooked by the natural heat of the mountain, are usually on sale at the site visitor centre.

#03 – Exquisite Japanese Cuisine

The Japanese attention to details and aesthetics, especially to food, are itself an area for food photography. The interplay of colour, texture and ingredients are themselves works of art. The best thing you do is get a table near a window for the best natural lighting.

The inclusion of human elements into food photography will spice up the composition. Just don’t take too long to compose and shoot, it’s simply irresistible.

Go close and frame it tight. The photographic philosophy that “less is more” certainly applies to better food photography.

The best part of food photography is that you get to eat it too. Nourishment for the eyes and stomach indeed.

#04 – Superb Activities That Excite

Fish Market Auction @ Rausu Seafood Market

Enjoy “intense” fish auctioning at the Rausu Wholesale Fish Market. While not on the same scale as the renowned Tsukiji in Tokyo, this auction is more accessible and time-friendly as you don’t need to wake up at 1 am and fight for limited visitation slots.

A cultural experience as well as “street photography” opportunity. Generally, in Japan, it’s not recommended to take pictures of people without asking for permission. But in this case, the auctioneer and fish buyers are in deep concentration and oblivious to the surrounding. Just take note not to obstruct their business in any way.

Engaging a licensed guide is the only option for an informative and enjoyable session at the market.

A great opportunity to see and take pictures of seafood that may not be available in our home country.

Cherry Salmon Run @ Sharigawa River

Spectacular nature comes alive with the annual salmon run between July and September at various rivers in Hokkaido. The returning Cherry Salmon at the beautiful Sharigawa River in Kiyosato offers an exciting opportunity for photographers to test their skills at capturing the salmon that struggle to swim upstream.

Photographers shooting the Salmon Run for the first time will need to harness their observation prowess in getting higher keeper rate in their pictures. The shoot will undoubtedly reaffirm the skills and technique you learnt so far.

The perseverance and the relentless spirit of returning salmon as they fought against the torrent river to spawn at their birthplace are something that never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Such steadfastness in adversity and going against all odds are qualities we human beings can learn from them.

Scores of local and overseas photographers recording the “natural documentary” happening right in front of them. Video of the event can be seen in this travelogue video at the start of the article.

Blakiston’s Fish Owl Photography @ Washi no Yado 

This is one of Hokkaido most popular bird photography venue. The owner of the lodge has perfected the creation of a natural hunting ambience necessary for the resident owls which have been coming back for decades. Blakiston Fish Owl is the largest owl in the world and is a rare species. There is an estimated only 100 in Hokkaido, so photographing them is certainly a milestone in any photographers’ portfolio.

They are efficient and deadly hunters, searching out their food by sight and sound during the night when they prey on small mammals, reptiles, birds and large invertebrates.

The strobe lights at the venue have been calibrated to give the perfect exposure at 1/80, F4, ISo3200. No flashlight is allowed or tolerated. Lens focal length recommended to be used is between 300-400mm. Any longer lens will see parts of the owl’s wings as it stretches out its wings to take flight.

The photographers shooting gallery, non-residential guests pay about USD35 person per session to shoot from here as well as from a disused bus shell, customized as a shooting hideout.

The Ethereal Lake Kussharo

Lake Kussharo is a beautiful caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. With a circumference of 57 kilometres, it is the park’s largest lake. In winter, the lake freezes over and one of the highlights is the migratory Whooper Swans that fly in all the way from Russia. Out of winter, the lake takes on another facade with anglers fishing and kayakers on the lake.

The lake is also renowned for surreal mist and cloudscape at the different time of day and season. In summer, if you are lucky, you get to see pinkish mist as it catches the setting sun.

The lake also has several trees that are exceptionally photogenic. It may not be as iconic or widely photographed as the Lake Wanaka Tree in South Island (New Zealand), it nonetheless lends an aesthetic feel to the lake.

#05 – Rediscover Monochromatic Photography

Many spots around Eastern Hokkaido lend themselves to monochromatic interpretation, transforming scenic spots to “art pieces”.

A pair of “loving trees” by the Lake Kussharo. One scene, many ways of conveying various mood.

Just a typical farmer plot of land in the early morning as the soil releases mist in the heat of the rising sun, making the scene surreal.

A stream along the many bridges in the region lends itself to be transformed the way you want, how you want it.

The mist that shroud certain areas renders a zen-like feel that acquits itself to black and white rendition naturally, without the need for desaturation using editing software. Eastern Hokkaido has all this and more.

#06 – Superb Wildlife Islandwide

Eastern Hokkaido is renowned for abundant wildlife. So you can be assured of encounters with a variety of wild animals. You just need a sharp-eyed nature guide to assist in the spotting and be ready when the opportunity presents itself. Like the White-tailed Eagle, we spotted when driving along the highway.

Watch out for raptors like the kite we spotted at a harbour along the Kunsahiri National Highway. Many mistaken kites for eagles as they look somewhat similar. Apart from slightly smaller size, their black beak will differentiate them from eagles’ yellow beak.

Ezo Red Foxes (Kitsune) sightings are especially common when driving through natural or mountainous areas. The foxes have fluffy and cute winter coats with “cunning” eyes that make them a favourable subject among photographers. The challenge is photographing them with an unusual facial expression like when they yawning or “smiling” with eyes closed.

Like Ezo Red Foxes, Sika deer frequently appear all over the island in increasing numbers. In fact, the population boom resulted in the local movement to cull the deer as they negatively impacted the vegetation apart from creating more accidents on the road.  But they are still a nice subject to photograph among the lush Hokkaido landscape.

Red-crowned cranes breed only in Japan and are a precious nationwide-protected species.  They’re the largest bird in Japan at 2.4m when they spread their wings. In kanji, red-crowned crane (“tancho”) is written “丹頂.” The 丹 means “red” and the 頂 means “top of the head.” It is said this is where the bird’s name comes from. Red-crowned cranes live in Hokkaido year-round. We were pleased to spot this family of Tanchos in the Kushiro Marshland, which is their key habitat.

#07 – Stargazing and astrophotography

Hokkaido light pollution is low and this facilitates stargazing and astrophotography. Depending on the season, cloud cover and the moon phase, enjoying the galaxies has never been easier.

Hokkaido northerly location meant that shooting star trails with the Polaris higher up in the skies give concentric rings trails, compared with that at the equator, which sees the north star close to the horizon which results in ‘half circle’ trails.

#08 – Nature Immersion

The highlight of any nature photography trip has to be at the Hickory Wind Wilderness Lodge, founded and managed by internationally renowned nature photographer Makoto Ando. His strategically located nature lodge will have visitors swearing to return time after time for unique and memorable experiences.

The lodge activity centre which is a hub for the creative souls. Makoto Ando is also a veritable musician apart from his many accolades.

Ando-san is also a “slow food” practitioner.  Slow food promotes local food and traditional cooking. It strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages farming of plants, seeds, and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem. In short, guests staying at the lodge are rewarded with a culinary experience quite unlike anywhere else.

The laid-back country-side vibes of staying at the lodge are an experience that any visitors will savour. The high percentage of returning guests are the best testimony.

The protected marshland at Cape Kirakotan. The name originates from the time when the Kushiro Marsh was ocean and Kirakotan was a cape. Situated at the innermost point of the Kushiro Marsh, you get to savour serene marsh landscape and even drink spring water seeping from the hill. Designated as a National Natural Monument, the park is only accessible on foot and is a 5 km round trip from the car park. Entry is permitted only with licensed guides and Ano-san is one of them.

Ando-san sharing his valuable photographic tips to me. To be able to pick up precious knowledge from the master photographer is my personal highlights of the photo trip.

A picture of the oaks trees in the national park before Ando-san shared his tip. See the result below.

After a quick demonstration, I realised what a quick vertical panning can do to the otherwise “normal and mundane” scenery.

Likewise, I used the technique on the reeds at the bank of the stream, instantly imparting a dreamlike and “artsy” feel to the picture.

Conclusion

The travelogue is just skimming at the surface to what Eastern Hokkaido can offer to photographers during summer. Our trip was just five short days that was showcased a little what the region is blessed with. A trip to the beautiful island will definitely refresh and reinvigorate any shutterbugs’ sense of aesthetics and the valued opportunities to capture them. And one trip will never be enough.  For my other trips to Japan, please feel free to have a peek here. Much appreciation for coming along the pixels journey.

Footnote: All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and all rights reserved. The opinion expressed is factual, objective and that of the author. The trip is sponsored by Hokkaido Tourism Board and organised by Nippon Travel Agency. 

The post Eight Reasons Why Eastern Hokkaido Should Be Your Next Photography Destination appeared first on Jensen Chua Photography.

This blog is a continuation of my earlier Okinawa travelogue which detailed the highlights from my coastal phase of the road trip and marks the transition from the relaxing beachside and laidback ambience of the northern part of the island to the hustle-bustle of Naha city in the south. These itineraries flow from the north to south is the ideal way to go as the airport is located at Naha in the south. Starting a vacation from the south and ending in the north would mean long drive back to the city on departure day. Certainly not an ideal flow if I might add. Likewise, most of the shopping is done in the city and the items you see in the north are usually available in the city. So an ideal Okinawa vacation would be to proceed straight to the north upon arrival (that is if enjoying the lovely seaside is part of your plan) and enjoy the island in a southerly route.

Day 4

Cape Manzamo  

A quick family shot before the hordes of local students swarms the place. Can you see the busloads of them at the back?

The floral and fauna of the park is all natural vegetation. It’s a public park with no entry fee. But as the park is a popular venue, I would advise going early about 8-830am to avoid the peak hour tourist traffic at between 10-11am, when many arriving tourist buses can jam up the narrow lanes leading to the park.

Mihama American Village 

After about an hour drive from Cape Manzamo, we arrived at the Mihama American Village (Tel: 98-926-5678). The venue is a large entertainment complex located in central Okinawa Honto, where many American military bases are located. The American themed recreational complexes provide a nostalgic venue for residents of the bases as well as an interesting diversion for the locals. You will find it resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and large parking lots.

The A&W Ebi Burger with full-sized crunchy shrimps inside! You just have to try it. And of course with the Root Beer Float.

This is the spot which I feel best summarises the village – Ferris Wheel and the A&W fast food outlet. We only stay here for about an hour as our mind was more centred on reaching Naha city for the famed Kokusai Street and check into our hotel.

Something caught my eyes – the frequent American military aircraft in the skies. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma or MCAS Futenma is a United States Marine Corps base located in Ginowan, 9.3 km northeast of Naha. It is home to about 3,000 Marines of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and other units and has been a U.S. military airbase since the defeat of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Marine Corps pilots and aircrew are assigned to the base for training and providing air support to other land and sea-based Marines in Okinawa and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Community and Spa Naha Central Hotel

Our hotel, Community and Spa Naha Central Hotel (Tel. no: 98-867-3466) was perfect for its proximity to the famous Kokusai Street, at just about 2 minutes walk away. It’s also one of the few hotels in the vicinity that offer the quad-share family room. We were housed in the hotel new wing which has facilities like secured card-access lifts, automated WC with seat warmer, WiFi and even an ionizer in the room. I must admit the hotel name sounded weird at first impression but once we checked in, it feels homely and sufficient for good night rest. Travel time to the airport from this hotel is just 15 minutes by taxi (about 1300¥/S$16).

The hotel room was small as typical of most city hotels. What the room lack in size, they excel in space management, like the washbasin which is located outside the bathroom. This frees up usage when the bathroom is being used.

The bathroom is very functional and well spaced. I must say I had one of my best rain-shower experience in this self-contained bath cubicle. For onsen session, the hotel is attached to Okinawa’s largest hot spring/public bath Rikkarikkayu, which hotel guest pays a fee of 1000¥ (S$12) each. The public rate is 1400¥ for an adult.

Kokusaidori Street

Kokusaidori (literally means “International Road”) is Naha‘s main street, stretching for roughly 1.5 kilometres through downtown Naha. The street takes its name from the former “Ernie Pyle International Theater”, a movie theatre that was built along the road after the war.

Starting around the Naha Bus Terminal and Prefectural Hall, Kokusaidori is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, boutiques and department stores. Many shops open from 9.30 am onwards till 11 pm. This is the venue where shopaholics will go wild. A good starting point would be to venture into the colourful Heiwadori, which is opposite the McDonalds outlet. The shops in the arcade are smaller than those along Kokusaidori and are often made up of just a small booth and a single shop owner. Makishi public market is located in one of the alleyways, which offers unique Okinawa food including pigs face skin, pigs ears, seaweed, sea grapes and fresh seafood.

Sensory overload with hordes of items competing for your eyes and wallet. Many of the shops carry similar products so it’s advisable to check out the prices before buying. Some of the shops have tax-free transaction but you need to bring your original passport to qualify for the sales tax refund.

Get lost in the many turns and alleys? No worries, use the floor directory tiles as orientation guide.

A typical stall at the arcade. Sometimes, I can’t figure out what the stalls are selling as the displays are just so mind blogging. Wish I studied the Japanese language.

One souvenir you will see practically everywhere in the market is the Shisa, a traditional cultural artefact decoration often seen in identical pairs resembling a cross between a lion and a dog from Okinawan mythology. Shisa are guards, believed to shield people from some evils. Locals place pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses with the left shisa having closed mouth while the right one with an opened mouth. The opened mouth traditionally wards off evil spirits and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Lots of choices and lots of stalls at the Makishi Public Market. Choosing the right stall can be difficult but usually, the brightest and most crowded stall wins. Prices are controlled and fairly even throughout the fish market with clearly marked prices.

Fresh and tempting for seafood lovers. The price is not cheap but not costly either. Okinawa being an island has a long established maritime and fishery history.

At 1000¥ (S$12) for this platter, my wife said it was not really that fresh as we had it late in the afternoon. Perhaps it will be better in the morning? But we visit the market early at 9 am the next day, it was only just starting to commence business.  Ideally go from 10 am onwards.

I am not quite a sashimi eater, so it’s pork rib ramen for me. Wide variety on the menu at the eateries.

One of the many eateries on the 2nd floor of the fish market. You can get them to cook your raw seafood purchased from the wet market (about 500¥ for up to three items) or order from their wide range of menu items.

You will see plenty of Kei or K-car (or kei jidōsha “light automobile”) on Okinawa roads. This is a category of small vehicles including passenger cars, microvans and pickup trucks (kei trucks or kei-class trucks). They are designed to comply with Japanese government tax and insurance regulations and in most rural areas are exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for such vehicle.

You will see the Smartphone culture have likewise “taken” over people’s lifes at Okinawa. It’s a worldwide phenomenon.

At night, the street takes on a new life and ambience. It might not have the vibrancy of Tokyo night scene but it’s still nonetheless pretty lively and exciting.

Naha city takes on a new vibe at night. This was shot at the Kokusai Okiei Odori junction (near the Starbucks cafe).

We settled for dinner at Ajinotokeidai Ramen to further our love for local cuisine. There are so many ramen restaurants at Kokusai that we feel they are all good as we have not been disappointed in any of those we dined in yet.

Automated ramen ordering machine. Select the dish first, pay, get the receipt and hand over to the service staff then seat down for your order to be served. You will like the wide range of choices on the menu. Seems this is like an accounting machine and waiter rolled into one.

A shop along Kokusai Street. What are they selling?

The Yukisio outlet along Kokusai (actually quite a few branches along Kokusai Street). There is also the popular Blue Seal Ice Cream. Okinawans certainly love their ice creams!

Yukisio Salty ice cream. The sea salt flavoured ice cream in the cup comes with a bit of corn flakes underneath. If you like milky ice cream, you should try it.  They have 10 different flavours of salt for you to choose from, including purple sweet potato, green tea, coconut, yuzu (citrus fruit), etc.

Day 5

Ashibinaa Outlets Mall 

We started day 5 to satiate my wife’s penchant for shopping. And what better way to do it than at Ashibinaa (Tel. no:  98-891-6000). This outlet mall in Okinawa opened in 2002 and it’s very popular for both locals and tourists. It is easily accessed with 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.

“Ashibinaa” means “Playground” in Okinawa dialect. This outlet mall is also great for a family with kids because there are stores and events for kids. It’s especially crowded during weekends and the evenings. We arrived at about late morning which saw us having the run of the place.

With more than 100 well-known domestic and international brand stores and lower priced than usual (approximately 30% to 50% off the regular price). Parking is free at the venue and there are also many restaurants and souvenir stores. I would recommend dropping by this venue towards the end of the vacation to avoid carrying loads of parcels.

Planes spotting at Senaga 

Just a short 15min drive from the Ashibinaa Mall, I stumbled upon a great plane spotting venue at Senaga, when I saw a JASDF F15J warplane landing. The Naha civilian airport is also home to Naha Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. For plane enthusiasts, this is a choice venue to enjoy watching planes as they whizzed close by. For solely military aircraft, the Futenma Air Base is about 45min drive away from Naha Airport.

Commercial airliners taxiing at Naha Airport to prepare for take-off.

A JASDF mid-air refueler – KC767, spotted at the Outlet mall coming in to land at Naha Airport. It was quite an experience to observe military aircraft sharing the same runway with civilian airport.

A Peach Airbus A320-214. Peach is a low-cost airline based in Japan, like Jetstar or Airasia.

Shuri Castle 

From Senaga, it was just an easy 35min drive to Shuri Castle (or 首里城, Shurijō – Tel:  98-886-2020). An iconic landmark that should not be missed. The castle is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites. Shuri Castle was originally built in the late 1300s and played a pivotal role in the political unification of the island. Wars and fires destroyed the castle multiple times over the centuries, most recently in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The current buildings are faithful reconstructions dating from 1992.

The castle main hall is currently undergoing lacquer recoating work, which lasts from April 2017 to late 2018 and is partially covered by scaffolding. As such, we chose not to pay the 820¥ (S$10) entry fee as there is already plenty to see around the castle free area.

View of surrounding area of the city from the castle vantage point. The castle’s hilltop location allows for nice views over Naha.

The castle perimeter courtyard. Imagine soldiers training and marching in the open space during the warring period.

A castle staff in traditional Ryukyu costume waiting to pose for pictures with visitors, for a fee. Costumes are also provided for visitors to look like royalty.

Night @Kokusaidori 

When staying at Naha, one of the highlights is the street scene at Kokusai Street, particularly after dark when the street gets livelier. It’s interesting to observe both human and vehicular traffic. And I must say this is a very law-abiding society making travel to this city a safe affair.

At late evening, I was still able to see a “Sararīman”- salaried man. Refers to a man whose income is salary based, particularly those working for corporations. It has gradually become accepted in English-speaking countries as a noun for a Japanese white-collar worker or businessman. Definitely pushing late hours here.

Peak hours traffic at Kokusaidori. But in spite of the heavy traffic, the jam clears in a brisk manner and no car sounded their horn.

You may come across the Street Go-Kart Tour “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting” when strolling along the main street.  It is a fun way to see Okinawa and feel like a celebrity as many eyes will be on you. Certainly, an activity especially for younger couples to consider if you want to spice up your Okinawa holiday fun factor.

Yes, your eyes are not playing a trick on you. This a Tuk-Tuk imported from Bangkok. Okinawa Tuk Tuk Co., Ltd has 17 units for rental by locals or foreign tourists at 3,758¥ for 1-hour rental.

Beef and Agu Pork at Kaimana Rooftop Bar and Grill 

As our vacation was drawing to its final phase, we decided to pamper ourselves with the renowned local Ishigaki Beef and Agu Pork at the Kaimana Rooftop Bar and Grill (Tel.no-098-866-6788), having seen their advertisement at the street level. Just a short stroll from our hotel and we are in meat heaven, yakiniku-style.

Ishigaki beef – a finely marbled and tender type of Okinawan beef. Excellent texture and pleasant aftertaste. Ishigaki beef is one of a Wagyu “brand”. There is about 139 Wagyu variety across Japan (concentrated in southern Japan). Wagyu means Japanese beef. Wa=Japan and Gyu=beef. Definition of Wagyu is the cow those of which born and raised in Japan. Wagyu have to come from Wagyu cow with 100% Wagyu parents and have to be grown in Japan.

The Agu Pork, excellent local-grown pork. Okinawa has one of the highest consumption of pork. There are many brands of pork but this native black pig of Okinawa is the most popular.  People call this pork “phantom pork” because there is so few Agu pork exist which received the quality guarantee. The texture of the meat is tender, rich and has a perfect balance of meat and fat. There are many dishes with Agu pork and they are served all over Okinawa.

Day 6 

Okinawa World 

Our final day of vacation before departing on the early flight the following day, saw us visiting Okinawa World (Tel.no: 98-949-7421). I am not quite a theme park person but having visited this venue, I must admit I did enjoy the experience. The park is about Okinawan culture with its main attractions being a massive natural cave, a craft village and a snake museum. But we only chose to visit the natural cave and craft village.

A ‘customary’ shot at the park entrance to prove we were there. Just for keepsake memories.

The limestone caves were spectacular. I have visited caves at Halong Bay in Vietnam and Kelly’s and Jenolan Caves in Australia but this cave holds its own. With a total length of 5 km, Gyokusendo Cave is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa Island and the second longest cave in the entire country. 850 meters of the cave is open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The cave interior is warm and humid at 21° C, well lit and maintained and with easy non-slip walking paths.

The theme park was a cool and balmy 15’C but once inside the cave, spectacles or camera lenses fogged up in the humid warm 21’C. It took about 6-7 mins before the glasses acclimatized. You will love the amazing “blue” stream, which is crystal clear stream lighted by blue lights installed under water.

Spotted an eel, one of several, in the crystal clear stream. There’s also indigenous shrimps and fish. Wonder how they get there in the 1st place?

My ‘kokuto kori zenzai’ being prepared. It is a dessert with shaved ice topped with red beans, mochi and dusted with brown sugar shavings. At 350¥ (S$4.20), you feel like a tourist indeed.

‘Kokuto kori zenzai’ shaved ice with brown sugar, sweet beans and syrup. At 350¥ (S$4.20), it’s tourist-oriented price. In the city, it’s about 300¥ for the same thing.

This is Habu sake. Habu (波布) is a Japanese name used to refer to certain venomous snakes. The snake is said to be able to survive with only water for more than 100 days. The habu snake is carefully treated and the extract is stored and aged for a long time in 59% alcohol and then combined with 13 fragrant herbal liquors. Prices of the infusion vary depending on the size. The most expensive pick at around 130,000 ¥ (S$1854). Cheaper choices are priced about S$100 onwards depending on the content volume and concentration.

A couple of musical instrument artisans enjoying some free time at the park. They play the Sanshin – Okinawan three-stringed lute when paid by visitors.

Master glass artist at work. The story of glass craft is a story of war, hardship and rebirth. The island and its manufacturing were largely destroyed during World War II. Most Okinawans were either displaced or killed in the fighting. The craftspeople who returned to rebuild often found little more than rubble and were forced to make use of whatever materials were available. As the stories go, Okinawans started collecting the bottles discarded by occupying U.S. troops. Some say it was Coca-Cola bottles tossed from ships though it’s just as likely the island’s large number of military bases also produced a constant stream of discarded glass containers. The bottles were melted down and re-blown into a unique type of recycled glassware. Locally made glass caught on quickly with U.S. servicemembers, who bought them as shipboard storage containers or souvenirs which in turn cultivated a base for the new industry. Through the ages, it has been refined and blossomed into one of the island’s proudest traditions. The local craft is now a magnet for visitors worldwide. 

Feel the heat from the furnace. Volcano hot? The melting point of glass is 1350-1700’C. Really, really hot!

Genuine pearl for accessories. The park offers authentic cultured pearl extraction for customizing into accessories like handphone lanyard, earring, etc.

Stall artisan crafting our accessories order.

Having fun with the stilts and balancing clogs. Looks deceptively easy but is really difficult.

Eisa dancer at the end of vibrant and heroic traditional performance. Eisa is traditionally performed during Obon in Okinawa and surrounding islands. This scheduled Eisa performing art show is a must-see attraction. We were treated to various traditional performances of Okinawa, including Shishimai lion dance, Angama, Yotsudake. But NO video or pic-taking was allowed during the dance.

Visitors are invited to do the Bon Odori dance after the performance. Nice way to wrap up the occasion.

Cafe Yuu Yuura San 

After exiting Okinawa World and rather than dining at the park touristy food outlets, we took a 5 min drive to Cafe Yu Yuura San (Tel.no: 98-948-4058). A cosy little cafe run by a couple. Good food at reasonable cost.

The cosy interior of the cafe is ideal for ‘instagrammable” pictures. The eatery overlooks a big sugarcane plantation.

The stir-fried Agu pork dish was spot-on. Just 800¥ (S$9.70) and includes rice and soup.

My order of fusion bento box was pretty too. 800¥ (S$9.70) It was certainly a great price for such a meal.

Teppanyaki dinner at Sam’s Sailor 

Our last meal in the evening at Kokusai Street, teppan-yaki at Sam’s Sailor Inn (Tel. no:98-918-0808), along Kokusaidori, near the Starbucks cafe. I believe that’s the restaurant owner Sam himself. He even speaks a bit of Hokkien! The chain of restaurants are designed with a ship theme and came highly rated for their dining experience. 

Our Okinawa Beef session coming soon. Diners are provided with bibs to minimise the oil splatter on their clothing. One of the highlights of this restaurant is the chef’s performance during cooking as they flip and throw their cooking utensils as they prepare your dishes.

Always a nice feeling to see your food being prepared right in front of you. The “volcano” fried rice is a nice option to have in the menu packages.

Conclusion 

This blog concludes my 2-parts Okinawa self-drive travelogue. Having enjoyed this Japan’s equivalent of Hawaii truly reminded me not to succumb to the preconceived impression of places which may not be accurate. The beautiful island of Okinawa certainly warrants future visits as there many other gorgeous islands waiting to be discovered.

Many sincere thanks for coming along my pixels journey.  Should any readers be keen to go on a similar self-drive trip in the future, please feel free to drop me a message or check out Jetabout Holidays package HERE!

Footnote: All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and all rights reserved. The opinion expressed is factual, objective and that of the author. The trip is non-sponsored.

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