Okinawa: Exploring History, Shopping, and Quick Tips (Part II)

Travel Date: 2024/08/11 - 2024/08/14

Instead of the usual flight or ferry, we decided to embark on a less conventional adventure - cruising to Japan. Our journey took us to the vibrant streets of Naha City in Okinawa and the serene beauty of Ishigaki Island. Over the course of three nights and four days, we experienced the unique blend of relaxation and exploration that cruising offers. But as we soon discovered, this mode of travel comes with its own set of surprises.

Join me on a whirlwind 4-day, 3-night cruise to Japan’s serene Okinawa Prefecture, where the reality of just a few hours on land brought both memorable experiences and unique challenges. From the historic Shuri Castle in Okinawa to the tranquil yet limited offerings of Ishigaki Island, I navigated quiet streets, savored fresh sushi, and tackled the quirks of limited time ashore. These posts recount the highlights of our brief land excursions, the nostalgic charm of older taxis, the unexpected challenges of finding food, and the joys of traveling with family. Despite the short visits, each day unfolded with new discoveries that made the journey truly unforgettable.

Okinawa (沖縄本島)

Exploring the streets of Okinawa was a surprisingly peaceful experience. The quiet roads, with very few scooters, made crossing the streets a breeze. It was a nice change from Taiwan, where I often feel like I'm taking a risk just crossing the road—sorry, Taiwan, but that’s the truth! We even had a chance to pet a friendly Japanese cat.

We had hoped to visit a fish market, but it was closing at 5 PM. If we had gone straight there from the cruise, we wouldn’t have had time to see anything else. I'm sure the fish would have been an amazing treat, but we decided to explore other places instead.

Shopping at MaxValu: A Taste of Okinawa

After our visit to Shuri Castle, we headed to MaxValu, a popular supermarket chain in Okinawa. It reminded me a lot of PX Mart in Taiwan, but with its own unique offerings. The highlight of our shopping trip was the sushi—fresh, sweet, and far superior to what I've had at Costco or RT Mart in Taiwan. The quiet streets and relaxed atmosphere made the shopping experience even more enjoyable.

There was a wide range of products, including many sweets, but I was on the lookout for unique flavors. Aside from a variety of strawberry options, I didn’t find anything particularly different. We regretted not buying more, especially since Ishigaki Island offered fewer shopping opportunities. So, if you’re in Okinawa, I suggest stocking up on sweets unless you’re specifically after typical gift packages.
Japan definitely offers a much wider variety of dairy products compared to Taiwan. The selection of yogurt and cheese was more abundant than what I'm used to seeing.

One special dessert caught my eye. According to the description, it’s often used as an offering on altars. It's made from rice, soybeans, and sugar, shaped into a lotus flower, and comes in a variety of colors. We also noticed some local cookies made from purple sweet potatoes, but we didn’t try them, so I can’t say if they’re worth the price.

One thing that stood out was how affordable juice is in Okinawa compared to Taiwan. If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend picking some up—it’s delicious and reasonably priced.
The payment machines in Japan are also quite different from what I'm used to.

Quick Tips & Final Thoughts

Okinawa is well-equipped for tourists, with free public toilets available throughout the island—a convenience that’s much appreciated, especially when you’re short on time. For those with more time, the Yui Rail is a fantastic option for getting around. A one-day pass costs 800 yen, and children up to 12 years old can travel for free. Unfortunately, our tight schedule didn’t allow us to try it, but it’s something I’d recommend for future visits.

Although our time on Okinawa Island was brief, it was packed with memorable moments. From the historical significance of Shuri Castle to the delightful shopping experience at MaxValu, there’s so much to enjoy, even in just a few hours.

After our shopping, we made a quick stop by the beach to enjoy our sushi before heading back to the cruise ship. We returned just in time for dinner, and while the ship offered plenty of entertainment options like a disco and shows, the lack of internet after 10 PM left us with few options to unwind. Traveling with a child also posed its challenges, limiting our ability to fully enjoy the onboard activities. The cruise itself offered various attractions, like a disco and shows, but at 10 PM, the ship set sail for Ishigaki, and soon after, our internet connection was lost. This lack of connectivity might leave some passengers bored or frustrated, especially if they have nothing else to do. Traveling with a child also has its challenges, as it sometimes means you can’t fully engage in all the activities you’d like to.