ORION HAPPY PARK

The other day, I visited ORION HAPPY PARK, a brewery of Orion Beer. 

Have you ever tasted Orion Beer? 
It is locally brewed and the most popular beer in Okinawa. 

The factory is located in the northern part of Okinawa, Nago city.  And their company’s new facility (ORION HAPPY PARK) opened  in this past May, 2011. 
The park offers the fantastic attraction you should experience, which is a brewery tour!

Visitors can observe the process of making Orion Beer and learn about the beer.  It is very interesting.  And at the end of the tour, you can taste the fresh Orion Beer for FREE!  You can definitely enjoy the tour and tasting.

You can drink 2 glasses (300ml × 2) of fresh beer for FREE!

And the park has a restaurant “Yanbaru No Mori”, which means "Yanbaru Forest".

You can enjoy freshly brewed beer with superb dishes that uses local ingredients. Also there is a shop selling Orion's original goods and selected souvenirs.

Why don’t you visit ORION HAPPY PARK and experience the brewery tour when you tour around Okinawa?                                              

Takako

◆ Orion Beer Brewery tour (Free of charge)   

    Time required: Approx. 60 min. (Tour 40 min. & Tasting 20 min.)

    First tour: from 9:20-, Final tour: from 16:40-

   

    For the tour, you need reservation

    For reservation, call: 0980-54-4103

To find out more information, visit their web site:

http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/happypark/  (Japanese language only)

MAP:http://www.orionbeer.co.jp/happypark/access.html

Okinawan treasure:Okinawa Karate

Hey, there. This is Niki.  How are you?  

Today I have some information on Okinawa Karate.

Karate, as you know, is a very famous martial art developed in Okinawa hundreds years ago. As time went on, it has gained a lot of popularity internationally. The movie “Karate Kid” became a huge hit when I was a kid!  Have you seen that movie?

Many people visit Okinawa from all over the world to ask for instruction from Karate masters at dojo or they just simply travel to this small island as a mecca of Karate.

Well, here is exciting news!

The very first organization was founded to support Karate enthusiasts.

Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau provides up-to-date information about the ongoing events and activities in English, Spanish, French and Japanese languages. The seminar and training program services are available as well. They’re aiming at enhancing the international status of Okinawa Karate as an Okinawan heritage.

For more information, visit their website at http://okkb.org/ 

You can watch cool Karate video footage there.
You might want to check on that!

RYUKYU BINGATA

Do you know 'Ryukyu Bingata' ?
'Bingata' is Okinawan traditional fabric dyeing.


'Ryukyu Bingata' was first created around the 15C. Various techniques were introduced through the trading done with Southeast Asia, it developed into a traditional art work representing the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The picture above is Kimono. I loved this beautiful color from the moment one clap eyes on it.



Use of Bingata; Bingata is made for formal wear, everyday attire, boy's dance costumes for 'Crown Ship Dance' performed to entertain investiture envoys from China, the best kimono of ordinary people allowed to wear only on a special occasion, costumes for festivals for the God as well as an important tribute for China to obtain foreign currency because Ryukyu lacked in resources.



Various materials such as cotton, China grass, bashofu(woven from Japanese fiber bananas), and silk, are used for dyeing according to rank and use.

Base colors for Bingata are believed to be about 20 colors: white, yellow, light blue, flower color, green, purple, deep indigo, indigo blue, and dyed in different colors, etc.    



Pigments are mainly used in paintings and gave a three-dimensional appearance to patterns by laying pigments on top of dye and then shading patterns other than the vermilion part.
See these beautiful fabrics! They handdyed by Bingata Craftsman with a precious natural dye.



At the shop 'Syuri Ryusen' in Shuri,Naha-city, there are various original Bingata items: Obi Belt, Kimono, Tapestry, Centerpeace.
We are greeted by a spectacular array of colorful items as soon as we enter the shop.

 From many things, a thing to like is found!

I hope you can get a sense of the history and culture of the old capital Shuri.Actually, I spent a special time in the shop, I was feeling old Okinawa: Ryukyu dynasty.
Why don't you check it out ?     
SHURI RYUSENUR   URL http://www.shuri-ryusen.com/

Have a great time!

Shizuka.

Beloved Okinawan Dish - Okinawa Soba

If I am to pick one Okinawan dish for you to try while you are in Okinawa, it would be definitely the ‘Okinawa Soba’!  This is a type of noodle soup loved by everyone here in Okinawa.  If you are away from your home, I’m sure there are one or two dishes that you miss very much.  For us Okinawans, that would be the Okinawa soba.





Although it is called ‘soba’, Okinawan Soba noodles are very different from Japanese soba noodles made from buckwheat. They are actually made from flour just like udon or ramen noodles. Then, what is so special about this Okinawa soba?  Well, in my opinion, it’s the combination of the texture of the noodles (a little chewy - different from Japanese soba or udon), the pork flavored soup and so many kinds of toppings you can or cannot think of!!  A typical serving of Soba comes with sliced flavored pork, kamaboko (fish sausage), and pickled ginger.  If you want to try a little more ethnic taste, spice it up with a few drops of koregusu, chili pepper soaked in Okinawan awamori liquor. Yummy!!  You will find soba shops almost everywhere you go.  Each shop has its specialty, which could be the broth, the noodles, or the toppings.  If you want to enjoy authentic Okinawan taste, try

Soki-soba (soba with flavored pork spareribs)

Ashitibichi-soba (soba with flavored pig’s plotters)

Nakami-soba (soba with pig’s offal)

Those of you who prefer a lighter meal, try

Yasai-soba (soba with sir-fried meat and vegetables)

Yushidofu-soba (soba with soft tofu)

Some shops offer a set menu with various side dishes.

Soba set with seasoned rice ball, tempura,

mozuku seaweed with sweet vinegar,

and stir-fried sliced seaweed

And what’s more?  Believe it or not, you can get a glimpse of Okinawan history in the bowl of soba. Okinawa Soba is rooted in ‘Fen-Tang,’ a noodle dish which was brought from China in 1534.  Yes!  The history of Okinawa Soba dates back to the Ryukyu Dynasty era.  It is described in the ancient Chinese “History of Relationships with the Ryukyus” that ‘Fen-Tang’ was offered at the 49^th day memorial service after the death of King Shoshin, the 9^th King of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1534.

Now that you know all about the Okinawa SobaJ, it’s time to go out and satisfy your appetite.  If you are not yet here in Okinawa, you just have to come to Okinawa to try the real Okinawa Soba!

Reiko

Okinawan instrument - Sanshin

Do you know what this is?

It must be familiar to people who play Sanshin.

This is a musical note of Sanshin, written in kanji (Chinese character).

Sanshin is very popular and traditional musical instrument in Okinawa and I think everybody in Okinawa has experience to see, hear or play it.  And you can’t sing Okinawan folk songs without it.

When I was an elementary school student, there is a Sanshin club in my school.  which you can learn how to play Sanshin.  I like music, so I belonged to the club.

After class, I enjoy playing Sanshin with my teacher and friends.  It was fun!

For the club, my grandfather gave me the Sanshin that he’s been used for a long time.

It is old and it has a body covered with real snake skin.  When I saw it first, I remember that I was surprised.  It was little scared.

If you are interested in playing it, you can try it easily in Okinawa.  Some tourist facilities offer the classes that you can experience to playing it.

I think it is easy to play Sanshin, because it has only 3 strings!!!  Not like the guitar!  For beginners, remembering the finger positions, it is very helpful to put the stickers on the neck of Sanshin.  The stickers allow you to find the correct finger positions at a glance.  I always use them to play Sanshin.

It will be good experience and memory playing Sanshin in Okinawa.

Why don’t you play it when you visit Okinawa?

Takako 


my Sanshin



Sanshin plectrums -
put it on your index finger to play



Go Aquatic!

Hi!   This is Naoko.  I went to Busena Marine Park this Monday for the first time.  Have you been there?  To tell you the truth, I am not good at driving, so driving all the way to Busena was not even a question for me.  But this time, I had a driver, hehehe - he was my boss!! 

So, we were at Busena Marine Park.  Look at the picture of the bridge!!!  It is about 170m long.  If you don't look down, you feel like wallking on the sea.  If the weather was nicer, I would have probably done Kate Winslet of the movie "Titanic."  At the end of the bridge, there was the Underwater Observatory Tower.  I went down the narrow stairs, watching my head - 1m deep, 2m deep...and 3m deep.  Look at the picture below!

The very bottom of the observatory tower was like a submarine with 24 windows!!  I suddenly felt like being in the movie "The Life Aquatic." Wow, I was extatic.  School of beautiful fish with yellow line on their back was dancing.

NEMO (ocellaris clownfish) came to greet me.   Rainbow color Banana wrasse looked so curious, watching we human getting so excited.  Since I don't do scuba diving, I truely enjoyed this. 

You can also sail out to the sea with a Glass-bottom boat.  The water is normally very clear, but it varies depend on the weather condition. 

Enjoy the life aquatic. 

Here is the info:

Busena Marine Park Office
Kise 1744-1, Nago City, Okinawa
Tel: 0980-52-3379
FAX: 0980-53-0675

【Admission Fee】
Underwater observatory tower: Adult 1,000JPY, 15-18 yrs old 800JPY, 4-14 yrs old 500JPY, Free admission for 0-3 yrs old
Glass-bottom boat: Adult 1,500JPY, 15-18 yrs old 1,200JPY, 4-14 yrs old 750JPY, Free admission for 0-3 yrs old
Combination ticket: Adult 2,000JPY, 15-18 yrs old 1,600JPY, 4-14 yrs old 1,000JPY, Free admission for 0-3 yrs old
*Group admission : 10% discount for groups of 10+

【Business Hour】
[Underwater observatory tower]
April - Oct: 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30)
Nov. Mar.: 09:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00)

[Glass-bottom boat] (Duration 20min.)
April - Oct: First boat 09:10, Last boat 17:30
Nov.-Mar.:  First boat 09:10, Last boat 17:00
*Departure time: 10, 30, 50 minutes past the hour except for 12:30.  Nov.-Mar.: 10, 30, 50 minutes past the hour until 15:50, then 16:10 and 17:00
*the glass-bottom boat may be cancelled depending on the weather and the sea conditions.

FYI 1

The weather around this time this year has been unstable; just because it was very warm yesterday, you can’t be secured for today’s light wardrobe when going out.

So this is the time to be armed against cold; even in Okinawa, the almost always summer-like island, you might need some tips not to end up sneezing endlessly during your stay here.

To make the best of your Okinawan holidays, please keep yourself updated with the weather news and bring your tips to enjoy every bits of the island!

nariko

Mensore OKINAWA Day

Hi! This is Naoko.

In Okinawa, 22nd of each month is called "Mensore Okinawa Day."  Mensore means "welcome to" in Okinawan language.  Okinawa prefecture established the day to encourage businesses in Okinawa to better their service. 

All the staff in Okinawa Tourism Support Center took a business manner training today to improve our service.  It was a good opportunity to reaffirm what we can do to improve our service in order to increase customer satisfaction. 

We all strive everyday to provide the best possible service to our client!!

"Fusa yubiwa (tassle ring)"- Okinawan Wedding Ring,

Hi! This is Naoko.  Sorry for my long absence.  Did you miss me???  \(*^o^*)\

Okinawa is one of the admired resort wedding destinations in Japan.  Many couples seeking a romantic but unique wedding ceremony choose Okinawa as the place to start thier new life together.  Beautiful blue and green gradation of sea water, sandy beach, tropical flowers, sea breeze, bright sunshine... all these things make the special day extraordinary.

If you want to look for a unique, truly Okinawan/Ryukyu ring, "Fusa yubiwa (tassle ring)" is the one.  In the old times, only Ryukyu royal families and higher aristocrats used the ring in their wedding ceremonies..  The ring has the following 7 different motifs with meanings:

(Clockwise)

Butterfly - God's messenger

Fish - so that you won't starve

Peach - perpetual youth and longevity

Pomegranate - Fertility

Fan - eve-stopping good luck

Leaf - so that you will have enough clothes

Flower - life full of beauty

The only artisan who makes this ring is Mr. Matayoshi of Kuganizeku Matayoshi.  You can buy the ring and other traditional Ryukyu silver accessories in his online shop @ http://kanzeiku.shop-pro.jp/

How to make 'Handmade Okinawa Soba'



Hello! This is Shizuka.
I hope you are having a good weekend!

Well, I' m going to tell you about my first great experience.
It is 'How to make handmade Okinawa Soba'
'Okinawa Soba ' is one of popular and traditional food in Okinawa, I love it!

Now let's take a look how to make 'Okinawa Soba'!

 The picture above, the instructor is explaining how to make 'Handmade Okinawa Soba'.
We are listening with a lot of attention.

These are ingredients and tools.
Okinawa Soba is made of semi-strong flour and 'Shikomi water',which is made by adding fresh water and salt to brine.

 Let' start!!
Add a small amount of 'Shikomi water' to semi-strong flour and mix them well.
These are my hands, I was getting exited,then.

Knead the dough.

Knead knead knead...
When the dough becomes smooth, press it it down several times with your thumb
to let all the air out.
Form deflated dough into a ball, and set aside for 30-40 minutes.

Sprinkle flour on the dough and roll it out by using a rolling pin to make it 1.5mm thick.

Cut!!
Cut it into preferred width by using a kitchen knife.
I' m using a special kife to cut noodles.
Be careful...

Almost done!
And boil it.

Put the noodles in a soup bowl.
Add some slices of flavored pork, Kamaboko(fish sausage), pickled ginger, and green onions if desired.

See this 'OKinawa Soba'! It looks delicious!
Have a good meal!






You can eat 'Okinawa Soba' at 'Umanchu-tei restaurant' at Itoman road side shop 'YUKURA' that sells local foods and surveniors.
There you can ask about 'Handmade Okinawa soba'.

Enjoy Okinawa!!



B-class gourmet in Okinawa 2

In the festive air in Mihama Parking area, where the 2^nd C-1 Chatan B-class gourmet battle was fought, the first thing that customers had to do was to purchase  1,000 yen coupon pad of ten 100yen tickets for the foods.

Accompanied reddish Waribashi (disposable chopsticks) as a vote for your favorite dish.

With two coupon pads, we bloggers of English team hunted these mouth-watering treats…!

All so nice and full of ideas, but what amazed us most was…

Cucumber fritters!   Savoury, cruncy and juicy…!

                                        

                                       

           After the feast,  we went to the poll station to cast our votes.

 Crowded with wondering voters

Low of the ballot boxes, opening their mouth for as many chopstick ballots as they could swallow…

After the votes, we left the field with our happily-filled stomach.

According to the official HP of C-1 Chatan B-class gourmet battle, the winner of the battle was ‘Omu-rice(rice omelette) with Okinawan beef ‘ by café &restaurant Double Decker, which won the last year’s competition as well. Congratulation!  

nariko

What does Okinawa Tourism Support Center do?

Okinawa is waiting for your visit!! Okinawa is completely different from the mainland Japan - the unique culture, great foods and even language is a lot different from the standard Japanese.

Come to explore and enjoy Okinawa!!.

We're also aiming for foreigners travelling in Okinawa.

Okinawa Tourism Support Center provide tourist facilities language support and giving useful tips to welcome forein tourists.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: kanko_e@kanko-shien.com