Okinawa 2026

Okinawa 2026

Okinawa 2026

So this is the first time coming to this island - so this is waaay down below Japan it's about a 2hour flight from Osaka, They call this the Hawaii of Japan - beautiful beaches and resorts. 

This is also known as the Blue Zone, where people live the longest. So I spent half my time here in Okinawa and then other half in Kyoto, it's almost like I visited 2 different countries - just because Japan is not a beachy place at all - but Okinawa was very much that so it really felt like two different countries. 

Naha is the main city which I spent a few days here, then the 2nd half I rented a car and went up north further and stayed at Moon Beach - which was amazing - would recommend this place - beautiful beach. I will say though a lot of the beaches I had to pay to use - which was annoying - but maybe we are just spoilt here in NZ and this is the norm.

I drove right up to the top of Okinawa to Cape Hedo which was beautiful to see and then a few mins from there, there was this cool - called Asmui Spiritual Hikes. - all these cool rock formations that look like animals. (it was very hot that day too about 34 Degrees)

I also managed to fit in a Kintsugi Jewellery workshop, which was fun - who would be keen for me to start offering this too?
Okinawa is known for its bright purple kumara/sweet potato - that you will see everywhere - in ice creams, sweets, drinks, - chips - everything :) such a beautiful bright colour. So I tried to have something purple everyday :) :)
Oh and you must visit Kouri island (which is a little island connected by the famous bridge that goes over the beautiful blue water.

Conclusion - if you are wanting a beach Holiday (Japanese style) then Okinawa is your place.
Furoshiki (Turning fabric into carry bags, gift wrapping, document carrier and more)
This was super fun doing this workshop - learning all the different ways you can turn a plain simple square cloth into sooo many things. - I hope to be bring you guys a workshop where you learn all about this and learn to do yourself :) 
Urushi Factory
Was really great to go into the Urushi Factory (this is what is used for the traditional Kintsugi technique and also for other wares) And it turns out that where I've been buying my urushi from another company - actually comes from this Factory - so that was kinda cool to find out that, and also what a small world! I would like to teach more about urushi but its not a quick process so it an be hard for people to find the time for me to teach several classes for one project . 

While I was there I also did the first layer of urushi on a chopstick set. (so that needs to sit for a few days before I can do that next coat, and minimum layers I'd need to do for this would be x3, which would seal it off ready for use :) 

Helpful tips:
  • You will notice there are no bins in Japan - so hold on to your rubbish and take it back to your hotel or if you pop into any 7/11, Family Mart etc - you will see a trash bin close to the door that you can use (even if you do not buy from there it's ok to come in to discard your rubbish)
  • Atms are in all the convenience stores - so easy to withdraw cash, most places do take card but some food places don't - so always carry a bit of cash with you :) 
  • Wifi - normally I order a pocket wifi when I stay longer (which is super easy to use, and before you leave you can just pop it in a post box with the self-address envelope they provide). But this time I used an app which was super friendly and cost me less than $30 for a months worth via Ubigi
  • Google maps are great - as they tell you what platform and which line to get when catching the trains.
  • Catching Trains - if you are doing a long distance one i.e. - Kyoto to Osaka (not that long though only takes just over an hour) but you can pre-book your tickets via Klook - which is normally a bit cheaper and super easy. (and then you don't have to line up to buy your ticket either as you'll get it digitally on your phone)

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