Souvenir Shops in Naha, Okinawa: Japan's San-A Mall and Kokusai Street

When going overseas, one of the top to-do list is to find souvenir shops offering items at cheap cost. And with that, I would like to tour you around the shops in Naha, Okinawa where tourists are mostly found buying souvenirs.

San-A Mall / Naha Main Place's entrance door facing the T-Galleria mall

First of on that list is the San-A (Three-A in English) mall or popularly known as Naha Main Place. This mall is located at Japan, 900-0006 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Omoromachi 4-4-9. Naha Main Place is the largest shopping mall in Naha, Okinawa which has a variety of shops inside such as apparel shops, supermarket, electric appliance store, food stalls and restaurant. On the second floor, you can find Naha's biggest cinema and nearby is a small food court.

This is the T-Galleria DFS, just a few blocks away is the San-A / Naha Main Place mall

HOW TO GET THERE?  If you are taking the Okinawa monorail, you should drop-off the Omoromachi station and walk towards the front of T-Galleria mall and look for the stairs going straight to the Naha Main Place mall. You should able to see the map below showing that Naha main place is just 300m away from that location. The mall is also near the Okinawa Prefectural Museum. 

This is the map in front of the T-Galleria DFS mall showing how many meters away are some of the other places that you can visit

Before we head on to our topic, I would like to introduce to you some basic counting terms that you might encounter when asking for the price of a certain item.

HOW TO COUNT IN JAPANESE

1 = ichi

2 = ni

3 = san

4 = shi / yon

5 = go

6 = roku

7 = shichi / nana

8 = hachi

9 = kyuu

10 = juu

11 = juuichi (juu + ichi)

20 = nijuu (ni + juu)

21 = nijuuichi (ni + juu + ichi)

100 = hyaku ( pronounced as H-ya-ku )

1000 = issen

Inside San-A mall / Naha Main Place, you will find a lot of stores that offers different kind of affordable stuffs. On its first floor located are the apparel shops, where you can buy fashion clothing in affordable price. When I went there last July, I was able to catch their SALE season which mostly offer 70% discounts. Along with these stores are the accessories shops where you can buy fancy and elegant jewelries such as necklace, earrings, rings, watches, fashion hats, umbrellas and many more. Also, in the first floor located is the electronics shops and supermarket. In the supermarket are tons of affordable sweet treats that you can buy. Their TAX-FREE offer is something that you wouldn't want to escape! Please take note though that to be able to avail of the TAX-FREE offer, you need to purchase at least 5,000 Japanese Yen worth of goodies.

Going to the second floor, you can find more shops such as Shoes Stores, more apparel shops and the food court. Inside this Naha Main Place mall, you can also find ABC mart where lots of branded affordable shoes are offered. After shopping galore, in the second floor is their mini food court where you can find Japanese food stalls, International fast-food chains' Mcdonalds and KFC.

Big Shisa found in the Kokusai-dori

We now proceed to the second tourist spot for souvenir hunting, the Kokusai-dori / Kokusai Street / International Road.

Kokusai Street or popularly known as Kokusai-dori is the main attraction in Naha. There are a lot of souvenir shops, Japanese restaurants, clubs and bars from both sides of the street. Kokusai Street offers different kinds of atmosphere to tourists: Heiwadori, Kousetsu Ichiba (marketplace type), Tsuboya Yachimun Street (pottery shops and galleries), Ukishima and Sakurazaka streets (popular for young crowd).

Kousetsu Ichiba in Kokusai Street

HOW TO GET THERE? 

Kokusaidori Street is located right in central Naha. One of the easiest way in going to this place is by taking the Okinawa Monorail and dropping off at the Makishi Station. You may also drop off at Kencho-mae and Miebashi Stations, these three stations is just a few walks away from Kokusai-dori. Kokusaidori is a long busy street so I advise you to see the location by foot.

Kokusai-dori's night life is full of busy clubs, bars and restaurants that are open until the wee hours of morning. You may find it a bit harder to find restaurants offering affordable meals though in this place based from what I experienced during my trip there. Furthermore, I suggest you to not bring your car when going there as you may find it a bit difficult in looking for parking space. 

Me taking a selfie with the Big Shisa in the Kokusai Street

By the way, you can find the Big Shisa statue on the other side of the street. I wonder where the other Shisa is located? This is the only one that I saw there. 

In the background is the Makishi Station and the Tsunami water level indication

This is one Okinawan restaurant that I found in Kokusai Street

If you love Silver accessories, then this store offers a variety of silver jewelries. It's a bit pricey though. You can also take some picture with this porsche located in this store.

Silver Store in Kokusai Street Okinawa, Japan

Going through the souvenir shops, you will find different types of Shisa souvenirs which you can buy starting from 500 Japanese Yen (Smallest) to 5000 Japanese Yen or higher (Large figurines). They said that buying these should be in pair and you should place it in front of the door or at your business establishment to drive away bad luck and keeping the good ones.

These are some Shisa souvenirs that I found inside the stores of Kokusai Street

Shisa Souvenirs in Kokusai Dori

Another Shisa Souvenir shop in Kokusai Street

Aside from other shops in the Kokusai Street, you can also find the Hapinaha mall where most anime enthusiasts are found. Inside the mall are a variety of anime shops starting from Pokemon and other anime character.

Hapinaha Mall in the Kokusai Street

Kokusai street waiting shed near the Hapinaha mall

Okinawan Ice Cream Stall in Kokusai Street

Inside the busy street of Kokusai Dori, you can also find the 100 Japanese Yen shop where most items are offered for 100 Japanese Yen. However, there's a twist in that marketing tactic, you have to buy at least 5000 Japanese Yen worth of items in order to avail that promo. It is worth a deal though because some of the items that you will find in another supermarket is a bit pricey.

100 Japanese Yen Shop

Pokemon Go enthusiasts may also find this Pokemon store inside the Hapinaha mall. Inside the mall, you can find a lot of anime shops starting from One Piece, Sailormoon and other popular anime character originated in Japan.

Pokemon store in Hapinaha Kokusai Street, Okinawa

Kokusai Street is a very long street and the above mentioned shops are just some of the shops that you can find there. A day will not be enough to wander around the street of Kokusai-Dori. With the variety of shops that you can find there, you will not have difficulty in finding the souvenirs that you will buy for your friends and relatives. Enjoy shopping!

Trip to Okinawa, Japan: Discovering Japan's tourist attraction - Shurijo Castle

Sunset in Okinawa Japan

Modotte Kimashita (I'm back in English)! Let me now take you to one of the best places in Naha-shi, Okinawa. But before that, I'd like to give you some trivia about its capital city, Naha. Aside from it being the capital city of Okinawa prefecture, it is by far the largest city with an estimated population of 320,966 and a population density of 8,179.56 persons per km2 as of June 2015.

Okay now, let's have a look in one of the best tourist attractions in Naha-shi Okinawa Prefecture.

Shuri Castle

A Look of the famous Shurijo Castle in Naha Okinawa 

Shuri Castle (首里城 Shuri-jō) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Shuri Castle was almost completely destroyed. It was in the beginning of 1992 when it was reconstructed on its original site based mainly on photographs, historical records and memory.

Shurijo Castle Park leaflet that you can get in the information booth

How to get there?
via Public transportation: Shuri Castle is a 15 to 20 minute walk or a five minute bus ride (150 yen) from Shuri Station of the Okinawa Monorail. You may also take bus number 7 or 8 and get off at Shurijo-mae (首里城前). 

via Car: Shuri Castle can be reached within ten minutes from central Naha or 20 minutes from Naha Airport. Kindly take note that you may take longer hours when traveling during rush hour.

Tourist attraction in Shurijo Castle

Shurimon Gate of  Shurijo Castle

Before going inside the Shurijo Castle, stand firm is the Shurimon Gate. It is the second of Shuri Castle's main gates built in the 16th century. It is also called Shurimon and Wī nu Aijō in the local dialect.

Closer look of Shureimon Gate

Getting inside the Shurijo Castle, you might see a pair of Shisa, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology. It is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs which serves as wards and is believed to protect from some evils. It is believed to be placed in pairs. Left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth and the right one has an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits while the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Shisa in Shurijo Castle

When wandering around the Shurijo Castle, you may want to take note of not stepping into the humps or block of wood found in every main door steps of each gate. Japanese people believed that when a person steps on that platform, it brings bad luck to that person who stepped on it.

Gate of Shurijo Castle

Before you get in to the famous Shurijo Castle, you may need to pay for an admission ticket which may cost you 850 Japanese Yen (as of July 2016). 

Shurijo Castle Park Admission Ticket cost 850 Japanese Yen as of July 2016

Panoramic view of Shurijo Castle

Going inside the Castle may have some restrictions as follows: 
1. Taking off your shoes when going inside the Castle
2. Some section of the Castle may restrict you from taking picture or video
3. You may need to avoid causing too much noise when inside the Castle

Wandering inside the Castle will make you wonder how Japanese people value life and history. You will realize how beautiful it is to live in that place!

This is just one of the many tourist attraction in Naha-shi. Our next stop will be Naha's main shopping place where you can buy cheap souvenirs and sweet treats. Hinpan ni modotte kimasu (Come back often)!

Emperors chair in Shurijo Castle

View from outside the Shurijo Castle and some view of Naha Okinawa

More closer look to Shurijo Castle

Shurijo Castle at night time

Trip to Okinawa, Japan: Exploring the Beauty of Naha, Okinawa

Witness how wealthy Japan is in terms of their nature! Nature is truly valued by Japanese People

(Narita) Tokyo International Airport

My first out of the country trip alone was one surreal experience! I've been rewarded to travel and experience Japan for the first time. I  visited Naha-shi (shi is City in English) to have a training in our branch office. Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. My first visit in the city was really really amazing! Starting from its wealthy nature and the nicest people who is very polite, hardworking and disciplined.

Documenting every little experience of my Japan trip. This ANA 2159

When going to Naha, you will first need to go to Tokyo International Airport for a connecting flight to fly going back to Naha. Okinawa is by the way found northwest from the Philippines if you will try to look for it in the map.

If you will be going to Japan, you may also want to experience what ANA Airlines has to offer. Aside from their cabin crews being so helpful, their customer assistance is also remarkable. I enjoyed how their staff assist me during my flight. 

Naha, Okinawa offers a lot that tourist have to try. First of is their mouthwatering sushi delicacies. We first went to Hamazushi were you need to pick what sushi's you'd like to eat. You can experience several plates of sushi's for 90 Japanese yen. You might also want to try their local beer, Kirin Beer, IMO it taste lighter than the San Miguel Beer that we have in Philippines.

Just at the back is the sushi plates moving around each tables through a moving platform. Customer will need to pick what plate of sushi they would like to eat

Kirin Beer is the local beer in Okinawa, Japan

If you also consider looking for  hotel in Naha, I suggest to try Okinawa Hotel. They offer free breakfast meal (take note that this is a buffet breakfast) for their guest. I think that will correspond to a certain package that you will choose upon booking. I give their customer assistance and the overall hotel experience a 5-star review. Although, only few understand English language. 

Okinawa Hotel is a 5 minute walk from Asato station. There is also nearby convenience store, Lawson and Family Mart from this hotel.

The main entrance of Okinawa Hotel

Wandering around the City of Naha was real fun. Aside from being safe for tourists, I get to see the real beauty and how disciplined the people are in this City. The City is so peaceful and calm. Few of the many traits that I witness in here is the disciplined of the people. When riding monorail, people would fall in line and will let departing passenger to go out first before going inside the train. People who ride their cars will also fall in line and there is none who swerve in the streets. When you are taking the pedestrian crossing, car owner will intend to stop even they are far away from the crossing to let pedestrian crossed safely. I am also amazed how the elders work for the common good of others, like for example an elder woman cleaning the streets and offices. These are only few of the many traits that you could witness in Japan!

The tiny monorail trail in Naha, Okinawa

Omoromachi Station Area Sightseeing Map

When wandering the Naha City and you want some changes on your itinerary, I suggest you to check for the sample Map above. This can be found in every station down stairs just along the street. Or you may also call the help of Google Maps if you got lost.

On my next posts, I will share with you some of the top places that I visited in Naha, Okinawa and how you can get there. I actually Googled those places and ask my Japanese friends to bring me to those places. Atode modotte kite kudasai! (Please come back later!)

Holyweek in Marinduque and The Moriones Festival: How to get there?

So, I'm finally back to blogging. It's been a  while since I left and I am going back again! Anyway, I would just like to share to everyone of you  my last holy week escapade.

Well, if you are looking for a place to visit and move away temporarily from the busy streets of the metro, I would like to recommend to you to go to the island of Marinduque!

Marinduque (marin-duke) is an island province in the Philippines located in MIMAROPA (Region IV-B). Its capital is the municipality of Boac, Marinduque. Did you know that the province was ranked number 1 by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Security Forces as the 2013 Most Peaceful Province of the country because of its low crime rate statistics which alternately ranks with the province of Batanes yearly? Furthermore, for almost 200 years, the province has been the usual home for tourists because of its one and oldest religious festival celebrated annually every holy week which is the unique and colorful Moriones Festival.

Your view when you are near the Balanacan port

If you wish to visit Marinduque, then here's an idea on how you can get there.

This is based from JAC Liner website

Option 1. JAC Liner has a route from Manila going directly to Marinduque which means less hassle in travelling. It will cost you an amount of Php 880. Same cost in going back to Manila from Marinduque. You may visit the JAC Liner website for more information.

Option 2. If you want to feel the hassle, then you may drop-off at the Dalahican port and ride a RORO going to Balanacan or Cawit port. It's you preference on what port do you want to go but I prefer most the Balanacan port because I like seeing the big Virgin Mary statue when nearly approaching the port. And by the way, Bus fare will cost you around Php 280 and the RORO fee will cost you around 250 including terminal fee. From the Balanacan port, you may ride a Jeepney going to your preferred place, like Boac which will cost you Php 50.

Option 3. If you totally don't want to feel the hassle of commuting, then I suggest you to take a door-to-door where you will be picked-up from your preferred place and be drop-off directly to your home in Marinduque. This option will cost you around Php 800 only.

If you are going to Marinduque during Holy week, then I suggest to go as early as Holy Monday or Tuesday so you will not experience a long queue or worst is an almost 24 hours trip. 

Once you get to Marinduque, I suggest you to try roaming around the Boac town plaza while during the night you can go to the Boac Town Arena, located in Brgy. San Miguel for their souvenir shops near the town plaza.

During Holy week, you will often see more Morions roaming around the Plaza. Morions are the ones who are wearing scary masks and the ones who used to hurt the men portraying Jesus Christ in the parade. Anyway, sharing with you some pictures of the Morions. 

The busy Boac Town Plaza during the Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival with Morion Batang Gilas AJ Madrigal

Morion taking a selfie

Little Morion

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

Moriones Festival

These are just few of the many beautiful sights of the province. The island also have lots of white beaches like the Poctoy and Maniwaya beach. Watch out for my next post as I will introduce to you the Maniwaya beach that you'll surely love!