{"id":4508,"date":"2024-04-09T20:37:43","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T12:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freeneasytravel.com\/?p=4508"},"modified":"2024-09-15T16:54:49","modified_gmt":"2024-09-15T08:54:49","slug":"okinawa-2024-day-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freeneasytravel.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/09\/okinawa-2024-day-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Okinawa 2024 Day 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We booked a Grab to take us to the airport. Remember to cater adequate time for traveling in case of unforeseen delays or events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Upon arrival at Jewel, we headed to the Early Check-In Counter at Level B1 to drop off our luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These airlines allow early check-in up to 24 hours in advance. Those who want to walk about and eat in Jewel before the flight can use these stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We arrived at Okinawa Naha airport after a 5-hour flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Please be mindful that these are things not allowed to bring into Okinawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to complete your Visit Japan Web a few days before the flight to avoid any delay at the immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After collecting our luggage, we went to the Visitor Service Center to collect useful brochures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choose those suitable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are lots of shops at the outer Departure level. The price is slightly cheaper within the airport Departure hall but the selections are lesser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 We had to go through Exit 4 of the Domestic Airport section to reach the rental car shuttle bus waiting area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cross the road and wait near these signboards. Most Rental Car companies use this area for shuttle bus pick-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For this Okinawa trip, we used OTS Rent-A-Car. The shuttle bus came shortly after we arrived. However, it waited for it to be filled before heading off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The bus was filled up totally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After completing the paperwork at the office, we did a thorough walk-around with the staff and recorded all dents and scratches on the car before signing over for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was already past 10 am after collecting the rental car, we decided to have an early lunch at this Home-Cooking Restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The food arrived after a short wait. Our first meal in Okinawa consisted of stir-fried beef, Pork cutlet, and their popular local dish Goya Champuru. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And it went well with their locally produced Orion Beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our first destination in Okinawa is Cape Zanpa which offers visitors a range of captivating experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its main attractions include the iconic Zanpa Lighthouse, providing panoramic coastal views, and the surrounding cliffs, perfect for relaxation and sunset-watching. Additionally, visitors can explore the area’s rich maritime history and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We were caught and surprised by the strong wind and low temperature here. Do check the weather forecast and dress correctly before coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We all needed something hot and sweet to rejuvenate our body from the cold. So we came to the Okashigoten Yomitan Branch which was a short drive from Cape Zanpa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We bought their famous \u201cGanso Beni-imo Tart\u201d purple sweet potato tart and mango cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And also their purple sweet potato Swiss-Roll. They were all tasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lots of desserts and sweets for you to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After the tea break, we headed over to the Zakimi Castle Ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dating back to the 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into Okinawa’s feudal era, boasting panoramic views and ancient stone walls that echo centuries of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cape Maeda was our next destination. This site is famous for its blue water and is a popular site for snorkeling and scuba diving in the summer. Due to the present cold weather, not many people were here. However, the sights were still impressive with the waves slamming against the coastlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is the walkway that will lead you down to the shoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We headed down and checked into our hotel next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our room for the next few nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sea view from our room balcony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After we settled our belongings, we rushed over to Nago Pineapple Park before they closed for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s go……<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From the ticket counter, we took a free train into the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After the train ride, we were given another ride on a self-driven buggy that brought us around the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pineapple plantation inside the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There were also a few gardens within the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is a Winery where you can try out the wine samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was getting late, so we decided to have dinner at Hama Sushi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Look at our food, more to come….<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We did some shopping before returning to our hotel and calling it a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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