Shopping on Okinawa - Gate 2 Street

Guide to Shopping Gate 2 Street in Okinawa

Gate 2 Street is a popular shopping destination for Americans looking to spend a day viewing the many different shops available within walking distance of Kadena Gate 2. It provides more tan enough to keep an avid shopper busy for the day browsing and exploring the shops and side streets that contain a myriad of different shops.

An Example of the Eye Catching Shops on Gate 2 Street

Types of Shops

There are almost as many different types of shops as there are shops on gate 2 street. There are a number of clothing shops with some selling America style clothing, sometimes with a Japanese twist, and other shops selling more traditional Japanese attire for anyone interested in a Kimono.

The Music Center with Baskin Robbins

There are also several shops selling more fashionable clothing including dresses and suits. You can even get a suit tailor made, but it won't be as inexpensive as Korea.

Besides clothing, several shops sell souvenir type items including Japanese furniture, pottery, accessories, and even samurai swords.

Be sure to check out some of the side streets because there is an entire covered market located a block or so north of gate 2 street. In this market you can find plenty of interesting vegetables and foods. There are also a variety of interesting restaurants tucked in  and around gate 2 street worth visiting.

If you walk to the end of gate 2 street, where it connects with 330 in a large intersection, there is a music center on the right that will often have live shows on weekend nights. Also located in this music center are several Japanese fastfood restaurants and even a Baskin Robbins in case anyone needs a break from shipping.

During the day, gate 2 street is a popular shopping area, but during the night it becomes a little shady as there are a number of bars located on this street catering to desperate America Military members and sketchy Japanese. So enjoy the shopping, but consider calling it a day when the sun goes down.

Location of Gate 2 Street

Park Avenue - Another Shopping street just blocks away from Gate 2

As one would expect, the shops are located on gate 2 street as you continue straight out The Kadena Air Force Base Gate 2. There are also many more shops located on the side streets and alleys primarily on the left side of the street as you face away from the military base.

I would encourage you to explore down the side streets which contain many more shops than on gate 2 street. Don't worry about getting lost, because there are plenty of helpful Japanese who will easily direct you in the right direction if you ask.

Many Japanese speak some English, but if you want to try out some Japanese, use this phrase, 'Kadena Kichi wa doko?' Which means, 'where is Kadena Base?' That should get the idea across.

Where to Park

Parking is limited and can be pricey, so avoid this by parking on base in the USO parking lot. There are plenty of extra spaces, and you can even stop in at the USO for a drink or snack at Chili's. It is a short walk out Kadena Gate 2 to get to the shops and restaurants.

View more Things to Do in Okinawa.

Things to do on Okinawa - Spearfishing

Spearfishing in Okinawa

For those with time on their hands and a desire for adventure and exploration, I suggest looking into spearfishing. Okinawa is a great place to start spearfishing because the water is clear, there are lots of fish, and you can find the equipment easily.

The waters around Okinawa and the surrounding islands offer incredible viability and variety of sea life. This makes it fantastic for snorkeling, scuba diving, and spearfishing. On clear days, viability can easily reach 100 feet. This makes it possible scan deep sections of the ocean from the surface before diving down to spear a fish. The many varieties of brightly colored tropical fish make it exciting and fun to both hunt the fish, and just enjoy watching them. There are many fish that offer a delicious meal once caught.

Equipment for snorkeling and spearfishing is easy to get on Okinawa. There are dive shops and stores on the military bases that have everything one would need to go snorkeling and in most Japanese fishing stores they have inexpensive spears for around $10.

The spears most people use are called Hawaiian sling or Pole spears. I recently wrote an article on Spearfishing tips using a pole spear or Hawaiian sling, so check it out for some helpful tips.

It is important to keep in mind a few things before you go out spearfishing. Spearfishing may not be allows for active duty military personnel in certain branches of the military. I had friends in most branches, and some could go spearfishing, while others could not, so check to be sure you are allowed to go if you are in the military.

Also, don't go spearfishing at popular snorkeling areas. This is both a safety issue and a matter courtesy. How would you like it if you were looking at fish and someone came along scaring them off and spearing them? Yeah, so just avoid the popular spots.

But don't worry, there are PLENTY of quite beaches and coral reefs scattered all over Okinawa. Consider going to the Northern parts of Okinawa. Just take a scouting trip driving around up there and I guarantee you'll find plenty of deserted beaches.

So what are you waiting for? Take your spearfishing adventure today! Check out the link I mentioned if you're looking for any spearfishing tips.

Okinawa Food: Okinawa Soba

Soba is a Japaneses noodle soup made throughout Japan. It differs in each region of Japan with different noodles and toppings. The Okinawan version is simply called Okinawa Soba and is available at many restaurants around Okinawa. Most restaurants will have not only Okinawa Soba, but also other mainland varieties, so be sure you ask for Okinawa Soba, and don't just point at the picture of noodle soup.

Okinawa Soba!

Okinawa Soba noodles are cooked in a broth made of a variety of ingredients including edible seaweed and pork. The broth is quite good, and very nice on a cold winter day.

Toppings for Okinawa Soba can very, but my favorite topping is boneless pork ribs. In Japanese, Soba with pork ribs is called Soki Soba. The pork ribs are almost always incredibly tender having been cooked for hours. 

There are many restaurants throughout the island of Okinawa that have Okinawa Soba, but my favorite soba restaurant is in the northern city of Nago.As one approaches Nago from the south, the road winds along the water until finally reaching the city. one of the first buildings on the left, (coming from the south) is a convenience store (either familymart or something), and right next door is the soba restaurant. You will know you're in the right place if it has long wooden tables in a large open room. Order and pay first, then grab a seat anywhere in at the long tables. 

Okinawa Soba is a great meal for almost any occasion, but it is especially nice in colder months or after a swim in the ocean. The aroma and flavors of Okinawa Soba are wonderful and relaxing. If you have not tried Soba, I hope you give it a shot!

Okinawa Food: Taco Rice is Delicious :

Taco Rice is a unique Okinawan adaptation of Mexican tacos. I don't know when Okinawans started making taco rice, or where it came from exactly, but I do know that taco rice is delicious, and you find it in Okinawa.

Taco Rice in Okinawa

For those who might not know what taco rice is, its actually very simple.

To make taco rice you use all the ingredients for regular tacos, such as seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, and sour creme (and anything else you might want to include), and put it over sticky Japanese white rice instead of on tortillas.

Taco Rice Van!

Taco rice is a very popular late night food and if you are looking to try it, many small restaurants and street stands pop up in the evenings selling the delicious food. Look for busy parts of town, or follow the smell with your nose, either way, you won't be disappointed when you try taco rice!


My suggestion is to try it at King Taco's, because that's the best place to get taco rice from. There are several King Taco's scattered around Okinawa, so keep an eye out while you drive around. Once you have tried taco rice, consider making it yourself. it is extremely easy, and makes a wonderful conversation starter with Americans who are unfamiliar with Japan.

Kadena Marina Beach Review - Okinawa

Review of the Kadena Marina Beach in Okinawa

Kadena Marina is a small beach tucked in with a fully operating marina on the western coast of Okinawa. The marina is operated by the US Air Force out of Kadena Air Force Base located just a few minutes south on HWY 58.

The Beach:

Kadena Marina with restaurant and marina in background

The beach itself at Kadena Marina is somewhat small, but does offer smooth sand and swimming area for those looking for a much more american feeling beach and atmosphere. The beach and surrounding area is rather picturesque with a small island located barley 50 yards off shore.

The best thing about Kadena Marina is the proximity to Kadena AFB as well as a large shopping area just down the road a little.

The Marina and Dive Shop:

The marina itself offers a wide variety of options including a restaurant overlooking the beach and boats, as well as charter fishing trips, sailboat rentals, and scuba and snorkeling rentals.

Kadena Marina has Options:

The Kadena Marina is a one stop shop for many water activities but it also offers space for summer BBQ's and get together's. Several pavilions and grills are just yards from the beach area and make for perfect summer gatherings for all different situations.

The Kadena Marina offers a great, easy access beach with plenty of amenities for those who might be less inclined to travel the island.

Check out 10 Things to do in Okinawa an also our Beach Reviews page.

CoCo's Curry on Okinawa - The Best Restaurant Ever

CoCo's Curry is the Best Restaurant Ever.

I am not joking, there is something about CoCo's that creates insanely dedicated fans.

For those who might not know, CoCo's Curry is a curry restaurant chain located throughout Japan and a few other locations worldwide. At CoCo's, they serve large plates with rice and curry sauce, as well as any toppings you might want. Everything is customization at CoCo's; you can choose the amount of rice you would like, from 200 all the way to 1000 grams. You get to pick how spicy the curry should be, from mild to level 10. And you can also choose from a wide variety of things to put on top, from my favorites of cheese and chicken cutlet, to the somewhat stranger octopus and quail eggs.

CoCo's Curry House by vogelokinawa

The restaurant itself has some slight similarities to an american diner; most seats are booths, with several stools at the counter. The Japanese waitresses are usually very accommodating of Americans who don't speak any Japanese but gesture at pictures on the menu.

The price is also very reasonable for most meals, with a plain plate of curry running about $7 with the current exchange rate. If you add a few things, such as cheese and chicken cutlet, it will be around $10.

CoCo's Full name is CoCo Curry Ichibanya, translated CoCo Curry number one restaurant.

Why do people love CoCo's so much?

Well, that is a very good question, which can can't answer for everybody, but will try to answer for myself at least. Before I go into that, let me share a story of a friend who really liked CoCo's Curry.

This friend was set to return to America for good in about a week, so in that week he had left in Okinawa, he went to CoCo's 22 times. Yep, he went every day, three times a day, and four times on the last day. I hope that gives you a little picture of how fanatical some people are about CoCo's!

I love CoCo's because it tastes so good. I can't guarantee you'll love it, but you should try to let it grow on you. after all, it is the best restaurant ever.

CoCo's Curry is located throughout Okinawa, and much of Japan. If you are on Okinawa, just ask around and you are sure to find people who know about it. There are several CoCo's scattered around the main military bases such as Kadena and Foster.

CoCo Curry House website

Okinawa Beach Review: Araha Beach

Review of Araha Beach in Okinawa

Araha Beach

Araha Beach covers a long stretch of sand in the heart of central Okinawa. Located between Kadena AFB and Camp Foster in Hamby town, it is a few miles north of tropical beach. Araha beach has bathrooms, covered picnic tables, vending machines, basketball courts, and a large playground complete with a pirate ship. This beach provides activities for everyone to enjoy a day at the beach.

Araha Beach has the largest flat sandy area of the beaches I have been to in Okinawa. It provides plenty of room for ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, football and soccer. If you are looking for plenty of room to spread out, this beach has it.

Just like tropical beach, Araha beach has Japanese lifeguards on duty during the summer as well as an enclosed swimming area. Additionally, water activities such as tubing and jet ski rentals are available.

Araha Beach

The location of Araha beach could not be much better for accessibility to shops and restaurants. Just outside the park area is a large San-A grocery store and several convenience stores. There are also a wide variety of restaurants.

Araha beach is one of my favorite beaches to visit anytime throughout the year. It is an easy walk from Araha to shops in the area and the beach area offers lots of options and activities.

Araha Beach

Get more beach reviews or check out the Top 10 Things to Do in Okinawa.