Category Archives: Japan

Field Report: A Sunny Sunday in Sunny Naha, Okinawa, Japan (06 May 2018)

Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its beaches, but what’s a chap to do when he hates going to the beach? No worries – there’s plenty to see, do, and taste in the capital city of Naha, even for someone who loathes the sea and sand.

Field Report: Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum, Naha, Japan (06 May 2018)

The elegant splendour of Shuri Castle allows us to imagine the pampered lives that the Kings of Ryūkyū once led. At the same time, the royal mausoleum of Tamaudun – located just a short walk away – invites visitors to reflect on something altogether different: the solemn, sombre rituals that accompanied them to the grave.

Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part Two (06 and 09 May 2018)

Our exploration of Naha’s iconic Shuri Castle continues from my previous post – though we’ll be spending more time outdoors on this occasion. Let’s have a look at some of the outlying structures that played an important role in the spiritual, ceremonial, and official affairs of those who once resided within these walls.

Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part One (06 May 2018)

Before Okinawa was Okinawa, it was the Kingdom of Ryūkyū: an independent nation with its own system of government and unique way of life. That realm was once ruled from within the stately confines of Shuri Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the prefectural capital of Naha – a royal residence whose architectureContinue reading “Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part One (06 May 2018)”

Terminal Report: Chūbu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Aichi, Japan

Two years ago, I flew back home from Japan through Nagoya’s main gateway to the world. Let’s look back into the depths of history – well, not all that far back or deep – and see what the experience was like. Welcome to Chūbu Centrair International Airport.

Food Report: Traditional Okinawan Tea and Sweets at Sasunoma (Naha, Japan)

A couple of winters ago, I sampled recreations of tea and confectionery that the Joseon-era kings of Korea once enjoyed … and I did so right inside their own palace. More than a year later, I was served yet more royal treats, except that the setting was Shuri Castle (in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture) and theContinue reading “Food Report: Traditional Okinawan Tea and Sweets at Sasunoma (Naha, Japan)”

(Mini-)Food Report: Gyoza and Ramen at Osaka Ohsho (Naha, Japan)

Today’s offering will not be a detailed Food Report. Instead, we’ll be snacking on a highly abbreviated share-post with a swirl of pictures, a sprinkling of details, and a dash of very limited commentary. The subject of this review: a lunchtime feast of gyōza and rāmen at a popular chain restaurant in Okinawa’s capital. WelcomeContinue reading “(Mini-)Food Report: Gyoza and Ramen at Osaka Ohsho (Naha, Japan)”

Flight Report:  HKG-MNL on Cathay Pacific Flight CX913

It’s taken 3 flights on the Cathay group – 2 bound for Okinawa, and the first leg of the return – to reach this point. Now, on the final leg of our homeward journey, let’s see if Cathay Pacific can maintain the solid performance they’ve shown so far. Welcome aboard CX913.

Flight Report:  OKA-HKG on Cathay Dragon Flight KA379

A great flight on Cathay Dragon KA378 was a fine start to an awesome holiday in Okinawa. Now it’s time to head home – and time to see if the airline does as well on the return leg as it did on the inbound. Welcome aboard KA379.