Kadena air base will be opening "American festival 2009" on 4th of July.
You can check on Kadena Air base web site just click right side banner "American fest!".
Okinawa-city has many nice shops and restaurants. You must check out these shops. Indian shop & cafe, Jamaican cafe Bamboo(great Jamaican food), Cafe Simple (homemade ginger ale, and good coffee shop) i Asian Flavors etc...
Let's enjoy in Koza!! In Koza area, in most shops you can speak English and use US dollars much easier to enjoy than other area. Dollar exchange is quick and easy at the 2 currency exchange shops and just between us you get a better rate than the bank usually .
Last year traffic was terrible at America fest so go early and leave early is my motto at this one.
I enjoyed "Torii beach Wine and Jazz festival ". That was much more to my taste but if you have rug rats then America fest is the place to go. Torii was great you could hear the ocean waves, listen to the jazz music and taste the wine & cheese.
In the summer of Okinawa is always so hot but by the ocean and beach it’s not so bad, you can relax outdoors.
Remember if you’re planning to go to the Torii wine and jazz festival, you must be there early afternoon. because we went late and parking was a problem plus the wine sampling was already done...
Oh, yes Japanese DUI penalty fee is 400,000yen about 4,100 US dollars. When you drink, don't drive. Okinawa has nice service for drinker. We call "Daiko Service". you can get this service company's phone number at the festival place or find in the yellow pages and put a card ion your wallet with the number on it.
Also, If you have interest in Japanese Kimono, you have chance in summer time. because Kimono has two type one specially made for summer casual wear called a Yukata. The Yukata, originally was just for house wear, but lately most people wearing just like Kimono. How to wearing Yukata? uhmm...easy but not easy. I think it would be better ask one of your Japanese friends. or google it! All right, good luck and enjoy summer!
Thanks, Rob & Hikary.
