Central Okinawa

A family restaurant. This place is especially popular with United States Marines stationed on the island.

A famous sushi place also known as Yoshi's, geared towards American tastes. Try the Yoshi Roll.

Recognizable with the Iron Horse in front, this is probably the best restaurant on Okinawa. Jirocho's sushi, sashimi, tempura and sake are world-class. They also serve some excellent Okinawan dishes, often as specials. The seafood is as fresh as you will find on Okinawa--what truly distinguishes this restaurant is the emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. All of this is served in an elegant atmoshphere with a very friendly staff. Yoshihachi can be fun but is very overrated. Jirocho is the place!

The best curry on Okinawa and maybe anywhere else outside of London or Bombay. The owner takes great care to make authenic Nepalese curry from scratch and the results are well worth it. Kastamandap is small and no-frills but the delicious curry and ice cold beer make it one of the most satisfying dining experiences around. Although it is just a shack, the homey but exotic atmosphere and friendly service just steps from the East China sea create a winning combination.

Hotel with 4 restaurants/bars, a few outdoor and indoor pools and a spa. Parking is free of charge.

Yachimun is Okinawan for pottery (yakimono in Japanese), and this village has no less than 19 Okinawan pottery workshops. Many are run by family and disciples of pottery master Jirō Kinjō (金城次郎, 1918-2004), who was Okinawa's first Living National Treasure and did much to popularize Okinawan pottery. Faithful imitations of Jirō's work, many of which feature fish or crustacean themes, can be picked up for a few thousand yen, and this is also a good place to pick up a pair of the ubiquitous shisa guardian lion-dogs.