JUMBOTOURS | News about Okinawa

SAKURA-Cherry blossoms in Okinawa

2010-01-22T01:24:56Z

Jan-Feb The most well know Sakura,nation's earliest cherry blossoms are blooming into season in northern Okinawa.
All the Sakura Matsuri, cherry blossom festivals beginning this weekend, offering spectators breathtaking views of the islands famous blooms. The 32th Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival kicks off this Saturday on the January 16th through February 7th. More than 7,000 sakura are displaying their brilliant pinks from the base of Mount Yaedake.
]]> Other Cherry Blossom Festivals Nakijin Gusuku Sakura Festival 2010/01/22-2010/02/07
Nago Sakura Festival 2010/01/30-2010/01/31
Yaese Sakura Festival 2010/01/30-2010/01/31
Naha Sakura Festival 2010/02/10-2010/02/14

----the SEASHORE--- in Miyako Island

2009-12-24T09:35:06Z

A subtropical paradise far from mainland of Japan… A tiny hotel newly opened in December 2009 at Miyako Island. ]]> Standard type room (Room No.101/No.201)-1 Queen size Bed/26-29sqm The room furnished with chic and serene interiors. Occupying the view of the vast emerald green sea spreading to the horizon and spend your peaceful holidays. Although a room is very compact, the design of a wash room and a room will give you a very open atmosphere. *Facility/Amenity* shower toilet(toilet with bidet), shower only, wash room, shampoo, rinse, shower gel, lotion, soap, wash towel, toothbrush, razor, hair band, hair dryer, bath towel, face towel, a liquid crystal TV of 20 inches, LAN, DVD player, i-pod dock *No bath tub available at some room. *Daily room making such as bed making, changing towels, drink supplies and waste disposal will be done only upon your request. Deluxe type room (Room No.102/No.103)-1 King size Bed/43-44sqm The room furnished with chic and serene interiors. Occupying the view of the vast emerald green sea spreading to the horizon and spend your peaceful holidays. While looking out the beautiful sea from the large private garden, heal and relax your stressful body and mind. *Facility/Amenity* shower toilet(toilet with bidet), shower(inside and outside), bath tub, wash room, shampoo, rinse, shower gel, lotion, soap, wash towel, toothbrush, razor, hair band, hair dryer, bath towel, face towel, hand towel(made in Imabari), night wear, beach towel, refrigerator, IH cooking heater, electric pot, sink, kitchen ware a liquid crystal TV of 32 inches, LAN, DVD player, i-pod dock, two sun beds(outside) Suite type room (Room No.301)-1 King size Bed + 1 Queen size Bed /89sqm The most carefully designed room at the premises is proudly presented by us. There are two independent bed rooms available and can be used by two couples. There is an independent dinning room equipped with a hot plate counter. A panoramic view from the spacious living room makes you feel like sitting on the sea. *Facility/Amenity* shower toilet(toilet with bidet), shower(inside and outside), bath tub, wash room, shampoo, rinse, shower gel, lotion, soap, wash towel, toothbrush, razor, hair band, hair dryer, bath towel, face towel, hand towel(made in Imabari), night wear, beach towel, refrigerator, IH cooking heater, electric pot, sink, kitchen ware hot plate counter (including a cook's cap), a liquid crystal TV of 42 inches, LAN, DVD player, i-pod dock Hotel Information the SEASHORE *web: http://www.seashore.jp/index.html *address: Tomori Gusukube Miyako-jima City, Okinawa 906-0107 *Phone: 0980-77-4878 *Access: from Miyako airport about 15 minutes by car *Check-in time/15:00 check-out time/11:00 **Room Rate with breakfast (Opening Campaign until 31 March, 2010) Standard type room -18,000yen per room/night Deluxe type room -28,000yen per room/night Suite type room -72,000yen per room/night *Children under 12 years old may be refused to stay. For booking this hotel, just please contact us!
contact@jumbotours.co.jp

Taiwanese home cooking & bar 月琴食堂(Chinese Kitchen)

2009-10-07T10:00:24Z

Taiwan, the nearest country from Okinawa. Its foods are very familiar and popular among all as Chinese food culture. Such an authentic cuisine can be enjoyed at ‘Chinese Kitchen’.]]> Value for money special set menu for a family or a group of 4-5 persons JPY5,000! ・Duck meat salad　・Pepper stake(stir-fried sliced beef and green pepper) ・Stir-fried shrimp in chili sauce ・Deep fried chicken ・Stir-fried scallop and walnuts ・Fried rice with soup & dessert ・Fried noodle in the hot stone bowl　￥800 ・Stir-fried calamari and leek　￥550 ・Prawn with mayonnaise dressing　￥650 Chef’s recommendation ・Chili seafood and vegetables in a hot stone pot（for two persons）￥2.500 ・Stir-fried calamari or liver and leek ￥550 ・Prawn with mayonnaise dressing ￥650 ・Rice noodle soup with Chinese celery and herb（the taste from Taiwanese food stand) ￥600 ・Grilled chicken with Welshonion and sauce ￥650　・Taiwanese oyster omelette ￥800 ・Stir-fried mushrooms and Tofu skin ￥700 ※Other a la carte menus available ・Shao Xing wine(5 years old) ￥2,500/per bottle ・Chinese wine and soda ￥400 ・Kirin draft beer ￥400 ・Shin Lu Chu and soda ￥400 Address: 1-2-9 Tsubogawa, Naha City, Okinawa Tel: 098-832-7185 Business hours: 11:45-15:00(lunch, closed on holidays), 18:00-24:00(dinner) Last order: 14:30(L), 23:00(food) & 23:30(drinks) Holiday: Sunday Seat capacity: 10 at the counter, 12 at the tables, 12 at Horigotatsu tables (built-in seat in the floor)

Zakimi Castle (Zakimi Gusuku)

2009-06-25T04:05:57Z

Before and during World War II, the castle was used as a gun emplacement by the Japanese, and after the war it was used as a radar station by the US forces. Some of the walls were destroyed in order to install the radar equipment, but they have since been restored. Zakimi Castle, along with Okinawa's other castles, was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in November 2000. (excerpt from Wikipedia)

Fukushu-en(Fukushu Garden)

2009-06-23T05:31:51Z

]]> It represents the most magnificent elements of Fuzhou City such as the scenic spots, buildings and gardens which are recreated here in the area of 8,500 square meters. It was designed by officials from Fuzhou who brought both technicians and materials to Okinawa to make it authentic in spite of its miniature size. It consists of three different areas: Light, Shadow and Brilliance. In each, the designs, trees and flowers are carefully organized to provide excitement through the changing four seasons. There are three mountains, two pagodas, statue of every Chinese lunar calendar creature on the bridge, the waterfalls and so on. You can also feed carps and turtles in the ponds. open: 09:00-18:00, closed on Wednesday(in case it falls on national holidays, it will close on Thursday instead) Admission: free Tel: 098-869-5384

Welcome to Tadahama!　-About Okinawan cuisine

2009-05-14T09:32:55Z

Before you enjoy eating let us explain about Okinawan cuisine briefly. Recently Okinawan cuisine gains its popularity as healthy foods because of the longevity of the Okinawan people.The Okinawa's culture is espcially featured by its "Champloo" mix of elements. Champloo is a general name given to dishes made by stir-frying vegetables and tofu. ]]> Bon Appetit! -Important notice before your order In most of Japanese restaurants "Otooshi (appetizer) will be served you first which will be charged to your check accordingly. Otooshi is one of the typical Japanese customs and you are kindly requested to pay it regardless of your order. It's just like a cover charge. It will cost you JPY200. TADAHAMA is one of the nice cozy izakaya in Kumoji area, Naha. Izakaya is a Japanese style pub where you can enjoy alcohol and local food. Taisho, the Master of the Izakaya and Okamisan, his wife own this place called TADAHAMA. As you enter the small Okinawan style Izakaya the first thing you will notice is the large amount of fresh seafood behind glass on the counter and the many pictures of Ishigaki bull fighting on the walls. Yaeyama Izakaya TADAHAMA 2-14-18 Kumoji Naha City, Okinawa TEL: 098-867-2737

Awamori - The Drink of Life for Okinawan People

2009-04-28T02:46:45Z

Awamori is a traditional alcoholic beverage indigenous to and unique to Okinawa. Its procedure has been handing down by using the traditional techniques. It is said that the Awamori has more than 500 years history and is the oldest distilled alcoholic beverage in Japan. It is made from the Thai rice and is not a direct product of brewing like Sake but of distillation like Shochu. Awamori is aged to improve its flavor and mellowness. Generally it’s just like wine, it gets better as it grows older. Another name for awamori used in Okinawa is “Shima-zake”(island sake) or shima for short. ]]> History of Awamori The roots of Awamori have a legend that in the beginning of 15th century the original Awamori was brought into Ryukyu Okoku(The Kingdom of Ryukyu) from Thailand. Since its introduction to Ryukyu Awamori was accomplished and became one of the most appreciated exportation for China and Mainland of Japan. How to Enjoy Awamori Awamori tastes slightly sweet and has a rich flavor. Awamori is typically 60-84 proof, although "export" brands (including brands shipped to mainland Japan) are increasingly 50 proof. Some brands of awamori are 120 proof and will catch fire. Thus it had been recognized as strong alcoholic beverage. The most popular way to drink awamori is with water and ice on one-to-one basis. So that, the content of alcohol becomes such as wine. When served in Izakaya and other restaurants in Okinawa, it will always be accompanied by a container of ice and a jug of water. Awamori can be also enjoyed straight, on the rocks and in cocktails. The taste of Awamori goes well with foods, especially with Okinawan traditional foods. Variety of Awamori There are many Awamori breweries and hundreds of Awamori brands in Okinawa. It seems very difficult for us to encounter one’s most favorite Awamori among hundreds of them but the journey till you find the best matching Awamori can be also enjoyable. Each Awamori has its own characteristic taste, so it is better for you to tell your own taste to a restaurant or liquor shop clerk to get the one you love. At some bars or restaurants there is a tasting chart of Awamori for your easy reference.

"Syugo Densetsu"-Natural Supplement For Okinawa Awamori Lovers

2009-04-28T02:34:25Z

Good-bye to Mr. Hangover!! ----Wherever heavy drinkers flock together, Syugo Densetu(literally translated into English, legendary winebibber) make its appearance on the stage. Just take it before you drink not to regret. ]]> People in Okinawa love parties and Awamori a lot. Awamori is the Okinawan traditional alcoholic beverage. For those who have got a hangover heavily, the products were invented by the joint research of “Ryukyu University”, the only national university in Okinawa, Okinawa Agricaltural Experiment Center and Okinawa Tropical Techno Center. There are 15 tablets in a packet, 10 of yellow ones and 5 green ones. Three kinds of Ryukyu traditional healthy ingredient “Ukon (turmerics)” and three kinds of herbs such as Gymnema Sylvestre are blended. It rapidly gained its popularity in two years among Okinawan heavy drinkers by word of mouth and is now spreading worldwide because of its strong effect to lower blood sugar level and accelerate to excrete cholesterol. It is also taken as a natural diet food. Many of “Izakaya”, Japanese style pub, in Okinawa have always SyugoDensetsu in stock at their premise. Once you take it you can’t have a hangover ever. If you want to get familiar with Okinawan Awamori Culture, take Shugodensetsu before you go to Izakaya!!

Japan's Earliest fireworks in Okinawa!!

2009-04-06T06:52:12Z

Ryukyu Kaiensai Festival 2009 will be held in Ginowan Kaihin Park in Okinawa on April 18th 2009.This festival of fire and color has been presented by JAL (Japan Air Line) for the past 5 years.You will get to see over 10,000 fireworks in the exploding in the sky combined with music and Okinawan culture.This event starts at 3 pm and wraps up around 9pm. The actual fireworks take place 8pm to 9pm.Please make sure to have enough time to get the park because of heavy trafic jam!! Ryukyu Kaiensai Official Page

Traditional Karatedo World Tournament

2009-03-11T05:52:23Z

The event was held at Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts in Naha city August 14th through 16th. 2009 About 1,000 participants are expected to join in the tournament from 178 countries from all over the world. The program is consisting of 5 parts which are the opening/closing ceremony, Okinawa Traditional Karatedo & Kobudo seminar, demonstration, competition and the reception. The seminar is designed for international participants and enthusiasts who would like to learn about the traditional techniques and the history of Karatedo and Kobudo. At the reception party your friendship and mutual understanding should be facilitated more than ever among international and national participants together with those people contributed to the organization of the tournament. For further details click http://www.edu.pref.okinawa.jp/karate2009/.

Looking for hotels? We launched our special page for the participants here! Hotel, Accommodation service for Traditional Karatedo World Tournament

]]>

Festival season is here!! -Eisa-

2008-06-25T02:58:15Z

"Eisa" is an Okinawan ceremonial dance using drums, originally performed to welcome and console the souls of one's ancestors during the Summer "Bon" season. The steady beat of various drums, colorful and exotic costumes, sweetnesss of the women's dance, and dynamic moves by young men, are all the essence of exciting Eisa. ]]> Summer Festival in Naha2008　10,000 Eisa Dancer Date: August 01- 03, 2008 Place: Kokusai Street, Naha Access: From Naha Airport Approximately15 min by car (via highway) FromOkinawa Expressway Naha I.C. Approximately 30 min by car (via highway) Kodomono kuni Eisa Summer Festival Date: August 09- 10, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 50 min by car (via highway) The 9th Kin Youth Eisa Festival Date: August 09, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 80 min by car (via highway) Kadena Eisa Festival Date: August 16, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 60 min by car (via highway) The 53rd All-Okinawa Eisa Festival Date: August 22-24, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 50 min by car (via highway) The 3rd Uruma Eisa Festival Date: August 22-24, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 70 min by car (via highway) Yomitan Youth Eisa Festival Date: August 24, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 70 min by car (via highway) Kitanakagusuku Youth Eisa Festival Date: August 30-31, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 50 min by car (via highway) The 44th Youth Furusato Eisa Festival and The 6th All-Okinawa Eisa Festival Date: August 30-31, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 40 min by car (via highway) The 12th Ginowan Youth Eisa Festival Date: August 30-31, 2008 Access: From Naha Airport Approximately 40 min by car (via highway) For more detal, Okinawa Tourist Information

The 20th Tour de Okinawa, 2008

2007-10-25T09:34:06Z

Nov 8-9, 2008 Run like wind!!!!
The roads of Yanbaru(northern part of Okinawa) set the stage for Okinawa's biggest cycling race. The event began in 1989, and 2008 marks the 20th anniversary. There are many competitive categories including: 330 km around-Okinawa Island 2-day race, International Triathlon Union (ITU) authorized 200 km men's race (for which prominent foreign racers and overseas teams are invited), Womens 50 km international race, international junior race (began in 2003), and 6 subcategories for amateurs. More than 2,000 local volunteers support the event. Enjoy beautiful weather and exciting race!!! For more information about Tour de Okinawa 2008

The 38th Naha Festival

2007-09-20T09:28:50Z

October 11-13, 2008 The Naha Festival is known as "The Naha Great Tug-of-War".
The main attraction of the festival, Naha Great Tug-of-War is open to everyone! Make way for this gigantic rope. It's a Guinness World Record holder, measuring 200m (656 feet) in length, and weighing more than 40 metric tons (44 Amer. tons, 39 long tons)! This festival used to be held to pray for a good harvest but has grown into a festival full of music, dancing and various performances. Thousands of people compete on the East and West teams and pull a giant rope. You are most welcome to join the tug of war or just watch as it is an amazing sight to see.

Jumbotours' Ad on J selelct

2007-09-18T02:34:17Z

You can find Jumbo Tours ads at J SELECT (Japan's premier English magazine!)!!! For more detail: http://www.jselect.net/