Nightlife in Okinawa
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What’s New in Japan for 2020
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- There are many reasons that so many visitors flock to visit Japan every day, from delicious cuisine such as Sushi and Yakitori, to tradition and culture such as Shrines, Temples, and castles, and of course pop culture like Anime and gaming. In 2020 the Olympic and Paralympic games will be coming to Japan and as a result the country is seeing a huge amount of new attractions, festivals, and other changes. If your interests are cultural, we will give you the scoop on where you can stay in a historical castle, where you can see the best art exhibitions and when famous Shrines will finish their current renovations. If you’re looking for excitement, we have the details on what’s new in Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan. If you don’t mind traveling a bit, we can even lead you to the world’s largest Godzilla, also new in 2020. To make sure you make the most of your Tokyo 2020 trip, read on! Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 Tokyo will be taken over by the Olympic (July 24, 2020 – August 9, 2020) and Paralympic (August 25, 2020 – September 6, 2020) Games in 2020. This means that the city is seeing a slew of upgrades to athletic facilities, such as a new national stadium, new stores, transportation, and much more. Visitors can expect a futuristic vision in the 2020 games as Japan intends to use cutting edge technology (such as robotics) to make sure Olympics fans in Tokyo and beyond can all join in on the spectacle. Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 New national stadium Please note that there will be changes in Japan’s usual national holidays due to the Olympics. Marine Day and Sports day will be moved to July 23 and 24 while Mountain Day to August 10, the day after the closing ceremony. The aim of this change is to reduce traffic congestion, but it can also affect opening and closing hours in stores and restaurants. National holidays due to the Olympics Exciting New Worlds Coming to Tokyo Disneyland and USJ (Universal Studios Japan) ― Tokyo Disneyland New Fantasyland In 2020 Tokyo Disneyland will be expanding with its ‘New Fantasyland’ based on the world of Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Adults can enjoy a hefty dose of nostalgia as they stroll through Belle’s village which will include Maurice’s Cottage and Gaston’s Fountain (but likely no sheep). The ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’ will take place in the castle itself. The area will also feature Disneyland’s first full scale indoor theater, the Fantasyland Forest Theater. Over in Tomorrowland visitors can spend time with adorable Baymax on ‘The Happy Ride with Baymax’. New Fantasyland The Happy Ride with Baymax ― Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been extremely secretive about its new expansion, Super Nintendo World. Newly released images seem to indicate that there will Mario Kart and Yoshi themed rides and an area dedicated to Donkey Kong. The new expansion will be open to the public before the start of the 2020 Olympics so look forward to having your own Mario Party in USJ! Super Nintendo World Super Nintendo World Futuristic Aquariums, Miniature Theme Parks, Godzilla and More! ― Shikoku Aquarium 四国水族館 in Kagawa In March 2020 the Shikoku Aquarium will officially open its doors. This “Next-Generation Aquarium” has a theme of showing off the wonder of Shikoku’s waterscape so visitors can enjoy not only observing fish but also seeing how they act in their natural habitats and how they change with the seasons. This aquarium will also feature a Shark Shadow Aquarium, where you can see the large shadowy profiles of Hammerhead sharks as well as a large dolphin area which promises a spectacular sunset over the Seto Inland Sea. Shikoku Aquarium ― Small Worlds Tokyo in Tokyo In Tokyo a new type of theme park is set to open, Small Worlds Tokyo will be home to miniature areas based in reality and fantasy. Feel like a giant by passing through the Gulliver tunnel and then take your time enjoying the Sailor Moon, Evangelion, Global Village, Space Center, and Kansai International Airport models. It’s not just viewing though; advanced 3D mapping is available so that you can join your favorite area and make items to display as well. It’s set to open April 25, 2020 and will make the perfect indoor adventure if you are caught in rainy spring weather. Small Worlds Tokyo Evangelion Area ― Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate 厳島神社 in Hiroshima Popular sightseeing place and UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine has unfortunately been covered by scaffolding for renovation as of June 2019. These repairs are expected to take one year so visitors can expect this beautiful floating Shrine to be fully viewable by summer 2020. Itsukushima Shrine’s O-torii Gate ― DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMMかりゆし水族館 in Okinawa Okinawa, already famous for its wealth of natural beauty, will be opening a new aquarium in April 2020, the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium. Their focus will be blending art installations with underwater environments to create a new type of aquarium enjoyment. It’s not far from Naha airport so it is much more easily accessible than the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which is good news for those who have limited time on the island. DMM Kariyushi Aquarium DMM Kariyushi Aquarium ― Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street 国際通りのれん街 in Okinawa Over in Naha the street known as “the miracle mile” is set to get some new editions as the site of Mitsukoshi welcomes the new Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street. Those who are interested in the varieties of Japanese cuisine available in Okinawa will love the new food court and shoppers are sure to be delighted by the variety of shops. All of the stores will open in February 2020. Okinawa Kokusai Goodwill Street ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 18. January. 2020
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Superclubbing in Naha: Epica Nightclub
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- Naha has taken off as a Bohemian hot spot, welcoming refugees trading salaryman suits for Hawaiian shirts, while also nurturing a local arts and culinary scene that is the envy of cities up north. The night life has slowly caught up, but Epica Nightclub, opened in 2015, has remained at the top of the heap, reigning as the city’s sole superclub. Superclubbing in Naha: Epica Nightclub Kokusai Dori (the International Street) has become the cultural hub of Naha over the past decade, and the nearby neighborhood of Matsuyama is undeniably the best spot in the city for a night out. It’s true that Epica wasn’t the first club in the city but it brought something new to Naha: an international vibe. Spread across several massive spaces, it delivers the same kind of superclub experience that you can find in Tokyo, Shanghai, Toronto or Berlin, and the crowd, especially on Friday’s International Night, is more diverse than other night spots in Okinawa. Superclubbing in Naha: Epica Nightclub Things kick off at around the same time, though; if you’re getting there before midnight, you’re too early; the best move is to get set up at one of izakaya in Matsuyama, get yourself lubricated, and swan in just after the clock strikes twelve. One thing to note, though: the dress code at clubs in Dogenzaka and Roppongi in Tokyo are fairly loose, but Epica runs a tighter ship. Keep your tattoos covered, and, please, make sure you’ve got ID on you. Like everywhere else on this planet, it’s best to keep your wits about you, but Japan is one of the safer places to go out. Superclubbing in Naha: Epica Nightclub Epica’s monopoly on the local superclub game means that it can attract top talent. There’s no need to scan the club listings—if a good DJ is coming to town, they will be spinning at Epica. As the club’s reputation has grown, it’s been able to attract top talent from Japan and overseas. In the club-within-a-club, e2, mostly local DJs attract the city’s die-hard hip-hop heads, spinning a mix larded with local MCs. Superclubbing in Naha: Epica Nightclub Hitting the showers after a day at the beach then cruising out to a streetside cafe before hitting the club, the vibe in Naha is about as close as Japan gets to tropical hedonism. On a good night, buried in the crowd at Epica, lost in bacchanalian ecstasy, you could fool yourself, for a moment, into thinking you were in one of the famed night spots of South Beach. But it’s not South Beach, and that’s the appeal. Even with the dress code, the crowd tends toward an Okinawan chic that is more GU than Gucci, and the vibe is just… different. This is unmistakably Naha. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Okinawa
- 22. October. 2018
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Top Nighttime Hangouts in Japan
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- Bars and izakayas, Japanese style pubs, have been around since the fermentation of alcohol in Japan. There are so many places that each new establishment gets competitive, creating better menus and more diverse drink choices. From the large chain city izakayas to the smallest hole in the walls in rural towns, Japan knows how to spend a night out. There are many contenders throughout Japan for the best night hangouts but these places are the perfect spots to grab a quick drink, chat with friendly locals and try a taste of Japan’s smaller nightlife outside of Tokyo. Drink a Corona in Kumamoto Drink a Corona in Kumamoto Kumamoto, down southwest in Kyushu, is known for its castle and warm weather. Bar Corazon is a cozy bar right in the heart of Kumamoto’s nightlife center and attracts a fair amount of both locals and foreigners. The outdoor patio space resembles a beach shack which helps diners relax like they are on the beach. Bar Corazon specializes in Mexican food and drinks, serving burritos, guacamole, and Corona and Tecate beer. The bar is very English friendly with a large expat crowd, and the host, Hillary, helps strangers become friends. Mingle with local farmers in rural Jumonji Mingle with local farmers in rural Jumonji Jumonji, located in Yokote city in Akita, is a small farming village best known for its fresh produce and apples. The owner, Madoka san, is determined to spread the beauty of her hometown through the travelers traveling through Akita. She has since opened Camosiba Hostel and Bar, where visitors explore the farm during the day and mingle with locals in the evening. The bar serves Akita sake and homemade dinners, sometimes made from the produce picked that day. Camosiba encourages conversation between the local farmers and visitors, blending country and city life. The local farmers are friendly and enjoy talking about their hometown. The ambiance is mellow and cozy, perfect for a relaxing evening in the countryside. Make friends with locals in Morioka Make friends with locals in Morioka Sundance is a two story pub popular with both travelers and locals. Located in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, Sundance not only provides good drinks and food, it is also one of the friendliest places in the city. The owner is friendly and the staff can speak some English.The bar occasionally hosts live shows by local artists, a great way to see how the locals spend their evenings in Morioka. The food is an eclectic selection, as Sundance calls itself an Irish Pub with Tex Mex food. From fish and chips to tacos to Guinness, Sundance truly has everything to offer. Drink an IPA in Sapporo Drink an IPA in Sapporo In need of some hops? Beer Inn Mugishutei in Sapporo has everything a craft beer lover needs, practically everything. The walls are covered in both domestic and imported craft beers from around the world and the English speaking owner is very friendly and happy to provide recommendations. There are six taps all providing craft beer along with hundreds of bottles of craft beer from all around the world. Feeling hungry? Be sure to try the house made American style burgers, some of the best in Japan. Mexican and Okinawan themed fusion food in Borrachos Mexican and Okinawan themed fusion food in Borrachos For a colorful night out in the warm city of Naha stop by Borrachos for Mexican and Okinawan themed fusion food. One of the popular dishes is the Mexican soba, a blend of Mexican spices with Okinawan soba and vegetables. Borrachos occasionally hosts live shows with local bands that draws in crowds from all over the city. The restaurant closes at 5AM which gives ample time for drinking margaritas and enjoying the warm island air. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 21. June. 2018
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Nightlife in Okinawa
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- After a long day at the beach, there is nothing better than to relax by sitting at the bar with a cold drink, mingling with other travelers, and listening to some island tunes. In Okinawa there are plenty of options from Honto to Ishigaki, and as you discover each island you are sure to find the unique spots and meet the friendly local crowd. Here’s a list of lively and chillout spots that will make the nights in Okinawa memorable. Borrachos in Naha City One place you ought to check out in Naha is Borrachos. This is a funky Mexican-Okinawan restaurant full of good vibes, with an extensive menu of Okinawan-infused Latin dishes and cocktails. Located a couple of blocks north of Kokusai Dori (International Street), Borrachos is open until 2am from Monday to Saturday, and although it does not hold live events or parties on a regular basis, when it does, all the surfers, hippies, and mellow locals gather to and live it up. Borrachos in Naha City Kokusai Street Food Village in Naha City Yatai are a common site in several cities around Japan and Okinawa is no exception, but on the island there is a twist. The yatai are all gathered in the Kokusai Street Food Village, creating sort of a permanent summer festival from 11am to 11pm. The yatai have seating both indoor and outdoor, with the indoor spaces being very cozy and little more comfortable but the outdoor tables being the livelier ones. Tomogara, one of the yatai in the area offers a drink and snacks (2 dishes) set including Orion Beer, Agu Pork, and Umibudo (Okinawan seaweed) for 1,000 yen; a perfect kickstarters for your night in the city. Kokusai Street Food Village in Naha City Kokusai Street Food Village in Naha City Ichigyoichie zakaya in Ishigaki Okinawa’s folk music cannot be left out of the island’s night scene. From Honto to Ishigaki, sanshin live shows are a common event in many an izakaya. Ichigyoichie Izakaya in the centre of of Ishigaki adds a lot of character to its show though. As part of the performance, as soon as the popular hit “Ojii Jiman No Orion Biru” begins, the owner floats around the bar clinking glasses with all the customers as the music plays on. He then stops and downs his own pint of Orion in one chug. You don’t have to follow suit but you can enjoy the drinks and the izakaya has tasty seafood. The live shows have a separate cover charge which varies with the performance. Ichigyoichie zakaya in Ishigaki Chaka Chaka Reggae Bar in Ishigaki One of the mellow spots in Ishigaki is Chaka Chaka. Tucked on the third floor of an old building in the Misakicho bar district, this feels like the reggae hideout of the local laid-back crowd. On occasion, Chaka Chaka hosts a dance party which has become a thing in the city, and if you want to get a true taste of the nightlife in this corner of Okinawa this is a good choice. That and you can always say you made it to the southernmost reggae bar in Japan as the owner claims is the case. Chaka Chaka Reggae Bar in Ishigaki ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Okinawa
- 16. August. 2017
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Sanshin Live Show
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- Whether during the day or at night, one thing that livens up Okinawans is their music. You hear it on the radio, at the beach, and in izakayas. This folk music has been part of the island's’ history at least since the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom and is commonly known as Okinawan music, Ryukyuan music, or to foreigners as sanshin music. The basis of the melody is the sanshin, a japanese-style banjo with a small body covered with snakeskin, a long neck and three strings. The sanshin and the music it allows, is an important aspect of Okinawan culture, and one shouldn’t leave the island without experiencing it live. There are several ways to get your sanshin fix while traveling the islands: The sanshin is usually present during the seasonal festivals; it is part of the exhibitions at museums such as the Ryukyu Mura in Onna; at stores specializing in this type of music; and there are izakayas specializing in sanshin live shows and traditional japanese food- a perfect combo. sanshin On Kokusai Dori (International Street), one izakaya worth mentioning and visiting is Masayoshi Uehara’s Shop (Uehara Masayoshi No Mise). Situated on the second floor of Sam’s Maui, this inconspicuous sanshin live house is the home stage of Masayoshi Uehara, a seasoned folk singer and local celebrity who’s been mastering his craft since the 1950’s. Accompanying him on stage is an colourful ensemble including Uehara’s wife, and his niece who just happens to be Miss Okinawa 2011. The decor of the izakaya and the ambience created by the performers and the staff is a perfect mix that takes visitors back to more traditional times. Masayoshi Uehara’s Shop Masayoshi Uehara’s No Mise opens everyday at 6pm with the first show starting at 7pm. If you decide to join Uehara-san and company, you can join any of the four shows between 7pm and 11:35pm. The sanshin live show is the centre of it all, yet being an izakaya, there is delicious okinawan food on the menu and plenty of awamori to get the crowd even more excited about the show. There’s a 3,000 yen set menu which includes the cover charge for the performance, two food dishes, and one glass of awamori (or beer), and softdrinks. With food on the table and a drink in hand there not much else to do but to enjoy one of the island’s oldest traditions. Sanshin live show ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Okinawa
- 12. August. 2017
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Recommended spots
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Okinawa Main Areas
Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You’ve arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan’s most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.
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