Whenever I travel, I find it important to get an idea of what daily life is like in that place. Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and now Okinawa have given me this experience and it’s ALWAYS different.
Most of these were taken in and around Naha, the financial, social, and economic capital of Okinawa. While I certainly noticed fewer old buildings, there were plenty of cultural gems found only in Japan and in some cases, only in Okinawa.
Heiwa-Dori, the famed shopping street, during the midday. Multiple streets actually intersect in this area, and it is under cover in the style of a Japanese “shopping arcade.”
As with the rest of Asia, you’ll find traditional food everywhere. Okinawa soba, varied types of tofu, sashimi, tempura – it’s pretty limitless – and delicious.
Above left: a pachinko parlour named “Monaco.” Above right: this Burger King requires you to take off your shoes upon entrance. Something I’ve never seen, even in Taiwan.
The Naha monorail is a great way to get around the city. Though they only have one line, it covers the important parts of the city – like the airport.
Above left: I’m not sure if this place is actually popular with servicemen/women, but I liked the sign. Much of Naha is off-limits to service personnel. Above right: another restaurant. Like Taiwan, it was hard to decide where to eat.
Above: a representative of the Japanese Communist Party (yes, you read that correctly!) announces an upcoming protest. Notice the MV-22 Osprey silhouette – the Japanese are protesting its use by US Marines due to safety issues. I think the restrictions on the aircraft should pass soon, but it was a pretty noticeable symbol.
Vending machines after the rain. I loved the rain in Okinawa – it was always just enough to cool things off and never stormed all day. Vending machines are everywhere.
Ice cream shop, Heiwa-Dori.
A vending machine-controlled restaurant. You order, it prints a ticket, and you get your food. Not a bad idea.
The monorail conductor.
A fortune teller waiting for business in a Naha alleyway.
Orion beer lanterns. Orion beer is a malty beer brewed on the island itself. Similar to most other Asian style lagers.
Old and new on a Naha street.
More old and new. This intrigues me about Asia and I see it all the time in Taiwan, yet never tire of it.
Josh Fahler Photography 
I wanna visit Japan! :)
You definitely should. I’d still like to see the mainland. Just be prepared to spend money!
Great post. This gives me some ideas about my blog for when I get to Sapporo! Thank you and have safe travels
Thanks for visiting, I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for the reblog and I hope you enjoy Japan!
Reblogged this on Heartland to Japan and commented:
If you like east asian cultures, this man is a true traveler and blogger. Take notes! I sure am.
Thanks for the post! Loved the glimpse at another culture.
Hi Joshua! I like your photos on Naha, Okinawa. i will be visiting Oki next month. May I know what camera you used and lens? I’m using a Canon S100 for now and still thinking of buying a DSLR like a Canon 5D. Thanks! – Jorge
Hi Jorge,
I use a Nikon D5000. While the camera is lower budget, the best thing you can invest in is a good lens. My “go to” lens is the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8. I only paid about $150 USD for it and it is a great investment in terms of how sharp it is and the fact that it’s a fast lens.
Whatever DSLR you buy, make sure to invest in one 50 or 35mm “prime” lens. They usually go as fast as f/1.8 or f/1.4 and help you learn photography very quickly.