One dollar doesn’t get you very far in the United States, In Japan, well, that’s a different story. There’s of course the popular dollar stores, but we recommend heading down to Tsukiji Market to look for a tiny tamagoyaki stand named Marutake Tamagoyaki. They’ve been making one dish, tamagoyaki, for over 80 years. It’s the perfect light breakfast or snack. And the best part, it’s just 100 yen, equivalent to roughly one US dollar.
The Ruins of Nakijin Castle
Most people know Okinawa as being a part of Japan. However, it wasn’t until 1879 that Okinawa became Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Prior to that, Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Islands and was ruled by the Ryukyu Kingdom, which consisted of three individual principalities: Hokuzan, Chuzan, and Nanzan. Nakijin Castle, built in the early 14th century and home to the Hokuzan Kingdom, is now one of five castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Shark’s Cove: North Shore’s Popular Snorkeling Spot
Located on Oahu’s North Shore and across the street from the Foodland in Pupukea, Shark’s Cove is a popular snorkel spot amongst beach-going locals. When viewed from above, it is said that cove’s reef resembles a shark, or mano, an important aumakua (family god) to ancient Hawaiians. Snorkel here during summer, when the ocean is calm and clear. The marine life is plentiful, so keep an eye out for the honu (Hawaiian sea turtle) and try to spot Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua`a…say that five times fast.
Mighty Fine Poke at Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors
The mainland United States might only now be figuring out what the heck poke is. Hawaii, though, has had a love affair with this simple dish for some time now.
5 To Try: Oahu Coffee Shops
When it comes to Java in the US, coffee connoisseurs tend to rave about Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City as being home to elite coffee shops. I think Hawaii needs to be added to the list. With more people gravitating to the cultural jaugenaut that is Starbucks, I’ve tried to, in the last few years, sample coffees from a variety of locally owned shops. There are many more to add to this list, but, let’s start with the first five. Like with my other Five To Try posts: this is by no means a Top 5 list of any kind, just a selection of five interesting spots that I think are worth checking out.
Bokksu – May 2017
For my birthday this year, my wife got me a subscription to Bokksu – a premium Japanese snack box that is mailed out every month. My first box came last month (it was an Osaka themed box)…but I ate it all before I was able to document it…so, let’s start with the May 2017 Bokksu!
A Walk Through Pacific Supermarket
If you’re visiting Hawaii and want to do something a little unusual, random, and a bit off-the-wall, then maybe consider checking out one of Oahu’s Asian supermarkets. We’ve got a few, but the two largest ones are located in the old plantation town of Waipahu. Let’s take a walk through Pacific Supermarket to see what interesting food items we can find! You might even find something to take back home with you.
Maui Moka Goat by Maui Coffee Roasters
My favorite friends from Maui sent me some Maui Moka Goat Coffee from Maui Coffee Roasters. Let’s go and brew some 100% Maui grown coffee beans!