OKINAWA
OKIN- AWE OF THIS PLACE
1. PEOPLES
2136 Namihira, Yomitan, Okinawa 904-0322, japan
About Peoples
You will find PEOPLES in Okinawa, japan – owned by an extremely friendly young man, with a gift at making speciality coffees and different types of baked goods. When we first walked into the café simply just for a coffee, we found ourselves sitting in for nearly an hour. To my surprise the owner was just finishing rolling his cinnamon buns and putting them into the oven. So, we patiently waited…
If I had a coffee shop this is how I would have my interior set up. The café is so fresh, clean and groovy (saying groovy is not groovy but hey). There is plenty of inside and outside seating especially for what this place is offering = good coffee and baked goods.
The bun
PEOPLES in located on busy road, but does have free parking.
Once the 400 yen (£2.05 11/010/24) bun came out you could smell the cinnamon and see the steam. It was fresh AF. The outside of the bun defiantly offered more of a pretzel texture then your stereotypical cinnamon bun squidgy dough and the same is said for the inside of the bun. It wasn’t until you hit the middle where it was the perfect amount of gooey/stodge, creating that classic cinnamon bun texture/fell in your mouth.
Sadly the bun that we ate wasn’t merely cinnamoney enough for my liking however, did offer more of a caramel and almond taste which in its own was sensational, although it smelt of cinnamon, in my opinion there was definitely no cinnamon taste to be found. Due to the fact I really couldn’t taste the spice at all, the overall taste was bit disappointing… Just needed double the amount of cinnamon added, then it would mark a lot higher in my books.
Texture 5/10
Taste 6/10
Appearance 7/10
Overall 6/10
Okinawa
What is Okinawa?
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving. The largest island, also called Okinawa, is home to Naha and showcases a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and native Ryukyuan culture. It has crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and is know for its subtropical climate and laid-back vibe.
Okinawa provided some of the BEST snorkeling I have ever done in my life and I’ve been fortunate to snorkel in places such as Egypt, Bali, Thailand and Turks and Caicos. The shire vase amount of sea life immediately once you put your head under the water is breath taking and so colourful. Although I had ready up about Okinawa and how its the Hawaii of Japan, I was still surprised and far from disappointed.
You will need a car to get around!
Best snorkel spots in Okinawa
Cape Maeda (Blue Cave, Onna Village)
About 45 minutes from Naha, Cape Maeda is home to the famous Blue Cave, one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Okinawa’s main island. Plenty of parking and an abundance of sea life! Around the corner Zanee beach & Ura Maeda beach offer the same thing but are a lot quiter!
Nabee Beach
If you park at Onna Village Community Ground you’re a 1 minute walk from sea life galore! ADVISE don’t just plonk yourselves on the beach with the life guard, walk to your right (when looking at the sea) past the swing and you’ll find a more hidden cover offering a lot better snorkel experience.
Bisezaki
This place is STUNNING! Do not miss your opportunity to get into this snorkel spot. As well as the crystal clear waters, you’re able to hire E-Scooters to zoom along the beach front and or explore the tiny town. Or just stroll by foot to take in the magical views
Gorilla Chop
Located in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, this spot has coral reefs teeming with tropical fish close to shore and a scenic rocky coastline, providing a unique underwater experience. Out of all the above I would say it’s the best snorkel spot if thats all you’re there for.
American Village
About 40 minutes from Naha is American village, a little slice of America mixed with Okinawan charm—a vibrant, lively spot right by the beach with tons to see and do. As much as this tourist destination confused me due. to the fact all the building look fake, I couldn’t help but love it there, with its lovely coffee shops, kobinis and American style restaurants, its definitely worth a visit just for wandering around and or for the stunning view of the sun set. At night, the whole place lights up and gets a fun, lively atmosphere.
2. Fifi Parlour
〒905-1154 Okinawa, Nago, Goga, 大真利原1335-4
About Fifi Parlour
Fifi parlour is a coffee shop with a sensational view of the Haneji Inland Sea and is a cafe I wish we knew about earlier on, on our trip, so we could have gone back for more. As we journeyed up the Island to seek out more snorkelling spots we came across this stunning cafe and with out hesitation parked up (free customer parking along the road) to try their speciality coffee. Not only does this place have magical views, amazing coffee, SWINGS, but to my surprise, sold churros = cinnamon!
The Churros
Now we’re talking! Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-sugar-dusted churro, perfectly crispy on the outside and outrageously tasty on the inside. The moment you break through that crunchy crust & get to that gooey dough, melted chocolate oozes out from the inside. From top to bottom the Churros was jam packed with melted chocolate which meant it was a little bit messy to eat however, with each bite combining that crispy, sugary coating and silky chocolate filling, who cares if you don’t look classy eating it.
I think filling your churros with the flavourings as opposed to dipping or drizzling it on top of them is the game changer here, it makes it practically impossible to eat just one. It’s the kind of churro that isn’t too sickly nor to filling, and at 550 yen (£2.50 ish) its a billy bargain! I would pay £2.50 just for the view let alone their brilliant coffee and out of this world cinnamon churros.
I would have this again!
Texture 10/10
Taste 10/10
Appearance 9/10
Overall 10/10
3. ZHYVAGO COFFEE ROASTERY
〒904-0115 OKINAWA, NAKAGAMI DISTRICT, CHATAN, MIHAMA, 34−1 LEQU プレミア棟 1F
About Zhyvago
I really liked this place! If you ever catch yourself on the island of Okinawa there is a very popular area for both the locals and tourists called “American Village” of which you will find two Zhyvago coffee shops. One is located along the sea front with amazing views, whilst the other is a 3 minute walk away, but is a huge building, with other shops/eateries, much more coffee and bake options (my preferred).
I adored Zhyvago interior as it was a super laid back vibe with heaps of people working from their laptop all-whist enjoying the sun and coffee. There is more than enough seating, either on the wrap around terrace/balcony, outside or inside (AIRCON!).There is loads of parking in American village for a small price and not far from this roaster either. Please excuse my red face in this photo, I had just been for a run in the 30 degree heat in order to earn myself this beautiful cinnamon bun!
The Bun
This cinnamon bun was delicious as it was covered in sticky caramel and nuts as well as some buttercream. Zhyvago’s cinnamon bun was less of a bun and more of a pastry loaf masterpiece. When I tore off a piece, it didn’t just rip; it separated in delicate, soft layers, almost like pulling apart a well-baked dauphinoise potato. Each layer was super buttery, flaky, and had that satisfying blend of cinnamon, nuts and caramel. The texture had just the right balance of softness and structure, making each bite feel indulgent, like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a perfectly baked croissant.
All for 550 yen (£2.50 ish)
I wasn’t not going to get it.
I would have this again!
Texture 8/10
Taste 8/10
Appearance 8/10
Overall 8/10
