SOCIAL WORKATION, a tour-based workation themed around “remote work at a resort” + “interaction with participants,” goes beyond a typical workation by allowing participants to make friends to explore and enjoy their stay more.
Wondering what to do to have fun during your stay? To answer this question, we have selected from past participants’ experiences the “Top 10 Must-Visit Spots & Gourmet Experiences.”
1. Enjoy Okinawan Music & Cuisine on the Miracle Mile “Kokusai Dori”
- Kokusai Dori, a major tourist attraction in Naha City, stretches for about 1.6 km and is also known as the “Miracle Mile” due to the post-war reconstruction centered around this area. Lined with restaurants, shops, and izakayas, Showa Mura Izakaya offers a nostalgic atmosphere where you can enjoy various Okinawan dishes and Awamori (Okinawan liquor).
- Top Left: Enjoy traditional Okinawan music performances every hour.
- Top Right: Rafute (braised cubed pork), a representative Okinawan dish featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork braised with Awamori.
- Bottom Right: Sea grapes, a local delicacy known for their unique texture.
2. Dive into the Blue Waters of Kerama at “Aka Island”.
- Aka Island Beach Part of the Kerama Islands, known for their beautiful seas, “Aka Island” is a popular spot for divers worldwide. The stunning “Kerama Blue” waters can be reached in about 50 minutes by high-speed boat from Okinawa’s main island, making it a great day trip option.
- Participants Diving in the “Kerama Blue” Waters
3. The Ultimate Breakfast Experience with Medicinal Cuisine at “Okinawa Daiichi Hotel”
- Medicinal Breakfast (3,240 yen) Known among breakfast enthusiasts as “The Pinnacle.” The medicinal breakfast at Okinawa Daiichi Hotel uses around 50 ingredients to create over 20 dishes. Even non-guests can enjoy breakfast with prior reservation. The menu, focusing on Okinawan island vegetables, offers a luxurious healthy meal with only 585 kcal. The owner explains the dishes and their benefits, adding knowledge to an already enjoyable experience.
- Left: The lobby features antiques and Okinawan artifacts, setting the scene for this breakfast experience.
- Top Right: Okinawa Daiichi Hotel is a 9-minute walk from the hotel, with reservations available at 8, 9, and 10 AM.
- Bottom Right: The beautifully maintained garden provides a tropical space and a rejuvenating atmosphere.
4. Relax at the Scenic Outdoor Sauna “Onna Village Goomi”
- Onna Village Goomi This sauna and BBQ facility in Onna Village offers stunning ocean views from a high vantage point. Participants often visit in groups, as the SOCIAL WORKATION typically has 10-20 people per term. After enjoying the hot sauna and cooling off in the cold bath, lounging on camping chairs provides ultimate relaxation with a view.
- Participants Enjoying BBQ After Sauna
5. Savor American style steaks at “American Village”
- Participants Enjoying Steaks at American Village
A trip to Okinawa isn’t complete without experiencing American culture. “American Village” in Chatan Town, Mihama, built on a former US military base, mimics American cityscapes and features various shops, restaurants, and amusement facilities. Enjoy a meal at Steakhouse 88 in Chatan.- Left: Tenderloin steak (200g) for 1,738 yen.
- Right: Cut steak (200g) for 2,640 yen.
6. Run to “Shurijo Castle Park”
- Shureimon Gate at Shurijo Castle Park
Bringing running shoes on your trip allows you to explore efficiently. From Estinate hotel to Shurijo Castle is about 3.5 km, making a roughly 10 km round-trip course. Running in the morning before it gets hot is highly recommended.
- Left: A panoramic view of Naha City from Shurijo Castle Park.
- Right: Various paths and unique Okinawan plants in the park create a relaxing and unique atmosphere.
7. Enjoy the Nearby Beach “Naminoue Beach”
- Naminoue Beach Located within walking distance from Estinate hotel, Naminoue Beach offers convenient access to a beautiful and compact beach, perfect for a quick visit with just a towel and swimsuit. The beach also offers outdoor BBQ, marine activities, making it enjoyable for solo visitors or groups.
- Left: A 15-minute walk from Estinate hotel to Naminoue Beach.
- Top Right: White sands and clear waters are typical of Okinawa, even in the city.
- Bottom Right: Paid shower facilities make it easy to clean up after enjoying the beach.
8. Discover Okinawan Soul Food at “Mikado Diner”
- Okinawan-Style Champon (stir fry)(750 yen) Established in 1962, Mikado Diner, known for Okinawan Champon and Pork Tamago (egg), is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Many participants visit this diner multiple times during their 2-week stay, making it a perfect lunch spot during work breaks.
- Left: Pork Tamago Set.
- Right: Classic Katsudon (fried pork) with a light Okinawan flavor.
9. Experience the Drive-In at Okinawa’s Exclusive Burger Chain “A&W”
- A&W Makiminato Branch The only A&W locations in Japan are in Okinawa. Known for their world class root beer, A&W offers a nostalgic American drive-in experience. Place your order from the car and enjoy your meal delivered directly to you.
- Left: Order from the parking lot and enjoy your meal in the car, just like in old American movies.
- Right: Place your order from the car, and the staff delivers it. Payment is made on the spot. Be sure to try the unique root beer.
10. Buy Okinawan Pottery “Yachimun” on “Tsuboya Yachimun Street”
Yachimun Known for its Okinawan pottery, Yachimun shops line Tsuboya Yachimun Street, within walking distance from our hotel. Explore various shops to find your favorite pieces, with prices starting around 500 yen, making it perfect for souvenirs.
- Left: Stone-paved Tsuboya Yachimun Street is lined with many shops.
- Top Right: “Yatch to Moon” store offers a wide range of pottery, fun to browse.
- Bottom Right: Take a break at “Uchina tea house Bukubuku,” where drinks and sweets are served in Yachimun pottery.
Summary of Must-Visit Spots & Gourmet Experiences
1. Kokusai Dori
- Website: None
- Google Map: Link
2. Aka Island
- Website: None
- Google Map: Link
3. Okinawa Daiichi Hotel
- Website: None
- Google Map: Link
4. Onna Village Goomi
5. American Village
6. Shurijo Castle Park
7. Naminoue Beach
8. Mikado Diner
- Website: None
- Google Map: Link
9. A&W Makiminato Branch
10. Tsuboya Yachimun Street
(Writing: Yuki Ichikawa, Photography: Yuki Ichikawa & Monitor Participants)
※This article has been partially revised and republished from its original version in July 2022.
