Weather Page Rocks

We have updated our weather page.  It covers weather for Kadena AB, Camp Foster, Nago, & Okinawa Japan.

You will find a one-page summary that automatically updates the current radar satellite shots, daily weather briefs, quick links to 5-day forecasts, and typhoon and tropical storm tracking through several feeds. 

No need to look in 40 different locations anymore. . .:-0    if you have a favorite link or feed we might have missed, please let us know.

Did you know. . .about BX & Commissary Coupons?

Did you know that because you are overseas you can use coupons on base at the PX, BX, and the Commissaries for up to 6 months after the shown expiration date?  Where can you pick these up?  Glad you asked!  Once you enter the Commissary and are facing the checkout counters, you will see a customer service window.  Ask for coupons at this window - you are allowed to pick up a stack of coupons once per day.

 See more “Did you know. . .” tips and tidbits here.

Did you know. . .about the Emergency Room on Camp Lester?

We have started a new section on our main website called “Did you know. . .?“  In short, it is a section of tips and helper tidbits about Okinawa Living. . .you will find money saving tips, information about space-A upgrades, and more.

Today’s addition to “did you know. . .” is about the emergency room - did you know that the emergency room is located on the hospital on Camp Lester (which by the way is the largest overseas hospital in the United States Navy - servicing 55,000+ beneficiaries!).  The clinic at Kadena AB closes at 430 pm on Friday and does not open until Monday (except  

Make sure you know how to get there (from Kadena, head out Gate 1 southbound onto 58.  A few miles later - just past the ferris wheel on your right and directly across from a Starbucks - is the Camp Lester entrance.  Hospital is right in front of you at that gate).  Their 24-hour information desk can be reached at DSN 315-643-7555.

Oura Wan Beach & “The Cottages at Oura Wan”

We stayed at the Cottages at Oura Wan on Camp Schwab several weeks ago. . .of the other MWR cabins, cottages, and camping locations we have stayed at (including White Beach and Okuma), these are a cut above the rest. 

Seriously high class operation and much better than your standard MWR lodging facility.  The cottages are each inspired with their own unique Ryukyun (Okinawan) decoration themes.  Comfortable queen beds are found in the bedrooms and sofa sleepers (more on the lump side) in the living rooms.

Great attention to detail at Oura Wan - You will find a fully equipped kitchen with tile floors throughout, modern cabinets, full sized fridge, 2-burner stove, microwave, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc.  Only things missing are an oven, the 2 extra burners, and a dishwasher.  Outside you will find a decently sized patio deck complete with Weber gas barbecue grill and even an extra propane tank.  Cable TV, DVD players, and Playstation2 are also provided.  Additional information on amenities available at the MCCS cottages is available here.

From Friday to Monday, you can rent kayaks, sailboats, jetskis, windsurfs, or charter a boat (yes, you can charter a boat for your own personal scuba diving or fishing outing!).   Also, take note that on Saturdays, the Oura Wan boating center offers FREE sailboat lessons at 9 am.  These are by reservation only, so do call in advance to 625-3683. 

Planning your trip - don’t forget which days the boating center is open.  If you want to rent watersports equipment, schedule reservations for Friday thru Monday.  If you like an extra quiet & private beach, schedule the cottage from Tuesday thru Thursday since the boating is closed on these days.

Scuba Diving in Okinawa - Maeda Point

Welcome to what is probably the most popular and well-known dive spot in Okinawa. Entry is gradual (good for beginners) and assisted by construction of a (substantial) flight of steps leading down to the water.

The shoreline is steep at Maeda Point (thus the need for steps to get down to the dive site). This rapidly changing topography continues underwater as well. While there is a reef that runs parallel to the shoreline, just to the left of the reef (as viewed from above on descent to the site), the dropoff is almost completely vertical, allowing for deepwater dives just offshore to approximately 100 feet in depth.

Consider staying for a moment after your dive or you might miss one of the spectacular sunsets at Maeda Point - made all the more magical by the waves splashing off of the substantial shoreline cliffs and the suns rays punching through the partly overcast skies.

Directions:
Take Hwy 58 northbound. When you reach the “Renaissance Hotel”, take a hard left onto Hwy 6. Within 2 miles you will see a large white sign saying “Cape Maeda”. Turn right here. Road appears like it is dying off, but keep going. It will dead end in a few hundred yards into the parking lot. Note that there is a 100Y per hour fee now to park.

Torii Beach - Great beach, waterslide, sea-glass collecting, camping!

Torii Beach is located on Torii Station Army Base. As 1 of 3 DOD-owned and operated beaches in Okinawa, Torii Beach is well-kept and has a great view. The reefs are shallow and very close to shore (easier on the kiddos). Since the waves are generally very mild, this makes for an excellent snorkeling location. The wind can pick up though offshore, so you will often see kiteboarders here as well.

Torii Beach is quiet in the winter months, great for sea-glass collecting and just relaxing. Late spring thru early fall brings the opening of the water slide area and Armed Forces Radio, which often plays on the P.A. system. The sand volleyball courts pick up action as well.

Torii Beach additionally offers camping areas and pavilion rentals (see slideshow for pictures). Torii Beach Cabins:

• House 1-6 people
• Private bathroom
• Indoor & outdoor furniture
• Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, TV & DVD player, BBQ Grill
• $50 per night