After the monorail, we hopped off at Kencho-mae station next to the Ryubo shopping mall. We had a look around at all the lovely expensive things there as well as Muji then headed out to wander up Kokusai-dori. Kokusai-dori is the main street in Naha, where there are a heap of shops and restaurants. I'd say 80% of the shops are souvenir places, so we didn't really look in any of them, but it was nice to just wander. 

Eventually we were hungry for lunch, and decided to go back to Ukishima Garden again because it was so amazing the night before, we wanted to try their lunch menu. I will be doing a separate post about this restaurant in a couple of days because it was just so good. 

We spent the rest of our time in Naha wandering the shops and alleyways until we were all exhausted and made the drive back home. Now having finally spent some time in Naha, we will definitely be back again for some more getaways, when we need some time away from our sleepy village.

So many shops packed with souvenirs

Tropical fruits

Kokusai Dori

Walking to the monorail station

Pretty building

Waiting for the monrail

This guy was pretty excited to tick another mode of transport off the list.

Don't catch your fingers in the door!

More souvenirs

spotted in an alleyway

One of the many covered side alleys

We splurged on the Hyatt Regency (because I LOVE a fancy hotel), and it didn't disappoint. By the time we got to Naha after work, it was already 7pm, so we parked out car in one of those futuristic carparks where your car goes into a garage, door closes and car disappears to the abyss, then quickly dropped our stuff in our room and headed out to dinner. We went to an absolutely amazing vegan place called Ukishima Garden, which i will do a separate post on, because it was some of the best food i've had in Okinawa. 

Where does the car go?

Our room

The next morning we woke up to beautiful weather and lovely views of the Naha skyline. G loved sitting in the window and staring out at all the buildings. We then decided to splurge again, and go down to the hotel buffet breakfast. I was highly amused by the sign for something called Eggslut, however i've now been advised that it wasn't a case of Engrish translation, but it's actually a thing! Who knew! I'll be posting a couple more installments of our mini stay-cation this week so stay tuned!

Good Morning Naha

Even Phoebe the cat was enjoying the view

Apparently Eggslut is a thing?

It was not good....

It's just coffee, mad shakes (some kind of milkshakes) and some sweets in a cake cabinet, but they seem to take their coffee very seriously. 

They have seating along the bar and windows, as well as a couple of tables, so it's not huge, but really cozy and welcoming. When I visited it was really hot outside, but beautiful, so I sat in the air conditioning inside and stared out the window and the gorgeous day.

Amazing view

Lovely counter

Perfect spot for an iced coffee

Front

Seriously, that view!

Last Friday night we went out to dinner with a friend and her son (one of G's little buddies) to Sakae Ryoriten, an izakaya in Ishikawa which is the best i've been to in Okinawa. All their ingredients are locally sources and therefore really fresh. I have been there a couple of times before but it was Helen's first visit. They have an english menu (photos at the end of the post), which is great and either table or floor seating (if you're after the authentic Japanese experience.

Our puppy

Left to right: Rooster, chicken, astronaut and puppy

There was a kids and adult version of totoro.

Toys r us

Jibanyan from Yokai Watch

On Friday, G's school had a barnyard dance, which was a costume party, so we actually got two wears out of his costume in 2 days. It was so adorable. All the kids did the chicken dance, then the hokey pokey and one more dance that I can't remember. It was so so cute! Then we all sat down and had a bento lunch with the kids before going back to work.

The Barnyard dance

Saturday night, the faculty houses at my work campus hosted trick or treating for all the kids of staff at the University. It was really nice. There were a heap of people there, and we were given a map with the houses that were taking part so we knew where we could knock. Griff met up with his little buddy and they were super excited little 4 year olds collecting candy. Griff got sooooo much stuff, way too much for a four year old, so we stealthily reduced the amount in his bag before we got home so there wasn't nearly as much. He didn't even notice and was super happy with his haul.

Trick or treating