Okinawa Archives - A Side of Sweet

Okinawa, Japan Travel Video!

A video diary of my trip to Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa has so many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, including an amazing food scene!

Thank you so, so much for the amazingly positive response to my first ever travel video – Iceland!

I was so inspired by the process of creating the Iceland video I dove headfirst into some old footage from my trip to Okinawa, Japan. I hope you enjoy this short look into what I did and ate during my trip!

If you liked what you saw, head over to my YouTube channel and give the video a thumbs up. Even better – leave a comment and hit the subscribe button! Thanks so much for your support.

P.S. – Planning a trip to Okinawa? Check out these posts:… Read More »

Mahaina Wellness Resort in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel in Okinawa, Japan with a focus on wellness, great food and excellent service, try Mahaina Resort in Motobu.

After two days of glamping at Nanma Mui, we checked in to Mahaina Wellness Resort in Motobu, Okinawa. Mahaina has something for everyone. You’ll find amazing food with multiple restaurants offering different dining options, spacious rooms, scenic views and even a traditional Japanese spa.

Read on for my review and my Okinawa travel video:
… Read More »

Glamping at Nanma Mui in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Okinawa, Japan, try glamping at Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago. There’s no roughing it at this beautiful spot.

So, you read my Okinawa travel guide and now you’re headed to Okinawa. Perfect! Wondering where to stay when you’re there? A great option is Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago, Okinawa. It’s directly on the water, meaning you wake up to amazing views of the Hanejinaikai Sea. It’s perfectly secluded and surrounded by lush greens and beautiful flowers.

Read on for more from our stay and my Okinawa travel video!… Read More »

Tips for Traveling to Japan

Tips for Traveling to Japan – what to pack, etiquette, culture expectations, navigating public transportation, how to get tax-free purchases and more!

Oh Japan, you magical place. Full of heavenly meals and amazing sights, you’re a world apart from any place I’ve ever visited. You’re a place of particularities, of customs, and graciousness. Your people are polite to a fault, reserved, and rigid in their expectations. And I’m madly in love with every bit of it.

You will experience culture shock. That little anxious feeling rises up in your stomach when you can’t read the signs and don’t speak the language and are wondering what the heck you got yourself into! Don’t worry though, it will get better and it’s all worth it for the chance to explore this amazing country. Read on for some of my tips for getting the most out of your trip to Japan.

12 Things to Do in Okinawa Japan

A comprehensive guide to Okinawa Japan including travel advice, where to go, outdoors activities, family friendly things to do and more! Okinawa has so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Okinawa is an amazing place. There is something for everyone. For the nature lover, there is amazing hiking, sea kayaking, scuba diving and so much more. For the foodie, it might actually be paradise. The uniqueness and quality of the cuisine is alone worth the trip. If you’re traveling with kids, there are tons of family-friendly activities! The people are warm and welcoming, and so proud of their heritage and long lifespan. It’s a beautiful place, unspoilt by mass tourism, and a world apart from mainland Japan. Especially in Northern Okinawa, I had the sense that I was discovering a hidden secret.

Get my Okinawa Japan travel guide and watch my Okinawa video after the jump….
… Read More »

Okinawa Food & Restaurant Guide // Japan

An Okinawa food guide from my trip to Japan. What foods to try, explanation of traditional Okinawan food and restaurant recommendations!

Okinawa, Japan is a foodie’s paradise. If you were following me on Instagram during my trip last month, you’ll know that every meal I ate on the island was an actual feast, for the eyes and for the belly. The food there is unlike anywhere else in the world, even mainland Japan.

The Okinawan people have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. Why exactly is a mystery that researchers are still trying to crack, but much of it has been credited to their diet.

Read on for what to eat in Okinawa with some video inspiration too!… Read More »