Blog

Choosing Okinawan Crafts — Ryukyu Glass, Bingata, and Kariyushi Wear

Ryukyu glass isn't heat-resistant, bingata has an indigo counterpart called aigata, and genuine kariyushi wear always carries a tag. Here are the criteria that make choosing Okinawan crafts straightforward — plus where to compare five crafts in one place, and how to get fragile pieces home.

Shopping in Naha — Don Quijote, Drugstores, and Japan's New Tax-Free Refund System

Where to shop in Naha. How to tell apart the two Don Quijote stores near Kokusai-dori, what you can't buy at a drugstore late at night, and how to claim tax-free once Japan switches to a refund system on November 1, 2026 — all within walking distance of Miebashi.

5 Places Worth Queueing For in Naha — From 2 a.m. Ramen to a No-Reservations Steakhouse

Falling Ill in Okinawa: Emergency Hotlines, Hospitals and Medicine

Internet and Cash in Okinawa: eSIM, Wi-Fi and ATMs That Work for Visitors

Can You Tour Okinawa Without a Rental Car? A Destination-by-Destination Reality Check

People say a rental car is essential for northern Okinawa — but an express bus runs straight to Churaumi Aquarium. We checked the official sources destination by destination: Sefa-Utaki, Okinawa World, American Village, and even Kouri Island.

The Complete Naha City Bus Guide — Why Your Suica Won't Work, and How to Ride

Naha's buses take you where the monorail can't reach. But there's one thing that trips up nearly every visitor: Suica and PASMO don't work here. From sorting out how you'll pay, to the boarding procedure, to getting to Shuri Castle — here's everything you need for your first ride.

Golden Week, Obon & New Year in Naha — Smart Ways to Beat the Crowds

When Is Typhoon Season in Okinawa? A Traveler's Guide to Timing, Prep, and Riding It Out

The Complete Guide to Naminoue Beach — Naha's Only In-City Beach Where You Can Swim

Autumn in Okinawa (October–November) Travel Guide — A Hidden Sweet Spot for Comfort and Culture

Autumn in Okinawa is a quietly excellent season. The ocean is still swimmable through October, and major traditional events like the Naha Great Tug-of-War and Shuri Castle Restoration Festival fill the calendar. We break down the climate, pricing, and how to enjoy it from a local perspective.

Winter & Early Spring in Okinawa (December–March) Travel Guide — Cherry Blossoms, Whales, and a Different Kind of Trip

December through March in Okinawa is a totally different world from Tokyo or other Japanese cities. Cherry blossoms, humpback whales, pro baseball spring training, the NAHA Marathon — all while you're still walking around in light layers. A local breakdown of climate, events, and pricing.

Where to Eat Breakfast Near Miebashi Naha — 4 Local Favorites for Hotel-Breakfast-Free Travelers

Okinawa Best Time to Visit — A Month-by-Month Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Naha: A Practical Guide to the Four Main Areas

A Practical Guide to Summer in Naha: July–September Okinawa Travel

Summer in Naha brings tropical heat, dramatic skies, and the year's most lively festivals — but also typhoon season. This guide covers the climate, three signature festivals, smart packing, and how SUNZ ROOMS keeps long stays comfortable when the weather turns.

3 Must-Try Okinawa Soba Shops Within Walking Distance of SUNZ ROOMS

The original soki soba pioneer, a local hidden gem near Miebashi Station, and a Miyako soba specialist off Kokusai Street — three distinct styles, all within walking distance.

Long Stays in Naha Made Simple — Why SUNZ ROOMS Feels Like Actually Living in Okinawa

A Walking Guide to Tsuboya Yachimun Street — Okinawa's Historic Pottery Quarter Near SUNZ ROOMS

Where to Shop Near SUNZ ROOMS — A Local's Guide to Convenience Stores and Supermarkets in Naha

Naha Luggage Storage & Coin Locker Guide

Where do you leave your bags before check-in or after check-out? A rundown of storage at Naha Airport, Yui Rail stations, and around town — including the catch that lockers at the main monorail stations are cashless-only and won't take coins.

How to Visit Shuri Castle from Naha — A Guide to the "Visible Reconstruction" Before the 2026 Reopening

Everything you need to know about visiting Shuri Castle from SUNZ ROOMS — access, admission fees, hours, and highlights of the ongoing reconstruction. Updated April 2026.

Day-Trip Islands from Naha — Ferries Leave Just 9 Minutes from SUNZ ROOMS

How to Walk from Miebashi Station to SUNZ ROOMS — A Step-by-Step Arrival Guide

5 Best Izakaya Near SUNZ ROOMS — Local Dining Within Walking Distance of Miebashi Station

How Far Is SUNZ ROOMS from Kokusai Street? A Walking Guide with Area Map

Exact walking times from Kokusai Street landmarks to SUNZ ROOMS. 1 min from Miebashi Station, 9 min from Don Quijote.

A Walking Guide to Makishi Public Market — Okinawa's Kitchen Near SUNZ ROOMS

A complete guide to Naha's First Makishi Public Market. Fresh seafood, the unique mochiage cook-to-order experience, and top restaurant picks — all within walking distance of SUNZ ROOMS.

The Ultimate Okinawa Packing Checklist — Seasonal Tips and What Locals Always Bring

Okinawa from April to June — Why the Rainy Season Is Actually the Best-Value Window to Visit

Hotel or Vacation Rental in Naha? A Complete Comparison on Cost, Privacy, and Comfort

Rainy Day in Naha? 7 Things to Do When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate

Don't let rain ruin your Naha trip. 7 indoor activities and covered spots to enjoy on a rainy day.

How to Get from Naha Airport to Central Naha — A Complete Transport Guide

Yui Rail, taxi, or rental car? A complete guide to getting from Naha Airport to your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Naha with a Large Group — A Local Guide to Private Accommodation in Okinawa