So,

I've been invited along with my girlfriend to visit her family in Okinawa! We'll be there over the Christmas break. This will be my first trip to Okinawa and I effectively have a translator (my poor girlfriend )

So trying to plan out a few things I want to do or see, my short list:

Dojo bar

The Monument of Miyagi Chojun and Higaonna Kanryo

Jundokan? Not sure if you can just visit when there is no class.

Any other suggestions for things to do or see?

That's cool! I have no suggestions to offer, other than to have a fun trip!

Sounds like a great opportunity. I’ve never been there nor know anyone well that’s spent much time there. I’m sure your girlfriend knows her way around.

If you’re looking to train at a dojo, stop in and watch a class or just visit one, there’s a gentleman (Miguel da Luz) who coordinates dojo visits in Okinawa. I’ve seen him in a few documentaries and Jesse Enkamp has mentioned him several times in his blogs. Maybe email him and ask him about what dojos allow what you’re looking to do?

Here’s a link to a Jesse blog about karate in Okinawa. It has a link to Miguel da Luz’s website somewhere in there...

http://www.karatebyjesse.com/train-karate-okinawa-guide/

I’m sure you’ll have plenty of non-karate stuff to do and it’ll be more of a side thing while you’re there. Also, perhaps your girlfriend and/or her family know a dojo/teacher who you can check out.

That is awesome. Hope you have fun.

That is awesome. Hope you have fun.

That is the plan

Sounds like a great opportunity. I’ve never been there nor know anyone well that’s spent much time there. I’m sure your girlfriend knows her way around.

If you’re looking to train at a dojo, stop in and watch a class or just visit one, there’s a gentleman (Miguel da Luz) who coordinates dojo visits in Okinawa. I’ve seen him in a few documentaries and Jesse Enkamp has mentioned him several times in his blogs. Maybe email him and ask him about what dojos allow what you’re looking to do?

Here’s a link to a Jesse blog about karate in Okinawa. It has a link to Miguel da Luz’s website somewhere in there...

http://www.karatebyjesse.com/train-karate-okinawa-guide/

I’m sure you’ll have plenty of non-karate stuff to do and it’ll be more of a side thing while you’re there. Also, perhaps your girlfriend and/or her family know a dojo/teacher who you can check out.

Interesting, Thanks for the info.

How was it, Karate_John?

Patrick

I love Japan. I will be visiting it this December.

I love Japan. I will be visiting it this December.

Business or pleasure??

Will you be visiting any MA related sites/dojo's??

Japan's nightlife is like no other, imho!! As a suggestion, if this is your first time to Japan, try to stay in groups; don't go alone, if you possibly can.

Have fun and be safe!! I dread the flights because they're so long.

I love Japan. I will be visiting it this December.

Noticed I never responded to Patrack on this thread sorry about that.

Steele52 Japan is a blast, Do you know where you will be going?

My last trip was a little over a week. I went to Okinawa for 5 days and Iejima for 2, where the bulk of my fiancée family lives.

On Okinawa we rented a airbnb, and our host happened to be a martial artist. Sadly it was too late in the trip when this was brought up, could have visited the dojo otherwise.

But I did visit the shureido store and Ippon-do. And had a few conversations with local karateka. Note that they are very small shops.

My previous trip was to Tokyo, The city is a great fun place, I suggest visiting Akihabara for a good time. The Kodokan is also a great place to visit and a small public museum that is cool.

Steele52 If you have any questions i would be happy to answer the best i can.