Local traditions and culture in Okinawa

Everyone likes a buffet right? In fact, they like them so much on Okinawa that most restaurants have an eating time limit. What's that you say? Time limit? That's right...as soon as you sit down to eat, the wait staff will either start a timer at their station or one located right on your table. When your time is up, you must leave the restaurant. Generally, the smaller the place is, the less time you get. The shortest i have seen is 45 minutes and the longest I have seen is 90 minutes, but they are usually about an hour. Why the limit? For one it keeps you from eating them into the poor house and second it enables others to get in and get a chance to eat too. I don't recall seeing this custom on the mainland of Japan.

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Okinawan spiritualism is centered around ancestral worship. If you visit Okinawa, you will notice many tombs along the coastline and in the hillsides. To some people they look like sotrage bunkers, but they are not. Please do not tresspass as they are the resting places of Okinawans in the afterlife. They are also the scene of much activity during "shimi," which usually takes place in the beginning of April. During this celebration, Okinawans will gather at their ancestral tomb with lots of food and drink and have a picnic-style party after saying a few prayers!

Okinawans love music. During celebrations, the delightful sound of the sanshin - a three-stringed lute that originally came from China during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era - and lots of lively dance will capture your senses. The "kachashee" is a dance that is performed by everyone at the end of a party or celebration. Small kids, teenagers, and grandparents all love to dance. You can experience Okinawan music at any festival or by visiting a "minyo" (folk music) bar with live music.

If you're in the city and exploring the different restaurant just a reminder that when you pay your bill that you're not to leave a tip. If you enjoyed your food just say "domo arigato" wich means thank you or say "derishasu" which means delicious.

Please try it when you come to Okinawa!
This is a special alchohol of Okinawa,kind of liquor.It's good for you to mix the Awamori with the water.So, it's strong. Alcohol rate is approximately 40%.
Taste; peculiarity of the smell,but taste is mellow.
Okinawa people like this, therefore they are longevity.
I really enjoyed it.

Junichi

liviing in Okinawa means learning another culture . one of the customs I learned is that when you move to your apartment or house it's customary to bring a gift to your neighbor this is best way to start in your adventure in Japan.

As any countries in Asia, it has lot of customs that you need to be mindful of. One of the few things you have to remember when visiting somebody's house is to remove your shoes or any footwear you might have. And if your out in a restaurant and you decide to use your chopstick, DO NOT, stick your chopstick into your bowl of rice or food as this symbolizes death to the Okinawa culture. Other than that I recommend the gyoza and dont pass up the sushi.

When you visit Okinawa, make sure to try this local version of noodles! It is sold just about everywhere, but ask a local for a recommendation for a nearby famous noodle shop.