Kadena is home to an Air Force base. The base is one of the best on Okinawa, the chow halls are the best. The city outside the base is like most in Oki, concrete buildings and American based bars and restaurants and some for just Japanese. Marines are not well received by the Airman and there are occasional inter-service rivalries confrontations. All in all nice place to visit but I would not want to live there.

If you in Gushikawa you HAVE to eat at Casa de Taco and Capital Steakhouse...THE 2 BEST PLACES TO EAT ON THE PLANET!

make sure to check out yakniku viking (the local cab drivers know it as "try") its a restaurant were you cook your own food on a grill built into your table. very friendly staff, and great food.

Okay this kind of place is not for the new traveler! If you are not familiar with the term "Culture shock," come and visit Japan. At the airport, there are English translation but once your are out in the Japanese cities, you're on your own. Make sure you learn a few phrase like "Do you speak English?" That help me on the phone. It is a wonderful, exotic, and life changing experience. Especially being American or European, be prepared to be gawked at as the tallest, fattest, well basically bigger than any Japanese people, particularly Okinawa. Oh yeah, on the island everyone wears hats, long sleeves, gloves, carries umbrellas, long pants, etc. to guard from the sun. It took me a while to get used to people walking around completely covered up. I did love the fish market, but get there early to see and even buy fresh catch of tropical colors. The Japanese people, it seems, really do appreciate all opportunities that the ocean provides as meals. Itoman is wonderful to see the suicide caves, tunnels, and cliffs from World War II. I was enthralled. Hedo point is the most northern spot in Okinawa. It worth a drive becasue you pass Okuma beach where you can camp out right on the ocean front, includes resaurant, BBQ pits, and other emenities.

The Beach Tower Hotel and Chulala Spa!

Watch out for the juicy girls, bring a lot of money, and go to Popeye's, no its not what you think, just a really good hole in the wall restaurant.

Beaches, Huge Arcades, Jusco Mall, Beaches, the Seawall.

ok Okinawa Activities and sight seeing: plenty of temples, scuba diving, and night life Food: the food is actually quite diverse given that its an international shipping port, that and its been invaded by just about every Asian nation in its history Interacting with Locals: the locals tend to be friendly and courtious, just like the Japanese in general, but they tend to be more forthright about their opinions. Be aware that at some bars/clubs that the doorman may cross his arms over his chest to make an X; this means no Americans; just deal and find another one. General Impressions: Okinawa offers some great sightseeing, plenty of activities, and had a very low crime rate when I was there. That said, it is the seedier side of Japan with more red light districts then I had expected

OMG! Anywhere on Okinawa is awesome! The shopping is expansive, food is EVERYWHERE... try the local Italian and Chinese places. THE best snorkeling in the world. Find a local military person to 'sponsor' you on your venture. Driving is crazy there and rental cars cost some bucks.

Pretty blue water and lovely beaches. The nightlife is the bomb! Go out Whisper Alley better known as Green Street.