Richard Hamilton visited Okinawa City, the host city of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. With his friend and fellow former NBA player Maurice Evans, he traveled around the city to explore the food, culture, and Okinawa Arena.
Richard Hamilton and Maurice Evans visit Okinawa City
Richard Hamilton's favorite place in Okinawa City is here, the Payao Market. Various fish caught early in the morning are brought in and processed in front of your eyes. Visitors can find here colorful fish unique to the tropical island of Okinawa, as well as tuna unique to Japan on many days. They can choose from a lineup of fish, have them cooked on the spot, and dine inside the store. This fish market, which is crowded with local customers every day, may actually be the best hidden gem of the tourist destination, Okinawa City.
Address：1-11-34 Awase, Okinawa City Phone：098-939-4980 10:30-18:00 (April-September) 10:30-17:30 (October-March) P：Available
Established in 1846, Shinzato Shuzo Distillery is proud to be Okinawa’s oldest.
While preserving its history, this Awamori distillery continues to innovate and build a new era. The Awamori they produce has won numerous awards and is highly regarded for its style and taste. The distiller has turned its attention to creating a whisky unique to Okinawa, with a deep flavor that only the oldest distillery in Okinawa can produce.
Address：3-22-8 Koja, Okinawa City (Head Office) Phone：098-939-5050 8:30-17:30 Closed：Sat, Sun, public holidays and New Year's P：Available
Tacos & Taco Rice, a long-standing and popular dish.
Tacos representing Mexican fast food, and taco rice, which is taco ingredients on top of rice, are both excellent. Come and enjoy the taste loved by both locals and tourists.
Address：4-11-5 Chuo, Okinawa City Phone：098-937-4627 11:00-18:45 Closed：Thu P：Not Available
A steak restaurant with a night view facing the yacht harbor.
This is a place where you can enjoy hearty char-grilled steaks, fresh lobsters, and other seafood, while the location with the night view of the sea and the exotic interior combine to enhance the resort atmosphere. Have an elegant dinner in Okinawa City here.
Address：1-41-15 Awase, Okinawa City Phone：098-937-3421 Lunch/11:30-15:00（L.O. 14:00) Dinner/17:00-23:00（L.O. 22:00） P：Available
The beautiful, clear soup based on bonito broth will captivate even those who enjoy the lightest of flavors. The tenderness of the seared soki (spare ribs) is irre- sistible.
Address：1-16-27 Hiyagon, Okinawa City Phone：098-933-6009 10:00-15:00 Closed：Wed P：Available
This popular restaurant has been recognized in ramen rankings not only in Okinawa but also in all of Japan. It’s worth visiting Okinawa City just for the Jinbei’s noodles.
Address：5-13-18 Chihana, Okinawa City Phone：098-938-1558 11:30-15:30 Closes when sold out P：Available
A collaborative facility between the zoo and museum.
The zoo offers an up close look at popular animals such as elephants, giraffes, and white lions, as well as animals unique to Okinawa. Richard Hamilton and Maurice Evans also had a special opportunity to play the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan musical instrument, in the Furusatoen, an area of relocated old houses at Okinawa Zoo and Museum(Kodomo no Kuni). The park is regarded the best theme park in Okinawa, where visitors can interact with rare animals and appreciate valuable cultural assets.
Address：5-7-1 Goya, Okinawa City Phone：098-933-4190 14:00-22:00 April-September 9:30-18:00 (admission until 17:00) October-March 9:30-17:30(admission until 16:30) Closed：Tue
Experience the history and culture of traditional arts.
In Okinawa, where the culture of ancestor worship is deeply rooted, there is a belief that the spirits of ancestors return to this world from the other world at the time of year in the lunar calendar called Obon. The spirits of ancestors who have returned to this world are sent off with the sound of drums and Eisa dance performances parading through the community. The Eisa Kaikan is a facility where visitors can experience the history and culture of Eisa.
Meet more than 1,300 species of rare subtropical plants.
A botanical garden resort where you can encounter many subtropical plants that can only be seen here in Japan. There are two areas: the picturesque “Water Paradise” and the “Botanical Garden” where the deep greenery heals your mind and soul. Among them, don't miss the world's longest living tree, Dragon Tree, and the baobab. From late November to early April, the garden is light up, making it a garden that visitors can enjoy all year round.
Address：2146 Chibana, Okinawa City Phone：098-939-2555 9:30-22:00 (last admission 21:30)
You’ll see Okinawa City, which formed its own unique culture.
After World War II, Okinawa City developed dramatically as commercial and entertainment services were created one after another for military personnel and civilians from bases adjacent to Okinawa City. This museum allows visitors to hear the recorded voice of Okinawa City’s unique culture.
Address：2-2-1 Chuo, Okinawa City Phone：098-929-2922 10:00-18:00 Closed：Mon, public holidays, Okinawa Memorial Day (June 23), end of the year and New Year holidays.
The powerful performances attract many foreign fans.
The music of Okinawa City has developed into a unique style, mixing the music sought by U.S. soldiers with Okinawa's musical culture. It has become a unique mecca for rock music. in Japan. Therefore, streets in Okinawa City are lined with a variety of live music venues. Here at JET, the crowds arrive as soon as the doors open, and even the foreign audience is enthusiastic about the powerful live performances of mainly American classic rock from the 60's and 70's.
Address：1-10-3 Chuo, Okinawa City Phone：090-2966-9582 Fri, Sat 20:00~ Closed：Sun-Thu
Before leaving for war, American soldiers would fix $1 bills with their names and dates written on them on the wall of Bar Prince, wishing for their safe return. Even today, countless one dollar bills are still on the walls and ceilings, telling their dignity to this day.
Address：1-4-2 Uechi, Okinawa City Phone：098-932-4806 19:00-26:00 Closed：Sun-Thu
