There is a place called “Okinawa Karate Kaikan” in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Island. I don’t do karate! Don’t say “I don’t do karate! It is a place where you can learn various aspects of Okinawan culture other than karate. There is also a hotel and a cafe!
Point 1: Okinawa Karate Kaikan was the dream destination for karate people around the world!
Today, there are 3 million people in Japan and 40 million people in 173 countries around the world who practice karate. Did you know that karate originated in Okinawa?
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Ryo Kituna, an Okinawan karate fighter, performed “kata” with a sharp look in his eyes, which was very impressive, wasn’t it?
Located in Tomigushiro City, surprisingly close to Naha Airport (15 minutes by car), Okinawa Karate Kaikan is the dream destination for karate people from all over the world.
Looking at the website, I saw many pictures of people from all over the world coming to learn karate at the Karate Kaikan.
Of course, it is a sacred place of longing for karate people, both foreigners, and Japanese, but it is also possible for ordinary people to drop by.
Point 2: Okinawa Karate Kaikan also offers to lodge!
In fact, you can even stay overnight at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan.
The straightforwardly named “Karate Hotel” is located just a 3-minute walk from the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, and is a new hotel that just opened in March 2022.
It is a condominium-type hotel with a non-contact check-in system, equipped with a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, and dryer, and with the added benefit of unlimited Netflix viewing, which normally requires a fee.
All rooms have a balcony with a great view from the hillside, and there is even a rope to hang your laundry to dry.
It is much more cost-effective than a lowly business hotel!
There is even a training room on the second floor of the hotel, so “serious” guests can rest assured.
The hotel’s Karate Cafe AGARI serves Okinawan Zenzai, Okinawan soba, curry, Okinawan green tea, and other dishes.
Point 3: Learn culture at Okinawa Karate Kaikan!
What a great way to learn about Okinawan culture at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan.
For example, the lineup of unusual Okinawan culture includes sanshin (Okinawan guitar), town walking tours, kawara-wari (tile splitting) experiences, fitness classes, Uchinaguchi experiences, Ryukyu indigo dyeing experiences, and much more.
There is also a plan to enjoy entertainment in the front yard of the karate kaikan, or to experience indigo dyeing of karate uniforms, followed by a party in the open air in the front yard, which is quite a unique experience. This is an “Okinawa Tourism Contents Support Project,” so you can have a rare experience at a reasonable price.
If you are looking for a different kind of Okinawan experience, I highly recommend it.
