LOCAL CULTURE
COMMISSARIES Kadena Air Base (634-3390) Mon–Sun, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Camp Foster (645-3861) Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat–Sun, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Camp Kinser (637-7261) Mon, Closed Tue, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Wed, Noon–8 p.m. Thu, Fri, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat–Sun, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Early Bird Shopping Tue, 8–10 a.m. Wed, 8 a.m.–noon Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, 8–11 a.m. Camp Courtney (622-7590) Mon, Closed Tue–Fri, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat–Sun, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Early Bird Shopping Tue–Sun, 9–10 a.m.
RODERICA MATHIS
OFF-BASE
GROCERY SHOPPING
Convenience Stores
Off-Base Grocery Stores
Farmers Markets
Most off-base grocery stores have fresh meat and fish, freshly baked breads, bento (plastic boxes of sushi, tempura, and other quick dishes perfect for lunches and snacks) and fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. Popular chains include San-A, which has three large, red A’s on a yellow or white background; Kanehide, which has a green background with two orange birds; AEON, located in Rycom, Mihama, Gushikawa, Nago and other larger municipalities; and Union. The larger stores also stock household goods, electronics and clothing, making shopping out in town more convenient. Some of these stores will accept dollars, but change will be given in yen. Others such as AEON and San-A come equipped with yen-to-dollar exchange machines.
For last minute or late night purchases, head to one of Okinawa’s many convenience stores. Some of the most common convenient stores are Lawson and Family Mart, both of which are open 24 hours a day.
On Okinawa, many vegetable (and flower) growers are members of a farmer support group called the Japanese Agriculture Cooperatives ( JA). JA organizes several farmers markets throughout the island, offering fresh, organic produce often at prices lower than the local grocery store. A good market to check out is located near the intersection of Route 26 and Highway 329 in Uruma City. OKINAWA GUIDE 2018–2019 | 95