Urasoe Guide

Overview

Urasoe City (浦添市) is located just north of Naha, in the densely populated southern part of Okinawa’s main island. Although Urasoe is relatively small at a mere nineteen square kilometers, the population of around 114,000 people makes Urasoe the 4th most populous city in Okinawa. The citizens of Urasoe are, on average, the youngest in Japan at 35 years old. In the aging country of Japan, this is quite unusual. Many of the largest companies in Okinawa, such as Okinawa Electric and Orion, call Urasoe home. Due to the wealth brought in from these companies, the city builds and maintains schools, parks, and children’s centers, creating a great environment in which to work and raise children. Although the presence of USMC Camp Kinser prevents access to the west coast, there are many scenic spots in Urasoe, particularly the area around the Urasoe Castle ruins. Beaches in Ginowan and Naha are also very easy to access.

History

Urasoe has a long history. In the 12th century, it became the birthplace of the unified Ryukyu Kingdom under King Shunten. This gave rise to the name Urasoe, which means “ruling the surrounding areas.” Urasoe’s nickname, “Tedako no Machi” (“The City of the Sun Child”) comes from the legend that another illustrious king, named Eiso, was sired by the Sun. Ultimately, after a prosperous 200 year reign full of trade with China, Korea and other countries, power passed from Urasoe Gusuku (castle) to Shuri. During World War II, Urasoe was devastated in the intense fighting, and nearly half of the civilian population lost their lives. After the war, however, Urasoe was rebuilt, becoming a city in 1970. It has been thriving ever since.

Venues

Because of its central location between Naha and Okinawa City, Urasoe has many historical sites and modern venues.

Tedako Hall

A state-of-the-art performing arts venue built in 2007, Tedako Hall  has over a thousand seats, excellent acoustics, and a glass-walled lobby that glows with lovely natural light. Additionally, the curtains were designed by renowned local print artist Naka Bokunen.

National Theater Okinawa

Built to preserve Okinawa’s traditional performing arts–including Kumiodori, the National Theater– is one of only five such theaters in Japan. Performances tend to be on Saturdays and Sundays with tickets for sale around ¥3000-¥4000.

Community Centers

Community centers are a fantastic way to try various clubs. The Central Community Center next to City Hall offers music, art, poetry, and tai-chi. Note that most members are elderly, making them great resources for information about Okinawa. The Harmony Center near Tedako Hall also has many clubs and is used by many high school rock bands and eisa groups. The Community Center Annex (on Route 330 after the big bridge to Ginowan) is the home of the Urasoe International Relations Association, where you can study Japanese and other languages. The facilities are also used by a children’s theater group and various eisa groups. If you are looking to get involved in the community, these are great places to start.

Urasoe City Art Museum

The museum is also used to exhibit pieces by school children and others in the local community.

Urasoe City Library

Located near the Harmony Center and Tedako Hall, this public library has a vast collection of resources in Japanese as well as an American Information Corner which contains a collection of books, magazines, and other materials in English. While guests are allowed to visit, only Urasoe residents may check items out.

Urasoe Athletic Park

Urasoe boasts a large public athletic park, featuring a track, indoor gyms, and a baseball field. It’s a lovely place to jog, work out, and play sports. Both citizens and non-citizens can use the facilities, although it is a tad more expensive for those not registered in Urasoe. The athletic park is also the home of the annual summer festival, Tedako Matsuri, held the last weekend of July. In February, the Yakult Swallows (the beverage company’s professional baseball club) use the facilities for their spring training and preseason games.

Urasoe City Hall

One of the first stops for newly arrived JETs, Urasoe City Hall has a variety of resources that Urasoe residents will need, including inkan (personal stamp) registration, tax procedures, and moving procedures. While there, please check out the 9th floor lobby, which boasts a wonderful observation deck.

JICA Okinawa International Center (OIC)

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a government organization that sends Japanese youths to teach and work in developing countries, while at the same time welcoming the best and brightest of those countries to Japan for training in their respective technical fields. The OIC is one such training center; here, trainees from different countries and of different ages come together. Visiting the OIC is a wonderful way to meet people from around the world. Every year, there are five Friendship Seminars during which OIC trainees introduce their home countries.  

Urasoe Park and Urasoe Yodore

Urasoe Park comprises the chain of forested hills stretching from behind Urasoe Elementary down to Makiminato and Toyama. There is a trail connecting Urasoe Yodore, the royal mausoleum, to Iso Park and the banks of the Makiminato River. This trail is dotted with observation points that look out over the city and the East China Sea.

Shopping

As Urasoe is one of the larger cities in Okinawa, there are many different places to shop. Listed down below are some of the supermarkets and shopping centers located in Urasoe City. 

Supermarkets/Food Stores

• Fresh Plaza Union
  • Union is a supermarket chain unique to Okinawa
• San-A
  • In addition to regular supermarkets, San-A can also refer to whole department stores.
• Kanehide 
• MaxValu
• Urasoe Shopping Center (4 Chome-7-1 Gusukuma, Urasoe 901-2133)
• SanA Machinato City (2008-1 Gusukuma, Urasoe 901-2133)
  • Department store and grocery store
• Barclays Court (2 Chome-2-2-4 Toyama, Urasoe 901-2104)
  • A retail plaza with a supermarket, restaurants, and other stores

Clothing

• Parco City (3 Chome-1-1 Irijima, Urasoe 901-2123)
  • One of Okinawa’s two malls, Parco City has many stores and restaurants. 
• Naha Main Place (4 Chome-4-9 Omoromachi, Naha 900-0006)

Home Products

• Makeman (2008 Gusukuma, Urasoe 901-2133)
  • Makeman is a chain of home improvement stores
• Daiso
  • Japan’s chain of ¥100 stores

Recycle Shops/Second Hand Shops

• These stores are great places to find furniture, dishes, and appliances.
  • Iso – on the corner of Pipeline and Gakuen opposite the Lawson
  • Iso – across from the Geo on 38, near the intersection of Pipeline and 38
  • Iso – on 38 just east of Ohira interchange (specializes in furniture)
  • Miyagi – on Pipeline, 200m south of the Yafuso Post Office
  • 2nd street -In Barclay’s court in Nishihara

Electronics

• Deo Deo – in San A Machinato City
• Best Denki (2 Chome-2-3 Toyama, Urasoe 901-2104)

Restaurants

While Urasoe has too many restaurants to list, here are some recommendations from other JETs:

• Hally’s Café (4 Chome-4-22 Maeda, Urasoe 901-2102)
  • A Japanese curry restaurant with friendly service
• 焼館（薫）ヤキカン（カオリ）(1253 Maeda, Urasoe 901-2102)
  • A takeout roast chicken restaurant
• Terminal Cafe (2 Chome-8-1 Toyama, Urasoe 901-2104)
  • In addition to serving Japanese and Western-style food, this café also sells handmade accessories and offers billiards.
• West Field Café (2 Chome-4-1 Nishihara, Urasoe 901-2101)
  • A romantic café that serves beautifully arranged western-style food
• Shabu Shabu in Barclays Court (2 Chome-2-12 Toyama, Urasoe 901-2104)
  • ‘Shabu shabu’ refers to a customizable hot pot wherein you pick your broth and ingredients, then cook everything yourself at the table. 
• Bueno Chicken (2 Chome-11-15 Uchima, Urasoe 901-2121)
  • Delicious garlic roasted chicken that is juicy and flavorful
• Karen Taiwan Restaurant in Ginowan (1039, Kiyuna, Ginowan 901-2222)
  • Offers a variety of Taiwanese food, including bubble tea. They have both Western-style seating and tatami mats.
• Ashibi Jima in Ginowan (2 Chome-2-2 Oyama, Ginowan 901-2223)
  • A traditional izakaya restaurant
• Cafe Orleans in Ginowan (2 Chome-33-16 Futenma, Ginowan 901-2202)
  • Run by an American, this restaurant serves authentic New Orleans food. The spicy chicken and beignets are must-haves.
• Stickywich in Ginowan (1 Chome−31−7, Aragusuku, Ginowan 901-2201)
  • Delicious sub sandwiches served fresh from the grill
• Hanta Baru in Nakagusuku (468 Wauke, Nakagusuku 901-2416)
  • In addition to delicious food and a small, self-service buffet, this Italian-style restaurant is located on the historic Hanta Michi–the road that connected Nakagusuku Castle and Shuri Castle–providing a stunning view of the village and the ocean.
• Siam Binto in Nakagusuku (944-106 Minamiuebaru, Nakagusuku 901-2424)
  • Next to Ryudai, this Thai restaurant has delicious food and great portions.

Activities

While Urasoe may not seem as exciting as Naha or as scenic as the North, there are plenty of activities to do in this youthful area. Here are some recommendations from other JETs:

Gusuku Bingata (4 Chome-9-1 Maeda, Urasoe 901-2102)

Bingata, Okinawa`s traditional dyeing technique, can be enjoyed at this local, family-owned business. Not only can you see professionals at work, you can also purchase their work or make your own. For large groups, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation.  

Round 1 in Ginowan (3 Chome-28-8 Mashiki, Ginowan 901-2224)

Ginowan Tropical Beach (4 Chome-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan 901-2224)

A nicely maintained beach with areas for swimming and picnics.

Hanta Road in Nakagusuku (1119 Kitauebaru, Nakagusuku 901-2423)

Kira Kira Beach in Nishihara (15-1 Agarizaki, Nishihara 903-0105)

In addition to swimming, this beach offers volleyball courts, cozy pavilions, and nice walking paths.

Medical Hospitals and Clinics

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 119. For non-emergencies, Japanese people choose to go directly to clinics that specialize in the area of their medical concern. Coworkers may have recommendations for which clinics are best suited for your needs; however, if you do not feel comfortable asking, here are some of the clinics and hospitals located in Urasoe.

• Urasoe General Hospital (1 Chome-56-1 Maeda, Urasoe 901-2102)
• Otolaryngology
  • Genka Otolaryngology: English speaking staff member available (2 Chome-3-1 Iso, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2132)
• Gynecology
  • Azuma Gynecology: English speaking staff member available (1 Chome-30-17 Ahacha, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2114)
• Medical Information Center at Urasoe City Hall
  • You can come here for advice or referrals. Contact the Urasoe CIR in advance if you need an interpreter.

Further Information

For more detailed information regarding Urasoe, please check out the Urasoe English Homepage. This site is built and maintained by Urasoe CIRs and contains an online version of the Urasoe City Guide, which includes information regarding the city, its facilities, its programs, and general daily life information. While it does focus on information for the city of Urasoe, the information on daily life is applicable to most areas in Okinawa.

Urasoe English Homepage: http://www.city.urasoe.lg.jp/kokusai/english/index.html

• International Relations Section, Urasoe City Hall
• 1-1-1 Ahacha, Urasoe, Okinawa 901-2501
• (098) 876-1234 (ext. 2612)

Image Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11