Me and my family stationed at Kadena AB the Navy side COMFLEACTS Okinawa in 1982-86. I miss the gate 2 when they a have lot of established Stereo Shop, China Pete, Souvenir shops, the Pink SuperMarket, at the Hwy 58 the Aloha Restaurant, Johnny used Cars and the rows of Furniture Shops made in China (Dragon Stereo Cabinets, Round Carving Coffee Tables, Coromandel Divider made from Mother of Pearls, Stones, Jade.
I've enjoyed the ride a long. Memories of Kosa to Gate 2, when I was stationed at Camp Foster Aug74-Sep75. Things have changed. Thanks again, Semper Fi
We stayed at the Crown Hotel when my grandson and I came in 2019. We stayed for 30 days, rented a car and had the best time. The hotel was awesome, very clean, friendly staff and awesome breakfast, lunch and dinner. Close to post office, zoo, exchange, Daiso, grocery stores and everything. We really enjoyed it.
Also the Club Heartbeat next to Charlies Tacos I believe used to be Club Memory, at least back in the 90s. I only know this because that path was on my daily 5 mile jogging route in the wee hours going from Kadena Air Base housing out Gate 2, around Koza a little bit, and then down to Gate 3 and back home before going to work. Oh, the good old days.
Yes! I've been meaning to do that. I figured the easiest way would be to bring a second phone and record the screen while the gps is on, then just put one video on top of the other. I always forget to bring the 2nd phone though. 😅
I should post some pictures. I have 100's of them. I got around all the tourist spots and places most people didn't know. I would run 8 miles a day in the afternoon. On the weekends I'd walk at least 25-30 miles or if on a bicycle usually over 100 miles and then ride a Harley at night on the weekends mainly. I also got a Suzuki Jimny 1300 4WD over there, which I still have. I drove that up on beaches and also up in the wildlife refuge area. Many, many places. I'm still a fitness demon at 69 years old now.
Loved it!felt like being there!even after 40 years I still miss it! Looks a lot different in some ways ,seems like they’ve done a lot to make it more beautiful.the sidewalks and the park weren’t like that back then. I used to ride on highway 58 ,there was a Burger King,a McDonald’s,and Dairy Queen,I always thought the burgers tasted like fish!maybe just the atmosphere ha! Thanks for doing these videos it sure is nice to get to see what’s there now and feel like I got to visit!❤
84-87....Lived just behind the McD's on Hwy 58 (Gate 4 I think). Fabulous area. Many walks down to the seawall. Googled my original apartment....STILL THERE, STILL THE SAME!!!
Nice ride. That was very interesting and relaxing. Some of the sidewalks you were on looked super narrow. Is there lots of people riding on the sidewalk? And are helmets required? And definitely some good steep hills.
Yes, super steep. Some of the sidewalk are super narrow or nonexistent. 😆 Helmets are not required here for Bicyclist, at least that’s what I’m told. 😅
Nice. I’m sure my work will still require me to wear a helmet while riding but I’m glad I chose an electric assisted bike for when I’m there. You certainly have some beautiful routes picked out though. They all seem to be near Kadena AFB as well. Have you ever tried biking the Kerama islands? From what I have seen it’s a brutal ride but beautiful.
Fantastic video Matt. These are my favorite formats, just cruising around Okinawa while I try to figure out if I recognize anything. So much has changed from my years there. I recognized the new and sad version of Chuo Park Avenue and the Koza Bowling Alley. That's about it. I really like the bike riding perspective. Thanks
Also I noticed at least one junk yard (maybe treasure yard in Japan) where I used to go to maintain my vehicles with replacement doors and other parts that had rusted or whatever, and Okinawa still hasn't figured out the weeds along the roads problem. Like you say, Okinawa is still a mystical and wonderful place
I never knew the name of "Park Street", but I've been there a few times in my two years I spent there. *** Checkout TH-cam Timestamps (here's an example>> 29:14)
I used to eat at that Charlie's tacos all the time 77 - 80 . Awesome! Though it was rumored it was dog meat at the time. Could gave been b.s. The tacos were awedome! Amazing its still open! Right up a block or two was where I got all my KISS records and paraphanalia. Went to Kadena middle school that appears to now be houses...lol
@@jessirice3077 He's doing okay. He's not allowed to go many places because of military restrictions. He's not in the military but because he works for the military they still apply to him. We see him every once in a while though. Both him and Kit work full-time now too, so we don't have as much time as we use too.
The myth I was told was is if you see swarms of dragon flies over water there is a possibility of a typhoon. Otherwise over land it is just mating season. Which truly happened when I lived there from 1965 - 2015 with a few times living in the states in between those years.
Ty for this i was in okinawa. 89 and 90. And stayed at park avenue we rented a mansion there ..loysnof great memories
Ty so much
Me and my family stationed at Kadena AB the Navy side COMFLEACTS Okinawa in 1982-86. I miss the gate 2 when they a have lot of established Stereo Shop, China Pete, Souvenir shops, the Pink SuperMarket, at the Hwy 58 the Aloha Restaurant, Johnny used Cars and the rows of Furniture Shops made in China (Dragon Stereo Cabinets, Round Carving Coffee Tables, Coromandel Divider made from Mother of Pearls, Stones, Jade.
Oh, to be young enough to go out and see the island on a bike!! I'd need a moped. Thank you for the tour!!!
I've enjoyed the ride a long. Memories of Kosa to Gate 2, when I was stationed at Camp Foster Aug74-Sep75. Things have changed. Thanks again, Semper Fi
Things have changed,Iwas there 56-58,60-65,70-72. I did enjoy the island,thanks for the tour.
Yes a lot of changes, I was there Aug 74-Sep75, stationed at Camp Foster.
WOW THANKS!! 50 Years since I was on the Island, GO USAF !!
Very cool video. I was there 83-85 USMC Camp Foster. My hangout was the Gate 2 street food and Apple House
We stayed at the Crown Hotel when my grandson and I came in 2019. We stayed for 30 days, rented a car and had the best time. The hotel was awesome, very clean, friendly staff and awesome breakfast, lunch and dinner. Close to post office, zoo, exchange, Daiso, grocery stores and everything. We really enjoyed it.
Also the Club Heartbeat next to Charlies Tacos I believe used to be Club Memory, at least back in the 90s. I only know this because that path was on my daily 5 mile jogging route in the wee hours going from Kadena Air Base housing out Gate 2, around Koza a little bit, and then down to Gate 3 and back home before going to work. Oh, the good old days.
Brings back memories, but some of the places I don't recognize anymore. Thanks, Matt. Suggestion, next time: show a route map.
Yes! I've been meaning to do that. I figured the easiest way would be to bring a second phone and record the screen while the gps is on, then just put one video on top of the other. I always forget to bring the 2nd phone though. 😅
I should post some pictures. I have 100's of them. I got around all the tourist spots and places most people didn't know. I would run 8 miles a day in the afternoon. On the weekends I'd walk at least 25-30 miles or if on a bicycle usually over 100 miles and then ride a Harley at night on the weekends mainly. I also got a Suzuki Jimny 1300 4WD over there, which I still have. I drove that up on beaches and also up in the wildlife refuge area. Many, many places. I'm still a fitness demon at 69 years old now.
Loved it!felt like being there!even after 40 years I still miss it! Looks a lot different in some ways ,seems like they’ve done a lot to make it more beautiful.the sidewalks and the park weren’t like that back then. I used to ride on highway 58 ,there was a Burger King,a McDonald’s,and Dairy Queen,I always thought the burgers tasted like fish!maybe just the atmosphere ha! Thanks for doing these videos it sure is nice to get to see what’s there now and feel like I got to visit!❤
84-87....Lived just behind the McD's on Hwy 58 (Gate 4 I think). Fabulous area. Many walks down to the seawall. Googled my original apartment....STILL THERE, STILL THE SAME!!!
Nice ride. That was very interesting and relaxing. Some of the sidewalks you were on looked super narrow. Is there lots of people riding on the sidewalk? And are helmets required? And definitely some good steep hills.
Yes, super steep. Some of the sidewalk are super narrow or nonexistent. 😆 Helmets are not required here for Bicyclist, at least that’s what I’m told. 😅
Nice. I’m sure my work will still require me to wear a helmet while riding but I’m glad I chose an electric assisted bike for when I’m there. You certainly have some beautiful routes picked out though. They all seem to be near Kadena AFB as well.
Have you ever tried biking the Kerama islands? From what I have seen it’s a brutal ride but beautiful.
Fantastic video Matt. These are my favorite formats, just cruising around Okinawa while I try to figure out if I recognize anything. So much has changed from my years there. I recognized the new and sad version of Chuo Park Avenue and the Koza Bowling Alley. That's about it. I really like the bike riding perspective. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Also I noticed at least one junk yard (maybe treasure yard in Japan) where I used to go to maintain my vehicles with replacement doors and other parts that had rusted or whatever, and Okinawa still hasn't figured out the weeds along the roads problem. Like you say, Okinawa is still a mystical and wonderful place
Leave it naturally I guess.
Matt, you need a bell to let people know you're passing! 🙂
Hi! 50 years ago for me out of Sukiran, spent free time around Koza and Futema.
Is there an A&W still there? lol Doubt it. Thank you
Amazing! Yes, there are many A&W's here now, including the original one still.
I never knew the name of "Park Street", but I've been there a few times in my two years I spent there.
***
Checkout TH-cam Timestamps (here's an example>> 29:14)
I used to eat at that Charlie's tacos all the time 77 - 80 . Awesome! Though it was rumored it was dog meat at the time. Could gave been b.s. The tacos were awedome! Amazing its still open! Right up a block or two was where I got all my KISS records and paraphanalia. Went to Kadena middle school that appears to now be houses...lol
P.s. banana shows!
Are you going south okinawa nishihara i saw that harp white cover and mcdonlds i remember if thats the same mcdi how many mcd is there..
One of these days we’ll make a trip out there just for you Jessi. 😁
When are you and kit going to take chris to taco charlies..he didnt try yet is typhoone season in april right
Taco Charlie's was there back in Aug74-Sep75 when I stationed at Camp Foster.
You’re right! We still need to take him there.
@@MutekiMatt how come chris not on video he said he well go to sugar cane 🏭 that stinks and last time i heard i hope hes ok..be safe..
@@jessirice3077 He's doing okay. He's not allowed to go many places because of military restrictions. He's not in the military but because he works for the military they still apply to him. We see him every once in a while though. Both him and Kit work full-time now too, so we don't have as much time as we use too.
@@MutekiMatt thanks for reply..misd his voice like you guys..
Where is the park at the 10:40 mark?
goo.gl/maps/jCGJAADohuY6PcX18
The myth I was told was is if you see swarms of dragon flies over water there is a possibility of a typhoon. Otherwise over land it is just mating season. Which truly happened when I lived there from 1965 - 2015 with a few times living in the states in between those years.
Oh, is that what it is? Lol, that makes more sense, because I see dragonflies all the time, but not typhoons. 🤣
imagine being a marine in Okinawa