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Azure Travelers Okinawa: The Fifth Meetup, a Miyako Island Workation, and an Eight-Day Journey

Published 2025-02-15

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Azure Travelers Okinawa: The Fifth Meetup, a Miyako Island Workation, and an Eight-Day Journey

On February 15, 2025, we held our fifth Azure Travelers meetup, the “Okinawa Trip,” at Microsoft Base OKINAWA in Koza, Okinawa City.

This journey was about more than the meetup itself. I arrived on Miyako Island on February 9 and spent several days working from the island. On February 13, I moved to Okinawa Island and stayed in Naha. After the meetup on February 15, I spent the final day, February 16, visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and American Village. Altogether, it became a substantial eight-day stay in Okinawa.

This article looks back at the meetup at Microsoft Base OKINAWA, along with the scenery and food I enjoyed on Miyako Island, in Naha and Koza, and around Okinawa Island.

The Meetup
The Journey
Wrapping Up

The Meetup

Event Overview

Azure Travelers is a community built around a simple idea: travel to different parts of Japan and hold enjoyable meetups together with the local community. We began in Sapporo in January 2024, then traveled to Kobe, Yamagata, and Fukuoka. Okinawa became our fifth destination.

5th Azure Travelers Meetup: Okinawa Trip

Date and time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM

Venue: Microsoft Base OKINAWA (1-7-8 Chuo, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Admission: Free

Hashtag: #AzureTravelers

Event page: connpass

Posts from attendees are collected in this Posfie recap. It is another good way to revisit reactions to the sessions and get a feel for the day at the Koza venue.

The exterior of Microsoft Base OKINAWA in a Koza shopping arcade — Microsoft Base OKINAWA, the venue for this meetup

Attendees listening to a session at Microsoft Base OKINAWA — Inside the venue at Microsoft Base OKINAWA

Scenes from the Day

The morning featured an introduction to the community and a panel discussion. The afternoon continued with sessions on Azure AI Foundry, digital transformation and in-house development, security, and more. We also had lightning talks, snack introductions, and our customary Azure quiz, making for a full day of varied topics.

Schedule

Time	Session	Speaker or host
10:30 AM	Registration opens	Host: Kazuyuki Sakemi
11:00-11:10 AM	Community overview	Naoki
11:10 AM-12:00 PM	Something like a panel discussion	S.Yoshikawa, Nishida-san, yuma (Maki), Hirotomo Taguchi
12:00-1:00 PM	Lunch break	-
1:00-1:20 PM	Sponsor session	Nishida-san
1:25-2:15 PM	Azure AI Foundry as Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) for AI Agent Development	Ryosuke Otaka
2:20-3:20 PM	Break, snack introductions, and lightning talks	Lightning talk speakers
3:20-3:50 PM	Digital Transformation, In-House Development, and Building Corporate Culture	Naoki
3:55-4:25 PM	Session	Kazuyuki Sakemi
4:30-5:00 PM	Our Customary Azure Quiz	JP (Junpei Tsuchida)
5:05-5:35 PM	A Look at Recent Microsoft Security Features	Hirotomo Taguchi
5:40-6:00 PM	Session	Jun Kudo
From 6:00 PM	Closing and cleanup	JP (Junpei Tsuchida)

Azure Travelers values the connections that form in each destination, so only the morning community introduction and panel discussion were streamed online. The livestream is available in the YouTube archive.

Watch the livestream archive on YouTube

The venue tables were covered with snacks and community stickers brought from around Japan. Gathering around souvenirs from different regions is another part of what makes an Azure Travelers meetup feel special.

Azure and community stickers arranged on a table at the venue — Stickers displayed at the venue

A Koza shopping arcade decorated with colorful flags — Step outside the venue and you are in a Koza shopping arcade

After packing up the morning streaming equipment, we drove from the venue to Hamaya for Okinawa soba. The tender cartilage soki and gently flavored broth made for a delicious bowl.

Okinawa soba at Hamaya topped with cartilage soki and a thin omelet — Okinawa soba at Hamaya after packing up the stream

An Autumn Trip to Tokyo

At Azure Travelers, we have a tradition of rolling a large die to decide a future destination. We rolled it at the Okinawa meetup, and Tokyo was chosen for our autumn 2025 trip.

Azure Travelers organizers holding a large blue die and announcing Tokyo as a future destination — The die chose Tokyo for our autumn trip

That plan became the 7th Azure Travelers Meetup: Tokyo Trip in October of the same year. It was held jointly with JAZUG’s 15th anniversary event, and we even took a yakatabune cruise during the pre-event gathering. The die we rolled in Okinawa set our next major journey in motion.

The Journey

The rest of this article follows the trip day by day: eight days from February 9 through 16, from a workation on Miyako Island to Naha, Koza, and sightseeing around Okinawa Island.

February 9: From Shimoji Island to Miyako Island

My first destination was not Miyako Airport, but Shimojishima Airport. Shimoji Island and Miyako Island are connected by a bridge, and being able to fly there with Skymark often makes the airfare relatively affordable. I also like the tropical atmosphere of the airport lobby, although I forgot to take a photo this time.

I took a bus from Shimojishima Airport to Miyako Airport, where I met up with Tsucchi and Yamasa-san, who were joining me for the workation. We picked up our car-share vehicle and headed to Crystal Park Hisamatsu, our base for the trip.

A blue sea and the airplane wing seen through the window on the flight to Shimoji Island — Flying to Shimoji Island to begin the trip

The sun setting behind clouds off the coast near Hisamatsu — Our first sunset, seen from the coast near the accommodation

Crystal Park Hisamatsu feels more like a condominium than a hotel. Meals were not included, so we went out for dinner and picked up breakfast and lunch from convenience stores or nearby shops whenever our work schedules allowed. The Wi-Fi was a little weak, which made working difficult at times.

Our first dinner was at Horumonjin Miyakojima. The trip began with yakiniku that did not feel particularly Okinawan. On the way back, I bought a mini taco rice at FamilyMart for breakfast the next morning.

February 10: Miyako Blue Between Work Sessions

This was mainly a workday. After breakfast, I worked through the morning. During a break, I went to the coast near our accommodation and saw Yuni no Hama, a white sandbar that appears only at low tide.

The white sandbar of Yuni no Hama emerging at low tide in the blue sea off Miyako Island — Yuni no Hama emerging from the sea

During some free time that morning, I crossed Irabu Bridge and visited Makiyama Observatory and Toguchi Beach. That is one of the pleasures of a workation on Miyako Island: even on a workday, stepping outside for a short while can bring you to scenery like this.

Irabu Bridge crossing the blue sea, viewed from Makiyama Observatory — Irabu Bridge from Makiyama Observatory

White sand and clear water at Toguchi Beach on Irabu Island — The long stretch of white sand at Toguchi Beach

Afterward, I went to the airport to pick up Hara-san, then returned to the accommodation and got back to work. Once the workday was over and we had watched the sunset, we went to Kappo Take.

Seared beef sushi topped with condiments at Kappo Take — The exceptionally good beef sushi

An assortment of sashimi, including tuna, at Kappo Take — An assortment of sashimi at Kappo Take

February 11: Around Miyako Island and Its Neighboring Islands

We all took the day off and set out to explore Miyako Island. I started at Higa Road Park to see the sunrise. There were quite a few clouds, but the light shining through gaps in the clouds along the horizon was beautiful.

Sunlight breaking through the clouds at Higa Road Park — Sunrise at Higa Road Park

Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse beyond silver grass in the morning glow — Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse at dawn

At Cape Higashi-Hennazaki, I also came across a blue rock thrush scurrying along the road. Its vivid blue plumage looked especially striking in the morning scenery.

A blue rock thrush running along a road at Cape Higashi-Hennazaki — The blue rock thrush looked adorable as it ran

We returned to the accommodation briefly, then all set out together. Our first stop was Ingya Marine Garden. The calm water in the inlet and the walking paths were beautiful, and the observation deck offered a broad view of the coastline.

A footbridge crossing the calm inlet at Ingya Marine Garden — The peaceful inlet at Ingya Marine Garden

We returned to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki, where I had been that morning, and this time saw the lighthouse and sea in full daylight. Afterward, we had lunch at A&W Miyako Shimosato-dori.

Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse beneath a blue sky — Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse in daylight

A hamburger served at A&W Miyako Shimosato-dori — A hamburger and root beer at A&W

In the afternoon, we crossed to Ikema Island and visited Kaginmi Beach. Reaching the beach requires using a rope to descend a small cliff, but clear water and white sand await at the bottom.

White sand and blue water at Kaginmi Beach on Ikema Island — Kaginmi Beach, reached by climbing down the cliff with a rope

Clear blue water framed by rocks at Kaginmi Beach — The kind of sea on Ikema Island you could watch forever

Next, we headed to 17END on Shimoji Island. The sea lies right beside the runway, making this a place where you can photograph arriving aircraft from close range. The pure white sand and shallow water are beautiful on their own, but seeing an airplane pass directly overhead is an experience unique to this spot.

White sand and blue water beside the runway at 17END on Shimoji Island — The sea at 17END beside the runway

A passenger airplane flying over 17END as it approaches Shimojishima Airport — An airplane passing overhead at 17END

After taking a break and having a cold drink at Shimojishima Airport, we went to Musunun Beach on Kurima Island. We ended our island tour by watching the sunset over the sea.

A red sunset sinking into the sea as seen from Musunun Beach on Kurima Island — The day’s final sunset from Musunun Beach

In a single day, we visited Miyako Island and all four islands connected to it by bridges: Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Ikema Island, and Kurima Island. For dinner, we went to Shima Oden Ebisu. Both the island-style oden and the tebichi were delicious.

Island-style oden with tebichi and vegetables at Shima Oden Ebisu — Island-style oden with tebichi at Shima Oden Ebisu

February 12: Work and a Barbecue

This was a full workday. In the evening, we all went to the supermarket, bought ingredients, and had a barbecue at our accommodation.

I was responsible for the steak and salad. They turned out reasonably well, which was a relief. The yakisoba someone else made was delicious too. After eating out so often during the trip, it was nice to spend an evening shopping and cooking together. I forgot to take any photos.

February 13: From Miyako Island to Naha

We checked out of Crystal Park Hisamatsu and traveled from Miyako Airport to Naha Airport. Once our luggage was loaded, there was not enough room for everyone in the car, so we had to make two trips between the accommodation and the airport.

I ate Miyako soba at the airport while waiting to depart. The flight was then delayed by about an hour because of aircraft scheduling, so we left Miyako Island later than planned.

A pair of shisa statues displayed in the lobby at Miyako Airport — Leaving Miyako Airport for Naha

Miyako soba and inari sushi served at Miyako Airport — Miyako soba before departure

After checking in to our hotel in Naha and finishing our work, we went out for dinner. We had originally planned to visit Jack’s Steak House, but it was extremely crowded, so we gave up and went to THE ORION BEER DINING instead.

They serve Orion Beer fresh from the tap. Fresh Orion Beer in Okinawa really is exceptionally good. We finished the night with ramen.

A glass of Orion Beer on the counter at THE ORION BEER DINING — Orion Beer fresh from the tap

A bowl of ramen topped with chashu in Naha — Ramen to end our first night in Naha

February 14: Work and Steak in Naha

This was another full workday. I had ramen for lunch at Menkyo Ronin Manji. After work, we made another attempt to visit Jack’s Steak House, which had been too crowded the day before.

Ramen topped with chashu and nori at Menkyo Ronin Manji — Ramen at Menkyo Ronin Manji for lunch

A thick-cut steak served at Jack's Steak House — We finally made it to Jack’s Steak House

After the steak, we ended up back at THE ORION BEER DINING for the second night in a row, then had ice cream at Blue Seal. It was a very Naha evening: we visited both the restaurant we had missed the day before and the one we had enjoyed enough to revisit.

Orion Beer at THE ORION BEER DINING on the second consecutive night — Our second night in a row at THE ORION BEER DINING

Orange and white ice cream served at Blue Seal — Ending the night at Blue Seal

February 15: The Meetup in Koza

In the morning, we drove from Naha to Microsoft Base OKINAWA in Okinawa City. EBI Lab sits across from the venue, and the surrounding area is lined with old-fashioned shopping arcades and distinctive shops. We spent the day immersed in Koza’s atmosphere, which feels quite different from Naha.

The meetup unfolded as described earlier. After packing up the morning stream, we ate Okinawa soba at Hamaya. The afternoon continued with sessions, lightning talks, snack time, and the Azure quiz. Then the die roll chose Tokyo for the autumn trip.

The social gathering was held at Nidaime Kushikatsu Gekijo. Even after the meetup ended, the night in Koza continued as attendees and speakers talked together.

The red exterior of Nidaime Kushikatsu Gekijo in a Koza shopping arcade — The social gathering at Nidaime Kushikatsu Gekijo

Afterward, we ate ramen at Tenri Stamina Ramen Okinawa City and drank craft beer at Koza Beer Kobo. Even on meetup day, we kept eating and drinking to the very end: Okinawa soba, kushikatsu, ramen, and craft beer.

Ramen topped with vegetables and chashu at Tenri Stamina Ramen Okinawa City — Tenri Stamina Ramen, which was supposed to be our final stop

Three kinds of craft beer lined up on the counter at Koza Beer Kobo — Ending the day with craft beer at Koza Beer Kobo

February 16: Sightseeing Around Okinawa Island and Heading Home

On the final day, we went sightseeing around Okinawa Island before heading home. A marathon was taking place, and traffic congestion was expected, so we got an early start.

Our first destination was Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. No matter how many times I see a whale shark swimming through the enormous tank, it remains awe-inspiring. When that huge body glides slowly overhead, it is hard not to linger in front of the glass.

A whale shark swimming through the large tank at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — A whale shark gliding through the large tank

A lionfish spreading its long fins in a tank at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — A lionfish spreading its fins in the tank

I also watched the dolphin show I had been looking forward to. The sight of dolphins leaping high and sending up spray against the backdrop of the sea was thrilling. I love that the aquarium offers not only indoor exhibits, but also an outdoor show framed by the Okinawan sea.

A dolphin leaping against the sea during the show at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — A dolphin leaping with the sea behind it

Two dolphins jumping from the water during the show at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — The dolphin show is fun every time

After the aquarium, we had lunch at Pizza Cafe Kajinhou. Its traditional Okinawan-style building offered a wonderful view over the sea.

The traditional Okinawan-style building of Pizza Cafe Kajinhou, with a red-tile roof and wooden veranda — The traditional building was part of Kajinhou’s charm

A blue sea and bridge viewed from Pizza Cafe Kajinhou — The Okinawan sea from Kajinhou

The pizza came loaded with cheese, and we shared it hot from the oven. The mango we had for dessert was sweet, making this a thoroughly satisfying lunch for our final day.

A freshly baked pizza topped with cheese and green peppers at Pizza Cafe Kajinhou — The pizza we shared at Kajinhou

Yellow mango served at Pizza Cafe Kajinhou — Sweet mango for dessert

We then headed to American Village in Chatan. Colorful buildings and signs fill the area, making it the kind of place where simply walking around makes you want to take photos. I enjoyed the lively scenery of Okinawa Island, so different from the natural landscapes of Miyako Island.

Colorful buildings at American Village beneath a blue sky — Colorful buildings at American Village

A lane lined with colorful walls and shops at American Village — American Village is fun to explore on foot

Finally, we headed to Naha Airport and ate steak at Steakhouse 88. We closed out the eight-day journey that began on Miyako Island with one last distinctly Okinawan meal, then headed home.

Wrapping Up

The fifth Azure Travelers meetup, our Okinawa Trip, became an eight-day journey: working from Miyako Island, moving to Naha, holding the meetup in Koza, and finishing with sightseeing around Okinawa Island.

Even on workdays, clear water and sunsets were only a short trip outside. On our day off, we traveled around Miyako Island and its neighboring islands in a single day. At the meetup, we talked about Azure with people from Okinawa, and a roll of the die even decided our next Tokyo event. Work, community, and sightseeing all came together in a way that felt unmistakably Azure Travelers.

Even within the same prefecture, the scenery and atmosphere change dramatically between Miyako Island, Naha, Koza, Motobu, and Chatan. After about a week, there were still plenty of places I wanted to see. I hope to return with my camera on another trip.