Rainbow Terrace Cafe, Okinawa

Pleasant cafe with a nice terrace and army base views

You’ll find Rainbow Terrace Cafe in the grounds (nay buildng) of Ayakari no Mori (あやかりの杜) in the Kitanakagusuku district in the center of the main island of Okinawa. The cafe sits on the facility’s second floor. Arguably the central boast of this space is the terrace that’s in the name - a spacious and breezy affair with great views over the U.S. army base (you can see the helicopters taking off, although quite whether this is something to be taking pleasure is probably for the individual to quietly decide). Whatever ever one feels about the base though, this is a bright spot and it feels good to be out in the open. There’s also a bit of shelter from the strong sun in these parts. The cafe stays open until 20:00 so after dark you’ll be able to take in a pretty splendid view of the light below. Inside, Rainbow Terrace Cafe might best be described as bookish, with shelves, literature and sensible colors dominating the space. Light still comes in though, courtesy of some large windows. There’s not a great deal in the way of food served at Rainbow Terrace Cafe - around seven dishes - but what there is appears to be cheap and wholesome (hamburgers, nasigoreng, gratin, pastas, curry) with prices from 880 yen. You can also cook your own BBQ up here on the terrace with BBQ plans (kit, food, all-you-can-drink soft drinks) from 2,400 yen for four people. Don’t panic, you can get a separate all-you-can-drink alcohol option from 1,280 yen for three hours. This is Rainbow Terrace Cafe (with an emphasis on the “cafe” part) so there are teas and coffees available from around 400 yen including plenty of lattes as will as Kilimanjaro and Columbia coffees. Beers come in the form of Corona Extra and Okinawa’s own Orion Draft Beer. Gin Fizz, Tequila Sunset and Rum Colas round off the booze menu. Prices from 380 yen (100 yen discount on the beers between 11:30 - 16:00). In terms its Okinawa location Rainbow Terrace Cafe will likely suffer from a lack of foreign travellers as there is little reason to come to this part of the main island unless you are staying at the giant EM Wellness Resort Costa Vista just up the road. If you are, this is a close-by eating and drinking alternative (and it could also be a nice respite for those camping in the grounds of Ayakari no Mori). Hours: 11:30 - 20:00 (LO food 15:00 / drink 19:00)