This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the sky is lightly overcast, with temperatures around 28°C and humidity at about 80%, enveloping the area in the damp, muggy air typical of the rainy season. During the rainy season in Okinawa, sudden showers and high humidity can easily affect your physical well-being, and daily routines tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, amidst this morning’s weather and the seasonal atmosphere in Urasoe, Okinawa, I’ll quietly document my daily life and time spent with my family.
🌤 Morning Weather in Urasoe, Okinawa, and the Breeze Flowing into the Room
This morning in Urasoe, the sky was lightly overcast, with a thin layer of clouds covering the entire sky. Looking outside, I could see the branches of the trees swaying in a slightly stronger breeze, and that breeze was flowing into the room through the window. Even without turning on the air conditioner, it feels as though the humid breeze—so characteristic of an Okinawan morning—is slowly refreshing the air in the room.
During Okinawa’s rainy season, sunny, cloudy, and rainy weather alternate rapidly, so even though it’s the same “morning,” the atmosphere changes dramatically from day to day. On a slightly overcast day like today, the strong sunlight is softened, so it might be a bit more comfortable to walk outside. Still, since the humidity is high, staying hydrated and keeping the room well-ventilated will help you feel a little lighter, both physically and mentally.
🧡 Morning Routine and How My Mom Is Doing
This morning, I woke up a little later than usual and started the day by watching the news. With the TV on in the background, I called out to my mom, “Time to wake up!” Even though she grumbled a bit, she got up fairly willingly today. I had her sit down in a chair while I prepared some soup and bread.
After my mother used the restroom and came back, she took a sip of water first, then accepted the bread and soup and began her breakfast. Watching her eat slowly while watching the news, I felt, “She seems to be in good spirits today.” I thought she might lie down again after finishing her meal, but instead, she started folding the laundry I’d hung out to dry yesterday all on her own. Seeing her like that, it felt as though a small spark of positivity was glowing even within the humid morning air of Urasoe, Okinawa, and it lifted my spirits a little too.
🚕 Local Okinawan Conversation: A Taxi Driver Talks About the Tourist Season
The other day, I had the chance to take a taxi while out and about. As I gazed at the cityscapes of Urasoe and Naha from inside the car, I asked the driver about something that had been on my mind.
Me: “Haven’t you noticed a lot more rental cars around town lately?”
The driver replied immediately.
Driver: “That’s right! They’ve suddenly increased about two weeks ago. The airport is packed with people, and there are long lines of people waiting for taxis.”
Hearing this from a taxi driver who drives the roads of Okinawa every day—based on his “firsthand experience”—makes the story of a sudden surge in tourists over the past two weeks feel very real. Around Naha Airport and on major roads, I’ve really started seeing a lot more rental cars with “Wa” and “Re” license plates.
This time of year in Okinawa coincides with the end of the rainy season, when the weather begins to stabilize, and the period just before summer vacation, when travel costs are still relatively affordable. It’s the absolute best season for people who want to “escape the rainy season on Honshu and get a head start on Okinawa’s summer.” Furthermore, with cruise ships calling at the port and additional flight services, the roads around Naha Airport and Urasoe have a unique atmosphere—a mix of bustle and congestion—starting first thing in the morning.
Partly due to a shortage of rental cars, tourists who couldn’t rent a car and those who prefer not to drive seem to be flocking to taxis. I felt that the “long wait for a taxi at the airport” mentioned by the drivers was a reflection of this situation. While I’m happy to see Okinawa’s vitality as a tourist destination returning, it’s a bit of a concern that taxis—which serve as a vital means of transportation for local daily life—are becoming harder to hail.
👀 A Doctor’s Appointment in Urasoe and a Floater Test
Yesterday, I walked with my mother to Higa Eye Clinic. It’s about 800 meters one way, or 1,600 meters round trip. Even with a break at a convenience store along the way, it’s quite a distance for my mother right now. She used to be able to walk this distance without any trouble, but lately, she has trouble walking without support—she even nearly falls sometimes—so assistance has become essential for her.
At Higa Eye Clinic, we first explained her symptoms at the reception desk, and since it had been a while since her last visit, we filled out a medical questionnaire. After that, my mother had her vision tested, and a little while later, I was called in for my own vision test. When I told the nurse, “I’ve been concerned about floaters in my right eye lately and wanted to get them checked properly,” she carefully noted it in her medical record and made sure to relay the information to the doctor.
When I was called into the examination room to speak with the doctor, he explained, “Floaters often appear with age, and they’re generally not a disease.” However, I told him, “I’ve had floaters for as long as I can remember, so it feels like I was born with them.” The doctor replied, “Many people experience this, so it’s not necessarily a disease on its own, but let’s do a detailed examination just to be safe.” He then administered eye drops to dilate my pupils and took photographs of my eyes.
When I was called back into the examination room, he told me, “I don’t see any major issues. There’s a slight cataract in your left eye, but it’s the kind even people in their 20s can have, so there’s no need to rush into treatment.” He explained that even considering the progression of the cataract, surgery or other treatment wouldn’t likely be necessary for another 15 to 20 years, and added, “It’s fine to just keep an eye on it for now.”
While I was relieved to learn it wasn’t a disease, I was left with a slight sense of unease, thinking, “I guess I’ll just have to live with this.” Still, just knowing that—much like the morning weather in Urasoe, Okinawa—it’s not a “major storm” even if it’s not completely sunny has made me feel much less burdened.
🌿 Tips for Spending Mornings in Urasoe, Okinawa, During the Rainy Season
During the rainy season in Urasoe, Okinawa, temperatures are often high from the morning, and humidity frequently hovers around 80%. Even on days when it’s slightly cloudy and direct sunlight is weak, it can feel muggy and stifling, and you may find yourself losing energy without even realizing it. Especially if you live with elderly family members, small, consistent efforts—such as staying hydrated, keeping the room well-ventilated, and using the air conditioner as needed—are very important. Simply checking the day’s weather and temperature in the morning and making slight adjustments to your outing times or mode of transportation can significantly reduce the strain on your body.
✨ Summary: Mornings in Urasoe, Okinawa, and the Leisurely Rhythm of Daily Life
A morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, with a light breeze flowing into the room through the slightly overcast sky. A casual conversation with a taxi driver conveyed the current momentum of Okinawa as a tourist destination, while my floater examination at Higa Eye Clinic prompted me to reconsider how I’ll care for my body and make the most of the time ahead.
The weather, the season, and even my physical condition change a little bit every day. While I may have my ups and downs with these changes, I hope to continue capturing moments when I can think, “Today isn’t so bad after all,” as a record of my mornings in Urasoe, Okinawa. Let’s take it easy today and keep building on what we can do, one step at a time.
ブログ村 応援クリックお願いします