View from the third floor of Nangusuku Hill observation deck.
(There are two decks on the hill, the north deck & south deck.)
This is filmed at the north deck on the 3rd floor.
I was in time for the closure of Yumangi Cafe, nestled in the beautiful forest of Nangusuku Hill. I wrote earlier in my blog that the hill is home to Hikanzakura type of cherry trees. Although the flower viewing has already been over, the hill can still offer an environment you can have a relaxing time.
I've been trying to introduce this wonderfully located cafe for the last two months. Unfortunately, today (March 6, 2011) was the last business day for the cafe. The entire hill is managed by the prefecture government, including the structure. A coffee shop manager has been renting the place.
As unfortunate as it sounds, we have two pieces of news which should please all of us. First of all, a cafe will reopen at the same place next month as another manager is going to rent this cozy space. (I'll let you know when I find out the details.)
Secondly, the manager has been preparing to open a cafe, this time in the township of Motobu, on a hill overlooking the East China Sea with a view of picturesque Ie Island in the distance. The place, she says, is close to Kajinho Cafe which is known among the locals and tourists from the mainland Japan to be one of the best cafes in Okinawa. She said she and her employees have spent the last ten years in order to establish the new cafe. What's more? They have already had three couples holding wedding ceremonies at their place.
So, I'm very much looking forward to going to those two cafes, one in Nangusuku Hill and the other in Motobu.
For the mean time, I posted some photos on my blog in appreciation for Yumangi cafe and for the staff of giving me a relaxing environment and the great coffee.
We will no longer see the sign.
It says "Scenic Cafe Yumangi" in Japanese.
This well-kept flowerbed has offered
a warm welcome to customers.
A view from the window.
I first thought the trees were blocking the view.
Soon found out that strong sun light is soften by the green
leaves, making book-reading, for example, gentler on my eyes.
Small bouquets in the mini tin buckets.
Small plants and a water color painting
in a frame no larger than a coffee cup
casually sit on the sidelines, on the window frame
and the table.
You can drink coffee inside or on the upper levels,
as your fancy takes you.
