Okinawa’s “Dokadoka,” a Miracle Café in a Hidden Natural Paradise
Last updated 2026-09-25 — As the car climbs up a small hill and turns onto a winding path, the surrounding plants seem to change in appearance. A red-brick house on the hill catches the eye, exuding an air of being the only one of its kind for miles around, with a prime location by the mountains and sea...
Written by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine, reported by Chuang Wei-Ting
As the car climbs up a small hill and turns onto a winding path, the surrounding plants seem to change in appearance. A red-brick house on the hill catches the eye, exuding an air of being the only one of its kind for miles around, with a prime location by the mountains and sea, making this whimsically named seaside café many people’s top choice for coffee with a view. The owner, Akira Tamada, is a potter from Ibaraki Prefecture who has lived in Okinawa for 40 years. The first floor of the house is his pottery studio, while the second floor café is run by his wife, Taeko Tamada. The first time he laid eyes on this breathtaking scenery, Mr. Tamada decided to set up his studio here, creating art surrounded by nature between the mountains and the sea. Even with overgrown weeds and under harsh conditions with no water or electricity, he managed to build this miracle of a house with great effort. “It felt too wasteful to keep it all to myself, so I wanted to share the overwhelming emotion I felt and this incredibly beautiful scenery with everyone,” said Mr. Tamada.
A corner inside Dokadoka. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
From the moment you step inside, the spacious, high-ceilinged wooden interior instantly puts you at ease, making you eager to head straight for the stunning ocean-view terrace. The feeling of openness is almost like you could spread your wings and fly, with a beautiful blue U-shaped bay stretching out before you. Under the eaves are rows of wooden long tables, close-up views filled with greenery, then a gray seawall further out, and beyond that the meeting point of the peninsula and the horizon, shaped like a dragon—with white waves resembling its whiskers. Mr. Tamada exclaimed, “I really never get tired of this view, especially the unbelievably blue sea and sky before noon, and the sunset in the evening, which is as beautiful as a painting.”
Gazing at the beautiful blue bay. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
The café also doubles as an art gallery, filled with numerous proud ceramic works by Mr. Tamada. The comical, wide-mouthed demon-expelling lions are ubiquitous symbols of protection in Okinawa. In addition to classic Okinawan pottery, there are also large ceramic jars inspired by the scenery of his hometown. The subtle gradient colors resemble freehand ink landscapes, and when delicate little trees are painted on them, they become beautiful northern scenery.
A rich pizza afternoon tea. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
The afternoon tea paired with this hidden natural beauty is a hearty serving of Dokadoka’s handmade pizza. Influenced by the U.S. military, pizza can be found everywhere in Okinawa. The richly aromatic, stretchy cheese, Italian sausage, and the classic combo of green and red bell peppers, onions, and basil create a savory, slightly spicy flavor. Though it’s a basic style, it leaves you licking your fingers in delight. When the wind picks up, humming “I’m a Cloud” amidst such a magnificent seascape feels just right.
【Info】Dokadoka
Address: 243-1 Maekenku, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)98-965-1666
Hours: 11:00–20:00, 11:00–19:00 from November to March (winter season). Closed on the second Thursday of every month.
Website: dokadoka.ti-da.net
● Read More:
Kyoto Girls’ Beer Story: Horino Memorial Museum & Kyoto Machiya Brewery
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9636
A humorous ceramic piece at the shop entrance. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
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