Why I Love Shikuwasa: A Taste of Okinawa During the Japanese Summer
2026.06.25
- スタッフブログ
- 千葉校
Hello everyone! This is Jesse from Jabble Chiba.
If you’ve been studying with me for a while, you’ve probably heard me complain about summer at least once! To be honest, I really can’t stand hot weather. Summer has never been my favorite season, and when the temperature rises along with the humidity, I find it especially difficult to enjoy being outside.
Of course, Japan has many wonderful things to offer during the summer. There are festivals, fireworks, summer foods, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends and family. However, when the weather becomes extremely hot and humid, I often find myself searching for ways to stay cool and make the season a little more enjoyable.
Fortunately, there is one thing that always helps me survive the Japanese summer: shikuwasa.
For anyone unfamiliar with it, shikuwasa is a small citrus fruit that is commonly grown in Okinawa. It has a refreshing flavor that is both tart and slightly sweet. Every year, when summer arrives, I start seeing seasonal shikuwasa products appear in convenience stores, supermarkets, and cafes. The moment I spot a new shikuwasa drink, I buy it without hesitation.
Some people get excited about pumpkin-flavored products in autumn or special holiday drinks in winter. For me, shikuwasa season is the highlight of summer.
What makes shikuwasa even more special is the connection it has to some of my favorite travel memories. Every time I taste it, I’m immediately reminded of my trips to Okinawa. Okinawa is one of my favorite places in Japan, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times over the years.
One of the things I love most about Okinawa is how different it feels from the rest of the country. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, unique culture, and delicious food make every visit memorable. Even though I don’t enjoy hot weather, somehow Okinawa’s tropical climate feels much easier to appreciate when you’re surrounded by crystal-clear water and incredible scenery.
During one of my trips, I had the opportunity to try something that became one of my favorite souvenirs. I participated in a glass-making experience and created my own drinking glass. It was a fun activity, and I still use that glass today.
Because of that, my shikuwasa drinks have become part of a small tradition. Whenever I buy a seasonal shikuwasa beverage, I like to pour it into the glass I made in Okinawa. It may sound simple, but it makes the experience feel more special. The drink reminds me of Okinawa, and the glass reminds me of the day I made it. Together, they bring back many happy memories.
I think this is one of the reasons travel is so valuable. Long after a trip ends, certain sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can instantly transport you back to a special moment. For me, shikuwasa does exactly that.
Travel can also be a great motivation for learning English. Many of our students at Jabble study English because they want to travel more comfortably, meet people from different countries, or experience new cultures. Being able to communicate in English can make travel even more rewarding because it allows you to connect with people and learn more about the places you visit.
Even if you’re not planning an overseas trip right away, English can help you discover new perspectives and communicate with people from around the world. Sometimes a simple conversation can teach you just as much as a trip.
As for me, I’ll continue searching for every new shikuwasa drink I can find this summer. They may not make the heat disappear, but they definitely make it easier to handle!
What about you? Do you have a favorite seasonal food or drink that you look forward to every year? I’d love to hear about it the next time you visit Jabble Chiba.
See you in class!
Jesse
Jabble Chiba English Conversation School