The earthly delights are numerous and varied in Kabukicho, Shinjuku's notorious, though now mostly scrubbed-up, red-light district. The pleasures offered at Okinawa Paradise, though, are strictly wholesome.

As the name proclaims, the focus at this laid-back, old-school izakaya tavern is on the food and drink of the Ryukyu Islands, in Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. Long a crossroads on the ancient maritime trading routes, the cuisine and culture there are distinctly different from the rest of the country.

The widespread use of pork in virtually every dish; the exotic fruits, vegetables and even seaweeds that grow in the subtropical southern climate; even the noodles are prepared and eaten quite differently from regular ramen. Just stepping into Okinawa Paradise you feel you are closer to the Asian mainland.