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Japanese Garden Cafï¿½ & Camp
Karen Yourish

(May 22, 2000) I expected to find sushi and miso soup at this little cafï¿½ on Jordan's Red Sea shore, down the coast from Eilat. Admittedly, it would be a peculiar setting for such fare, but not completely outlandish - an industrial plant owned by Japan's Nippon conglomerate is right down the road.

But there wasnï¿½t a chopstick in sight. And it turns out that the deceptive name of this new spot, about 15 kilometers south of the main Aqaba tourist area, has nothing to do with Japanese cuisine or anything else Japanese. Itï¿½s named after a type of coral indigenous to the Red Sea - located directly across the street.

Nevertheless, the Japanese Garden Cafï¿½ & Camp is a refreshing change from Aqabaï¿½s well-worn tourist path. Built, owned and operated by local Beduin, it has an authentic feel that is missing from most of the globalized places in the main part of town. The owners have artfully created a cluster of palm-roofed, wall-less spaces, decorated with ceramic pottery and simple wooden furniture. Nargilahs abound. A Beduin tent bedecked with beautiful native rugs and cushions is the central gathering point.

Instead of saki and tuna rolls, the management offers unlimited tea, and grilled fish or chicken for 3 dinars (about $3.90). Local Beduin musicians provide evening entertainment under the stars.

For 2 dinars, campers can set up tents in the parking lot behind the main property; the owners will also section off a "room" in the tent for those without camping gear. While the sleeping arrangements at Japanese Gardens may not appeal to everybody, more conservative travelers will still enjoy visiting for dinner and a sunset.

Japanese Garden Cafe & Camp, Aqaba, Jordan. Tel.: (079) 602-521, E-mail: [email protected]

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