 Last additions - Naha 那覇市 |
"Shurei no Kuni"Feb 05, 2021
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The reconstruction of Shureimon was the start of a decades-long process to reconstruct the major buildings of the castle, especially the ornate Seiden main hall in 1992. Other castle buildings were also reconstructed and the castle's reconstruction was finally completed in spring 2019. It was a great celebration.Feb 05, 2021
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Shureimon Gate (守礼門), one of the castle's main gates. This gate was reconstructed in 1958 since most castle structures got destroyed during World War II. Feb 05, 2021
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When you walk toward Kankaimon Gate to enter Shuri Castle, you'll see Shureimon Gate right across. However, this is the back side, so go through the gate and see it from the front side.Feb 05, 2021
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Sonohyan-Utaki Ishimon is a World Heritage Site. 園比屋武御嶽石門（そのひゃんうたきいしもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Sonohyan-Utaki Ishimon, place of worship. 園比屋武御嶽石門（そのひゃんうたきいしもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Tree that miraculously survived World War II. Since the Japanese Army HQ was under Shuri Castle, the castle was heavily attacked and most buildings destroyed in the process.Feb 05, 2021
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Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Pleasant walk along the castle wall.Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle wall with pointy tips.Feb 05, 2021
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Honeycomb pattern on the path.Feb 05, 2021
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Way to Shuri Castle's main entrance.Feb 05, 2021
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Nice long path along the castle wall leading to the entrance of Shuri Castle.Feb 05, 2021
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At the castle wall, go right and walk along the stone wall.Feb 05, 2021
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Ryukyu pine trees on the way to Shuri Castle.Feb 05, 2021
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Major structures at Shuri Castle. The Seiden main hall was sadly destroyed by an electrical fire in Oct. 2019. I visited in Nov. 2020, a year after the fire. The castle grounds were closed afterthe fire, but it gradually opened up.The remains of the Seiden can be toured.Feb 05, 2021
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After walking from Shuri Station, this is the where you start walking up the hill toward Shuri Castle. Gradual slope, no problem for most people.Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle has a free area which is like a castle park where you can enter for free. There is also a paid area where a small admission is charged to see the main buildings..Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle is Naha's top tourist attraction. The home of kings who ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879 before it was annexed by Japan and renamed Okinawa Prefecture. Shuri Castle was the kingdom's capital.Photo shows Shurijo on a hill as seen from Shuri Station on the Yui Rail. The castle grounds extend about 400 meters long and 200 meters wide. This hill is about 130 meters high.Feb 05, 2021
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Pickled vegetables.May 01, 2009
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My take-out dinner at Naha Airport before the flight back to Tokyo. Goya-champuru and rice. May 01, 2009
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My lunch.May 01, 2009
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She's selling goya (bitter melon) juice. I tried it.May 01, 2009
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Colorful fish in the old Makishi Public Market where you could pick the fish to be cooked for your meal.May 01, 2009
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The ornate Seiden Hall, Shuri Castle's most important and central building and National Treasure. Saw it on a previous trip. Very ornate building with wood carvings, lacquered surfaces, paintings, and sculptures. It was meticulously rebuilt in 1992. (首里城 正殿)
Notice the stone dragon pillars flanking the center entrance and sculptures of dragon heads and lion head on the red roof tile roof.May 01, 2009
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Hoshinmon Gate and the Una as seen from the Seiden.This red-and-white plaza is the castle's trademark, the Una courtyard where official ceremonies were held. The red path in the middle was where the King would walk to the main hall.May 01, 2009
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Before the fire, Nanden South Hall (南殿) was connected to the Seiden main hall seen on the left. To enter the Seiden, we had to enter this hall first (entrance on the right). The fire also gutted this building beyond repair and had to be torn down along with the Hokuden North Hall (北殿) on the other side of the Seiden.
Photography inside the main buildings wasn't allowed, so sadly I don't have any photos of the interior.May 01, 2009
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The good old days when Boeing 747s still flew into Naha Airport.May 01, 2009
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The flowers in the jet bridge is a very nice touch at Naha Airport.May 01, 2009
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