 Last additions - OKINAWA 沖縄県 |
They first appeared in front of the Yohokoriden and posed for photos. Led by the King and Queen's attendants.Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle holds the annual Shurijo Castle Festival on days centering on Nov. 3, a national holiday for Culture Day. The royal court made a few appearances at the castle on Nov. 3, 2020. Feb 05, 2021
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About the Yohokoriden.Feb 05, 2021
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Yohokoriden is now a rest house for visitors with vending machines for soft drinks. There's a large video screen showing scenes of Shurijo Castle.Feb 05, 2021
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Yohokoriden roof. Totally unscathed from the Seiden fire.Feb 05, 2021
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YohokoridenFeb 05, 2021
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Reconstructed Queen's Quarters (世誇殿) called Yohokoriden.Feb 05, 2021
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About Nyokan Kyoshitsu. 女官居室（にょかんきょしつ）Feb 05, 2021
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Inside Nyokan Kyoshitsu, now a gift shop. 女官居室（にょかんきょしつ）Feb 05, 2021
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden.Feb 05, 2021
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden.Feb 05, 2021
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden. 女官居室（にょかんきょしつ）Feb 05, 2021
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu was where the female attendants lived (女官居室). It's now a gift shop. It escaped the fire, but one corner is scorched (see next photo). Feb 05, 2021
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Feb 05, 2021
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Ouchibara (御内原) as seen from Yohokoriden. Straight ahead is the Seiden Hall site.Feb 05, 2021
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One thing that they're all saying is, "We shall rebuild it and make it EVEN BETTER than ever before."Feb 05, 2021
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This is directly behind the Seiden, an area called the Ouchibara (御内原) which was the living quarters of the royal family and female attendants. Sleeping quarters, dining room, bath house for female attendants were here. Men, except for the royal family, were forbidden from this guarded area.Feb 05, 2021
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A bit of good news is that some of the key members of the team involved in the 1992 reconstruction 30+ years ago are still alive and again taking on the job to rebuild the castle.Feb 05, 2021
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The Japanese government has declared that the castle is to be rebuilt by 2026. The reconstruction committee is now working on the building's design and blueprints. Construction will start within two years. We can be sure that they will also install a sprinkler system this time.Feb 05, 2021
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The rear of Seiden foundation, pillar foundations and rear steps.Feb 05, 2021
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Pillar foundation stones at the rear of Seiden Hall.Feb 05, 2021
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Rear pillar stones of the Seiden, looking toward the Ouchibara. The Yohokoriden is seen directly ahead.Feb 05, 2021
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Red roof tile pieces salvaged from the fire.Feb 05, 2021
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About the Seiden's old stone foundation.Feb 05, 2021
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Rear part of the Seiden Hall.Feb 05, 2021
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About the Seiden's old stone foundation.Feb 05, 2021
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At Shuri Castle, only this foundation and two other original structures are part of the World Heritage Site "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu". (琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群). 正殿基壇の遺構Feb 05, 2021
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On the Seiden site, they show the Seiden's stone foundation from the 15th century. They cleaned off the charred surface from the fire. 正殿基壇の遺構Feb 05, 2021
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This prefab building on the Seiden site shows the Seiden's stone foundation from the 15th century. 正殿遺構を保護する覆屋Feb 05, 2021
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Explanation of the rooftop dragonhead ornaments. 火災前の龍頭棟飾Feb 05, 2021
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Feb 05, 2021
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The dragon eyes, scales, etc., also on display in broken pieces. Feb 05, 2021
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The dragon whiskers, teeth, etc., on display in broken pieces. Feb 05, 2021
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On the Seiden foundation, pillar foundation stones and an outdoor display of the remains of the rooftop dragon head sculptures. The curly-cue metal pieces were the dragon's whiskers. 龍頭棟飾 ryutomuna-kazari Feb 05, 2021
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Remains of the rooftop dragon head sculptures. See the curly whiskers. 龍頭棟飾の破片Feb 05, 2021
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About the Seiden main hall.Feb 05, 2021
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On the left side of the Seiden site, remains of the rooftop dragon head sculptures.Feb 05, 2021
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On the left side of the Seiden site, remains of rooftop dragon head sculptures are displayed.Feb 05, 2021
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Left end of the Seiden site.Feb 05, 2021
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Left side of the Seiden site.Feb 05, 2021
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Ideal roof tiles have minimal water absorption and shrinkage. Researchers in Okinawa are testing various clay samples and firing temperatures. They found that the best clay is from the city of Nago, and that's where the clay came from for the Seiden's 1992 reconstruction. However today, there's not enough clay in Nago to make the necessary 55,000 red roof tiles for the new Seiden and other buildings.
So they scoured other locations on the island and found a good source. Now they are trying to figure out how much recycled red roof tile powder should be mixed into the new clay to make the new roof tiles. They want to somehow reuse the old roof tiles.Feb 05, 2021
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A lot of red roof tiles have been salvaged. They had volunteers painstakingly scrape off the white plaster adhering to the roof tiles. The old roof tiles cannot be reused as is.But roof tile experts are investigating ways to recycle the salvaged roof tiles. They will likely crush them into powder and mix it with new clay to make new roof tiles.Feb 05, 2021
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Pieces from the Seiden's stone railings.Feb 05, 2021
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They are scouring forests in Kunigami (northern Okinawa island) for this oak and native conifer. They will likely use different varieties of wood and use local materials as much as possible. Feb 05, 2021
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Pillar foundations. Lumber researchers are conducting strength tests on various wood samples.Although the Japanese government has stated that hinoki cypress (considered to be top-quality wood) would be used, Okinawan researchers have found that local oak wood is stronger than hinoki.Feb 05, 2021
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View of the Una from the Seiden site. These photos were taken in early Nov. 2020.Feb 05, 2021
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Nanden Hall's foundation, including the steps.Feb 05, 2021
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About the Una courtyard.Feb 05, 2021
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On the right was where the Nanden Hall was. It was burned beyond repair so it was torn down. The prefab building shows the ancient stone foundation underground.Feb 05, 2021
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The building was only 27 years old. If you've never saw it, you missed out. The black bags contain red roof tiles salvaged from the fire.Feb 05, 2021
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We can now only see the white stone foundation where the building once stood and some pillar foundations.The fire was detected quite early by fire alarms and security personnel, but it quickly spread. The building had no sprinkler system and firemen had difficulty reaching the building with fire hoses. The heat was also extremely intense, probably due to the lacquer paint, forcing firefighters to retreat and watch helplessly. No one was seriously hurt in the fire.Feb 05, 2021
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Oct. 31, 2019, the day all of Okinawa cried. Shurijo Castle's Seiden Hall was totally destroyed by fire along with connecting halls. Apparently caused by short-circuited wiring on the left side of the building.After the charred remains were cleaned up, the castle fully reopened to the public in June 2020 with this elevated walkway for visitors to see the ruins and the progress of the castle's reconstruction.Feb 05, 2021
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Schedule of events for the Shuri Castle Matsuri Festival in early Nov. 2020.Feb 05, 2021
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About Hoshinmon Gate. 奉神門（ほうしんもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Hoshinmon Gate is the entrance to the paid area of Shuri Castle. Need to have a ticket to pass through here. 奉神門（ほうしんもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Suimui Utaki sacred site. 首里森御嶽（すいむいうたき）Feb 05, 2021
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Way to Hoshinmon Gate, the entrance to the paid area of Shuri Castle. 奉神門（ほうしんもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. 系図座・用物座Feb 05, 2021
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Kofukumon Gate 広福門（こうふくもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. This area can also be used as a stage for performances.Feb 05, 2021
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Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. 系図座・用物座Feb 05, 2021
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About Keizuza and Yomotsuza.Feb 05, 2021
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Keizuza and Yomotsuza soon after it was rebuilt some years ago. 系図座・用物座Feb 05, 2021
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Also in the Shicha-nu Una lower courtyard is the Keizuza and Yomotsuza, now a rest house for tourists. 系図座・用物座Feb 05, 2021
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Layout map of Shicha-nu Una lower courtyard. It was a waiting area for people participating in rituals and events held at the main Una courtyard. 下之御庭Feb 05, 2021
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About the stone dragon pillars.Feb 05, 2021
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Repairing the Seiden's stone dragon pillars.Feb 05, 2021
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The two stone dragon pillars that survived the fire were stlll standing. However, they had cracks, so they are being repaired here. (dairyuchu 大龍柱)Feb 05, 2021
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In the Shicha-nu Una is this small prefab workshop where the stone dragon pillars that stood in front of the Seiden main hall are being repaired.Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle ticket office at Kofukumon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Other side of Kofukumon Gate is the Shicha-nu Una lower courtyard. This is still the free area requiring no admission fee. Kofukumon Gate is also a castle ticket office to enter the paid area. 広福門 下之御庭Feb 05, 2021
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Kofukumon Gate to Shicha-nu Una courtyard. 広福門（こうふくもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Part of Hoshinmon Gate being repaired after the fire.Feb 05, 2021
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Outside Kofukumon Gate, rear view of the Hokuden Hall before the fire.Feb 05, 2021
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About the sundial. 日影台（にちえいだい）Feb 05, 2021
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Sundial 日影台（にちえいだい）Feb 05, 2021
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Zenikura 銭蔵Feb 05, 2021
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Kyukeimon Gate 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Kankaimon Gate and Kyukeimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Back of Roukokumon Gate. The building is not open to the public. 漏刻門（ろうこくもん）Feb 05, 2021
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About Roukokumon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Roukokumon Gate follows Zuisenmon. 漏刻門（ろうこくもん）Feb 05, 2021
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Going through Zuisenmon Gate. 瑞泉門Feb 05, 2021
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Seesaa at Zuisenmon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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After Kankaimon is Zuisenmon Gate near a spring. Restored in 1992. 瑞泉門Feb 05, 2021
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About the Ryuhi dragon spring.Feb 05, 2021
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Ryuhi Spring near the gate. Water from this spring was used in the cuisine served to the royal family. 龍樋（りゅうひ）Feb 05, 2021
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冊封七碑（さっぽうしちひ）Feb 05, 2021
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Sappo poetry monuments along the steps. 冊封七碑（さっぽうしちひ）Feb 05, 2021
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Kyukeimon GateFeb 05, 2021
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Steps to Zuisenmon Gate lined with monuments on both sides. 瑞泉門Feb 05, 2021
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About Kankaimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Other side of Kankaimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Seesaa at Kankaimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Kankaimon Gate is the first gate you enter when you enter the castle's inner grounds. "Kankai" means to "greet with joy." Rebuilt in 1974. 歓会門Feb 05, 2021
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Kankaimon Gate, main entrance to the castle for tourists. 歓会門Feb 05, 2021
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About Shuri Castle.Feb 05, 2021
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About Shureimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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During World War II, the Japanese Army's HQ was in underground bunkers under Shuri Castle. One entrance was right near Shureimon Gate.Feb 05, 2021
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Shuri Castle's Shureimon Gate 守礼門 also appeared on the defunct ¥2000 bill.Feb 05, 2021
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"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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JTA in-flight magazine "Coralway" had a nice Japanese article about the reconstruction of Shuri Castle in Naha.Jan 25, 2021
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Chopstick rest made of a shell at Hirugi Restaurant in Hotel Miyahira, Ishigaki.Jan 25, 2021
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Hirugi Restaurant in Hotel Miyahira, Ishigaki. Notice the chopstick rest made of a shell.Jan 25, 2021
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In front of Ishigaki Port is Hotel Miyahira. Went there for lunch.Jan 25, 2021
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My buffet breakfast at at the hotel restaurant in the main building. Most dishes are covered with Saran wrap.Jan 25, 2021
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Delicious Okinawan breakfast at Takemori Inn/Ryokan (竹盛旅館).Jan 25, 2021
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Okinawan welcome sign at Takemori Inn/Ryokan (竹盛旅館).Jan 25, 2021
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Leaving the old Ishigaki Port.Jan 25, 2021
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Floating dock at the old Ishigaki Port. 離島桟橋Jan 25, 2021
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The old Ohara Port, Iriomote.Jan 25, 2021
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The old Ohara Port when it was still operating. Tour buses, taxis, etc., await arriving passengers.Jan 25, 2021
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Southern Cross No. 5 boat at the old Ohara Port.Jan 25, 2021
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Euglena Mall years ago. A small shopping arcade very near Ishigaki Port.Jan 25, 2021
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Inside Ishigaki Yaeyama Museum. Exhibits Yaeyama's archaeology, history, art, and folk customs. 石垣市立八重山博物館Jan 25, 2021
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Entrance to Ishigaki Yaeyama Museum that opened in 1972 to mark the reversion of Okinawa to Japan. It's right near Ishigaki Port. 石垣市立八重山博物館Jan 25, 2021
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Yaeyama Post Office Ishigaki Port in central Ishigaki.Jan 25, 2021
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In front of Ishigaki City Hall, a tree planted to reaffirm sister-city relations in 1999 between Ishigaki and Kauai, Hawaii. Planted by then Kauai Mayor Maryanne Kusaka. Ishigaki and Kauai have been sister cities since May 1963.Jan 25, 2021
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Old Ishigaki Port for tourist boats. It didn't have a passenger terminal building like today, only tour agent offices.Jan 25, 2021
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Old Ishigaki Port for tourist boats. 旧石垣港。Jan 25, 2021
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Old Ishigaki Port for tourist boats. Only one floating dock for the larger boats. This dock has been dismantled when the new Ishigaki Port was built.Jan 25, 2021
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Old Ishigaki Port for tourist boats. This is only 200 meters away from the new Ishigaki Port terminal building. The high-rise Hotel East China Sea is under construction. 旧石垣離島桟橋。ホテルイーストチャイナシー建設中。Jan 25, 2021
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Old Ishigaki Port for tourist boats. This old port was in operation until 2006 before the new and current terminal was built for tourist boats. 旧石垣離島桟橋。Jan 25, 2021
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On board Anei Kanko's high-speed boat "Paijima" for Ishigaki Port. The front of the passenger cabin has a space for luggage. ぱいじまJan 23, 2021
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Site of the old Ohara Port near the new one. The old port operated here until 2002.Jan 23, 2021
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Beautiful ocean between Iriomote and Ishigaki, part of the national park.Jan 23, 2021
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Pretty smooth ride.Jan 23, 2021
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On board Anei Kanko's high-speed boat "Paijima" for Ishigaki Port. ぱいじまJan 23, 2021
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Anei Kanko high-speed boat named "Paijima" for 181 passengers. We rode this boat from Ohara, Iriomote back to Ishigaki Port. ぱいじまJan 23, 2021
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Anei Kanko high-speed boat named "Paijima" for 181 passengers. We rode this boat from Ohara, Iriomote back to Ishigaki Port. ぱいじまJan 23, 2021
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Local tour guides, car rentals, etc., try to attract the attention of arriving tourists at Ohara Port.Jan 23, 2021
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Tourists arriving Ohara Port.Jan 23, 2021
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Boat ticket for Ishigaki Port.Jan 23, 2021
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Welcome sign.Jan 23, 2021
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Departure times for boats going to Ishigaki.Jan 23, 2021
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Ticket counter inside Ohara Port's passenger terminal.Jan 23, 2021
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Inside Ohara Port's passenger terminal nicknamed "Nakamarin." It has a gift shop. This building got flooded by typhoons twice in 2005 and once in 2009.Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port's passenger terminal is nicknamed "Nakamarin." Built in 2002 after moving from the old location. This is the main entrance from the street.Jan 23, 2021
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Tourist signs at Ohara Port.Jan 23, 2021
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Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port dock.Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port dock built in 2002 after moving from the old location.Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port dock.Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port, Iriomote. One floating dock.Jan 23, 2021
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Ohara Port is Iriomote's main port and gateway. Boats from Ishigaki run to Ohara quite frequently. Iriomote has another port up north, but rough waters in winter can cancel boat runs.Jan 23, 2021
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Approaching Ohara Port. Although its official name is "Nakama Port" (仲間港), nobody calls it that.Jan 23, 2021
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Almost full moon above Iriomote.Jan 23, 2021
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Stargazing amid sugar cane in Mare district, Iriomote. (マーレ地区)Jan 23, 2021
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Orion constellation above Iriomote.Jan 23, 2021
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Stargazing amid sugar cane in Mare district, Iriomote. (マーレ地区)Jan 23, 2021
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Stargazing amid sugar cane in Mare district, Iriomote. (マーレ地区)Jan 23, 2021
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Dinner at Takemori Inn. Chawan-mushi, local fish, Yaeyama soba. The ryokan owner was very friendly. Not English-speaking though.茶碗蒸し、海藻と野菜和え、近海魚の刺身、近海魚の塩煮、煮物（冬瓜)、ソーキ、昆布、こんにゃく、黒紫米入り西表産ひとめぼれごはん、八重山そばJan 23, 2021
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White powder-puff flowers or sagari-bana in Japanese (サガリバナ) and a small moth. There are pink ones too. During summer, they bloom for only one night, then the flowers fall off the next morning. It was early Nov. (still warm), so maybe we got lucky to see it.Jan 23, 2021
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Modern bathroom at Takemori Ryokan on Iriomote.Jan 23, 2021
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Outside my room at Takemori Ryokan on Iriomote.Jan 23, 2021
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Outside my room at Takemori Inn on Iriomote. View of the bridge to Ohara across Nakama River.Jan 23, 2021
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My Japanese-style room at Takemori Inn on Iriomote.Jan 23, 2021
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My Japanese-style room at Takemori Inn on Iriomote. Nice two-room suite.Jan 23, 2021
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Entrance to Takemori Inn/Ryokan (竹盛旅館) in Otomi, where we stayed for a night. Photo by Kinjo Toru. https://www.takemori-inn.net/Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pG9zEMWQ1Zozys1x5Jan 23, 2021
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Iriomote cattle/beef.Jan 23, 2021
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Ishigaki cattle/beef.Jan 23, 2021
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Mangrove seedling.Jan 23, 2021
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Different plant growing on a branch of this looking-glass mangrove.Jan 23, 2021
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In the old days, part of the root was used as a rudder on Okinawan sabani fishing boats. (サキシマスオウノキ 先島蘇芳木 Heritiera littoralis)Jan 23, 2021
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An exotic plant on Iriomote called "looking-glass mangrove" (Sakishima suounoki) with huge roots that look like a byobu folding screen. (サキシマスオウノキ 先島蘇芳木 Heritiera littoralis)Jan 23, 2021
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Low tide puddles.Jan 23, 2021
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Boardwalk at Sakishima suounoki mangroves in the Komi area. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)Jan 23, 2021
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Sakishima suounoki mangroves, Iriomote. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)Jan 23, 2021
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Jan 23, 2021
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Sakishima suounoki mangroves, Iriomote. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)Jan 23, 2021
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These mangroves are a National Natural Monument.Jan 23, 2021
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Map of the boardwalk going through the Sakishima suounoki mangroves in the Komi district. Near the mouth of Maira River. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)Jan 23, 2021
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Boardwalk at Sakishima suounoki mangroves in the Komi area. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)Jan 23, 2021
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Great views of the greenery from the Otomi Lookout Deck.Jan 23, 2021
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Great views of the greenery from the Otomi Lookout Deck.Jan 23, 2021
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Nakama River is beyond this area.Jan 23, 2021
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Great views of the greenery from the Otomi Lookout Deck.Jan 23, 2021
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Otomi Lookout Deck 大富展望台Jan 23, 2021
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Otomi Lookout Deck 大富展望台Jan 23, 2021
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Guided tours are recommended. Local guides know the flora and fauna and the difficult or slightly hazardous sections of hiking trails. Local tour guide: https://www.motti-iriomotejima.com/Jan 23, 2021
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When going on hikes, best to wear long sleeves and long pants so the tree branches, leaves, etc., don't scratch you. Also protection from bugs. Jan 23, 2021
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Bird feeder for research purposes.Jan 23, 2021
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The trunk of a tree fern shows the remains of branches that broke off. 木生シダJan 23, 2021
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Tree fern, common in Okinawa. The fronds break off. 木生シダJan 23, 2021
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FernsJan 23, 2021
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Jan 23, 2021
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Beehive roped off. (Do not disturb.)Jan 23, 2021
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Iriomote's forests are a mishmash of all kinds of flora growing wild everywhere in all directions. It's not like the neat, orderly forests of trees on mainland Japan. 大富林道大正池Jan 23, 2021
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Iriomote has many hiking trails through the tropical forest or jungle. The popular trails usually lead to a waterfall, but we went on a short nature trail in Otomi that didn't lead to anything. 大富林道大正池Jan 23, 2021
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Gentle water buffalo knows the direction. Photo by Kinjo Toru.Jan 23, 2021
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Top of Yarabudake, Ishigaki. Waiting for the sunrise.Jan 23, 2021
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Our tour guide took a picture of us on Yarabudake.Jan 23, 2021
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View of coral reef from Nosokodake Lookout Point in northern Ishigaki. Jan 23, 2021
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Inside the butterfly garden (蝶々園) on Yubu. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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Having tea or ice cream on an old water buffalo cart. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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Having tea or ice cream on an old water buffalo cart. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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Water buffalo walks through shallow water to Yubu Island from Iriomote. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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Our water buffalo's name was Musashi. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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On the water buffalo cart to Yubu Island from Iriomote. The guide also played the sanshin. (Photo by tour guide motti.)Jan 23, 2021
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Ishigaki Port for tourist boats to other Yaeyama islands. Terminal building is on the right with the front entrance on the right side. On the left are four floating piers.Taketomi island can be seen in the distance. Photo from Wikipedia.Jan 23, 2021
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Moon was nice too.Jan 22, 2021
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Another stargazing spot on Ishigaki, in the middle of sugar cane. We were with a large group of people also sitting on camping chairs.The guide standing on the left talked nonstop in Japanese with a microphone. He used a laser pointer to point out constellations and stars. Jan 22, 2021
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They also had a telescope to see Saturn and the moon.Jan 22, 2021
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We're lying flat on cots and staring at the sky as our stargazing guide used a laser pointer to point out stars and constellations.Jan 22, 2021
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Stargazing on the Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine's roof. This tour option is called "Shani-shani Hoshizora Tour" (しゃにしゃに星空ツアー). Info in Japanese: https://www.utakuna-ishigakijima.com/hoshizoratourJan 22, 2021
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Starry night from Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine's roof.Jan 22, 2021
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Hotel lobby sofas.Jan 22, 2021
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Breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant in the main building. Plastic partitions protect the food. ブーゲンの浜Jan 22, 2021
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Painting of Okinawan yotsudake dancer in the hotel corridor.Jan 22, 2021
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Painting of Okinawan dancers in the hotel.Jan 22, 2021
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Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Jan 22, 2021
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Dinner at the hotel's Nami no Shi (波の詩) restaurant. Dinner was kaiseki ryori (会席料理) including Okinawan beef. 赤瓦レストラン 波の詩にがなの白和え、グルクン南蛮漬、小松菜の胡麻和え、お造り 2 点盛、島魚の煮つけ、県産和牛の 陶板焼き、ゆし豆腐のすまし汁Jan 22, 2021
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Ishigaki sunset.Jan 22, 2021
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Hotel restaurant terrace at sunset. オープンレストラン 海辺のテラスJan 22, 2021
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The hotel's oceanfront does have great Ishigaki sunset views.Jan 22, 2021
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Ishigaki sunset.Jan 22, 2021
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Jan 22, 2021
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An adjacent hotel had chairs on the waterfront for the sunset.Jan 22, 2021
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Walked along the oceanfront.Jan 22, 2021
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Although the hotel's name has the word "Beach," there's no beach and it's not for swimming. In summer, they have marine activities, but no ocean swimming or sunbathing on a beach. There's a pool and lawn though.Jan 22, 2021
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Tropical plant.Jan 22, 2021
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View from my room, partially obstructed by a big tree.Jan 22, 2021
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View from my room.Jan 22, 2021
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Roomy balcony of my hotel room.Jan 22, 2021
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Refrigerator.Jan 22, 2021
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Jan 22, 2021
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