JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Photos of Shuri Castle after the devastating fire in Oct. 2019. 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.

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In central Naha, Kokusai-dori is the city's main drag of shops and restaurants. Mostly for tourists. The nearest rail stations are Kencho-mae and Makishi Stations on the Yui Rail. It also has the Shima-Uta nightclub featuring the famous Nenes/Nenez performing live on most nights.

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Coming soon.

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Coming soon.

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Himeyuri Monument and Cenotaph (ひめゆり慰霊碑) in southern Okinawa in the city of Itoman. One of Okinawa's most famous war sites and memorials. This monument stands over the entrance of the cave where 80 people died on June 19, 1945 when US troops searching for Japanese soldiers threw in white phosphorus grenades. Those who died included 38 Himeyuri high school student nurses and four of their teachers. US troops didn't know who were in the caves.

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Cornerstone of Peace (平和の礎) in Mabuni is a large oceanfront memorial park full of stone slabs inscribed with over 240,000 names of people who died in the battle. Civilians and military, Japanese and foreign. Japanese victims are inscribed by prefecture. Foreign nationals are inscribed by country. The site of the last fighting of the Battle of Okinawa on the southern end of the island.

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Eisa dancing is performed on the streets at night in every village on Okinawa during the three days of Obon in August. This one was in Kin town. All photos copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.

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Nakagusuku Castle is located in central Okinawa about 150 meters above the Pacific Ocean and has been designated a World Heritage Site. Constructed in mid-fourteenth century of limestone rocks, placed without the use of mortar, Commodore Perry praised the construction technique on his visit to Okinawa in 1853. Photos by Michael Lynch.

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Kouri Island is a small, round island easily accessible by car on a scenic highway bridge over the ocean from Yagaji Island off the coast of Motobu Peninsula. It has small beach and lookout tower.

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Cape Manzamo is a famous rock formation with a hole or elephant's trunk. It faces the East China Sea.

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Kabira Bay is probably Ishigaki's most famous tourist attraction. Glass bottom boats take you to see the coral in shallow waters. Scenic beach and small islands.

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Small architectural park of traditional Yaeyama homes overlooking Nagura Bay. Open 9:00 am–5:30 pm. Adult admission ¥1,000, kids ¥500. https://www.yaimamura.com/

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Mt. Nosokodake is Ishigaki’s second highest mountain at 282 m. Can be climbed up a steep, narrow trail in about 15 min. We saw it from the nearby Nosodake Scenic Point. This mountain is associated with a famous local folk tale about a girl named Maape. The mountain is nicknamed after her, "Nosoko Maape" (野底マーペー) or Nosoko Mape.

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Sakieda Peninsula on western Ishigaki has Mt. Yarabudake (屋良部岳), a steep, but short (15 min.) climb. Also the scenic Cape Ogansaki (御神崎).

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Banna Park is on Banna Hill (230m elevation) on the northern fringe of central Ishigaki, overlooking the heart of Ishigaki city. Fine views of the southern part of the island, Taketomi Island, and Sakieda Peninsula.

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Hotel on the southern coast of Ishigaki. Ocean and sunset views. Also stargazing on the rooftop.

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Landing and takeoff at the New Ishigaki Airport and at the old Ishigaki Airport. Also photos inside the terminal building.

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Ishigaki Port is on the southern coast of Ishigaki island. It's the marine gateway to other Yaeyama islands such as Taketomi, Iriomote, Kuroshima, and Aragusuku. Also see photos of the old Ishigaki Port and nearby sights.

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In northern Iriomote, Urauchi River is Okinawa's longest (19 km), widest (200 m), and deepest (15 m) river. It's home to a whopping 400 species of fish or 10 percent of Japan's fish species. Urauchi River is one of Iriomote's major tourist routes with a jungle river cruise and forest hike to see two waterfalls, Mariyudu Falls and Kanbire Falls. The roundtrip cruise and hike will take about 3 hours.

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Another major attraction on Iriomote is Yubu, is a small, sandbar island. They converted the island into a lush botanical garden. (Admission charged, included in the water buffalo cart ride.)

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Jungle hike, mangrove walk, and stargazing in central Iriomote: Ohara, Otomi, and Komi.

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Maira River is one of Iriomote's major rivers. We enjoyed sunrise kayaking at the mouth of the river at high tide.

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Comprehensive museum on Iriomote's wildlife, especially the Iriomote Wildcat. Located in Komi. Free admission. Open 10 am–4 pm, closed Mon., December 29–January 3, June 23. https://iwcc.jp/english/

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Ohara Port is Iriomote's main port and closest to Ishigaki.

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Off the coast of Ishigaki, this is one of Japan's most charming islands with white coral roads, white sand beaches, and a real Okinawan feeling.

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Okinawa's ancient and modern dances are a feast for the eyes with colorful kimono and aesthetic movements, not to mention the intriguing and unique music of Okinawa.

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One image for each month reflecting the seasons of Okinawa. All photos copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.

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