 Last additions - OKINAWA 沖縄県 |
In the distance, the runway at Futenma Air Base as seen from Hacksaw Ridge. This is the air base slated to move to another location where it is less populated..Jan 16, 2022
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Yui Rail Urasoe-Maeda Station.Jan 16, 2022
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Yui Rail train arriving Urasoe-Maeda Station.Jan 16, 2022
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Yui Rail train near Urasoe-Maeda Station.Jan 16, 2022
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On the way back to the station, noticed this sign saying "Road closed, removing dud bomb." That's how often often they find dud bombs from World War II.Jan 16, 2022
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View of Yu Rail from Urasoe Castle.Jan 16, 2022
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Another noted site is the Urasoe Gusuku and Yodore which is the royal mausoleum for Ryukyu Kings.Jan 16, 2022
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Going back down.Jan 16, 2022
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The tun was created with a pair of bamboo connected at the top to form an arch as a gate for the gods. Prayers for a rich harvest were held here.Jan 16, 2022
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Location of the "tun" place of prayer rituals at Urasoe Castle conducted by a noro priestess and villagers from Nakama and Maeda.Jan 16, 2022
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About the Chinese banyan or gajumaru tree (ガジュマル) at Urasoe Castle site.Jan 16, 2022
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Chinese banyan or gajumaru tree (ガジュマル) at Urasoe Castle site. It's a good tree for shade.Jan 16, 2022
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There is still much evidence that this was a coral outcrop.Jan 16, 2022
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Lots of craggy rocks on Hacksaw Ridge.Jan 16, 2022
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Modern-looking castle walls.Jan 16, 2022
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About the former site of the Aikoku Chiso Memorial Monument.Jan 16, 2022
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Former site of the Aikoku Chiso Memorial Monument erected here in 1965 in memory of people from Aichi Prefecture who died during the Battle of Okinawa. In 1994, the monument was moved to the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman.Jan 16, 2022
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Sign indicating the probable location of the Urasoe Clan's castle residence.Jan 16, 2022
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Probable location of the Urasoe Clan's castle residence (startng with Prince Sho-iko). Site was excavated in 1983 which found stone foundations and Chinese roof tiles here.Jan 16, 2022
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Urasoe Castle (浦添城) was originally built in the 12th century and served as the headquarters of the Chuzan Kingdom, one of the three kingdoms on the main island until they were unified to form the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1429. Only a few stone walls and craggy rocks remain, no buildings. It is also famous as Hacksaw Ridge featured in the acclaimed 2016 movie, "Hacksaw Ridge" directed by Mel Gibson.Jan 16, 2022
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From Urasoe Castle, there's no trail going down the Hacksaw Ridge cliff.Jan 16, 2022
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Sign marking the location of Urasoe Castle's Seiden main building with a top view of the excavation showing building foundations and pillar holes. 正殿跡Jan 16, 2022
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On Hacksaw Ridge, the purported location of Urasoe Castle's Seiden main building where building foundations were found during excavations in 1998. 正殿跡Jan 16, 2022
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Urasoe Castle and Hacksaw Ridge is a peaceful place. The hill extends for about 400 meters in length.Jan 16, 2022
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Top of Hacksaw Ridge. Hard to imagine this was once a bloody battle site.This is the top of the castle site. Only a few stone walls remain, no buildings.Jan 16, 2022
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Jet fighters flying near Futenma Air Base as seen from Hacksaw Ridge. Very common scene above Okinawa's skies.Jan 16, 2022
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The movie also had Japanese actors, but all they do is shoot or die, including one "hari-kari" scene (actually spelled harakiri, but correctly called "seppuku"). We see them often, but no real Japanese dialog. The Japanese actors are credited anonymously in the end such as "Corpse With Rats" (three of them, and very realistic).Jan 16, 2022
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Below the ocean, the slither of green is a low hill called Kakazu Ridge (嘉数高地). After landing on Chatan and Yomitan unopposed on April 1, 1945, US forces had a relatively easy time advancing south toward Shuri Castle until they got to Kakazu Ridgeabout a week later. And then here at Hacksaw Ridge which was also fortified. Bloody fighting ensued for about 3 weeks. Both ridges are now peaceful parks.Jan 16, 2022
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Not only that, he was a "conscientious objector" and refused to carry a gun and kill the enemy since it was against his religious beliefs. He was in the war with no gun. He was a medic, so he didn't think he needed a gun. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman.
Surprisingly, the movie was not an American or Japanese production. It was Australian. Most of the actors were Australian and it was filmed in Australia. Too bad no filming in Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Based on a true story, the movie is about combat medic Desmond Doss (1919–2006) who was on Hacksaw Ridge with many killed and wounded. Instead of evacuating the top of the ridge, he remained and rescued 75 wounded soldiers during the night without being detected by the Japanese. He dragged them one by one and lowered each man on a rope down the cliff to other soldiers at the bottom who transported the wounded to base camp.Jan 16, 2022
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US Forces landed almost unopposed on the beaches of Chatan and Yomitan, mostly flat terrain. They came from the nearby Kerama Islands which they had captured in late March 1945.Jan 16, 2022
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Hacksaw Ridge was made famous by the 2016 acclaimed movie, "Hacksaw Ridge" directed by Mel Gibson. Great story, great acting, great cinematography and special effects, memorable scenes and script, and very touching.If you don't like blood and gore, you might want to avoid watching it. The beautiful battle scenes were in the style of "Saving Private Ryan" with stereo sound of the whizzing bullets and explosions.Jan 16, 2022
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Urasoe Castle/Hacksaw Ridge is now a scenic point looking toward Ginowan and Futenma Marine Air Base.The blue ocean and bay in the distance toward the right looks beautiful and peaceful now, but on April 1, 1945, it was filled with US warships and landing craft when US forces first landed on Okinawa's main island to start the horrible and bloody three-month Battle of Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Hacksaw Ridge has thick vegetation growing on the cliffside, so we cannot see the hacksaw shape. The Japanese name translates as "Maeda Escarpment" (前田高地). This is a National Historic Site.Jan 16, 2022
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Urasoe Castle is the site of Hacksaw Ridge, made famous by the recent movie.Hacksaw Ridge was a WWII battle site where the Japanese army fought off US troops encroaching from below the cliff. The Americans named it "Hacksaw Ridge." It was part of the defense of Shuri Castle where the Japanese Army was headquartered.Jan 16, 2022
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About the stone monument to mark the completion of the stone-paved path from Urasoe Castle to Shuri Castle.Jan 16, 2022
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Replicated stone monument to mark the completion of the stone-paved path from Urasoe Castle to Shuri Castle in 1597. Original monument was destroyed during the World War II.Jan 16, 2022
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About the cobblestone or stone-paved path. Built by King Sho-nei in 1597 as an improved path from Urasoe Castle to Shuri CastleJan 16, 2022
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Cobblestone path restored from the 16th century when it was made as a path to Shuri Castle.Jan 16, 2022
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Historic cobblestone path part of the way up. Excavated in 2006.Jan 16, 2022
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Sloping path up to Urasoe Castle site. This south side of the hill is a gradual slope, unlike the sudden and steep cliff on the north face.Jan 16, 2022
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Urasoe Castle (浦添城) is on a low hill near Urasoe-Maeda Station on Yui Rail.Jan 16, 2022
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Short walk from the station, but you need to know where to turn right and go up this slope. It's not clearly marked from the road.Jan 16, 2022
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Some sugar cane in Nanjo, Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Buses in Naha look almost the same on the inside as buses in Tokyo. However, in Naha you board and exit through the front door. The back door doesn't work. In most cases, you pay the fare when you get off. Jan 16, 2022
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Bus came on time. No. 83 back to Naha.Jan 16, 2022
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Gyokusendo-mae bus stop back to Naha. Buses are infrequent. Typical bus stop sign on Okinawa. Simple, metal panel with a grunge look. Must be like this to withstand frequent typhoons.Jan 16, 2022
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In the gift shop, bought this kariyushi shirt. Kariyushi is an Okinawan-style Aloha shirt. Most designs are muted in color, similar to showing the reverse side of the material. This design shows the deigo, Okinawa's official flower or tiger's claw (デイゴ). I made sure that it was made in Okinawa. Cheaper shirts are made elsewhere. かりゆしウェアJan 16, 2022
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Laughing shisa in the gift shop.Jan 16, 2022
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Happy shisa giftsJan 16, 2022
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Okinawa World's gift shop.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan red roof tilesJan 16, 2022
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Okinawan red roof tilesJan 16, 2022
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Shisa (シーサー) guardian lion dog statue on the roof.Jan 16, 2022
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Shisa (シーサー) guardian lion dog statue on the roof to ward off evil spirits at Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Orange hibiscusJan 16, 2022
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Stone wallJan 16, 2022
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Stone wallJan 16, 2022
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Chinese banyan or gajumaru tree (ガジュマル) at Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Tropical Orchard has pineapple. 熱帯フルーツ園Jan 16, 2022
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Tropical Orchard is what you see after exiting the Gyokusendo Cavern. 熱帯フルーツ園Jan 16, 2022
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Glassware you can make at Ryukyu Glass Kingdom Studio.Jan 16, 2022
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How to make glassware at Ryukyu Glass Kingdom Studio.Jan 16, 2022
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Ryukyu Glass Kingdom StudioJan 16, 2022
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Ryukyu Glass Kingdom StudioJan 16, 2022
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Ryukyu Glass Kingdom StudioJan 16, 2022
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Ryukyu Glass Kingdom Studio is where you can make your own glassware. 琉球ガラス王国工房Jan 16, 2022
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Pottery workshop in Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Pottery workshop in Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Pottery workshop in Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Pottery workshop in Okinawa World. 陶器工房Jan 16, 2022
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About the noborigama sloping kiln.Jan 16, 2022
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Side of the noborigama sloping kilnJan 16, 2022
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Botom end of the noborigama sloping kiln where the fire starts and the heat climbs up the kiln.Jan 16, 2022
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Kingdom Village also has a noborigama sloping kiln for pottery. 登り窯Jan 16, 2022
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Red hibiscus in Okinawa World.Jan 16, 2022
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Red hibiscusJan 16, 2022
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Small shisa for sale.Jan 16, 2022
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Bingata Okinawan kimono.Jan 16, 2022
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Little fish clean off your skin on your feet.Jan 16, 2022
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Diverse fabric dyeing in Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Weaving Okinawan fabrics.Jan 16, 2022
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How bingata kimono is made.Jan 16, 2022
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Different shapes of the sanshin.Jan 16, 2022
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Parts of the sanshin.Jan 16, 2022
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Tin can sanshin.Jan 16, 2022
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Different sanshinJan 16, 2022
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Sugar Cane Hall also has a Sanshin exhibit.Jan 16, 2022
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About the Sanshin, Okinawa's shamisen string instrument famous for snakeskin (not habu).Jan 16, 2022
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Masks, handkerchiefs, neckties dyed green with sugar cane leaves. Very nice green color.Jan 16, 2022
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Sugar Cane Hall is mainly an exhibition space. No sugar cane. It's also the entrance/exit for the Kingdom Village. サトウキビ館Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan children babysitting in the old days. It was a common sight on mainland Japan too.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan children at work.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan children's toys.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan children's toys.Jan 16, 2022
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Scale model of one shisa in front of Okinawa World's main gate.Jan 16, 2022
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In Okinawa Culture Museum, Shisa made of coral.Jan 16, 2022
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Another room of exhibits.Jan 16, 2022
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About shisa in Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Lots of different shisa displayed in the museum.Jan 16, 2022
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Shisa made of ivory.Jan 16, 2022
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Inside Okinawa Culture Center. Two rooms with glass cases of artifacts.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawa Culture Center is a small history museum in Okinawa World. 王国歴史博物館Jan 16, 2022
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Indigo fabric goods.Jan 16, 2022
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Indigo fabric goods.Jan 16, 2022
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Indigo dyeing workshop.Jan 16, 2022
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Shisa (シーサー) guardian lion dog statue on the roof to ward off evil spirits. Jan 16, 2022
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Pricing for renting Okinawan bingata kimono.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan bingata kimonoJan 16, 2022
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Okinawan bingata kimonoJan 16, 2022
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At Okinawa World, studio to try on Okinawan bingata kimono and pose for photos.Jan 16, 2022
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Leather crafts.Jan 16, 2022
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Paper craft workshop. 紙漉きJan 16, 2022
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Weaving workshop.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawa World's Kingdom Village also has other traditional Okinawan homes converted into gift shops and craft workshops.Jan 16, 2022
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Uezu ResidenceJan 16, 2022
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Inside Uezu Residence.Jan 16, 2022
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Inside Uezu Residence. Sanshin also displayed.Jan 16, 2022
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Rear view of stone walls.Jan 16, 2022
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Stone wall for privacy in front of Uezu residence.Jan 16, 2022
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About the stone walls.Jan 16, 2022
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About Uezu Residence. 上州家Jan 16, 2022
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Shisa on the roof.Jan 16, 2022
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Stone walls in front of Uezu residence.Jan 16, 2022
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Uezu Residence is the grandest home in the park. Many of the homes are National Tangible Cultural Properties.上州家Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawa World also has an architectural park called "Kingdom Village" with a few traditional Okinawan homes which were moved here. This is the grandest home, called the Uezu Residence 上州家Jan 16, 2022
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Great show! Saw it twice.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan shishi-mai lion drinking awamori.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan shishi-mai lion dance.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan shishi-mai lion dance.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawan Eisa drummers.Jan 16, 2022
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Large taiko drum.Jan 16, 2022
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Confusing signage, but still photos are okay, but video prohibited.Jan 16, 2022
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Super Eisa Show is performed three times a day for 30 min. スーパーエイサーショーJan 16, 2022
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Eisa Plaza is where they perform the eisa drum show. エイサー広場Jan 16, 2022
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Red hibiscus.Jan 16, 2022
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Bats sleeping.Jan 16, 2022
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Old tortoise.Jan 16, 2022
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The extract from the snake supposed to be good for you. The snake's venom is somehow neutralized by the alcohol, so it's not poisonous when you drink it.So what do they do with the snake after drinking the habu-shu? Would a bird of prey eat an alcohol-soaked snake?Jan 16, 2022
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Brewing Habu liquor or habu-shu (ハブ酒) made with awamori or brandy.Jan 16, 2022
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Inside Nanto Brewery producing habu-shu liquor. 南都酒造所Jan 16, 2022
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Boa constrictor.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu viper from Kumejima.Jan 16, 2022
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Exhibits of different species of habu. This one is from Kumejima island.Jan 16, 2022
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Hooked poles for catching habu. Habu are caught for making Habu-shu liquor.Jan 16, 2022
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First-aid for a habu bite. Suck out the venom and spit it out.Jan 16, 2022
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Where habu bites occur. Most common (31.8%) on the fingers, then the calf of your leg. Ouch!Jan 16, 2022
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Striking reach of the habu is much wider compared to a cobra. It's 360˚ all around. Watch out for it.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu Museum has many interesting exhibits about the habu. There's also some English.Jan 16, 2022
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Also showed a cobra and tried to provoke it to show its expanded neck.Jan 16, 2022
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The snake didn't understand it was a race and wandered back and forth in the tube until it finally reached the other end after correctly thinking that it was the way out. So that was the main highlight of the show...Jan 16, 2022
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The mongoose immediately and hilariously swam through the tube, winning the race hands down.Jan 16, 2022
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It was to see which would reach the other end of the tube first. The tubes were about 5 meters long.Jan 16, 2022
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In the tubes, it was a swimming race between a mongoose (upper tube) and habu (lower tube). They were both released into their tubes at the same time.Jan 16, 2022
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The stage also had two partially filled water tubes for the show's climax (?). This is the Snake and Mongoose Show. Instead of fighting each other, they race in the water.Jan 16, 2022
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The habu didn't care for the white balloon, but went for the green one in a split second. Very dramatic...Jan 16, 2022
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Two balloons to irritate the habu. Jan 16, 2022
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The trainer mentioned that in the past, they had a mongoose and habu snake fight each other in the show. But due to animal rights concerns, it was discontinued. These are only stuffed animals on display in the Habu Museum.The mongoose was introduced to Okinawa in 1910 to control the habu population. But the mongoose instead preyed on other native species.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu ready to attack. If you see this pose, run away quick.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu's nostril, eyes, and pit.Jan 16, 2022
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The habu's rear pair of fangs excrete the venom.Jan 16, 2022
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The trainer explained about the habu while handling it with a hooked pole.Jan 16, 2022
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Okinawa World's Habu show was interesting, but not particularly thrilling. The viper is not like a trained monkey doing tricks for a treat each time. The snake doesn't understand such a concept. Jan 16, 2022
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Also popular in Okinawa World is the Habu Museum Park and Habu Show. Habu is Okinawa's venomous snake. Habu Theater for the 20-min. habu show a few times/day.Jan 16, 2022
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The Habu Museum has live habu on display. Nocturnal, so they were sleeping. Habu are venomous vipers in Okinawa.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu zoo.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu Museum Park has an educational museum about the habu, a zoo of habu and other snakes, and a small hall for the habu snake show. First find out what time the next habu show will be.Jan 16, 2022
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Habu Museum Park is another major attraction of Okinawa World. Habu is a venomous pit viper endemic to the Okinawan and Amami islands. There are a number of species.Jan 16, 2022
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At the end of the Gyokusendo Cavern is a long escalator going back up to ground level for the exit.Jan 16, 2022
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Nearing the cavern exit.Jan 16, 2022
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Freshwater goby, one of the creatures that live in the cavern. ヨシノボリJan 16, 2022
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Japanese mitten crab, one of the creatures that live in the cavern. モクズガニJan 16, 2022
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Banyan tree formationJan 16, 2022
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Platform for a higher shot/view.Jan 16, 2022
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Take a selfie here.Jan 16, 2022
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Golden rockJan 16, 2022
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Blue Spring limestone dam.Jan 16, 2022
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Not sure if this is the natural color or the color of the lights.Jan 16, 2022
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Blue Spring is also a limestone dam.Jan 16, 2022
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Inside Okinawa World's Gyokusendo Cavern, this is called the Blue Spring. Perhaps the prettiest spot of all. 青の泉Jan 16, 2022
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