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Eisa dancing is performed on the streets at night in every village on Okinawa during the three days of Obon, late in August. Here a young lady dressed in traditional Okinawan yukata (an informal kimono) marches while waving Rising Sun paper fans.276 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Nakagusuku Castle is part of a World Heritage Site of Okinawan gusuku castles. This is a view looking eastward from the base of the 3d enclosure (migusuku). Photos in this album all by Michael Lynch.208 views 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.
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Foot of Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.166 views
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Japan Transocean Air (JTA) Boeing 737-800 plane painted like a whale shark (blue). ジンベエ ジェット158 viewsNot my plane back to Haneda though. This video shows how they painted the plane: https://youtu.be/MbrK-8Bkjx0
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My take-out dinner at Naha Airport before the flight back to Tokyo. Goya-champuru and rice. 152 views
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For their parting shot, these Eisa dancers couldn’t resist flashing the Peace sign along with their smiles for the camera. 148 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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During each brief pause in the Eisa music, the men make a loud whistling noise that is distinctly Okinawan. All photos copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.147 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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The Eisa dancers are all unmarried men and women between 20 and 30 years of age. The small handheld drums, known as Panraku, have the traditional symbol of Okinawa painted in gold on them.140 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Sacred Well. There are three spring-fed wells within the castle. This one is located in the West enclosure and is also a sacred site where people make ritual offerings. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.139 viewsThe woman on the left gave consent to take a photo after helping her down the rough, stone stairs.
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The brown and beige garment worn by this Buffoon is hand woven clothing called Bashofu. It is made from the fiber of banana plants. There may be two or three of these characters with each Eisa group skipping and weaving through the dancers as if they...139 viewsThe brown and beige garment worn by this Buffoon is hand woven clothing called Bashofu. It is made from the fiber of banana plants. There may be two or three of these characters with each Eisa group skipping and weaving through the dancers as if they weren’t there. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Here the Buffoon (called Gajangani) can be seen going in the opposite direction of all the other male dancers and waving a banana leaf. Some clowns carry bottles of sake and try to get bystanders to drink with them.132 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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The Buffoon, Clown, or Town Drunk is a man who zig-zags through the line of dancers to the beat of his own drum, entertaining everyone and chasing evil spirits away.129 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Here a group of men reach into a cooler for some refreshments while on a quick break from dancing. They will pile on trucks and move to the next location, performing Eisa dances well past midnight at every street, in every village for miles around.125 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Different color yukata and uniforms of the dancers are worn, depending on which district or village they represent.121 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Each team of Eisa dancers has its own band riding in the back of a straw roof-covered truck. Sanshin (3 stringed instrument) players sing and play Okinawan folk music accompanied by CD’s blasted over a loudspeaker system. 118 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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The large drum used for marching is slightly smaller than a Taiko and is called an Odaiko drum. The drummer in this photo is the only female player of this team to play such a large drum and she smiles and beats it enthusiastically.114 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Rear Gate. Most visitors will enter through this gate to the castle, as it is closest to the parking and ticket sales. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.113 views
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Three Sacred Sites. The South enclosure contains three Utaki (sacred sites), all within a small area, as seen by the signs in this picture. Many Okinawans come to worship at these Utaki and make offerings. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.113 viewsFrom the high ground to the left of this scene, you may be able to see Kudaka-Jima, where locals believe the first Okinawans originated.
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Utaki. A closeup view of a place of worship. Incense is sometimes burned and coins placed in the stone container centered within the utaki stone walls. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.113 views
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The large banner or flag carried on a bamboo pole is known as Hatagashisa and also represents a village or district. Each has their own unique design and the team takes pride in displaying it as a symbol of strength and prosperity for their hometown.113 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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World Heritage Marker. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.112 views
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Second Enclosure. A view of the archway and stone construction from inside the 2nd enclosure, looking East. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.110 views
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Gun Port. At several locations along the North walls of the castle, gun ports may be seen, where sentries could repel invaders. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.109 viewsMany visitors are surprised to learn that firearms were in existence in the 14th century.
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Stone Stairs. They lead to the 2nd enclosure. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes, as the stone-lined pathways and stairs can be very difficult to walk on without twisting an ankle. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.107 views
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Sacred Site. There are eight special places of worship (Utaki) located within the castle walls. This view looks toward the East from the inside of the 1st enclosure. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.105 views
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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. 104 viewsVery 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.
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A view from the base of the West enclosure. 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. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.104 views
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Terraced Walls. A view looking from north to south standing at an elevated point along the inner castle walls. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.104 views
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Hoshinmon Gate and the Una as seen from the Seiden.92 viewsThis 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.
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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). 90 viewsThe 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.
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My lunch.78 views
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The flowers in the jet bridge is a very nice touch at Naha Airport.74 views
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The good old days when Boeing 747s still flew into Naha Airport.71 views
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She's selling goya (bitter melon) juice. I tried it.71 views
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Pickled vegetables.69 views
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Colorful fish in the old Makishi Public Market where you could pick the fish to be cooked for your meal.68 views
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At Pallet Kumoji mall, there was this Shuri Castle illumination monument complemented by paper lanterns. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)46 views
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Shuri Castle illumination monument at Pallet Kumoji in Nov. 2020. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)44 views
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Near Kokusai-dori (Naha's main drag) at Pallet Kumoji mall, there was this Shuri Castle illumination monument complemented by paper lanterns. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)43 views
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Shuri Castle illumination monument was lit up in the evening until midnight from Oct. 28 to Nov 15, 2020. Many local businesses sponsored the artwork. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)43 views
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Shuri Castle illumination monument at Pallet Kumoji in Nov. 2020. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)43 viewsLit up in the evening until midnight from Oct. 28 to Nov 15, 2020. Many local businesses sponsored the artwork.
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Shuri Castle illumination monument was lit up in the evening until midnight from Oct. 28 to Nov 15, 2020. Many local businesses sponsored the artwork. (首里城うむいの燈(あかり)モニュメント)41 views
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Lunch at Airando FIJI Restaurant & Cafe.38 views
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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. 38 views
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Tacos at Airando FIJI Restaurant & Cafe.37 views
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Shurijo Castle was the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom's government from 1429 to 1879 when it became Okinawa Prefecture. 36 viewsThe Ryukyuan kings were from the Sho Clan (尚) starting with Shō Hashi who unified the three kingdoms on the main island in 1429. The other islands also eventually came under the control of the Shuri government after successful military campaigns.
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White and red hibiscus33 views
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Side view of Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.32 views
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Shuri Castle wall with pointy tips.30 views
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Shuri Castle's Shureimon Gate 守礼門 also appeared on the defunct ¥2000 bill.30 views
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Kankaimon Gate and Kyukeimon Gate.30 views
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Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.30 views
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Yellow hibiscus30 views
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Red hibiscus. Lots of flowers in this area.30 views
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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.29 viewsAfter 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.
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Red hibiscus29 views
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In Okinawa Culture Museum, Shisa made of coral.29 views
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Red hibiscus in Okinawa World.29 views
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Shisa (シーサー) guardian lion dog statue on the roof to ward off evil spirits at Okinawa World.29 views
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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. 28 viewsOther castle buildings were also reconstructed and the castle's reconstruction was finally completed in spring 2019. It was a great celebration.
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Ideal roof tiles have minimal water absorption and shrinkage. Researchers in Okinawa are testing various clay samples and firing temperatures. 27 viewsThey 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.
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Kouri Island is a small, round island easily accessible by car on this scenic highway bridge over the ocean from Yagaji Island off the coast of Motobu Peninsula.27 views
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Habu viper from Kumejima.27 views
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Monument for Harry Shinichi Gima (儀間真一), an Okinawan-American nisei from Hawaii who donated money to buy the land here to build the Himeyuri memorials and museum. 26 viewsHis parents immigrated to Hawaii from Yomitan.
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Red hibiscus, Naha.26 views
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Chinese banyan or gajumaru tree (ガジュマル) at Okinawa World.26 views
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About the Himeyuri-no-Tou monuments.25 views
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Harry Shinichi Gima worked as an engineer on a US military base in Okinawa and visited Himeyuri Monument in 1951. 25 viewsHe wanted the story and place to be presented more properly, so he quietly donated the money to the Himeyuri Alumini Association to buy the land.

This area was originally just a grassy area. None of the asphalt or cement we see here today. The land was privately owned.
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On Kokusai-dori in Naha, souvenir shop looking like Shuri Castle.25 views
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For the 1st anniversary of the Shurijo Castle fire on Oct. 31, 2020, all the local Okinawan newspapers were filled with special articles about the fire and reconstruction efforts.25 views
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The war's progression.24 views
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Himeyuri Chronology, inscribed with what happened here.23 views
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Kouri Ohashi Bridge to Kouri Island goes right over the ocean. Built in 2005, the bridge is 1,960 meters long, the longest bridge near Okinawa island. 古宇利大橋23 views
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Blue Spring is also a limestone dam.23 views
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Entrance to Himeyuri Monument and Cenotaph (ひめゆり慰霊碑) in southern Okinawa in the city of Itoman. Building on the left is a flower vendor (closed).22 views
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Monument for the medical staff who died in the Battle of Okinawa. 22 views
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Near the Himeyuri site, Seesa lions with masks.22 views
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I was there on Nov. 3 and saw the King and Queen posing. They posed behind the Seiden site. In this photo, the rear of the Seiden would be in the background.22 views
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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22 views
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Instead of the grand procession on Kokusai-dori, the Ryukyu King and Queen and a few attendants held a smaller procession within the castle and also appeared a few times to pose for photos at Shuri Castle on Oct. 31 and Nov. 3, 2020.21 views
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Nakazato Haruhi (仲里はるひ) plays many instruments, centering on the sanshin and taiko drums.21 views
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Himeyuri Monument and Cenotaph is one of Okinawa's most famous war sites and memorials.20 views
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Map of Himeyuri Monument site.20 views
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Monument for the land donation.20 views
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Shuri Castle papercraft sold at the gift shop.20 views
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Monument for the Army Field Hospital's Third Surgical Staff. 19 views
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Himeyuri Cenotaph (white) built in 1957 and older monuments. The small stone monument on the right is the original Himeyuri Monument that was placed here in 1946. ひめゆりの塔19 viewsThis 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. It's like a smoke bomb that suffocates people. 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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About the Himeyuri Cenotaph in English.19 views
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About the Himeyuri Peace Museum. It opened in June 1989.19 views
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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.19 viewsPhoto 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.
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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..19 views
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Seiden stone railing pieces.19 views
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Dangerous sea creatures to look out for.19 views
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Monument for medical staff who died in the Battle of Okinawa.18 views
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Poetry by Ii Fumiko (1917–2004 井伊文子) who was a great granddaughter of the last Ryukyu King, Sho Tai. She was married to the mayor of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture who was a descendant of the Ii Clan.18 views井伊文子の歌碑
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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18 views
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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.18 views
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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. 18 views
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Cornerstone of Peace (平和の礎) in Mabuni, a large oceanfront memorial park full of these stone slabs inscribed with over 240,000 names of people who died in the battle. 17 views
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Origami display17 views
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Original Himeyuri Cenotaph monument built here in 1946.17 views
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The cave goes down deep by 14 meters. They used a ladder for access.17 views
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Sekishin Cenotaph 赤心之塔17 views
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Himeyuri Peace Museum courtyard.17 views
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Way to Shuri Castle's main entrance.17 views
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Sundial 日影台(にちえいだい)17 views
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Inside Nyokan Kyoshitsu, now a gift shop. 女官居室(にょかんきょしつ)17 views
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About Nyokan Kyoshitsu. 女官居室(にょかんきょしつ)17 views
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Shuri Castle papercraft sold at the gift shop.17 views
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About the kunebu citrus plants.17 views
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Map of buildings behind the Seiden.17 views
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Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.17 views
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Kouri Island's best beach is Kouri Beach next to Kouri Bridge. There's a parking lot and snack bar and gift shop. Also shower faciilties. This was autumn, so too cold to swim. Beach is 300m long. 古宇利ビーチ17 views
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From left to right, the current Nenes/Nenez are Kohama Rin (小濱凜), Yonaha Ruon (与那覇琉音), Uehara Nagisa (上原渚), and Nakazato Haruhi (仲里はるひ). ネーネーズ17 viewsMost are in their 20s, and two of them have grandmothers who were the original Nenes from the early 1990s. Amazing! (As of Nov. 2020.)
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Flame of Peace at the center of the Peace Plaza on the oceanfront. 平和の火16 views
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The two monuments were also placed here in 1946 inscribed with the names of the deceased student nurses.16 viewsHimeyuri student nurses were Okinawan high school conscripts trained by the Japanese Army to serve at the Army Field Hospital which was a muddy and filthy underground bunker in a place called Haebaru from late March 1945. The hospital was slightly north of this area. As US forces advanced south, the hospital and nurses evacuated south to this area. Patients who couldn't walk overnight to evacuate were left behind.
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The white Himeyuri Cenotaph was renovated in 2009.16 views
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Below the Himeyuri monument, this cave is one of numerous natural caves in this area where the student nurses and local people took shelter. 16 views
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Iwa-makura Monument has a tanka poem by Nakasone Seizen who was one of the teachers of the Himeyuri students. いわまくら碑16 views
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Near the Himeyuri Cenotaph is the Himeyuri Peace Museum. The building was modeled after one of the Himeyuri schools. ひめゆり平和祈念資料館16 viewshttp://www.himeyuri.or.jp/EN/info.html
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Himeyuri Peace Museum layout. Photography not allowed inside the museum.16 views
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Himeyuri Peace Museum courtyard.16 views
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Origami at Himeyuri Cenotaph site.16 views
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Statue of a Himeyuri high school student nurse.16 views
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Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門(きゅうけいもん)16 views
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About Shureimon Gate.16 views
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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16 views
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Keizuza and Yomotsuza soon after it was rebuilt some years ago. 系図座・用物座16 views
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About the Seiden main hall.16 views
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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.16 views
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Ouchibara (御内原) as seen from Yohokoriden. Straight ahead is the Seiden Hall site.16 views
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Reconstructed Queen's Quarters (世誇殿) called Yohokoriden.16 views
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They first appeared in front of the Yohokoriden and posed for photos. Led by the King and Queen's attendants.16 views
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The main event is the Ryukyu Royal Procession (琉球王朝絵巻行列) with the Ryukyu King and Queen and their attendants parading on Kokusai-dori (Naha's main drag). However, the procession was canceled in 2020.16 views
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It was a happy kingdom until the Satsuma Clan in Kagoshima invaded and conquered the Ryukyus and made it a vassal state in 1609. 16 viewsThe Sho kings were allowed to keep their position, but had to rule as directed by the Satsuma. Heavy taxes were imposed on Ryukyuans.
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The Ryukyu King and Queen posed for the crowd in three successive places. I quietly scrambled to follow them. In the background is the reconstructed Queen's Quarters.16 views
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The Ryukyu King and Queen are selected every year from applicants. This year's King and Queen were played by Takara Tomoaki (高良朝壮) and Kamiyama Seika (神山聖加) respectively. (琉球国王・王妃出御)16 views
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Prefab building displaying some ornamental remains salvaged from the fire.16 views
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Red roof tiles16 views
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Red tile roofs of the Yohokoriden and Nyokan Kyoshitsu.16 views
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Castle wall and buildings as seen from Benzaiten-do Hall.16 views
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On Sundays, Kokusai-dori is closed to traffic.16 views
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The sanshin is Okinawa's main musical instrument. What the sanshin is to Okinawa is what the ʻukulele is to Hawaii. Famous for the snakeskin (python) covered body, but cheaper sanshin might have fake snakeskin which is easier to care for.16 views
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"Life is a Treasure..."15 views
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Himeyuri Cenotaph (white) and older monuments. Seen on the left is the Himeyuri Peace Museum. 第三外科壕15 views
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Himeyuri Peace Museum courtyard.15 views
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Himeyuri Cenotaph site is very rocky.15 views
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Zenikura 銭蔵15 views
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About the sundial. 日影台(にちえいだい)15 views
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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15 views
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Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. 系図座・用物座15 views
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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.15 views
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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)15 views
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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15 views
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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".15 views (琉球王国のグスク及び関連遺産群). 正殿基壇の遺構
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About the Seiden's old stone foundation.15 views
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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)15 views
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Yohokoriden15 views
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Yohokoriden roof. Totally unscathed from the Seiden fire.15 views
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About the Yohokoriden.15 views
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Queen Kamiyama Seika is 25 and works as an occupational therapist in Nago. King Takara Tomoaki is 43 and works at a company in Naha. They were selected in Sept. 2019 from among 37 applicants.15 views
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Kunebu/Kunibo/Kunenbo citrus plants. 九年母15 views
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Kunebu/Kunibo/Kunenbo citrus plants. 九年母15 views
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Way to Agari-no Azana lookout point.15 views
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View from Agari-no Azana lookout point.15 views
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Agari-no Azana lookout point. 東のアザナ15 views
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Kyo-no-uchi wall.15 views
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Exhibition of the "Tempest" TV series set in Okinawa.15 views
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Scale model of Shurijo area.15 views
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Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.15 views
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Post office in Shuri. Roof tile ends have the post office symbol.15 views
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Shuri Station platform on the Yui Rail Line. Closest station to Shuri Castle. 首里駅15 views
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A projection mapping show was held at Kankaimon Gate (歓会門) in late Oct. 2020.15 views
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Okinawan court dance called Kajadefu performed on auspicious occasions. Performers were students majoring in Ryukyuan arts at the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. 琉球古典舞踊「かじゃで風」15 views
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Kashikaki weaving dance showing a wife weaving clothing to express her love for her husband. It was nice that we saw a few classic Okinawan dances. 琉球古典舞踊「綛掛」15 views
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Kouri Bridge 古宇利大橋15 views
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Kouri Bridge at Kouri Beach.15 views
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We drove around Kouri island, taking only 10 min. Island's circumference is about 8 kilometers15 views
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Kohama Rin (小濱凜) wears a bingata kimono. 紅型 They wear different Okinawan costumes for each set. Colorful eye candy. Wish they also explained the Okinawan design of their gorgeous kimono. Crowd-pleasing entertainment.15 views
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Flame of Peace in the world map. Japan can be seen in the map. 平和の火 14 views
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Himeyuri Cenotaph (white). The white monument is more recent, also inscribed with an updated list of names of the deceased student nurses and stores their remains in the back.14 views
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At the castle wall, go right and walk along the stone wall.14 views
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Pleasant walk along the castle wall.14 views
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Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門(きゅうけいもん)14 views
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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.14 views
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Seesaa at Kankaimon Gate.14 views
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About the Ryuhi dragon spring.14 views
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Going through Zuisenmon Gate. 瑞泉門14 views
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Outside Kofukumon Gate, rear view of the Hokuden Hall before the fire.14 views
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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)14 views
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About the stone dragon pillars.14 views
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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14 views
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About Keizuza and Yomotsuza.14 views
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Shuri Suimui Utaki sacred site. 首里森御嶽(すいむいうたき)14 views
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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)14 views
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About Hoshinmon Gate. 奉神門(ほうしんもん)14 views
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We can now only see the white stone foundation where the building once stood and some pillar foundations.14 viewsThe 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.
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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.14 views
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On the Seiden foundation, pillar foundation stones and an outdoor display of the remains of the rooftop dragon head sculptures. 14 viewsThe curly-cue metal pieces were the dragon's whiskers. 龍頭棟飾 ryutomuna-kazari
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About the Seiden's old stone foundation.14 views
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Red roof tile pieces salvaged from the fire.14 views
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Pillar foundation stones at the rear of Seiden Hall.14 views
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The rear of Seiden foundation, pillar foundations and rear steps.14 views
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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). 14 views
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden.14 views
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Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden.14 views
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They were also last year's king and queen. They are reprising their roles this year because this year's contest in September 2020 to select a king and queen was canceled.14 viewsAbout the king and queen: http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2020/11/06/32933/
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Remains of a lion head sculpture that was on the Seiden's roof. 14 views
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Well connected to an underground water reservoir.14 views
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About Hakuginmon Gate. 白銀門(はくぎんもん)14 views
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Shinbyoden is a sacred spot where a deceased Ryukyu king laid in state. 寝廟殿(しんびょうでん)14 views
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Walking back down from Agari-no Azana lookout. Straight ahead is the Nyokan Kyoshitsu.14 views
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In Okinawa, tree roots are always exposed because of frequent typhoons eroding the soil with winds and rains.14 views
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From Shuri Castle's Iri-no Azana western lookout deck, view of Naha looking toward the ocean. 西のアザナ(いりのあざな)14 views
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Suimuikan lower entrance. 首里杜館14 views
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Exhibition of the "Tempest" TV series set in Okinawa.14 views
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Caps worn by actress Nakama Yukie in Tempest.14 views
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Tennyobashi Bridge to Benzaiten-do Hall. The railings have lotus engravings. 弁財天堂と円鑑池14 views
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Benzaiten-do at Shuri Castle. 弁財天堂14 views
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Benzaiten-do Hall roof tile corner.14 views
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Benzaiten-do Hall wall.14 views
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Site of Enkakuji Temple. 円覚寺14 views
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About Enkakuji Temple.14 views
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Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.14 views
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Shuri Station on the Yui Rail Line. Closest station to Shuri Castle. About a 15-min. walk. 首里駅14 views
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We didn't see any signs to turn into side roads to see local sights like the heart-shaped rocks on the beach. We missed it.14 views
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Kouri island's only tourist attraction seemed to be Kouri Ocean Tower with a lookout tower affording scenic views. https://www.kouri-oceantower.com/14 views
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The cart path has a few scenic views.14 views
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Here's a cart going up to Kouri Ocean Tower. The cart is also narrated with scenic points. This was after our cart.14 views
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Some natural formations on Kouri Island.14 views
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The Nenes have been around since the 1990s, made famous when Sakamoto Ryuichi featured them in his Okinawan CDs and took them on a concert tour.14 views
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Still photography is allowed, but no videos.14 views
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Yonaha Ruon (与那覇琉音) is the youngest member and plays this Okinawan instrument called the "sanba" (三板). It's three small pieces of wood strung together to make clacking sounds. Love the sanba. 14 views
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