 Most viewed - OKINAWA 沖縄県 |
Okinawan kimono called the bingata, perhaps Okinawa's most famous kimono. The design is made by applying dyes through a stencil.732 viewsIt was originally worn by Okinawa's royal family members. It is now the costume of a slow-moving Okinawan dance called "Yotsudake."
Model: Maki Uyeunten
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Yotsudake, Okinawa's most famous dance. 四つ竹431 views
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Back view of yotsudake dancers on stage.356 views
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January: A Japanese White Eye visits the Cherry Blossoms. Okinawa is the first place in all of Japan to see these blossoms and they bloom through the month into early February. All photos copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.314 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Okinawan house, Taketomi. Taketomi is a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).298 views
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Okinawan house and rock wall, Taketomi288 views
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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.280 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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This dance is called "Nuchibana" (flower lei) featuring a string of red and white flowers.239 viewsOkinawan dancer wearing a kimono with her right arm exposed outside the sleeve. The dance is called "Nuchibana" (flower lei) featuring a string of red and white flowers. The dance expresses the feelings of a young woman in love.
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237 viewsDancer: Nariko Miyagi
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Hoshi Sunahama or Star Sand Beach214 views
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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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203 views
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Kondoi beach197 views
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Taketomi Primary School195 views
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Taketomi Port boat for Ishigaki195 views
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192 views
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White coral road183 views
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Boat for Taketomi at Ishigaki Port.180 views
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Power voltage station175 views
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173 views
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Dancer: Nariko Miyagi172 views
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On Taketomi, residential homes are toward the middle of the island, not along the beaches. The middle part of the island is built on hard rock called chert. Freshwater wells can be dug along this rock to provide water. View from lookout tower.172 views
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Foot of Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.167 views
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Kondoi beach165 views
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White coral road, one of Taketomi's trademarks.164 views
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October: A parade of traditional Okinawan Kimonos and headwear takes place every year on Kokusai Street in Naha, where a reenactment of the coronation of the King and Queen of the Ryukyu Kingdom is performed.164 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Be aware that these parasols are not free.162 views
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160 views
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Kondoi Picnic Site159 views
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158 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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156 views
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Outside the middle part of Taketomi, the ground is on limestone where water seeps through. Difficult to have rice paddies or wells on limestone.152 views
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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. 152 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.151 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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Lookout tower146 views
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November: This dragon statue guards the corner in front of the Uruma City office. Dragons are part of many Asian sea-faring cultures folklore and Okinawa also holds year-round Dragon boat races.144 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.144 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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143 views
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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...143 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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View from lookout tower142 views
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On Taketomi, the best way to get around.141 views
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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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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.136 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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135 views
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December: A white Pacific Reef Egret catches breakfast on the east coast of Okinawa. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.134 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.133 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.129 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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July: A Shisa (Lion-Dog) seems to dwarf the Royal Hotel in Yomitan, which is on the West coast of the island. Another influence from trade with China, the Shisa may be seen everywhere in the Prefecture, warding off evil spirits. This one stands...125 viewsJuly: A Shisa (Lion-Dog) seems to dwarf the Royal Hotel in Yomitan, which is on the West coast of the island. Another influence from trade with China, the Shisa may be seen everywhere in the Prefecture, warding off evil spirits. This one stands around 30 feet tall, most tile-roofed homes have Shisa closer to a foot tall guarding them, either mounted on the roof or walls surrounding the house. Photo 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.125 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. 122 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.119 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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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.118 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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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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May: Eisa, a dance originally associated with ancestor worship during the Obon holidays, is now practiced at any festival or cultural event. Here, at Henza Island, a small festival celebrating Golden Week, the spirit of Okinawa was demonstrated in music109 viewsMay: Eisa, a dance originally associated with ancestor worship during the Obon holidays, is now practiced at any festival or cultural event. Here, at Henza Island, a small festival celebrating Golden Week, the spirit of Okinawa was demonstrated in music and dance to the enjoyment of all in attendance. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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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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September: This young lady is trying on Kimonos at a shop in Naha in preparation for “Coming of Age Day” which is celebrated in January. During the 3d week of January, all who turned twenty years of age during the past year are initiated as adults..97 viewsSeptember: This young lady is trying on Kimonos at a shop in Naha in preparation for “Coming of Age Day” which is celebrated in January. During the 3d week of January, all who turned twenty years of age during the past year are initiated as adults. Her mother is preparing her early. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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March: The weather starts to warm up, schools have their Spring break and tourists begin to flock to the many attractions available throughout the island. This is Katsuren Castle, which overlooks a peninsula on the East coast of Okinawa.96 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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August: The lively lead-singer of a popular band named Zukan jumps and shouts while performing at the Kin Festival. During the summer months there are festivals every weekend, somewhere on the island.94 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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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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June: Hiji Waterfall in Kunigami is the largest in Okinawa and attracts many visitors from mainland Japan. It provides a refreshing, cool break after the 45 minute hike, along a nature trail, to reach this beautiful scene.92 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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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). 91 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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February: A bullfight at the Ishikawa-Dome in Uruma City took place as part of the Lunar New Year festivities. While all of Japan utilizes the Gregorian calendar, many traditions in Okinawa revolve around its historical ties with China. By Michael Lynch90 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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April: A black Pacific Reef Egret gathers building materials for a nest at Red Beach. Photo copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.83 viewsPhoto copyright 2009 Michael Lynch.
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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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My video of Okinawan dances like yotsudake and a karate dance.68 views
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Iriomote is famous for the Iriomote wildcat (イリオモテ ヤマネコ). Endemic to Iriomote and critically endangered. 51 views
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Red hibiscus50 views
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Ryukyu matsu pine trees are native to Okinawa. 琉球松50 views
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Seesa lion dog with mask, Ishigaki.48 views
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Only 100 or so left on the island. They are nocturnal and have stubby legs and a thick tail. Discovered relatively recently in 1965.48 views
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There's no zoo, etc., where we can see a live Iriomote cat. They only have stuffed Iriomote cats here at the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center.48 views
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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)48 views
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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. 48 viewsDuring 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.
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Bougainvillea on Yubu, in bloom year round.47 views
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Red hibiscus46 views
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Red hibiscus46 views
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Ryukyu matsu pine tree is endemic to Okinawa. It stands straight up and takes an umbrella shape like this. Okinawa's official tree. リュウキュウマツ (琉球松)46 viewsWe don't really see pine trees like this on mainland Japan.
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Bats on Iriomote.46 views
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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)46 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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Lots of tropical flowers on Yubu Island, especially hibiscus.45 views
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45 views
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Characteristics of the Iriomote wildcat.45 views
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The trunk of a tree fern shows the remains of branches that broke off. 木生シダ45 views
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Tree fern, common in Okinawa. The fronds break off. 木生シダ44 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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Mt. Nosokodake (野底岳), Ishigaki’s second highest mountain at 282 m. Can be climbed up a steep, narrow trail in about 15 min. We didn't climb it though.42 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)41 views
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Even today, people who climb the mountain look for the Maape rock and assume this or that rock is her.40 viewsThis story is based on historical fact. The Ryukyu government sometimes forced people to migrate to undeveloped lands to start farming to increase agricultural production so they could pay more taxes. The kingdom was being heavily taxed by the Satsuma Domain in Kagoshima, and taxes had to paid in rice per head.
Read more about the folk tale here: https://photoguide.jp/log/2020/12/yaeyama-folk-songs-nosokodake-maape/
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Side view of Mt. Nosokodake. 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).39 viewsOn the nearby island of Kuroshima (黒島) in the 18th century, Maape and her childhood sweetheart, Kanimui, were happily living as farmers. They were to be married someday.
However, one day, a Ryukyu government decree ordered half the island's residents to move here near Nosokodake on Ishigaki while the other half could remain on Kuroshima. The island's population was split along the island's main road. Maape and Kanimui lived on the opposite sides of the road, and Maape was on the side where people had to move to Ishigaki.
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So she and her family were forced to move here to Nosokodake to start a new farming village and clear the thick jungle for farming. It was a hard life. 38 viewsMaape desperately missed her beloved Kanimui and couldn't forget him.
One day, she wanted to at least see Kuroshima where he lived, so she climbed up Mt. Nosokodake. At the top, she looked for Kuroshima, but her view of the island was blocked by Mt. Omotodake, Ishigaki's highest mountain. She collapsed on her knees and wailed in sorrow. Later, a worried villager looked for Maape who never returned home. On the top of the mountain, he found a crying rock gazing in the direction of Kuroshima. Maape had turned into stone.
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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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Lunch was named, "Okinawa Makunouchi Bento Akabana" (沖縄幕の内弁当「アカバナ」. ("Akabana" means "hibiscus" in Okinawan.) Price was ¥1,320.35 viewsIriomote black rice, champuru, brown sugar yokan: 西表産黒紫米入りごはん、アーサのお吸い物、うみぶどう、ミミガー、漬物、沖縄黒糖煮、 アンダー味噌、野菜天ぷら、ウムクジ(紅イモを米粉であえて揚げたもの)、かまぼこ、チャンプ ルー、黒糖羊羹
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Side view of Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.33 views
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White and red hibiscus33 views
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Ishigaki cuisine for lunch. Main dish was soba noodles. Side dishes of pig's ear, goya & tuna, juushi flavored rice (じゅーしー), local seaweed, and brown sugar jelly (dessert). 32 viewsPig's ear is chewy/crunchy, not really tasty, but has a lot of collagen, so it's a health food.
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Old Ishigaki Airport terminal, Arrivals. No jet bridges. Jets (Boeing 737) started flying here only from 1979. 32 views
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Shuri Castle's Shureimon Gate 守礼門 also appeared on the defunct ¥2000 bill.32 views
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Ryuchu dragon pillar in Naha, Okinawa.31 views
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Red hibiscus31 views
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Yaeyama soba noodles30 views
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Old Ishigaki Airport terminal for JTA. Small building. The old airport first opened in 1943 for military use. It became a civilian airport in 1956.30 viewsThis passenger terminal building was built in 1961 and used mainly by JTA (Japan Transocean Air) and RAC (Ryukyu Air Commuter). ANA had its own adjacent terminal.
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Shuri Castle wall with pointy tips.30 views
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Kankaimon Gate and Kyukeimon Gate.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.30 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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Yellow hibiscus30 views
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Red hibiscus. Lots of flowers in this area.30 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. 28 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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At the old Ishigaki Airport, JTA boarding gate. One of the check-in staff wears a yukata. Also notice the old digital signage.27 views
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Inside JTA plane, flight attendants figuring out what to tell us.27 views
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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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Kanbire (Kanpire) Falls on Urauchi River, near the center of Iriomote. This is about 2 km from the Gunkan-iwa boat dock. Or 30-40-min. hike. You can get quite close to the falls. カンビレーの滝26 viewsInstead of having one big drop, Kanbire Falls flow down on a series of steps on the river for about 200 meters. The riverside also has small potholes. Kanbire (Kanpire) means "where gods sit." This spot was considered to be a sacred site where the gods gathered.
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Approaching the old Ishigaki Airport terminal.26 views
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Old Ishigaki Airport terminal for JTA, Arrivals. No jet bridges.26 views
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Dinner at Takemori Inn. Chawan-mushi, local fish, Yaeyama soba. The ryokan owner was very friendly. Not English-speaking though.26 views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
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Delicious Okinawan breakfast at Takemori Inn/Ryokan (竹盛旅館).26 views
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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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The war's progression.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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No jet bridge, but it wasn't a problem when it didn't rain.25 views
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I liked walking on the tarmac to the plane at Ishigaki Airport.25 views
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Walking on the tarmac to the JTA plane at Ishigaki Airport.25 views
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Ground crew at the old Ishigaki Airport waving goodbye to us. I waved back.25 views
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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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Mariyudu Falls on Urauchi River. About 20 meters wide and 16-meter drop in total. One of Japan's 100 Famous Waterfalls. マリゥドゥの滝24 views*People can no longer come this close to the falls. There were people who slipped and fell in, so the closeup path is blocked.
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This is the old Ishigaki Airport before it closed in March 2013 and was replaced by the new and current airport slightly north of this old airport.24 views
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At the old Ishigaki Airport, inside the JTA passenger waiting area at the boarding gate.24 views
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Taking off at the old Ishigaki Airport.24 views
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Himeyuri Chronology, inscribed with what happened here.23 views
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After hiking about 30 min., a scenic point gives a view of Mariyudu Falls. Series of three waterfalls. It empties into a round stream pool. "Mariyudu" means stream pool. マリゥドゥの滝23 views
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JTA plane's see-sa at Ishigaki Airport.23 views
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Runway at the old Ishigaki Airport. The slanty white building visible is the ANA hotel on the beach. That's how close the old airport was to town.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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Ferns and tree ferns also grow at upstream. シダ類22 views
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On the northern tip of Iriomote is scenic Hoshi-suna Beach. Famous for star-shaped sand grains, but hard to find. 西表 星砂の浜22 viewsMap here
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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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Makishi Residence is a traditional Yaeyama home. 旧牧志邸21 views
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The boat operator narrates the sights along the river. There are even signs indicating the flora. This sign indicates a mangrove species called "me-hirugi" (メヒルギ) in Japanese or Kandelia obovata growing in brackish water.21 viewsIt has white, star-shaped flowers.
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Iriomote Hoshizuna Beach.21 views
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Taking off at the old Ishigaki Airport.21 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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Kabira Bay, Ishigaki. It's actually a large bay and this is only a small part of it. Scenic with white beach, blue ocean, small islands and coral on the bottom.20 views
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Kabira Bay on Ishigaki, perhaps the island's most famous tourist spot. Glass bottom boats to see coral and tropical fish in shallow water.20 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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Yaeyama fisherman's home.20 views
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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.20 viewsOver 20 fish species are endangered. Urauchi River is within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Both sides of the river are lush with mangroves and forests. 西表国立公園
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Urauchi River is fed by the runoff from Iriomote's central mountains. Urauchi River jungle cruise is about 30 min. or 8 km upstream to another boat dock called Gunkan-iwa. 西表島・浦内川20 views
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On Runway 04 at the old Ishigaki Airport. At 1,500 meters, it was too short for jets larger than a Boeing 737. So the new airport was built on a different location.20 views
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Shuri Castle papercraft sold at the gift shop.20 views
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Parrot fish in Kabira Bay.19 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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Hiking back. The lady in front of me was wearing rubber slippers on this muddy trail. She kept slipping and almost falling. Her dainty feet got all muddy.19 views
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Aerial view of Ibaruma and Hirakubo, Ishigaki.19 views
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Sakishima suounoki mangroves, Iriomote. サキシマスオウノキ (古見)19 views
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JTA in-flight magazine "Coralway" had a nice Japanese article about the reconstruction of Shuri Castle in Naha.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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Iriomote mangroves.18 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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There was this dock where we could get on our kayaks. Maira River, Iriomote.18 views
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Taking off at the old Ishigaki Airport.18 views
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Shiraho18 views
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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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While walking here, I looked down since my intuition told me I might find something...17 views
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Sure enough, a well-disguised starfish moving in slow motion. Hope it's not the kind that eats coral or other native species. Kabira Bay, Ishigaki.17 views
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Manta Beach on Yubu. マンタの浜17 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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Thick, wild forest and lots of exposed tree roots. The frequent typhoons wash/blow away the soil from the tree roots.17 views
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Northern Iriomote has Okinawa and Iriomote's longest river, Urauchi River (18 km). It's a popular tourist route to go on the jungle cruise, then hike through the forest to see two waterfalls on the river.17 viewsNear Urauchi-hashi Bridge at the mouth of the river, there's a boat dock for Urauchi jungle river cruises. Since the hiking trail is rocky or muddy, don't wear high heels or slippers. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Although there's a restroom along the hiking trail, it's not as clean as you would like. Better to use the toilet at the boat dock before the cruise. Also bring something to drink. The roundtrip cruise and hike will take about 3 hours. Map here
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Bird of Paradise flower in Banna Park.17 views
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Shiraho coral reefs on Ishigaki.17 views
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Great views of the greenery from the Otomi Lookout Deck.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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