Most viewed - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

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Most viewed - OKINAWA 沖縄県

Origami at Himeyuri Cenotaph site.16 views

Statue of a Himeyuri high school student nurse.16 views

Urauchi River hiking trail to waterfalls. It can be quite muddy.16 views

View of central Ishigaki from Banna Park.16 views

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The center of this photo shows the site where the new airport was going to be built.16 views

On the southern coast of Ishigaki, we stayed at Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine for one night. It's a nice hotel. About 30 min. by car from the airport. 本館 https://www.ishigakijima-sunshine.net/16 views

Chopstick rest made of a shell at Hirugi Restaurant in Hotel Miyahira, Ishigaki.16 views

Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）16 views

About Shureimon Gate.16 views

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

Keizuza and Yomotsuza soon after it was rebuilt some years ago. 系図座・用物座16 views

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

Ouchibara (御内原) as seen from Yohokoriden. Straight ahead is the Seiden Hall site.16 views

Reconstructed Queen's Quarters (世誇殿) called Yohokoriden.16 views

They first appeared in front of the Yohokoriden and posed for photos. Led by the King and Queen's attendants.16 views

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

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

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

Prefab building displaying some ornamental remains salvaged from the fire.16 views

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Red roof tiles16 views

Red tile roofs of the Yohokoriden and Nyokan Kyoshitsu.16 views

Castle wall and buildings as seen from Benzaiten-do Hall.16 views

On Sundays, Kokusai-dori is closed to traffic.16 views

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

Glass bottom boat in Kabira Bay, Ishigaki.15 views

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"Life is a Treasure..."15 views

Himeyuri Cenotaph (white) and older monuments. Seen on the left is the Himeyuri Peace Museum. 第三外科壕15 views

Himeyuri Peace Museum courtyard.15 views

Himeyuri Cenotaph site is very rocky.15 views

A few clouds, but the sunrise was getting to be nice.15 views

Sunrise kayaking on Iriomote, Yaeyama, Okinawa.15 views

Our guide was Harubaru, but he doesn't normally do sunrise kayaking unless you ask him to: http://harubaru-iriomote.okinawa/course/15 views

After the sunrise, we paddled along the mangroves on the river's edge.15 views

Lovely morning, too bad we didn't have time to kayak more upstream on Maira River, Iriomote.15 views

The squirrel monkeys climb all over you.15 views

Sunrise hike up Mt. Yarabudake (屋良部岳) on Sakieda Peninsula in western Ishigaki. It starts near the summit from this small, easy-to-miss trail.15 views

On the tour bus on Iriomote going north. Lots of sugar cane. 15 views

Lush forest, but rocky and muddy trail. Hiking shoes or sneakers are good. Sometimes a tree or branch has fallen over the trail. Need to go over/under it.15 views

Behind Mariyudu Falls looking from upstream.15 views

Mariyudu Falls. From here, the hiking trail continues to another waterfall, Kanbire (Kanpire) Falls about 250 meters away.15 views

Banna Park on Banna Hill (230m elevation) in the northern fringe of central Ishigaki is a large nature & recreational park. This is one of the main lookout points. Named "Emerald Ocean Lookout Point" overlooking the city center and nearby is15 viewsThis is in Zone B of the park along the Banna Skyline road. This photo was taken before the stargazing platform was built next to it. エメラルドの海を見る展望台

Butterfly in Banna Park.15 views

Ishigaki Airport 15 views

Ishigaki Port for tourist boats to other Yaeyama islands. Terminal building is on the right with the front entrance on the right side. On the left are four floating piers.15 viewsTaketomi island can be seen in the distance. Photo from Wikipedia.

Iriomote has many hiking trails through the tropical forest or jungle. The popular trails usually lead to a waterfall, but we went on a short nature trail in Otomi that didn't lead to anything. 大富林道大正池15 views

Zenikura 銭蔵15 views

About the sundial. 日影台（にちえいだい）15 views

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)15 views

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

Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. 系図座・用物座15 views

Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. This area can also be used as a stage for performances.15 views

Way to Hoshinmon Gate, the entrance to the paid area of Shuri Castle. 奉神門（ほうしんもん）15 views

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）15 views

About Hoshinmon Gate. 奉神門（ほうしんもん）15 views

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

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

About the Seiden's old stone foundation.15 views

Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden. 女官居室（にょかんきょしつ）15 views

Yohokoriden15 views

Yohokoriden roof. Totally unscathed from the Seiden fire.15 views

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

Way to Agari-no Azana lookout point.15 views

View from Agari-no Azana lookout point.15 views

Agari-no Azana lookout point. 東のアザナ15 views

Kyo-no-uchi wall.15 views

Exhibition of the "Tempest" TV series set in Okinawa.15 views

Scale model of Shurijo area.15 views

Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.15 views

Post office in Shuri. Roof tile ends have the post office symbol.15 views

Shuri Station platform on the Yui Rail Line. Closest station to Shuri Castle. 首里駅15 views

A projection mapping show was held at Kankaimon Gate (歓会門) in late Oct. 2020.15 views

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

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

Kouri Bridge 古宇利大橋15 views

Kouri Bridge at Kouri Beach.15 views

We drove around Kouri island, taking only 10 min. Island's circumference is about 8 kilometers15 views

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

At Naha Airport, my last treat on Okinawa, Beni-imo soft-serve from Blue Seal.15 views

Pink whale shark Japan Transocean Air (JTA) Boeing 737-800 at Naha Airport. Very eye-catching.15 views

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Back to the beach.14 views

A nice cafe at Manta Beach on Yubu. Sit on old water buffalo carts.14 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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Top of Mt. Yarabudake. This rock is known as Troll's Tongue.14 views

On the opposite side of Kabira on the other side of the peninsula is another stretch of white sands called Sukuji Beach. One of Ishigaki's major swimming beaches. 底地ビーチ.14 views

On Iriomote, one convenient way to tour the island is go on a sightseeing tour by bus. They pick you up when you arrive at the port and take you to the major sights like Urauchi River and Yubu.14 viewsYou can book a tour from Ishigaki.

Boat dock at Urauchi River on Iriomote. If you come on your own, the jungle river cruise is ¥1,800 for adults. 西表島・浦内川14 viewsThe boat cruise takes about 30 min. to a dock upstream where you get off for the waterfall hike. Boats depart here once or twice an hour from morning to early afternoon.

Another Urauchi River cruise boat. 西表島・浦内川遊覧ボート14 views

Sometimes there are views from the hiking trail.14 views

Ferns and a nameless mini waterfall.14 views

Urauchi River boat dock as seen from Urauchi Bridge near the mouth of the river.14 views

Northern Iriomote coast.14 views

View of central Ishigaki from Banna Park.14 views

View of central Ishigaki from Banna Park. Taketomi Island can be seen on upper right.14 views

View of Sakieda Peninsula from Banna Park.14 views

Rest house in Banna Park. It's a large park with a variety of sights, playgrounds, lookout points, and nature.14 views

Ishigaki is the gateway to Okinawa Prefecture's Yaeyama Islands. Ishigaki Airport near central Ishigaki is how most visitors get to Yaeyama.14 viewsBird's eye view of central Ishigaki from a jet plane going to land at Ishigaki Airport.

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Hotel restaurant terrace at sunset. オープンレストラン　海辺のテラス14 views

At the castle wall, go right and walk along the stone wall.14 views

Pleasant walk along the castle wall.14 views

Kyukeimon Gate, service gate mainly for women. 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）14 views

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

Seesaa at Kankaimon Gate.14 views

About the Ryuhi dragon spring.14 views

Going through Zuisenmon Gate. 瑞泉門14 views

Outside Kofukumon Gate, rear view of the Hokuden Hall before the fire.14 views

About the stone dragon pillars.14 views

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

About Keizuza and Yomotsuza.14 views

Shuri Suimui Utaki sacred site. 首里森御嶽（すいむいうたき）14 views

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.

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

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

About the Seiden's old stone foundation.14 views

Red roof tile pieces salvaged from the fire.14 views

Pillar foundation stones at the rear of Seiden Hall.14 views

The rear of Seiden foundation, pillar foundations and rear steps.14 views

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

Nyokan Kyoshitsu's right corner scorched from the burning Seiden.14 views

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/

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

About Hakuginmon Gate. 白銀門（はくぎんもん）14 views

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

In Okinawa, tree roots are always exposed because of frequent typhoons eroding the soil with winds and rains.14 views

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

Suimuikan lower entrance. 首里杜館14 views

Exhibition of the "Tempest" TV series set in Okinawa.14 views

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

Benzaiten-do at Shuri Castle. 弁財天堂14 views

Benzaiten-do Hall roof tile corner.14 views

Benzaiten-do Hall wall.14 views

Site of Enkakuji Temple. 円覚寺14 views

About Enkakuji Temple.14 views

Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.14 views

Shuri Station on the Yui Rail Line. Closest station to Shuri Castle. About a 15-min. walk. 首里駅14 views

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

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

The cart path has a few scenic views.14 views

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

Some natural formations on Kouri Island.14 views

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

Still photography is allowed, but no videos.14 views

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

Okinawan instrument called the "sanba" (三板). It's three small pieces of wood strung together to make clacking sounds. 14 views

Uehara Nagisa (上原渚) is the oldest and current Nenes leader. Member since 2004.14 views

Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail, the closest station to Kokusai-dori. 県庁前駅14 views

There are many glass bottom boats that operate here.13 views

Kabira Bay beach.13 views

Boarding a glass bottom boat. Your feet don't get wet.13 views

Glass bottom boat in Kabira Bay, Ishigaki.13 views

Map of where people's names are inscribed. Okinawans are inscribed according to their hometowns. Nearby are also war memorials for each prefecture.13 views

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Stargazing at Nosokodake Lookout Point. Photo by National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.13 views

Inside Makishi Residence. 旧牧志邸13 views

Top of Amparu Lookout gives nice views of the lush greenery in the park.13 views

About Amparu Lookout in Japanese. アンパル塔13 views

Uechi Residence (Farmer;s house)13 views

Yaima Mura Restaurant. This is also where you can rent Okinawan clothing.13 views

Our waitress in Okinawan dress explaining our lunch at Yaima Mura.13 views

We got off the boat upstream here at Gunkan-iwa, named after a rock slab looking like the side of a battleship. 軍艦岩13 views

At Gunkan-iwa dock, there's a hiking trail called Urauchigawa Shizen Kenkyu-ro. A nature trail that goes to two waterfalls.13 viewsNote that cell phones won't work on the hiking trail. 浦内川自然研究路

River cruise back to the dock.13 views

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Mangroves near the mouth of Urauchi River, seen from Urauchi Bridge.13 views

Bus stop (Urauchihashi) for the Urauchi River boat dock. In the background is our tour bus.13 views

Iriomote Hoshisuna Beach.13 views

View of central Ishigaki from Banna Park.13 views

View of the mountains north of Banna Park.13 views

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View of Ishigaki Airport terminal from the jet bridge.13 views

ANA at Ishigaki Airport.13 views

Shiraho coral reefs on Ishigaki.13 views

Ishigaki Port is on the southern coast of Ishigaki island. It's the marine gateway to other Yaeyama islands such as Taketomi, Iriomote, Kuroshima, and Aragusuku.13 viewsIshigaki Port consists of multiple port facilities. For tourists, the facility for tourist boats going to other Yaeyama islands might be called "Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal" or nicknamed "Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal" (ユーグレナ石垣港離島ターミナル) since a company named Euglena bought the naming rights for 5 years in 2018.

Inside the Ishigaki Port terminal building. One big hallway with doors to the boat docks and ticket windows and tour agency counters.13 views

Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine has the main building on the left. We stayed in the newer annex seen in the distance. Both buildings face the ocean.13 viewsIncluding breakfast, it costs ¥8,000/person for two people in a room in the main building.

My nice room at Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine's Ocean Garden annex.13 views

Refrigerator.13 views

View from my room, partially obstructed by a big tree.13 views

Walked along the oceanfront.13 views

Ishigaki sunset.13 views

Breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant in the main building. Plastic partitions protect the food. ブーゲンの浜13 views

Hotel lobby sofas.13 views

They also had a telescope to see Saturn and the moon.13 views

Inside the butterfly garden (蝶々園) on Yubu. (Photo by tour guide motti.)13 views

Bird feeder for research purposes.13 views

Site of the old Ohara Port near the new one. The old port operated here until 2002.13 views

My buffet breakfast at at the hotel restaurant in the main building. Most dishes are covered with Saran wrap.13 views

Major structures at Shuri Castle. The Seiden main hall was sadly destroyed by an electrical fire in Oct. 2019. I visited in Nov. 2020, a year after the fire. The castle grounds were closed afterthe fire, but it gradually opened up.13 viewsThe remains of the Seiden can be toured.

Honeycomb pattern on the path.13 views

Shureimon Gate (守礼門), one of the castle's main gates. This gate was reconstructed in 1958 since most castle structures got destroyed during World War II. 13 views

During World War II, the Japanese Army's HQ was in underground bunkers under Shuri Castle. One entrance was right near Shureimon Gate.13 views

About Shuri Castle.13 views

Other side of Kankaimon Gate.13 views

About Kankaimon Gate.13 views

Ryuhi Spring near the gate. Water from this spring was used in the cuisine served to the royal family. 龍樋（りゅうひ）13 views

Kyukeimon Gate 久慶門（きゅうけいもん）13 views

Part of Hoshinmon Gate being repaired after the fire.13 views

Inside Keizuza and Yomotsuza. Now a free rest place for visitors. 系図座・用物座13 views

Schedule of events for the Shuri Castle Matsuri Festival in early Nov. 2020.13 views

The building was only 27 years old. If you've never saw it, you missed out. The black bags contain red roof tiles salvaged from the fire.13 views

About the Una courtyard.13 views

Nanden Hall's foundation, including the steps.13 views

Pillar foundations. Lumber researchers are conducting strength tests on various wood samples.13 viewsAlthough the Japanese government has stated that hinoki cypress (considered to be top-quality wood) would be used, Okinawan researchers have found that local oak wood is stronger than hinoki.

They are scouring forests in Kunigami (northern Okinawa island) for this oak and native conifer. They will likely use different varieties of wood and use local materials as much as possible. 13 views