Sunrise as we arrive in Naha on Okinawa from our cruise ship lanai
Sunrise as we arrive in Naha on Okinawa from our cruise ship lanai
Lunch at Hateruma Kokusaidori - good stuff :-)
“Red Necks” in Naha riding go carts on the main street
Setting up the Christmas tree in Naha
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery & Sake Tasting
The tour begins with an explanation of how the Chuzo factory was built and the history behind it. After, the staff will explain the process used to make the traditional Awamori, and you can see the storage house for Awamori and Ryukyu gusuku yaki(the kiln firling). You will learn how many people make Awamori and why the storage has to be made from wood and so on.
You can make your own Original Awamori and store it at the factory as well. A present for someone on their 20th birthday, and a wedding memorial present.
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Earthenware vessels used to store sake
Earthenware vessels used to store sake
Sake vessels with infant footprint - opened when baby reaches adulthood
Sake vessels with infant footprint - opened when baby reaches adulthood
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Chuko Gura Awamori Brewery tour
Shuri Castle
A city district of Naha today, Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle (Shurijō) served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879.
The main buildings of Shuri Castle were unfortunately destroyed by fire on the night of October 31, 2019, and are closed until reconstruction and rebuilding of the castle's main hall is completed sometime in the autumn of 2026.
The King’s Gate (Shurei-mon Gate) was originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei.
The King’s Gate (Shurei-mon Gate) was originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei.
The King’s Gate (Shurei-mon Gate) was originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei.
The King’s Gate (Shurei-mon Gate) was originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei.
The King’s Gate (Shurei-mon Gate) was originally built in the early 16th century by King Sho Sei.
Gates guarding Sonohyan-utaki, a sacred grove of trees and plants
Gates guarding Sonohyan-utaki, a sacred grove of trees and plants
Gates guarding Sonohyan-utaki, a sacred grove of trees and plants
Plaque explaining the Sonohyn-utaki Ishimon (Stone Gate of the Sonohyan Srine)
Plaque explaining the Stone Gate of the Sonohyan-utaki
View of one of the outer gates of Shuri Castle
Kankai-mon (Gate) of Shuri Castle Site
Kankai-mon (Gate) of Shuri Castle Site
Kankai-mon (Gate) of Shuri Castle Site
Map of Shuri Castle complex
A Shisa standing in front of the Kankai-mon gate
A Shisa standing in front of the Kankai-mon gate
A Shisa standing in front of the Kankai-mon gate
A Shisa standing in front of the Kankai-mon gate
Zuisen-mon gate
Zuisen-mon gate
Zuisen-mon gate
Zuisen-mon gate
The Ryuhi, a dragon-shaped fountainhead from which spring water flows
The Ryuhi, a dragon-shaped fountainhead from which spring water flows
Sign explaining the rokoku or water clock
Wall near Kyukeimon, with Kankai-mon in the distance
Wall near Kyukeimon, with Kankai-mon in the distance
View of country side and Naha to the ocean from Shuri castle walls
Nichieidai, a sundial
Nichieidai, a sundial
Sign explaining some of the history of the Seiden of Shuri Castle
A two-story, steel-framed building was built in a square called “una” in front of the castle’s gutted Seiden (Main Hall)
Houshinmon is the main citadel entrance to the Una
Ungyou, the dragon pillar with the open mouth, being repaired after the fire
Ungyou, the dragon pillar with the closed mouth, being repaired after the fire
Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street
After lunch, we had a short time to look for souvenirs ... not much time for taking photos.
Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street
