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History / Culture / Tour Spots in Okinawa Area

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  • The House of Nuchi du Takara Anti-War Peace Museum
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    4.0
    5 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Kunigami-gun Ieson Higashiemae 2300-4
    "This history museum is located next to Ie Beach on southeastern Ie Island. The phrase ""nuchi du takara"" means ""life is a treasure."" The museum exhibits a wide variety of items including the personal effects left behind by the people who lived on Ie Island during the war. Each of the many exhibits that pack the museum, which range from the everyday necessities used by islanders to the bullets and bombs used by the American military, includes a description and explanation. The museum was opened with a desire to convey the preciousness of human life and the hope that war becomes a footnote in the pages of history."

    2019年4月に行きました。 一般財団法人わびあいの里という民間団体が運営する私営の資料館です。入場料がかかります。平和・反戦にかかわる資料が所狭しと展示されています。マイナーなスポットなので訪問者も少ないようです。

    The House of Nuchi du Takara Anti-War Peace Museum image
  • Shureimon Gate
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa prefecture Naha city Shuri Shuri Castle Park
    “Shurei” means “observing manners” and “a nation which observes manners” is written on the horizontal frame at the center of Shureimon Gate. It means “Ryukyu is a nation which respects manners”. It is a beautiful gate representing Shuri Castle which is a World Heritage site and was built around 1527 to 1555. It was destroyed during the Pacific War but restored later in 1958.
    Shureimon Gate image
  • Katsuren Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Urumashi Katsurenhaebaru 3908
    Amawari is said to have brought prosperity to Katsuren in the 15th century, and this is the castle where he resided. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. It stands on a hill between 60 and 98 meters above sea level, and it makes clever use of the natural cliff, featuring walls that form a graceful curve. The “Ichi-no Kuruwa (1st enclosure) ,” the highest point, offers an amazing view of the mountains and outlying islands that surround Kin Bay.
    Katsuren Castle Ruins image
  • Urasoe Youdore
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Urasoeshi Nakama 2
    "A 5-minute drive from the Nishihara Interchange. This royal mausoleum dates to the early period of the Ryukyu Kingdom said to have been built by King Eiso starting from the year 1265. Called ""Yodore"" (meaning evening calm/the world of the dead in Okinawan), the tomb was dug out of a cave in a cliff wall and is believed to be the final resting place of King Eiso and King Sho Nei. Descending down the steps, there is a front garden, and, after passing through a tunnel of finished bedrock and stonework, there are the first and second gardens. The second garden offers a sweeping view of Urasoe City and Ginowan City. The surrounding area is maintained as Urasoe City Park and Castle Site, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll amidst historic ruins."
    Urasoe Youdore image
  • Ishigaki’s Toujin Grave Site
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Arakawa 1625-9
    This tomb is dedicated to the Chinese who met untimely deaths in the S.S. Baun incident. Built in a Chinese style in 1972, it has a glittering appearance despite its sad history. It is dedicated to 128 people from China’s Fujian Province.
    Ishigaki’s Toujin Grave Site image
  • Okinawa Arena
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Okinawa Okinawa-shi Yamauchi 1-16-1
    Okinawa Arena image
  • Miyaradunchi
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Okawa 178
    Located in Okawa, Ishigaki City, it is a residence from the period of the Ryukyu kingdom. It is said to have been constructed as a former residence of the Shuri nobility, and the building has a red tiled roof which is typical of Okinawa. Toen Miyara who was an appointed official of the Miyara Magiri district administered its construction in and around 1819. The building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property and the gardens are a national-designated Place of Scenic Beauty.
    Miyaradunchi image
  • Submarine Ruins (Yonaguni Island)
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama-gun Yonaguni-cho
    These are the mysterious structures called “Submarine Ruins” that lie submerged just 100 meters off the cape of Arakawabana on the south coast of Yonaguni Island. It is still shrouded in mystery whether they are artificially made historical ruins or a product of nature. It is a mysterious world on the reef where you can see stairs and terrace-like things. It is also possible to see the Submarine Ruins by diving or by glass bottom boat.
    Submarine Ruins (Yonaguni Island) image
  • Nago Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nagoshi Nago
    These castle ruins are located in Nago, Nago City. It was the site of Nago Castle, which is believed to have been the castle of Nago Aji, who ruled the region in the early 14th century. Currently, the entire area around the castle has been developed into Nago Central Park. It is well-known for having Japan's earliest-blooming Kanhi-zakura cherry trees. The park's more than 20,000 Kanhi-zakura cherries bloom starting around mid-January. The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the blooming season.
  • Tamagusuku Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku
    The site of a natural stronghold situated on a 180-meter-high hill a short drive from the Haebaru-Minami Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. The castle is said to have been created by Amamikiyo, the god who created Ryukyu (Okinawa), and the Tenson clan, alleged to be the god's descendants, ruled the castle. Still considered a place of worship to those taking a pilgrimage in the sacred land of Agariumai, the site sees an unending line of worshipers. The castle has a natural gate created by boring a hole into limestone rock, and from here visitors can get a sweeping view of Kudaka Island and the south central side of Okinawa Island. When visiting, note that the road leading to the site is quite steep; please watch your step.
    Tamagusuku Castle Ruins image
  • Statue of Marilyn
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunzamamison Zamami
    The movie “Marilyn ni Aitai” was shot here on Zamami Island. There is a statue of Marilyn facing in the direction of Aka Island, waiting for the protagonist, the dog Shiro, to cross the sea to come meet her. Be sure to visit the accompanying Shiro statue on Aka Island.
    Statue of Marilyn image
  • Kankaimon Gate
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa prefecture Naha city Shuri Shuri Castle Park
    Kankaimon Gate was the main entrance to Shuri-jo Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This was the entrance through which “Sakuhoshi”, (Chinese envoys, also known as “Sapposhi”) would pass when granted an audience with the Ryukyuan King; the name “Kankaimon” (“Gate of Welcome”) reflects this. The Gate was destroyed by fire during the Second World War, but was rebuilt in 1974. Shisa statues stand on either side of the Gate to ward off evil spirits.
    Kankaimon Gate image
  • Ruins of Enkakuji Temple
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2 In Shuri Castle Park
    Enkakuji Temple was a temple belonging to the Rinzai School of Buddhism, located just to the north of Shuri Castle. King Sho Shin (who laid the foundations for the Golden Age of the Ryukuan kingdom) ordered the temple built in imitation of the Enkakuji Temple in Kamakura. In 1933, the Temple’s Main Hall and Main Entrance were designated as National Treasures. The Temple was completely destroyed during the Second World War. The Main Gate and Hoshochi Pond have since been recreated.
    Ruins of Enkakuji Temple image
  • Ue Gusuku Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunkumejimachou Uegusuku
    This castle ruins are located on Mt. Uegusuku, the highest mountain on Kume Island with an elevation of 310 meters. The big 360-degree panoramic view overlooking almost the whole area of the island is just “overwhelming’”. It’s a perfect viewpoint that allows views as far as Hateno Beach, Awakuni Island and Tonaki Island on clear days.
    Ue Gusuku Castle Ruins image
  • Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa prefecture Naha city Shuri Shuri Castle Park
    Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate made from Ryukyu limestone is a place of worship where the emperor used to pray for his safety when going out. During the Pacific War, a part of the building was destroyed, but it was restored in 1957. In 2000, it was designated as a World Heritage Site. Though it is in the shape of a gate, it is not for people to walk through but is more of a “gate for worship” to God.
    Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate image
  • Kumejima Hotaru no Sato Natural Park Kumejima Firefly Pavilion
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Ohda 420 in Kumejima cho, Okinawa Prefecture
    Kumejima Hotaru no Sato Natural Park Kumejima Firefly Pavilion located along the lower Urauchi River is a protective observation facility for firefly and opened in May 2000. It breeds fireflies including the Kumejima firefly, a Natural Monument and one of Japan’s rare fauna and flora, and creatures such as birds, insects and fish related to fireflies. Inside the facility, the exhibits include pictures, specimens and documents, so you can learn about the diversity of animals, particularly fireflies, as well as nature and the environment on Kume Island.
    Kumejima Hotaru no Sato Natural Park Kumejima Firefly Pavilion image
  • Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan Exhibition Museum
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Shimajirigunkumejimachou Maja 1878-1 Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Youimar kan
    Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan Exhibition Museum is about Kumejima tsumugi, which is a traditional Okinawan craft and designated as a national Important Intangible Cultural Property. Inside the museum, you can observe the process of tying kasuri (dotted pattern), dyeing and knitting, and see documents related to the history and manufacturing processes for Kumejima tsumugi as well as various works using Kumejima tsumugi. You can also experience activities such as knitting a coaster and dyeing a bandana (a booking is required in advance.)
    Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan Exhibition Museum image
  • The Statue of Peace (Itoman City)
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Kyan
    The Statue of Peace (Itoman City) near Kiyan Light House is located on Cape Kiyan in Itoman City. In October 1951, residents in Kiyan Village collected as many as 10,000 deceased remains of soldiers as well as residents scattered inside the village and on the neighboring beach, and built the statue. In March 1969, it was moved and restored in its current location.
    The Statue of Peace (Itoman City) image
  • CornerstoneofPeace
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 444 Peace Memorial Park
    The Cornerstone of Peace is located inside the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture and was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War: Battle of Okinawa on June 23, 1995. All the names of the people lost in the Battle of Okinawa and other battles are engraved.
    CornerstoneofPeace image
  • Benzaitendo House and Enkanchi Pond
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa prefecture Naha city Shuri Shuri Castle Park
    Benzaitendo House and Enkanchi Pond are cultural properties located inside the Shuri Castle Park in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. Enkanchi Pond is a manmade pond which was built in 1502 to collect spring water and rainwater within Shuri Castle. Benzaitendo is a red-roofed shrine located in the middle of Enkanchi Pond which enshrines Benzaiten, a water goddess controlling safe sea voyages.
    Benzaitendo House and Enkanchi Pond image
Okinawa
Okinawa Island (Southern) Naha / Shuri Okinawa Island (Central) Resort Area (West Coast) Nago / Motobu Peninsula Yanbaru Area Miyako Island Ishigaki Island Kerama Islands Yaeyama Islands Kumejima
Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour
Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

Okinawa Areas

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Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You’ve arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan’s most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.

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