hkskyline's 2012 in NAHA, Japan

hkskyline · #1 Posted **Nov 21, 2012, 2:52 AM**

Unlike the rest of Japan that I've visited in the past year, large crowds and city life don't associate with Okinawa. Instead, this is a tropical paradise where visitors come to enjoy nature and have a great time. Naha was the port of entry, but was not the final destination. Soon, we found a rental car and headed out to explore the island, stumbling across a few surprises.

A 13km monorail runs through Naha north-to-south, terminating at the airport.

Naha's streetscapes are nothing inspiring. As the city was mostly destroyed in World War II, the structures are generally new and are not particularly attractive-looking.

Naha's harbour is a small inlet that opens to the Pacific Ocean. Both Japanese and American militaries operate vessels here.

Naminoue-gu Shrine

The best place to capture a shot of this seaside temple is actually on the elevated highway offshore.

Behind the temple, Asahigaoka Park offers a serene escape and its sloping topography provides a few views.

There were people wandering around Naminoue Beach playing sports and enjoying the sandy beach, but none were actually in the water. With a view of the elevated highway just offshore, it's quite a turn-off.

The shrine and beach were a bit out of the way so now I head back to the monorail station just as a rainstorm approaches.

The full set is on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/okinawa.htm

ColDayMan · #2 Posted **Nov 21, 2012, 3:35 AM**

Awesome.

hkskyline · #3 Posted **Nov 28, 2012, 6:53 AM**

Thanks for your support. Here is the next set.

Kokusai-dori is a 1.6km-long street lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, and is the most bustling part of Naha.

To enjoy a meal at the noodle bar, purchase a ticket at the vending machine, and hand the receipt to the attendant. The workers at the restaurant would not handle cash at all throughout the whole process.

hkskyline · #4 Posted **Dec 5, 2012, 5:24 PM**

Built along the hillsides 120m above sea level overlooking Naha in the 14 century, Shuri Castle was the main castle of the Ryukyu kingdom. Destroyed in World War II, the current castle is a reproduction. As the Ryukyu kingdom was heavily influenced by both China and Japan, the architecture contains elements from both cultures.

An expensive 800 yen admission allows visitors to see the re-created inner palace.

hkskyline · #5 Posted **Jan 13, 2013, 2:56 PM**

Further north, Nakagusuku Castle was built in the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Although it is in ruins today, the views of Okinawa, including both coasts, are well worth the trip. This and other Ryukyu castles are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The full set : http://www.globalphotos.org/okinawa.htm

mSeattle · #6 Posted **Jan 18, 2013, 3:49 AM**

Very interesting place.