Category Archives: Naha Guide

Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon or the Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is what is left of the Sonohyan Utatki (sacred site). It was here that king prayed before departing Shuri castle. The utaki and much of the gate were destroyed during WW II. … Continue reading →

Shureimon at the entrance of Shuri Castle Park is often used as the symbol of Okinawa. This gate was build during the reign on King Sho Shin in the 16th century.

Tama Udun is the royal mausoleum of the Shuri kings of the second Sho dynasty, built in 1501 by King Sho Shin to house the remains of his father, King Sho En.

Naha is the capital of Okinawa and it’s largest city. Most visitors will fly into Naha Airport and will find Naha the logical place to begin their Okinawa experience. The Naha experience can be roughly divided into three sections. First … Continue reading →

Shikinaen was the largest second residence for the Ryukyu royal families. The garden and villa were constructed in 1799 to entertain envoys of the Chinese emperor. It is one of Okinawa’s 9 World Heritage sites and a designated national place … Continue reading →

Welcome to the Heiwa Dori (Peace Street) Machigwa (public marketplace)! Just off of Kokusai Dori (International Street) exists a sprawling shopping extravaganza.

Kokusai Dori (Kokusai Street, also called "International Street") on the evening of October 6, 1998. This is the first picture I took in Okinawa.

Shurijo Castle, pride of the Okinawan people. Shurijo was the control tower of the Shuri Monarchy, which ruled over the Ryukyu Islands and expanded its diplomatic and trading links to China, Japan, Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia. This … Continue reading →