March 11, 2017, Saturday, In the Port of Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Naha is the capital and largest city of Okinawa Island and prefecture (state). The city is located in the southwest of Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, a group of 55 islands. These islands lay southwest of the main Japanese islands. In fact Naha is approximately 965 miles from Tokyo but only 510 miles from the Chinese port of Shanghai and 395 miles from Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. At one times, the Ryukyu Islands were a self governing nation with its own language.
Our tour was titled “Ancient Kingdom” and covered two sites. One very old and the other relatively new. Our bus took us on a fifty minute ride north of town. Along the way we passed several military installations including at least one Marine logistic depot and the USAF Kadena Air Base. It was a Japanese air base until after the Battle of Okinawa during World War Two. Since then, it has been the largest US Air Base in the Far East.
Our first stop was to the Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom, a recreation of a Ryukyu village, with workshops featuring crafts such as fabric dyeing, pottery, musical instruments, glass blowing and brewing. A group of local dancers put on a show. There is even Habu Snake Park featuring the poisonous Habu snake.
Our second stop was the very beautiful Shikina-en Gardens. It was former residence of the Ryukyuan royalty. The gardens are a blend of Chinese, Japanese and Ryukyuan styles and centered around a lovely pond. The palace, the largest building in the garden, has the typical Ryukyuan red-tiled roof. The gardens are another of the designated World Heritage Sites in Okinawa.
On our way back to the ship, we passed by Shuri Castle, the former residence of the Ryukyu royal family set on a hill overlooking the city. This is one of those islands that deserve more than a one day visit.
After dinner, the evening show was Dean Atkinson, a ventriloquist comedian from Australia.
Pictures will be posted when the internet speeds up.
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| Sandra at the RyuKyu Village |
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| Musical Instrument Display |
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| Village Scene |
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| Dancers |
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| Drummers |
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| Hungary Carp Fish |
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| Weaving Display |
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| Lake in the garden |
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| Royal House |
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| Cherry Blossoms |
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| Royal Residence on the hill |
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| Our Guide |
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