Naminoue Shrine standing on a cliff / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Wakasa, Naha City, "Naminoue Shrine" (Traditional Japanese straw raincoat Uegu). I introduced the worship hall from the Precincts before, but this time I took a picture of the Main Shrine from the back waterfront road. It is said that it was founded during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, but it is not clear that Naha during the Kingdom period was a floating island, and Naminou Shrine was a remote island. That has led us to this day. Restrooms available is the only beach in Naha called "Naminoue Beach", and on a sunny summer day, the sea turns emerald green like this, and the blue sky and the vermilion Main Shrine sitting on the cliff shine with a superb view. Naminoue Shrine was damaged during the Battle of Okinawa, but the Main Shrine was rebuilt in Showa 28 (Showa 28) and the worship hall in 1961 (Showa 36). In Okinawa, the Ume plum rain has ended and summer has begun. On this day, there were quite a few tourists enjoying the SUP, and I was envious while taking pictures ^^;

Nursery school and community center coexist "Asato Hachimangu" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, "Asato Hachimangu" (Asatomachi Mangu). On this day, I was doing a great exorcism of Xia Yue, so I went through a circle made of straw. ^^ When prayer, take off your footwear and go up the stairs of the Main Shrine. Shoes are strictly prohibited ^^

Nursery school and community center coexist "Asato Hachimangu" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, "Asato Hachimangu" (Asatomachi Mangu). Restrooms available in the residential area of Asato, Naha City, with a nursery school on the left side of the photo and a community center on the right. Restrooms available in the Precincts, and behind it is a high-rise apartment building and a gap that is amazing w I think it's a sight you can't see anywhere else. Depending on the time of day, nursery school children are playing in the Precincts^^ "Asato Hachimangu" is the oldest of the eight Ryukyu shrines and was founded in 1466. It was destroyed by fire during the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 1993 (Heisei 5). It is also close to Kokusai Street, so please stop by when you are nearby. You can hear the cheerful voices of the children ^^

Wishes come true "Shikinamiya" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. Restrooms available are shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, and they are called the Ryukyu Eight Shrines. One pigeon never leaves the Torii (shrine gate)! Even if you get closer... Are you waiting for God? I felt something very auspicious. (^^)

Wishes come true "Shikinamiya" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. Restrooms available are shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, and they are called the Ryukyu Eight Shrines. Restrooms available has a legend in Shikina Shrine, and there is a cave behind the Main Shrine. A long time ago, a woman named Ōama Shirarei found a cave that emitted a mysterious light at night, and found a binzuru in it, and her wish came true because she deeply believed in it. In addition, since he cured the illness of the son of the king of Ryukyu at that time, it is said that he founded the Shikina Palace there. The Main Shrine was built around the 16th century. The pre-war building was built in the style of Sangensha and was roofed with main tiles, but it was burned down in the Battle of Okinawa, rebuilt in 1968 (Showa 43), and rebuilt in 2013 (Heisei 25) to become the current structure. I went to Shikinagu for the first time ^^ I also went to see the cave behind the Main Shrine, but it's a pity that the gate is closed, and it seems that the cave door opens on the 1st and 15th of every month and you can go inside. It is also known as the Power Spot.

Shuri Castle Park and Shuri Castle under restoration / Shuri Castle is said to have been built around the end of the 14th century by the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shohashi. It is a unique mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan cultures. In fact, Shuri Castle was burned down three times during the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Battle of Okinawa and this time, for a total of five times. However, it has been preserved with the passion of the people. I think Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa. I Can't wait to see it again ^^ It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / Visiting the site inside the bare roof I saw the restoration work of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, because it is a special Opening to the public and you can Visiting the site during the period. The craftsmen of the palace carpenter are working hard to rebuild. But it was a pity that I couldn't see the craftsmanship because it was a Sunday. Okinawa has many typhoons, and construction is carried out in a temporary building called a "bare roof" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the face of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which is being restored in the center of the temple. I'm looking forward to seeing a dragon on top of this. It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / Visiting the site inside the bare roof I saw the restoration work of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, because it is a special Opening to the public and you can Visiting the site during the period. The craftsmen of the palace carpenter are working hard to rebuild. But it was a pity that I couldn't see the craftsmanship because it was Sunday. In Okinawa, there are many typhoons, and construction is carried out in temporary buildings called "bare roofs" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the roof part at the top, and at both ends of this 3-meter dragon sits as the guardian deity of the main hall. By the way, the pillars of the main hall are made of Cypress trees from Nara Prefecture, and the scent of Cypress trees is good. It is expected to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / In October 2019, Shuri Castle burned down overnight. Currently, construction work is being carried out in this temporary building called "bare roof" for reconstruction. There are many typhoons in Okinawa, so we work to prevent rain and wind. I remember when I saw Shuri Castle burning on TV in the middle of the night, I couldn't believe it was real and didn't say anything、、、 it's been about four and a half years since then, and I'm steadily rebuilding it. The place where I am photographing is called "Azuma no Azana" (A Gari no Azana), and it is a viewing platform located on the easternmost side of Shuri Castle Park and at the highest Elevation. From here, you can panoramic the cityscape of Shuri, the East China Sea, and the city of Naha. Shuri Castle seen from here will be on the back side, but I'm looking forward to its majestic appearance again ^ ^

The road to the main hall of Shuri Castle / Shuri Castle Park Walk along this street to the main hall of Shuri Castle. So far, you can come in for free. Okinawa is Ume Plum Rain and it is a pity that it rained on this day, and the main gate that you can see at the far end is the main gate "Kankaimon" that enters Shuri Castle, and you will dive through 6 gates including the gate of Shuri Castle.

The World Heritage Site "Sonohiya Takemitake Stone Gate" is a prayer gate / I went to Shuri Castle in Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. As soon as you pass through the gate of Morirei, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sonohiya Takemitake Stone Gate. It is a gate built in 1519 and is used as a place of worship for the royal family, and it is said that when the king went out from Shuri Castle, he prayed for safety on the way at this stone gate. This gate is not a gate for people to pass through, but a sanctuary spreads out behind the stone gate and is a place to pray. The stone gate was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 1957. Most of Okinawa's valuable buildings have been destroyed in the war. A precious heritage to protect!

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya yaki Yachimun dojo There is a Tsuboya yaki and Chimun dojo in a quiet place where the original scenery remains in a side street from Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha City. It is built of wood on old-fashioned Ryukyu red tiles, and a big Shisa is guarded in front. ^^ Here, you can make not only yachimun, but also shisa. There were many people who experienced it, and it seemed to be fun to hear their laughter. If I have the chance, I would definitely like to make my own Shisa!

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya Yachimun Street It is one of the traditional crafts of Okinawa "Yachimun". Pottery is called yachimun in the Okinawan language. In Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Tsuboya, Naha City, there is a shop with a new design that is also liked by young people from traditional designs. Yachimun is characterized by a strong and delicate painting on a thick and sturdy model. The shop is Guma Guwa, which has a very stylish exterior and is popular for its designs with plant and animal motifs. When I stopped by the other day, I bought a small plate on impulse ^^ I hope that the traditional craft "Yachimun", which has been around since the Ryukyu Dynasty, and the traditional shape and beauty will be inherited in the future.

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya Yachimun Street It is one of the traditional crafts of Okinawa "Yachimun". Pottery is called yachimun in the Okinawan language. In Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Tsuboya, Naha City, there is a shop with a new design that is also liked by young people from traditional designs. Yachimun is characterized by a strong and delicate painting on a thick and sturdy model. The shop is Guma Guwa, which has a very stylish exterior and is popular for its designs with plant and animal motifs. When I stopped by the other day, I bought a small plate on impulse ^^ I hope that the traditional craft "Yachimun", which has been around since the Ryukyu Dynasty, and the traditional shape and beauty will be inherited in the future.

2023. At the Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival

Shisa / Sumanume (Okinawa soba restaurant) / At the entrance of the Okinawa soba restaurant "Sumanume" in Kokuba, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, five Shisa (Okinawan guardian gods) from Majin (demons) are guarding the shop. If there are 5 of these powerful Shisa, even Seriously won't be able to enter with this! ^^

Soki soba (Okinawa soba noodles) / Sumanume / I ate Okinawa soba at the soba restaurant "Sumanume" in Kokuba, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture ^^ This is a place I often go to, and it is a super popular restaurant that has been renovated from a traditional Okinawan tile house old folk house. There are different types of Okinawa soba noodles, but this time I ordered Soki soba and juicy (cooked rice), which are loved by all the people of the prefecture. Soki is pork ribs with bones. The soup is a bonito stock with a light and gentle taste. Stable deliciousness! It was a treat! By the way, Suma Nume is the name of the shop Suma (Shioma-ya) Nu (no) Mee (Mae).

Ancient procession (Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri) in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. I play an instrument called "cow bra". It has a bass like a tuba, and then a high note like a trumpet with an instrument called a "horse bra".

Ancient procession (Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri) in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. The King and Queen.

Ancient procession (Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri) in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. It was very elegant and very good ^^ The regent, the three priests, walk in the lead.

For the first time in 45 years?! An unforgettable taste when I was a child. I can't eat it again! After Saturday school without a katsudon lunch at "Akane Cafeteria", which I thought was over (I know my age (laughs), when I got home, I asked my parents, "Can I eat Akane's katsudon ❣️?" Without hearing a reply, I went straight to ♥️ my favorite katsudon and met Akane's katsudon again and went 😢 to eat it again ~ 🤗

Sueyoshi Shrine It is a torii gate Sueyoshi Shrine one of the eight Ryukyu shrines. There are two entrances, but I entered from the approach road above this forest. What surprised me was that the moment I stood in front of the torii gate, the air changed completely, so I couldn't help but speak out! I'm surprised. There is a sacred air in the air.

Sueyoshi Shrine I went to "Sueyoshi Shrine" in Shuri Sueyoshi, Naha City. It is one of the same eight Ryukyu companies as the Naminoue Shrine I introduced last time. I think it is the most impactful shrine among the eight shrines. Unfortunately, everything collapsed in the Battle of Okinawa, but it was restored. The worship hall is located in a small forest and overlooks the center of Naha City. The red tiles, white plaster, and vermilion paint are vivid, and there are few people who come to worship, and it feels like a secluded area.

Naminoue Shrine It Naminoue Shrine one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Wakasa, Naha City. In Okinawa, it is protected by Shisa, not Komainu. There is a male with an open mouth on the right and a female with a closed mouth on the left. The first visit was visited by the largest worshipper in Okinawa, and I also visited when I approached it. The Naminoue Shrine is on a cliff, and below it is a beach on the waves, and you can go to the beach directly from the side of the shrine. This also seems to be Okinawa ^^

Naminoue Shrine Naminoue Shrine is located in Wakasa, Naha City. There are not many shrines in Okinawa. Among them, there are eight shrines that have received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government. It is called "Ryukyu Eight Shrines", and one of them is Naminoue Shrine, the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa. The worship hall is full of Okinawan feeling with red tiles, white plaster, vermilion paint, and palm trees. There are many people who come to worship, so I went early in the morning on this day and took a picture. Of course, I also finished the greeting of the shooting properly...

#Travel and #Photo contest Traveling alone in Naha

#Travel and #Photo contest Traveling alone in Naha to the kousetu public market

#Travel and #Photo contest Traveling alone in Naha to the kousetu public market

Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture! I took a picture of it when I entered the side street from the main Yachimun Street. The Shisa on the tiled roof in front of me is also a yachimu. "Yachimun" is pottery in the Okinawan dialect. There are stylish plates and cups, and if you walk down the street, you will find yachimun embedded in the walls and flower beds of houses. There are also many fashionable shops!

Winter in Okinawa