Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Izena Island Tourism Association. Izenami Island lies north of Okinawa’s main island. The island’s coastline measures 17 kilometers, and you can drive around it in about 20 minutes. The village of Izena in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, consists of the main island Izena and three uninhabited islets: Yagaji Island, Gushikawa Island, and Furuji (Orikami) Island. The population of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture, was 1,322 at the time of the 2020 survey. The island is also known as the birthplace of King Sho En, the first king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In this first post, we introduce Izena Island and highlight its attractions, sightseeing spots, and activities. ■■Sightseeing spots on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Futamigaura Coast (a dramatic view of two neighboring Gitara rocks) “Gitara” means a sheer rock or cliff. The prominent rocks on the sea and on land are called “umi Gitara” and “agi Gitara.” The approximately 1-kilometer-long Gitara Coast hosts many of these sea and land Gitara formations. With the pairing of sea Gitara and land Gitara and the pleasing arrangement of broadleaf trees, this coast has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches. Also in the Gitara Coast area, Mattera Beach is a hidden gem with white sand and crystal-clear blue water. A campsite is available there as well. ◆Gitara Observatory Located in the Gitara Coast area, the Gitara Observatory is a popular lookout point. It offers a rare panoramic view of the two opposing sea and land Gitara formations. At night, the starry sky and town lights are a must-see. ◆Izena Castle Ruins The Izena Castle Ruins sit 70 meters above sea level in the southeast of Izena Island. They are said to have been built in the Gusuku period (11th–14th centuries) by Samekawa, the ancestor of King Sho En. The site rises in a pyramid shape with cliffs on three sides, and it was once called an impregnable fortress. From the summit of the Izena Castle Ruins you can enjoy spectacular ocean views. At the foot of the ruins stands Izena Tamaudun, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. ◆Izena Beach (Izena no Hama) On the island’s south side, this beach opens onto cobalt-blue waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming and camping, with toilets and showers available. ※From July 2023, some areas are closed due to coastal reinforcement work. ◆Shoen-ō Oniwa Park (Park commemorating King Sho En) This park opened in 1996 to commemorate the 580th anniversary of King Sho En’s birth. Visitors still come to Shoen-ō Oniwa Park frequently. The park includes Sunjaagar, the tidal spring said to have been used as King Sho En’s baby bath. It’s a sightseeing spot where you can feel the history of the Ryukyu kings. ◆Mekaru Family Residence The Mekaru family residence, designated as a nationally important cultural property, was the home of the direct line of the Mekaru family. Because it escaped war damage and was well preserved, it was rebuilt in 1906 (Meiji 39). ◆Samuree Path The Samuree Path is a 2-kilometer ancient road used from the 12th to 13th centuries as the only living route connecting the Izena settlement with the island’s southwest. In the Ryukyuan dialect, “Samuree” refers to warriors associated with the royal family. The path’s siliceous rock paving resembled the footprints of warriors, which is how the Samuree Path got its name. The Samuree Path also served as a pilgrimage route for the Mekaru family, relatives of the Sho clan, when performing the ancestral grave-visiting ceremony called the Kōji Shimeisai (shīmī). It links to Izena Tamaudun, the royal tomb. ◆Shirasagi Observatory Facing the sea, Shirasagi Observatory offers wide views of Gitara Coast (Futamigaura) and the ocean. It’s a popular viewpoint where you can also see the Izena Castle Ruins and Yagaji Island. ■■Activities on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Bicycle rentals Because Izena Island is mostly flat, renting a bicycle is a great way to tour the sights. Enjoy the island as you ride through its tranquil scenery. ◆Diving and snorkeling With its clear waters, Izena Island is perfect for marine activities. You’ll find coral reefs, luminous caves, and plenty of underwater attractions. Beginners to advanced divers can all have a great time. ◆Sea fishing Izena Island has many good spots for catching black sea bream (kurodai). The Izena Island Tourism Association’s official website publishes an Izena Island fishing map, so please make use of it. ■■Gourmet information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Awamori Awamori, produced throughout the Ryukyu Islands, is also brewed on Izena Island. Please enjoy the mellow flavor of locally produced awamori. ◆Izena-style Okinawa soba You can enjoy Okinawa soba made with plenty of mozuku seaweed, or noodles made using rice grown on Izena Island—unique local takes on Okinawa soba. ■■Festivals and events on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Izena 88 Triathlon This is Izena Island’s largest event, drawing about 600 athletes each year. Anyone aged 18 or older and in good health may participate regardless of nationality. The intense 7-hour competition is a sight to behold. ◆Unna Festival Unna is Izena Island’s traditional festival praying for a bountiful rice harvest. The event features dramatic displays such as tug-of-war with a giant rope, the snai match fought on carried boards, and Okinawan-style sumo tournaments. ■■Accommodation information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ Izena Island offers a variety of lodging, including hotels, minpaku guesthouses, and guesthouses. You can choose places that overlook the beach or stay in cozy, homey accommodations to suit your preference. ■■Traditions of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ One of Izena Island’s charms is a tradition called Ihyajutee. Ihyajutee means “the people of Izena are compassionate.” Historically, islanders welcomed visitors from elsewhere without distinction and shared the bounty of their catches, a longstanding hospitality tradition. You can still experience Ihyajutee on the island today. Hosts may invite you into a garden where tea waits on the engawa veranda; you can sit, sip tea, listen to island stories, and enjoy slow, relaxed time—the unique hospitality of Izena Island. ■■Access information to Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆By private car From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours, then take a car ferry from Unten Port (Nakijin Village) for about one hour. ◆By taxi From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours (fare: about 16,000 yen). From Nago city to Unten Port about 25 minutes (fare: about 2,400 yen and up). You can also use buses and express buses from Naha Airport. For details, please check the Izena Island Tourism Association official website. On Izena Island you’ll find rental shops for cars, bicycles, and mopeds. They are useful for sightseeing. We will continue sharing information about Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so thank you for your continued support!

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.

Nice to meet you all! It is a city where the magnificent nature of the southern country and the heartwarming culture live on "Motobucho, Okinawa Prefecture". We will send out information about this town where the rich sea, impressive superb scenery, delicious gourmet food, and the warmth of the people are harmonious! Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture is located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa and is blessed with a warm climate throughout the four seasons. Even in winter, the average temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable area to live in throughout the year. Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture has many popular sightseeing spots. First of all, I would like to introduce Okinawa's most popular tourist attraction "Churaumi Aquarium". About 740 species of sea creatures are bred here. In the huge tank where you can look up, you can enjoy a magnificent sight of various kinds of fish swimming in the full field of vision, such as dazzling coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and whale sharks over 8 meters long. This "Churaumi Aquarium" is a facility located in the National Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, and there are also "Tropical Dream Center", "Tropical and Subtropical City Greening Botanical Garden", "Okinawa Folk Village / Omoro Botanical Garden", "Marine Culture Museum / Planetarium", "Sunset Square", etc., where you can see Okinawa's nature and valuable flora and fauna. In addition, the fireworks festival of the "Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival" held in the park every July is the largest in Okinawa Prefecture. When you come to Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, please enjoy the pure white sand and beautiful beaches. "Sesoko Island" is an island with a circumference of about 8 kilometers and is connected to the main island of Okinawa by the Sesoko Bridge with a total length of 762 meters. The view from the bridge is truly superb! The beauty spreads so much that it captivates the heart. At Sesoko Beach on the island, the pure white sand and emerald green sea promise a pleasant day. On Minna Island, a remote island 15 minutes by boat from the main island of Okinawa, you can enjoy swimming and abundant marine activities in the crystal clear sea. A recommended spot for a trip to enjoy Okinawa's nature is the "Fukugi Avenue of Bise". The fukugi trees planted to protect the house from the sea breeze give the illusion of wandering into another world. This fantastic scenery has been featured in many media and magazines. At "Yamazato Cone Karst", you can see conical hills and rocky mountains created by nature, the only one in Japan. Feel the magnificent scenery and air of a work of art. Yaedake, which I will introduce next, is the second highest mountain on the main island of Okinawa and is also known as the spot where cherry blossoms bloom the earliest in Japan. The cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late January, and the cherry blossom festival is also held! Please also enjoy the popular "food" in Motobu Town sightseeing. Motobu Town has a wide variety of delicious gourmet food, and it is a famous area as a Okinawa Soba town. There are more than 70 Okinawa Soba shops in the town that use bonito-based soup stock. More than 20 Okinawa Soba shops are lined up on the Izumi Kaido on Prefectural Route 84, and it is known as the "Soba Kaido" that attracts not only locals but also many tourists. Access to Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture is about 2 hours by rental car or bus from Okinawa Naha Airport. Motobu Town has a wide range of accommodation facilities, from resort hotels to guest houses, so you can choose according to your travel style. Since this is my first post, I briefly introduced the charms of Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, but from now on, I will introduce a lot of recommended information about Motobu Town in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Please look forward to information on Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, where beautiful nature and heartwarming culture are alive!