April 1 - Okinawa, Japan

 We arrived in Naha Port right on time. And headed out on 'The Best of Okinawa' excursion. Okinawa is one of the cleanest cities I have visited.

We headed to the Shurijo Castle (royal palace). It was constructed in the 14th century. it is a Ryukyuan castle, showing both Chinese and Japanese influences. It was where the King and his family lived


This gate is inscribed with Shurei no Kuni. It means Ryukyu is a nation of propriety

Interior Gate

Entrance to the walled portion. We couldn't go in because the interior buildings burnt down in a fire (it was primarily wood) and they are restoring it

Sonohyan-Utaki Ishimon - Stone Gate, where they prayed for a safe journey when the king traveled outside of the castle.
Locals come today to pray for a safe return to Okinawa if they or their love ones leave the island

Government Office of the Castle                    Dragon Artifact being repaired

Views of Okinawa from the look out, plus a view from outside, of the castle


Then it was a stroll through the Shikinaen Royal Garden. It was the former Ryukyu royal family's country retreat. And it covers 23,000 square meters (75,459 sq ft). Stroll is probably an inappropriate word and the path was broken limestone and every step you took require concentration, otherwise a sprained ankle was in your future.









And we ended up on Kokusai-Dori street, known for shopping and good food, and oddities.
. 





And of course the gang from the other bus found the food and the beer. 


I have to say the Japanese are quite polite. They park and stop at street lights with plenty of space between cars. And the cars are so cute!



Some unique structure

Residences



And as always a great Japanese Beer






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