Okinawa, Japan - Naha, Zamami and Tokashiki
/ Well a typhoon didn't "ruin" my vacation. Actually, the weather was perfect... as you'll see in the pics. The Okinawa (links 1, 2, 3 ) archipelago is a must see in Asia. Naha, the cultural capital is a party city. Tons of restaurants, bars, history, temples and a hub to the near by Tokashiki and Zamami islands. The hostel I stayed at (Minami Kaze) was right near a beach and the port to the islands. As I was travelling solo, it was easy to meet people to travel around with. The two islands I visited (Tokashiki and Zamami) were tropical paradises. My last day happened to coincide with the Eisa Festival. Kokusai Dori (the main street) was blocked off and 10,000 Eisa dancers filled the streets dancing and drumming traditional Okinawan music.. wow!
At the airport.
Naha beach.
A Shinto Temple.
Naha.
My hostel.
Peeps.
Traditional Okinawan liquor.. filled with poisonous snakes... tasted a little like whiskey.
Night shots from Kokusai Dori. ... a Canadian bar?? .. went in for a Rye&Ginger.
ZAMAMI
On the boat to Zamami.
Quick stop at Aka Island.
Curry at the beachhouse... the only building on the beach.
The beach and coral.
Kyoshi and Ayano at Zamami.
The open water and the sky.
Naha, as seen from the water.
Pulling into port.
TOKASHIKI
The beach.
The Naha Martial arts area complex.
Karate originated in Naha. This is the world Karate headquarters and school. Although Karate is the main focus of the school, all the Japanese martial arts are practiced here.
Blackbelt Samurai class.
Karate in the foreground, Kendo in the background.
Sumo ring.
SHURIJO CASTLE - east of Naha
Aren't Geishas supposed to be pleasant.
Naha, as seen from Shurijo Castle.
A sun dial.
Geishas performing as a part of the Eisa festival.
The band.
The centre courtyar.
The orignial foundations of the castle... no shoes allowed anywhere inside the castle.
The throne room.
A model... can you tell?
Images of the Festival
Posing with some of the dancers.
The short flight home.
At the airport.
Naha beach.
A Shinto Temple.
Naha.
My hostel.
Peeps.
Traditional Okinawan liquor.. filled with poisonous snakes... tasted a little like whiskey.
Night shots from Kokusai Dori. ... a Canadian bar?? .. went in for a Rye&Ginger.
ZAMAMI
On the boat to Zamami.
Quick stop at Aka Island.
Curry at the beachhouse... the only building on the beach.
The beach and coral.
Kyoshi and Ayano at Zamami.
The open water and the sky.
Naha, as seen from the water.
Pulling into port.TOKASHIKI
The beach.
The Naha Martial arts area complex.
Karate originated in Naha. This is the world Karate headquarters and school. Although Karate is the main focus of the school, all the Japanese martial arts are practiced here.
Blackbelt Samurai class.
Karate in the foreground, Kendo in the background.
Sumo ring.SHURIJO CASTLE - east of Naha
Aren't Geishas supposed to be pleasant.
Naha, as seen from Shurijo Castle.
A sun dial.
Geishas performing as a part of the Eisa festival.
The band.
The centre courtyar.
The orignial foundations of the castle... no shoes allowed anywhere inside the castle.
The throne room.
A model... can you tell?
Images of the Festival
Posing with some of the dancers.
The short flight home.
posted by Caliculus Gustatorius at 12:31 p.m.
2 Comments:
Hey Josh, It’s Gavin. I stumbled upon your blog while trying to find the name of a night market that I went to in Naha. I really dig the pictures that you have posted. Have you heard anything from mike? Anyways keep posting and if you ever have time drop me a line and let me know where your next adventure is taking you. gavin.lohry@hotmail.com
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