Okinawa - Naha

The one thing that I was most worried about while visiting Naha city was the comparative lack of public transportation for being a major Japanese tourist hub. There is one monorail line that follows one single pathway from the airport to the edge of Naha town. It took a lot of searching, but I finally found a sightseeing bus which is very useful if you want to explore without having to rent a car. 

Shikinaen Royal Garden was very nice. Though much smaller in size to Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, it was of very similar green grandeur. Lots of swerving stone and dirt paths to explore and walk around.

I was weary of visiting Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum a little bit – I’m not very good with the idea of dead bodies and vengeful spirits, guarded by a part-time gatekeeper who charged 350 a head to view a royal cemetery. The ghosts must have been sleeping, none were to be found, and the museum and grounds turned out to be relatively interesting. Most interesting of course was the mausoleum itself, a very impressive show of ancient architecture, large stone edifice and gate to protect the royals inside.  

Shurijo Castle is the main attraction of Naha city, and beckons loads of tourists who pay a pretty penny to inside of the Castle walls. The main rooms are set up like they would have been in the height of imperial rule, with gilded thrones and red velvet upholstery. Outside were extensive grounds, various look-outs and gardens to enjoy. 

Final stop of my sightseeing round was the International Road in downtown Naha and the Pottery Path that lead off of it. A busy bustling street in the middle of the city, it was lined with various stores selling the same cheap souvenirs and restaurants offering exotic cuisines. The crowds were abundant, people mulling about in flip flops and t-shirts as the sun shined down despite it being Christmas day. 

The load less travelled was the Pottery Path, a winding street of pottery stalls, one traditional Okinawan craft that is famous in Naha. The quiet path was basically abandoned, not bringing in the draw that the high street offered. No one yelled out from shop fronts, urging the passing tourist to view their handiwork. 

My main takeaway from visiting Okinawa, or at least Naha town, is how very un-Japanese it is. There are lots of Japanese faces, and Japanese words everywhere, but in almost equal measure, there are very un-Japanese faces, people of many different descents from all over the world but mainly Asia and Oceania and the many faces that look like an interesting mix of different races, faces that undoubtedly have a very interesting tale to tell. Many different languages can be heard as you walk down the street, Japanese and English are spoken with distinct dialects. The city seems older, worn and more run-down, the bus center closer to a central terminals in rural Sri Lanka than hi-tech Tokyo Station.Very interesting and I'm very glad I was able to experience it.