Now, getting to Okinawa Island - the Main Island - is not quite the ‘get on the bus’ kind of place to get to. It’s over 500 miles away for one! There’s a ferry, but that takes over a day! Tempted, and we could make it a little ‘mini cruise’ but...maybe next time!
So, for the first time on this holiday since getting here...we’re taking a flight! With the train to the airport, the flight and then a bus - yes, a bus! - it’s just over 4 hrs.
Just over 1 million people reside here - roughly 66 miles long and 7 miles wide. Back in the day it was a major base for the American Army. Still is, with quite a few Americans and their families residing here.
We’re pretty much in the middle, between Japan and Taiwan, and it’s suppose to be sub tropical. Maybe not in February, but we hit a dizzying high of 15 degrees. Very pleasant.
Okinawa? Famed for longevity - there’s 5 x as many residents into their 100’s than any other part of Japan. They put it down to a mainly vegan diet and stress-free living. They do eat fresh seafood and meat too but emphasis is on fresh veg and fruit.
Sounds good? Yup!
Couple of days here...checking out the beaches, for some well-deserved resting after the last couple of weeks...and there’s the Shuri Castle, in Naha, which was burned down in 2019 and they’re reconstructing it, using more modern techniques. It’s not totally open to the public, as it’s not quite finished, but they expect it to be completed by 2026.
Not the first time it’s survived a fire either. Since it’s building, in the 14th Centaury, this is the 5th time!
Due to the proximity of the Island between China and Japan, with rulers on both side having taken over the Island over the centuries - warring Samurai’s and Emporor’s..the stuff legends are made of - there’s a fascinating mix of both Chinese and Japanese architecture and design.
We go around one of the major gardens - Shikinaen Royal Gardens, designed in 1799, for the Ryukyu Royal Family. It’s beautiful. Based around a pond. So very tranquil.
We also visit the Churaumi Aquarium, which was once the biggest in the world. Fascinating!
There’s so much more that we could see, but we’re back to Kyoto. It’s been lovely. We’ve chatted to some lovely people here too.
What can I say. You are better than so many guides, so called travel influencers and other wannabe travel bloggers. You account makes us want to travel to that place.
I like this tree house and could see myself residing there. Great job telling us. Thanks.
