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Okinawa, Japan 14: Naha
Written & Directed by James Knott

If you do not see a video box here, then this video can be seen on YouTube.

Okinawa's capitol city of Naha is southern Japan's cultural center. Venture through the streets of Naha with James Knott and learn about some cool places to visit.

Flag of Okinawa, JapanOKINAWA, JAPAN

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Over 1.25 million people are scattered across nearly 150 islands.

Okinawa has a unique culture that goes back several hundred years to when it was an independent country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. This kingdom was known to trade frequently with China and as a result adopted much more from the Chinese than the rest of Japan.Map of Okinawa, Japan

The main island, Okinawa-honto, is surrounded by vivid, bright blue ocean and coral reefs. It is densely populated and urbanized in the south, while the the mountainous northern part of the island consists of just a few fishing villages and dense forests.

The beautiful, sub-tropical setting combined with historical roots that are more intertwined with China than Japan, have created a wonderful culture that is distinctly Okinawan.

 

TRANSCRIPT
Okinawa, Japan 14: Naha

Naha the capital of Okinawa with over 300,000 people - is the largest
city in the entire prefecture.

I spent several days in Naha and enjoyed trekking around this urban maze.
Modern buildings hide pockets of history and culture - waiting to be
discovered.

For example, kids play in a park with old ruins in the outfield. canals
divide up the city and provide a place to live for some friendly fish.

If you want to escape the never-ending action of Naha there are several
quiet places hidden amongst the chaos - like this park - or this rooftop.

This coastal city sits in the shadows of Shuri Castle which was home to
the rulers of the Ryukyu Kingdom until the 1870s.Tthese renovated ruins are
an important stop for learning about the history of the island.

Naha was flattened in WW2, but has been rebuilt into an energetic city that
is the cultural center of southern Japan.

To experience this energy, you should first head to Kokusai-dori the
city's main thoroughfare. there are lots of places to eat, sleep and have
fun and it is a great starting point to see many of the city's attractions.

I am lucky enough to experience some of the great parades and festivals that
happen in Naha each year.

Just off of Kokusai-dori is Heiwa-dori a covered shopping arcade with an
asian flair and a fascinating fish market.

If you can navigate the confusing maze of shops you might find the Tsuboya
pottery village where artisans work on - and sell - the islands traditional
crafts.

The monorail was opened in 2003 and is a good way to get around Naha. It is
easy to navigate with 15 stations along a single eight mile line.

There are several important historical sites that you should visit in Naha.

Located high above the city, Shikina-en is a peaceful retreat. This garden
was once used by the royals of the Ryukyu family as a place to relax.

Tamaudun is a sixteenth century mausoleum built to bury kings, queens and
other royals of the day.

Historically, the Ryukyu Kingdom had closer ties to China than Japan. This
relationship is celebrated at the Fukushu-en Garden a Chinese-style garden
with a koi pond that was built with materials and architectural styles from
China.

After a long day of adventure, you can head to Naminoue Beach to wind down.
There is a nice park to hang out in - but this beach has one unique
distinction -it lets you swim beneath a highway. Is this urban paradise a
metaphor for life in the busy capital of okinawa?

You can watch my videos about traveling to Okinawa on other video sharing websites...

Okinawa, Japan 1: Intro

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 2: Heading North

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Okinawa, Japan 3: Hedo Misaki

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Okinawa, Japan 4: Hiking Route 58

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current| DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 5: Hentona to Ogimi

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 6: Family in Nakijin

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 7: Nakijin Castle and Village

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 8: Ie-Jima

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 9: The Jungles of Yonaha-Dake

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 10: Ocean Expo Park
and Churaumi Aquarium

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 11: Togyu
Okinawan Bullfighting

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 12: U.S. Military
and Central Okinawa

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 13: Katsuren-Jo (Castle)

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 14: Naha

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Podshow | YourTrumanShow

Okinawa, Japan 15: Kokusai-Dori

Revver | Metacafe | YouTube | Current | DailyMotion | Mevio | YourTrumanShow

Other Japanese Links:

Okinawa.com - Thanks for posting my videos!!!
Internet-Okinawa.com - Thanks for posting my videos!!!
Ohio Tomonokai website
Prepare for Driving in Okinawa/Japan
hdrjapan.com
JapaneseLifestyle.com

 

Check out my new website:
StrayCompass.com

View More Videos
About Okinawa...

Okinawa, Japan 15:
Kokusai-Dori
Souvenir shop on Kokusai-Dori in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan 14:
Naha

Katsuren-jo castle in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan 13:
Katsuren-Jo (Castle)

Katsuren-jo castle in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan 12:
U.S. Military and
Central Okinawa

U.S. Military Plane flies into Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan 11:
Togyu
Okinawan Bullfighting

Togyu - Okinawan Bullfighting

Okinawa, Japan 10:
Ocean Expo Park
and Churaumi Aquarium
Shark at Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa, Japan 9:
The Jungles of Yonaha-Dake

Gusuku-Yama on the island of Ie-Jima

Okinawa, Japan 8:
Ie-Jima
Gusuku-Yama on the island of Ie-Jima

Okinawa, Japan 7:
Nakijin Village & Castle
Photo of Juna Ooshiro

Okinawa, Japan 6:
Family in Nakijin
Photo of Juna Ooshiro

Okinawa, Japan 5:
Hentona to Ogimi
Giant Wood Spider - Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan 4:
Hiking Route 58
Curvy road sign in northern Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan 3:
Hedo Misaki
Hedo Misako - Okinawan Revision Monument

Okinawa, Japan 2:
Heading North
Hibiscus on side of road in Northern Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan 1:
Introduction
James with school kids in Naha, Okinawa

Visiting Okinawa:
Second Generation
Heads to Okinawa
Shisa Dog - Okinawa, Japan

Eisa Drums
Eisa drum performance from members of the Ohio Tomonokai.
Eisa Drum Performers at the Ohio Tomonokai Fall Picnic

Ohio Tomonokai
Group Performance 1

featuring Sanshin (Shamisen), Taiko & Singing.
Shamisen and Taiko performance from the members of the Ohio Tomonokai

Ohio Tomonokai
Group Performance 2

featuring Sanshin (Shamisen), Taiko & Singing.
Shamisen and Taiko performance from the members of the Ohio Okinawan Tomono kai

Okinawan Sanshin Performance
Shamisen Performance from members of the Ohio Tomonokai

Okinawan Folk Dancing
Satoko Kortlandt Dances at the Ohio Tomono kai Spring Gathering

Site designed by James Knott
Agile H Productions, LLC
Copyright © 2008