The last struggling moments of the Battle of Okinawa that broke in 1945 during the WWII was encapsulated in the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters in Tomigusuku, which is situated 20 minutes south of Naha. The Japanese Empire believed that losing Okinawa, just 500 kilometers from Japanese home islands would be disastrous. Overwhelmed by the superiority of American forces and firepower, the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy devised a plan to concentrate forces in the strategically and more defendable southern part of Okinawa.

Once the Americans finally secured the fiercely defended Shuri line, they advanced to the south of the island to face the final drama in Okinawa Naval Base Force. Read Admiral Minoru Ota, Yamane Division commander and his troop defended the naval port and air station using an elaborated seaward coastal defensive cave which has been constructed by the Japanese Navy Corps of Engineers prior the invasion. On June 11, US marines encircled the headquarter bunker and forced the base to relinquish. Admiral Ota with some 175 staff committed suicide to avoid surrender. Today, traces of the mass suicide can still be seen from the hand grenade blast and bullet pocket scars on the walls. In his final moments, Admiral Ota expressed his deep admiration for the people of Okinawa for their self-sacrifice and cooperation during the battle through a telegram. His other farewell messages including a poem are still clearly visible on a wall today. In March 1970, a 250 meters portion of the originally 450 meters complex tunnel was renovated and opened to the public by the Tourism Development Board. That portion, linked by a stairway 30 meters underground encompasses the commander's office, storerooms, medical room, power room, kitchen, and staff room in all directions. A memorial tower to commemorate the war dead Japanese navy now stands above the headquarters.

The land skirmish of the Battle of Okinawa began on March 26, 1945 and lasted for about 87 days. The Americans first touched the shore of the Kerama Island, 24 kilometers west of Okinawa. Fierce fighting raged on Geruma, Aka, Zamami and Tokashiki Islands before the Kerama group was secured over the next five days. In these preliminary operations, the American 77th Infantry Division suffered 31 dead and 81 wounded, while Japanese dead and captured numbered over 650. Terrified and driven to desperation by the onslaught and the furious shelling, some islanders killed themselves, cutting off the heads of their children with sickles and hitting their wives with stones in the gruesome scenes of mass suicide.

These beautiful islands where once the terrible tragedy of mass suicide unfolded are now part of the Okinawa Seashore National Park. 22 large and small islands in the Kerama group make up the villages of Zamami and Tokashiki. Kerama Island is a group of subtropical islands and islets, located about 40 kilometers southwest from the main Island. The idyllic paradise of Kerama Islands remains largely undiscovered even though they are easily accessible by sea or air. Kerama Islands are known best for its excellent outdoor activities such as fishing, snorkeling, hiking, windsurfing and scuba diving given its wonderful lush green hills explorable by car, bicycle or bus where one can immerse in the magnificent ocean views, and extremely calm clear blue beaches suitable for any level of swimmer and constellation gazers. The islands have been retained in much the same way it did centuries ago and remained a peaceful eco-tourism destination due to environmentally protective locals who resisted commercial development. Keramas offers a handful of restaurants and bars to choose from, where one can feast on delicious food and drink, and spend the evenings mingle with the friendly locals accompanied by melodious folk songs.

Located in Maji Naha city, the Shikina-en, the royal family’s largest country retreat garden, was constructed in 1799 as the second residence of the Ryūkyū kings. The “South Garden” as it is also popularly known, played an important role as a gateway to welcome and entertain “Sapposhi” envoys from China. “South Garden” is named to discern Shikina-en from another beautiful royal villa, Uchaya-udun which was called the “East Garden”

Shikina-en garden spans about 39,600 square meters promenades around a pond. Several arched stone bridges linked to picturesque spots around the pond and the “udun” or villa - a pretty hexagonal gazebo styled of a Chinese building called Rokkakudo with its red tile roof stood in the middle of a small islet. The stone bridges are made from Ryūkyū limestone and carry the Ryūkyūan work of art in terms of its piled-stone construction method. The blend of the typical Japanese landscape garden and the distinct Okinawan building and subtropical flora, offers a unique flavour to anyone who visits the haven. The exquisite park was completely ruined during the Okinawa War but in 1975, the Shō family members began restoration and in the following year, Shikina-en garden was designated as a national scenic spot. Naha City took over the restoration and beautification work after the royal heritage was donated to the city in 1992. The upkeeping efforts have not stopped since then. For over 20 years, Naha City had expended 800 million Yen to maintain this historical garden. In 2000, the Shikina-en was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryūkyū”

Naha, located in the southern part of the largest and most populous island, the Okinawa Island, is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture. In the feudal period, Naha is the commercial and administration center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, and today it is the political, economical and educational center. Americans invasion during the Battle of Okinawa has more or less fused into the rich heritage Okinawa. During the years of US administration for 27 years, the people were in constant contact with another foreign culture and that makes Okinawa’s culture distinctively diversified. Okinawans formed close relations with Asia and the Pacific region, and so provided a wealth of cultural influences.

Okinawa's temperate climate and unique history gave rise to traditional arts and crafts of superb quality in various parts of the prefecture. Thus, in April 1993, the Naha City Arts and Crafts Museum opened its door to showcase the arts and crafts of Naha such as Tsuboya pottery, Ryūkyū lacquerware, Shuri fabrics, Bingata, Ryūkyū Glass and some national living treasures. The museum features standing exhibits ranging from sea-associated life-style and traditions, Ryūkyū Kingdom, outdoor display, post and pre war to the modern Okinawa. Various hands-on activities and exhibits are available in the touch-and-experience room for visitors to pick up and handle, reflect on and study. To those who wish to delve deeper into certain general exhibitions, one may find sub exhibition interesting. Five sub-exhibition rooms categorized under natural history, archeology, arts and craft, history and folk customs are arranged around the main general exhibition area. There is also a museum shop and demonstration studios where video monitors are put in the special exhibit rooms to narrate the production techniques. The standing exhibit hall displays works from studios of currently active artisans and others, and these are available for purchase. In the demonstration studios, visitors can observe the actual making of Ryūkyū Glass, pottery, fabric, Bingata and lacquerware. For a nominal, one can experience among others such as pottery and glass making. In several times a year, special and planned exhibit will be held to show results of research on artifacts and objects not only from Okinawa but around Japan and abroad. With the theme “look • touch • experience Ryūkyū” visitors are guaranteed to shelve memories that can only be gained in Okinawa.

Okinawa has many gusuku (castles) and Shuri Castle is the largest of all. It was built on a plateau approximately 120 meters above sea level, shaped elliptically about 350 meters east-west and 200 meters north-south. When King Shō Hashi of the First Dynasty established Ryūkyū Kingdom, he used Shuri Castle as a residence and for 450 years from 15th century it was the administrative center of the Ryūkyūan Kingdom. Historically, high class samurai families resided in an area adjacent to Kinjo-cho – a castle on the southern hillside behind Shuri Castle. In this area, there is a portion of an important limestone road which went from Shuri through the southern parts of the island.

During the olden times, young samurai and ladies used this pavement as a place to take strolls, sing songs and have dates. This cobblestone road is known as the Ishi-datami and at present is still used daily by the residents both young and old. Ishi-datami was built in 15th century, around the same period of the construction of Shuri Castle, when Ryūkyū Kingdom emerged as the main trading intermediary in Eastern Asia, especially China and Japan, and Southeast Asia. Much of the ancient Shuri is still preserved in this area. The beautifully preserved traditional Ryūkyū homes with familiar red houses and red tiled-roof are lined along behind the stone walls of Ishi-datami. The towering old trees with large wide leaves along Ishi-datami are as much part of the Shuri heritage as these traditional homes. Better known as Akagi and Kuwano-hae-no-ki among the locals, these trees standing 1 to 15 meters and aged 200 and 300 years old, astonishingly survived burns and blasts from the war and deservingly designated as natural national monument in 1972. Before the war, Ishi-datami paved some 10 kilometers long but most of that was destroyed during war, leaving 340 meters of the actual pavement with a width of 2 meters. One may feel its serenity and recall the nostalgic scenes from the Ryūkyūan distant past when traveling this prefectural cultural asset.

The Ryūkyū Kingdom saga began with the Tenson Dynasty (Dynasty of Heavenly Descent), which was said to have lasted 17,000 years, and ended with three kings of the Shunten lineage. Back in the 14th century, small islands around Okinawa were unified into three principalities known as Sanzan (Three Mountains or Three Kingdoms). Each of these kingdoms – Hokuzan (Northern Mountain), Chūzan (Central Mountain) and Nanzan (Shoutern Mountain) were led by tribal chieftains. Chūzan won the battles that ensued, and was then officially recognized by the Chinese as the ruler of Sanzan. In early 15th century, the ruler of Chūzan passed the throne to King Shō Hashi, uniting island of Okinawa for the first time and began the legendary Shō dynasty.

The Second Shō Dynasty began when Kanamaru as later renamed as Shō En, an attendant to the then demised of the seventh King of First Shō Dynasty, gained Chinese investiture. Ryūkyū's golden age and royal culture started to bloom during the reign of Shō Shin, the second king of that dynasty. Over a period of 3 years from 1492, King Shō Shin built the Enkaku-ji temple, modeled after the Kamakura Enkaku-ji, to enshrine his father, King Shō En. This temple, located inside the Shurijo Park, was the chief temple of Rinzai sect of zen Buddhism and the family temple for kings of the Second Shō Dynasty. Though this site was dedicated as a national treasure in 1933, much of the temple and Shuri Castle was destroyed in one of the fiercest battles in WWII, the battle of Okinawa in 1945. Preservation efforts made the Enkaku-ji Soumon (main gate), the Ekimon (side gate) and Houjyo bridge over the Houjpo ‘lotus pond’ pond still visible today. Resembling many of the traditional village in Ryūkyū, Enkaku-ji Soumon has a red-tile gable roof, supported by eight pillars, and beams which upon closer inspection, reveals the intricate detail of the wood carvings. Thanks to the impressive restoration works, the railings on the Houjyo bridge which were designated as a natural cultural asset in 1972, are a showcase of Okinawan stone sculpture masterpiece that can still be observed today.

{mosimage}The Tomari high Bridge that runs a length of one-kilometer over the Tomari Harbor took twelve years to construct, from 1974 to April 1986, when it was opened for the public. This bridge forms part of the coast road from Naha Port to the Aja New Port and the amazing view needs to be seen to be believed. View of the East China Sea competes with the Kerama Island group in the far off distance.

The rust-red colored railings of the Naminoue Bridge sparkle in the south and a glimpse southbound to the left reveals the beautifully perched Naminoue Shrine at the water’s edge. This view affords picturesque and breathtaking beauty to the viewer. The Wakasa seashore nearby, which boasts of a 200-car parking lot and plenty of space, is a favorite with the fishermen and strollers. Closely located are the Wakasa man-made beach and the Asahigaoka Park, which makes visiting these places most convenient.

Tomari Photos

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{mosimage}Peace Prayer Park, located on and around Mabuni Hill (Hill 89) on the southern portion of Okinawa, Japan, is a large complex dedicated to the memories of those that died during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After Okinawa reverted from American to Japanese control in 1972, construction of the park began. The park is at once a destination for visitors and a sacred location for prayer and reflection. It is comprised of four zones: the Peace Zone, the Prayer Area, the Peace Ceremony Zone, and the Recreation Zone. The Peace Zone
This area is comprised of the Peace Memorial Museum, the Peace Memorial Hall, the Cornerstone of Peace, and the Flame of Peace.

Peace Memorial Museum
Focused largely on the impact of the battle on the lives of Okinawan civilians, the Peace Memorial Museum is intended to teach the public about the horrors of war. Permanent exhibits explain the history of the battle from beginning to end and include audiovisual aids such as films, historical objects, 3-D maps, and even a replica cave. Particularly notable is Room 4, in which audio and written testimonies from battle survivors are displayed. The final exhibit chronicles the post-war occupation and struggle for reversion.

Admission is Ą300 for adults and Ą150 for children. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except December 29-January 3).

Peace Memorial Hall
Peace Memorial Hall is best known as the home of the largest lacquered Buddha in Japan. Standing 12 meters high, spanning eight meters across, and comprised of 3.5 tons of lacquer, the Buddha is the magnum opus of renowned Okinawan artist Shinzan Yamada. Prior to World War II, Yamada left Okinawa to study art in Tokyo. Though he returned in 1940 and survived the horrors of the "Typhoon of Steel," he lost two sons during the battle. He constructed the Buddha statue to commemorate the souls of the war dead and espouse hope that such a tragedy would never again occur.

Yamada began constructing the Buddha using tsuikin lacquer techniques in 1957 at the age of 72. The enormous statue took more than 18 years to complete, with work stopping several times due to a lack of funding and twice because Yamada sustained serious injuries in falls from scaffolding. According to literature from the Peace Memorial Hall, the Buddha statue "differs from the usual Buddha in its basic concept. The traditional Buddha is usually placed on a lotus-shaped pedestal, symbolizing the future life, while the pedestal of this non-religious peace statue is decorated with a flower whose six petals represent the six continents. Thus this represents human harmony and world peace."

In the hall, Buddha is surrounded by seven pillars, each representing one of the seven seas. A series of 20 paintings themed "War and Peace" hang on the walls. The paintings took seven years to complete and are the work of Keiyu Nishimura, who wished to "portray the unique culture, the beautiful nature, and the cordiality of Okinawans in contrast to their tragic war experiences." Also in the hall is a small table with paper and acrylic boxes containing hundred of folded cranes. Visitors are invited to fold origami cranes of peace, known as tsuru or orizuru, and place them in the box. On the platform surrounding the Buddha are thousands of cranes and crane collages folded by the children of Okinawa.

Located in a room beneath the hall is the Sacred Stone Chamber. Sacred stones from throughout Japan and the world were collected by Okinawans and placed beneath the statue to act as its foundation.

Outside of the hall on the right is the Peace Bell. Dignitaries toll the bell during peace ceremonies, most notably during Irei no Hi (Day of Remembrance) each year on June 23. Behind the bell is the Peace Monument; when the hall was opened in 1978, organizers collected 1,258 compositions on the subject of peace. The best three are inscribed on the Peace Monument.

Behind the Peace Monument is an art museum that opened in 1981 and houses the works of contemporary Okinawan artists. To the rear of that is the Meditation Forest and a notable bronze statue. When excavation was done for the hall, the bones and shoes of a young boy were found along with three rusty grenades. The statue was placed in the location to console the souls of the children who died during the battle. It also commemorates the tenth anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan.

Admission to the Peace Memorial Hall is Ą450 for adults, and Ą350 for junior and senior high school students. Group rates are available. The museum is open daily (except December 29-January 3). From April 1 to October 15, hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From October 16 to March 31, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Cornerstone of Peace
Though its name makes it sound as though it is a singular mass of stone, the Cornerstone of Peace is a series of zig-zag, black granite monuments that stretch across the low area of Peace Prayer Park and are dedicated to those--American, Japanese, and Okinawan military and civilians--who died in the battle. As you stand at the Flame of Peace and walk down the center aisle, the foreign (American, British, Irish) casualties are listed in a small section on the immediate left. The American casualties are divided by their branch of service, though the branches are not listed on the monuments. (Americans familiar with the military bases on Okinawa need only look for the names of the camps. If you see the last name Lester (Camp Lester, a Navy installation and home of the United States Naval Hospital Okinawa), you'll know you're in the Navy section. The name Buckner (Fort Buckner, one of Okinawa's two Army installations and home of the 58th Signal Battalion) will indicate the Army section. Seeing the names Kinser, Foster, Courtney, McTureous, Hansen, Schwab, and Gonsalves (all Marine Congressional Medal of Honor winners from the Battle of Okinawa) will indicate the Marine Corps section.) Names in each service's section are listed A-Z. Okinawan casualties are also located to the left of the center aisle, and the names are organized by village. Japanese casualties are to the right of the center aisle, and those names are broken down by prefecture.

Anchoring the Cornerstone of Peace is the Flame of Peace, which has been burning continuously since June 23, 1995. It was started from other flames of peace throughout Japan, including one from Zamami Village on Aka Island in the Keramas (the first landing place of U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa), one from the Light of Peace at Hiroshima, and another from the Flame of Affirmation in Nagasaki.

Many incorrectly assume that Peace Prayer Park is where the Battle of Okinawa ended in June 1945. The many cliffs on this portion of the southern coast are often known as Suicide Cliffs. While Generals Ushijima and Cho did commit ritual suicide in the area, they were only one of a handful who did so. Looking toward the water from the Cornerstone of Peace, there is a cliff face to the left. Some individuals committed suicide by jumping off that cliff. Others jumped at Cape Kyan. The area was not a massive field of suicide.

The Prayer Area
The Prayer Area is composed of the National War Dead Peace Mausoleum and the Memorial Path.

The National War Dead Peace Mausoleum
After World War II, Okinawans began the enormous task of collecting the bodies of their friends and families and cremating them according to local custom. In 1945, the government collected the ashes of the deceased and placed them in the mausoleum on Mabuni Hill. More than 180,000 are at rest there.

Memorial Path
Prefectures throughout Japan have donated monuments to the memories of their soldiers that perished during the Battle of Okinawa. Approximately 50 such memorials line this path.

The Peace Ceremony Zone
This large expanse is used annually on June 23 for Irei no Hi. Thousands flock to the site--Okinawan, Japanese, and American--to honor the lives lost. At noon, a moment of silence is observed across the island. A large granite monument anchors the ritual service area used for these ceremonies.

The Recreation Zone
Peace Prayer Park also contains several multi-purpose recreation fields used for gateball, badminton, and other sports. There are several jogging trails, a picnic grove area, and a children's playground. Every year, this area is the half-way point of the Naha Marathon.

Peace Prayer Park Photos

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{mosimage}The word Yanbaru means "mountains and trees". This word is used to describe the area of northern Okinawa where the rolling hills and covered with dense forests of trees. Between these mountains lay farmland that remains preserved far out of the eye of modern day Okinawa. Beautiful vistas can be seen all throughout Okinawa's northern Yanbaru.

Seen here is a small area of farmland near Okinawa's Nakijin region. In the distance the sun sets over Sesoko island.

Yanbaru Photos

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{mosimage}Sefa Utaki is the most sacred site on Okinawa and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Utaki is a hogen (or Uchinaguchi, the language of the Ryukyus) word that means "a place enshrining the gods." Okinawans believe that gods descend to utaki and individuals can communicate with them there through villages and festivals.

Like most other utaki, Sefa Utaki is located in a forested grove. To those unaware of the site's importance, the area seems like little more than a coral outcropping whose main feature is an unusual triangular passageway formed by a portion of the formation sliding off and landing on its edge. While the date of the foundation of Sefa Utaki is unknown, the Chuzan Seikan (the royal history of the Ryukyu Kingdom) says it was the creation of Amamikyo, the founding god of the Ryukyu Islands.

The entrance of Seifa Utaki is the Ujoguchi. In centuries past, admission past this point was limited to members of the royal government. Ordinary citizens could pray at one of the six incense burners at the entrance, each of which symbolized one of the altars in the utaki. Typically, royal priestesses came to Sefa Utaki most often. Because most of the Ryukyuan deities were female, women have historically been held in high regard. Thus, the sisters and aunts of the king, called kikoe kimi, were enthroned at Seifa Utaki and treated as priestesses.

Past the Ujoguchi is the Yuinchi, which shares its name with the Shuri Castle cooking quarters where servants prepared sacred meals for the king. During the reign of the kingdom, foods such as seafood and produce were brought to those quarters from mainland Japan, China, and other distant locations. The term Yuinchi means "a place full of abundant harvest and catches of fish." Until World War II, a horse-shaped stone was placed at the Yuinchi at Sefa Utaki to tell yearly fortunes. Today, visitors might be able to see visitors praying and chanting at this altar.

When facing the triangular opening of Sefa Utaki, an area called the Kifujinnsama Oyasumidokoro is on the right. Two stalactites hang here, and water dripping from them is considered holy. The water was used to tell the fortunes of the kikoe kimi priestesses as well as the Nakagusuku Udun (king's son). The holy water was also used as an offering during New Year rituals.

Through the triangular opening are several altars, including the Sanguui in front and the Chohana on the right. To the left is an impressive view of Kudaka Island, which was also regarded as sacred among Okinawans. The king of Ryukyu visited this triangular opening at least once a year to pray for a rich harvest.

Seifa Utaki Photos

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{mosimage}Images from the quiet area of Okinawa known as Katsuren. The most traveled part of Katsuren is Katsuren Castle, yet the area surrounding Katsuren Castle is covered in sugarcane farms and beautiful beaches that line the western side of the island of Okinawa. Pictured below is an 80-year-old sugarcane farmer in Katsuren Village.

Katsuren Photos

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{mosimage}Bise is a small area in northern Okinawa best known for it's Fukugi trees that line sandy paths through a village that is hundreds of years old. These trees serve as protection from strong typhoon winds.

Travelers visiting Bise will find this area of Okinawa a quiet, undisturbed area of Okinawa that looks like you have just stepped off the boat on one of the outer islands.

Bise boasts crystal clear waters and a beautiful beachline that has a view of Ie Island in the distance. Snorkelers and spear fisherman can be seen in these waters all year round.

Bise Photos

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Okinawa Prints

Images from this collection are now available as fine art prints. Bring home a master crafted print of Okinawa. Custom order your prints of Okinawa through John in Japan. Unique images of Okinawa backed by over 50 years of printing excellence.

{mosimage}Nago, the largest city in northern Okinawa, is best known for its cherry blossom festival. The first cherry blossoms that bloom in Japan are found in Nago at the end of January. During this time the 2,000 cherry blossom trees that surround the ruins of Nago castle come into full bloom.

Not only home to Japan's early blooming cherry blossoms, Nago is also home to Okinawa's Orion Beer brewery, scenic landscapes, a 300-year-old Chinese banyan tree, resorts, and theme parks.

Nago is the largest city on the northern portion of Okinawa, Japan and is perhaps best known for its cherry blossoms. Because Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, the island receives the country’s first blossoms of the year, typically in late January or early February. Thus, during these two months, people across Japan watch the forecast in anticipation of the city’s first burst of blossoms. The city holds its annual Cherry Blossom Festival and first hanami (cherry blossom viewings) of the year in Nago Central Park, at the base of the Nago Castle ruins. At the festival, vendors sell typical matsuri (festival) fare such as takoyaki (balls of fried dough stuffed with octopus), yakitori (grilled, skewered meats, typically chicken or pork), and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles and vegetables), while also hawking wares such as inflatable toys.

The city of Nago curves around a bay facing south. Highway 58 travels along the seafront and curves toward Mt. Yaedake and the area’s many mikan (tangerine) orchards on the northwest side of the city. Just a short distance from Highway 58 is the city’s “guardian,” a massive, 300-yeard old gajyumaru (banyan) tree that grows in the middle of a traffic circle. Nearby is Nago Museum, which hosts displays of rice planting and farming as well as whale hunting pictures and displays. Next door to the Nago Museum is the Orion Brewery. There, you can tour the factory and see for yourself how Okinawa’s famous local beer is made, completing your tour with a taste of the island’s best brew. Only a few hundred feet northeast of Orion Brewery are the Nago Castle ruins, which are located up a lengthy flight of stairs and past several torii. Though nothing of the castle remains, the area has a children’s park and a magnificent view of Nago Bay.

Another nearby attractions is Busena Terrace Resort, located only about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. Famous for its splendid underwater observatory in which visitors can have an excellent showing of many aspects of marine life, this resort is typical of the many commercial endeavors overtaking Okinawa’s coastline. Another wonderful sight are the Nakijin Castle ruins, which overlook the northern coast and the Motobu Peninsula. Nakijin Castle was the 14th century fortress of Hokuzan, the northernmost of the three Ryukyu principalities.

Nago epitomizes the slow, laid-back nature for which Okinawa is famous. Except for blossom time, Nago goes virtually unseen by tourists and foreigners. For those willing to venture north, buses run through Motobu from central Nago, so sightseeing is simple. All sights are also easily accessible by car, and once in the city, navigation is easy and most sights can be easily reached on foot.

Nago Photos

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Okinawa Prints

Images from this collection are now available as fine art prints. Bring home a master crafted print of Okinawa. Custom order your prints of Okinawa through John in Japan. Unique images of Okinawa backed by over 50 years of printing excellence.

{mosimage}Located in Kitanakagusuku Village, the Nakamura House stands as a symbol of the power of Okinawan architectural craftsmanship. This traditional Okinawan home has stood for over 300 years, enduring the Battle of Okinawa, and the harsh subtropical climate of Okinawa.

Nakamura Photos

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{mosimage}Manzamo is located near Onna Village, Okinawa Japan. The Okinawan prefecture government has declared this area a nature preserve due to it being a habitat for rare species of plant life. The area is a naturally formed cliff that exposes the beautiful Okinawa coral reefs.

Manzamo Photos

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