Photographer in Okinawa Japan. HDR Photography, traditional photography, etc. http://www.hdrjapan.com Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:52:10 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Hedo-Point-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 Located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Honto, Hedo Point marks the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. The surrounding waters are known among the dive community for containing some of the most breathtaking seascapes in the prefecture. hdr travel okinawa okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Yanbaru-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 The northern portion of Okinawa Honto is collectively known as Yanbaru and consists mostly of thick forests and jungles. While civilization may not be the region's main feature, the area is particularly important for the amount of diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the harsh, intertwining expanses of vegetation. hdr travel okinawa okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Nakijin-Castle-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 Recognized as one of a dozen World Heritage Sites on Okinawa, Nakijin has a storied past that dates back to the 13th century. During the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Nakijin served as the primary castle of the Hokuzan, the northernmost portion of the kingdom. hdr travel okinawa okinawa japan castle http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Orion-Beer-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 Before World War II, beer held little prominence among Okinawans, who preferred their native spirit of awamori. But with the flood of American service members and government officials during Occupation, a new market emerged for beer. Founded in 1957, Orion Brewery makes their select pilsner-style brew using hops imported from Germany and the Czech Republic. hdr travel okinawa okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Churaumi-Aquarium-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 One of the three largest aquariums in the world, Churaumi is home to dozens of varieties of fish, sharks, and manta rays. It's also one of the few aquariums in the world that has successfully housed whale sharks in captivity, and scientists at the park lead the way in research on coral bleaching and whale shark mating. hdr travel okinawa okinawa aquarium okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Nago-City-Okinawa-Japan-104.html&Itemid=99999999 In January and February of each year, eyes across Japan turn to Nago to eagerly await the country's first cherry blossoms. The city's Central Park, near Nago Castle ruins, host an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, traditionally observed as the first hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, of the year. hdr travel okinawa okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Hiji-Falls-Okinawa-Japan.html&Itemid=99999999 Cutting across the heart of the dense forests and jungles of Yanbaru is the Hiji River, which plummets several meters to produce Okinawa's largest and most spectacular waterfall. Though cliff jumping is prohibited for SOFA status personnel, there's nothing stopping visitors from cooling off from the 1.5-kilometer hike in the refreshing pool below. hdr travel okinawa okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=The-Kerama-Islands.html&Itemid=99999999 This strip-shaped Tokashiki Island is located in the east of the Kerama Islands, 60 minutes ferry ride from Naha, and populated with approximately 700 villagers. Most of its area is hilly, but the sea with fully developed coral reefs is crystal clear and worthy to be called the "paradise for divers". Both of the two main resort beaches, Tokashiku and Aharen Beaches overlook white beachesof coral sands and emerald green ocean. hdr travel okinawa okinawa diving okinawa http://www.hdrjapan.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Okinawa-island-Star-Sand.html&Itemid=99999999 When tourists flock to Okinawa’s southern Yaeyama Islands during the summer, one of the most popular and coveted souvenirs they can pick up is a bottle of hoshizuna—literally, star sand. Small vials and bottles packed with star-shaped grains backed by garishly colored sand can be purchased from omiyage vendors on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, while the more adventurous can collecttheir own on a secluded beach on nearby Taketomi. Of course, the tiny treasures are misnomers, and each [...] hdr travel okinawa okinawa island okinawa