{mosimage}Nago is the largest city on the northern portion of Okinawa. Located just to the south and east of Motobu Peninsula, it is home to several small museums, a brewery, and many ecological attractions.

Nago is the 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 Nago Bay. 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-year 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 attraction 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.

Okinawa Prints

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