Part of the fun of living in a new country is driving around (on the "wrong" side of the road and car), getting lost (ok, only kind of fun), and finding things you never thought you would find! So there we were, driving around the south end of Okinawa island, known as Naha. This is where the airport is, where to go for downtown shopping, where city hall and public transportation thrive, and apparently where to go for an adventure!
As we were driving along a road, which I presume to be the 58 that runs up the coast of the island, with the East China Sea to our left, I see this to our right. We immediately turned, and headed toward the structure.
We pull into the parking lot of where we think this wonderful structure is located, the arm to the lot lifted as a machine spoke Japanese to us. We came upon a map located in the parking lot. Since we couldn't read it, we just ventured along. I think the scariest thing is thinking that your car might get towed if you parked in the wrong spot, or the park is going to close and you will be trapped inside the parking lot, or that you will not have enough Yen to pay the parking fees, etc. You know, the important things that you may miss because you don't speak the language. Things like this make adventures truly, well, adventurous.
Despite our concerns, we just kept walking along the path. We came to a small beach. People were laying out in the blazing hot sun (no exaggeration needed) and were swimming right underneath the overpass in the middle of Naha, one of Okinawa's major cities. To us it was kind of weird; could you imagine doing this in California?! You would probably come out with black feet from toxic water. Haha. But, it was like a miniature beach to them, complete with food and drink vendors and people renting out swim equipment.
This sign was on the beach. We have no idea what it says, besides what the little pictures depict: "no dogs, alcohol, fireworks, etc." We were a little confused about the picture with the two people and swim equipment… "No swimming"???
There is a beautiful cliff over the beach where people were swimming. But, I really liked this picture because of the palm tree that lost his head. I promise I did not photoshop his head out!
Passing the beach and continuing to our true destination (the authentic structure we saw from the 58), we walked up this random dirt area that looked like it was used for nothingness, rounded the corner, and found this…Apparently a Shrine!!
We did not know what this "watering hole" was for (pic below) until we saw a few locals take the ladles, scoop out some water, and rinse off their hands. We didn't know if anything was "sacred" here, so we opted out. You never know whose toes you may step on because you're doing something wrong.
I have no idea who this guy is, but he must be important. I'm sure the locals know…Guess I need to do more research on Okinawan history.
This was what we saw from the road, the Shrine!! People were praying here so we did not want to get too close, but it was really cool to find, while we were out exploring the city. According to a local Okinawan, the Shrine we happened upon is called Naminoue-gu Shrine. Side note: Every time we meet someone that speaks relatively good English, I make them look through my random photos and tell me what these things are. This girl was so excited when I showed her these photos and exclaimed that she used to live very close to this Shrine.
Where they prayed.
A simple google search of Naminoue-gu Shrine revealed that it is a Shinto (the indigenous religion of Japan) Shrine also known as "Above the Waves Shrine." It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, since the 1300's! Its most recent addition is a smaller shrine located on the grounds, which was built in 1993. People have used the Shrine for various purposes over the many years, but it was mainly used as a place to pray for safe journeys in the seas (when trade between the Asian countries increased) and to house Shinto objects of worship. Naminoue-gu Shrine is on the list of most popular Shrines around the world…Who would have thought we just happened upon this piece of history while driving around!
We left the main Shrine area and found these beautiful steps and pathways. It was so serene here; the only other person we saw was an old Okinawan man sitting on a bench and enjoying the ocean view. I love this photo - the pathway of stone steps that look like they lead to Heaven.
There were smaller statues and areas for praying all around the main Shrine. This one is a carving of a woman holding a baby.
Again, my lack of knowledge of Okinawan culture lets me down. I wish I knew what this statue was; there were many steps leading up to it and it sat in the center of several pathway directions.
After walking around the Shrine for a few hours, we decided to look for a place to eat lunch. We left the parking lot, with the parking machine again speaking Japanese as we pulled away. We happened upon a restaurant that looked good, because it had a window display of food. Haha. You can tell when you are in an area that not many Americans venture when the older Okinawan people stop to stare at you. It's kind of disconcerting because you are not sure if they are angry with American military or if they are just curious. Uh well, continue forward.
The restaurant - I later asked the local that spoke good English and she said it's called Akebono Ramen.
The food window - sorry the pic is not good.
This is the inside of the restaurant. They did not speak ANY English and their menu is written in Kanji! The menu is displayed all over the walls and even from the ceiling. Great, how do we order…? You get creative. We stood up, walked the server outside to the food display window, and pointed to something that looked good. Haha! Success. Forget you, language barrier!
Our food! I ordered Yakisoba (sautéed noodles) and Mike ordered the fried chicken. They were both delicious!
More of the menu (and me drinking soup). I wish we could read Kanji, because there are TONS of food options. We were limited by the outdoor food window display. All of the food that people at other tables had ordered was not in the window display. Next time, I think I'll just point to one of the banners behind me, or point to someone's food at another table! Haha!
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