Stopover in Naha, Okinawa

We are making our way from Taiwan to Southern Kyushu, Japan.  One of the most cost effective ways happened to be flying from Taipei to Okinawa then Okinawa to Kagoshima.  We spent a day walking around town in Naha.  The subtropical climate and large number of Taiwanese tourists makes it seem we haven't left Taiwan, yet it is unmistakable that we are no longer in Taiwan, no vegetarian restaurants, scooters, or public transport all over the place.  Could it be that I miss Taiwan already?!

A spiffy elevated monorail connects Naha Airport with city center. We did not see much else in the way of public transportation though there are some buses.


In Naha we stayed at the clean, cool and slightly quirky (to us anyway ie Welcome to Japan) Mr. Kinjo Hotel.


View from room window.


We had one full day in Naha and set out in the morning to walk to the restored Shuri Castle.




Shuri Castle's main gate, Shureimon, is the symbol of Okinawa.


Views from the castle ramparts.






Main building.




More ramparts.


Fish pond.


Temple ruins.


After Shuri Castle, we headed over to the Pottery District, Covered Markets, and Shopping Street.










Elevator-style parking garage - cool - space saver for sure.


A tip from the tourist office sent us for an unplanned quick trip to Yogi Park where low key cherry blossom festivities where ongoing.




However, the main action was on the so-called Shopping Street.




The Yomiuri Giants, NOT the SF Giants, are in town for Spring Training.


Ending the day with a local Orion Beer.