Okinawa - Japan 3 -

Hello Japan, again!

I reckon Okinawa has a slightly different flavour of Japan because of its history, unique local accents, and cuisine. Those elements are fascinating and make me feel as if I’m overseas. However, the weather was a mix of rain and sunshine, so we tried to choose the right places to visit depending on the conditions.

Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping by Blue Seal, the famous Okinawan ice cream shop.

We hopped on a bus to visit, which wasn't too far from the city centre. There were several lookout points and scenic spots around the castle, although some of them were still under construction after the conflagration. It was a real shame to see that, but I hope the restoration will be completed soon and that such a disaster never happens again.

The architecture was fasnating . Sturdy concrete construction, thick concrete block walls, and open-air designs reflect how buildings here are adapted to the island's climate. They are built to edure harsh salt air, powerful typoons, and heavy humidity, yet all these practial elements come togather beautifully to create a distinctive Okinawan style. I really love it.

Shisa Guardians, Lion-like figures are placed on roofs, gates, and entrances to ward off evil spirits. Well these one above wera e cute tiny version of it.

On a rainy, stormy day, we visited. Apparently, it's a popular hotspot for locals, as it was recommended to us by several taxi drivers and bar owners.

It's a vast area filled with shopping centres and restaurants featuring American-style decor. Despite the weather, we enjoyed a long walk along the beach and wandered through the shops.