When visiting Naha, you definitely shouldn't miss Naminoue Shrine, built on a coral reef cliff! The vermilion shrine buildings combined with Ryukyu style are solemn and distinctive, and you can also look out over Naminoue Beach from beside the shrine. The grounds are quiet and peaceful, making it a comfortable place to worship or take a walk. You can also pick up a unique omamori as a souvenir. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when I visited, so I missed out on the blue sky and sea, but the gray sky gave the shrine an extra sense of tranquility and mystery. It's still well worth a visit!
Naminoue Shrine | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is a main island of Yaeyama islands in located approximately 400 km southwest of Okinawa main island in the East China Sea. It takes about a 50-minute flight from Okinawa main island. The 3rd largest island of Okinawa Prefecture followed by Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island, and the mild climate and crystal-clear water characteristic of tropical countries are attractive.
What I liked most about Ishigaki Island was its relaxed and comfortable pace. The deep blue sea, lush natural scenery, and distinctive Okinawan island culture create a strong tropical atmosphere everywhere you go.
Ishigaki Island isn't just a place to enjoy ocean views and unwind on vacation. You can also try authentic local specialties such as Ishigaki beef and seafood, strolling around at your own pace and experiencing the rhythm of island life. There isn't much hustle and bustle, just sunshine, sea breezes, and beautiful scenery.
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Uminchu Izakaya Gen Main Branch
If you’re visiting Ishigaki Island, Uminchu Izakaya Gen Main Branch is a must-visit spot. Conveniently located in the center of Ishigaki City, it offers easy access from sightseeing destinations.
Besides Ishigaki beef, seafood is also something you shouldn't miss on Ishigaki Island! This time, we visited the locally well-known Uminchu Izakaya Gen Main Branch. The restaurant has two floors, with the main dining area on the second floor, so you need to take the stairs up.
This isn't just a simple seafood izakaya. It mainly serves a variety of island-style dishes, letting you experience many local Okinawan flavors all at once. May to June happens to be bluefin tuna migration season, when fresh tuna from the surrounding waters is at its most delicious. If you like seafood, I highly recommend visiting during this season to enjoy the fresh seasonal flavors.
The restaurant is located in central Ishigaki City, so you can also explore the surrounding area after your meal. It's worth adding to your itinerary when visiting Ishigaki Island!
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Naminoue Umisora Park Naminoue Beach
It is the only beach in Naha City that stretches near Naminoue Shrine, the first of the eight Ryukyu shrines and the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa.
When we visited Naminoue Shrine on the first day, it happened to be cloudy, so it felt like the blue-sky-and-ocean atmosphere was missing. We made a special trip back the next day! Naminoue Shrine is really popular, and there were quite a few visitors. This time, instead of crowding around the front, we walked along the road behind it and looked back at the shrine from the bridge. With Naminoue Beach below and the pale blue water, the view from this angle was unexpectedly beautiful.
It takes quite a bit of extra walking to get here, but we treated it as a stroll, and it was pleasant to enjoy the scenery along the way. When the weather is good, Naminoue Shrine with the ocean view really feels like Okinawa. It's worth making a special trip to see!
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