Toguchi Beach

Following our exploration of the Zakimi Castle site, we ended our gray day at Toguchi Beach.
 

This area is one of my favorites!!

 

 

 

 

 

The camera self-timer comes in handy!! 

 

 

An old "turtle-back" tomb on the grounds above the beach. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's my understanding this beach was used as one of the landing areas prior to the Battle of Okinawa. 

 

And for the last shot of the day----
a dead eel!!!
 

Zakimi Castle

We took advantage of the Presidents Day holiday to do a bit of adventuring at Zakimi Castle and Toguchi Beach. I had been before and knew that Rodney would enjoy them.
 

I had not been through the museum, so this was a good time to go. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed inside, so I only was able to snap a couple-- one of the lovely green slippers to wear in the museum (no outside shoes allowed in the exhibit area) and one of the sign inside the bathroom.

 

 

A sugarcane press 

Ossuaries outside the museum

 

 

 

The walkway up to the castle. 

 

There were some cute little visitors at the castle that day!!

 

We found a few photo-op spots around the grounds.
A friend touched up the above pic :0)

 

 

Built in the early 1400s, it seems this is the first castle in the Ryukyu kingdoms to be built with this particular style arch gateway.

 

 

Then we were off to Toguchi Beach
before the rain moved in!!

Urasoe Castle site

Our first adventure of 2013 was to spend a gorgeous Sunday afternoon exploring the grounds of the Urasoe Castle site...

The view from the lookout and hilltop was brilliant!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 14th Century it was home to the largest castle on island, just prior to the union of the small kingdoms under the rule of Shuri. Now its mainly a mausoleum, which suffered much damage during the Battle of Okinawa, but has since been refurbished.

 

 

 

 

It always fascinates me how they built the walls... 

 

 

 

From one of the small trails you can look down onto the town below and on this hillside covered with small mausoleums. 

The Okinawans waste no ground and put their little gardens in all nooks and crannies!

The road up the hill had a few potential 'obstructions' to keep you on your toes!!

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon outing!!