I am going on a solo trip to Okinawa for two nights and three days. Last time, I focused on sightseeing in the northern part of the island, but this time I plan to concentrate on the southern part. I will enjoy whale watching, explore the Gyokusen-do Cave (a limestone cave) at Okinawa World, visit the Himeyuri Peace Museum and the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park to pay my respects. Of course, I will also check on the reconstruction progress of Shuri Castle, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. I am considering planning a third trip to Okinawa around that time. (February 20–22, 2024)
Day 1
Depart from Itami Airport: 08:35 (JAL 2081)
Arrive at Naha Airport: 10:50
From Naha Airport, take the monorail and get off at Asahibashi. First, drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then head to Miegusuku Port to start the whale watching tour with "SEA World." The whales observed in the waters around Okinawa are humpback whales. The boat accommodates 36 passengers and 5 staff members. As you search for the whales' spouts, known as "blows," you will travel approximately one hour over the blue ocean. Amidst the wind and waves, the long-awaited moment arrives, and the sight of the whales is truly overwhelming. Their immense presence merges with the sea and sky, and their graceful movements evoke a sense of touching the mysteries of nature. Each sighting on the boat brings cheers from the passengers, and witnessing the powerful flick of the whale's tail became a lifelong memory. However, according to the announcement from the Okinawa Whale Watching Association, to avoid causing excessive disturbance, tracking whales within 100 meters is prohibited. While it is allowed for whales to approach the boat, this is a rare occurrence. Therefore, a telephoto lens is necessary to capture the whales on camera.
【Route Inn Grantia Naha】
Day 2
I visited Gyokusen-do Cave within Okinawa World via the Naha city sightseeing bus. I was overwhelmed by the impressive rock formations and the fantastical stalactites. The cave was very comfortable, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. Although the cave is about 5,000 meters in total length, the area open to tourists is 890 meters. I explored while taking photos, and the visit lasted about an hour. Inside Okinawa World, there is also a show venue where the traditional Okinawan "Eisa Dance" performance is held at 12:30. Unfortunately, photography and video recording were prohibited, so I couldn't capture those moments. After lunch, I headed to the Himeyuri Tower. The Himeyuri Tower is a memorial built on top of the Ibara Third Surgical Division Cave, which was the final base for the Himeyuri student corps. This cave was a refuge for staff from the Okinawa Army Hospital Third Surgical Division and the Himeyuri students after their retreat from the southern part of the island. On the morning of June 19, 1945, many students and teachers lost their lives due to a US military attack. The site serves as a place to commemorate the victims of the Okinawa War and to offer prayers for peace. It is a solemn moment to show respect for history and offer prayers for peace. Next, I visited the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, located on the hills of Mabuni in Itoman City. The park features the "Cornerstone of Peace," which has the names of war dead from Okinawa, other prefectures in Japan, and foreign countries, as well as the "Peace Prayer Statue," which prays for the souls of the deceased and eternal peace. The serene view of the vast ocean from the park symbolizes the preciousness of life and rebirth. This trip intertwined themes of nature, history, and peace. The emotional impact of the fantastical Gyokusen-do Cave, the solemn atmosphere of the Himeyuri Tower, and the tranquil gardens of the Peace Memorial Park strongly reaffirmed the importance of peace.
【Route Inn Grantia Naha】
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