Japan 2013: Episode 18

June 26

Shuri Castle

Jim had staff duty on Tuesday, which meant a 24 hour shift (with some napping) keeping tabs of people coming and going, and giving rides for official business as needed. In his down time, we played a little game of hide and seek. I sent an obscure picture of a location on base, and Jim guessed where it was. He's good, he got every one right! Some of my favorites:

  

The 24 hour shift on Tuesday allowed him the day off on Wednesday. We decided to go to Shuri Castle in Naha. Through war and natural disaster, this castle has been rebuilt, at least in part, many times. While presently many of the Kingdom era castles are only remnants of walls now, this castle has been restored and preserved in its historical character. 

Remains of Enkakuji Temple, built 1492

First view of the castle walls

Kankaimon Entrance, circa 1500

Seven Investiture tablets - These are recreated from rubbings and photographs of the originals, destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. Unfortunately many of the historical artifacts we saw were replicas of destroyed originals.

Dragon Conduit, 1523 - This and another spring provided the water for the castle. Overflow ran to a nearby pond.

Shisa guarding the gate

Zuisenmon gate, 1470

"Bridge of Nations Bell" 1458

Koufukumon, original date unknown

Suimui-utaki Worship site

Gate to the main courtyard, being refurbished.

Shisa faucet in the bathroom!

In the Una Forecourt, Sieden building ahead

Nanden/Bandokoro building - I don't know what its original purpose would have been, as this now houses the museum  portion of the park.

Hokuden building, this would have housed the royal family's private quarters

Princess and King?

Example of how the plaster walls were created

In the Seiden building, the first floor Usasuka where the King sat to conduct affairs of state

Second floor Usasuka, for ceremonies and celebrations

Replica of King's crown

Traditional dancers

King's umbrella, would be used in ceremonies and parades for opulence

Shaved ice with red beans, like those in the bean buns we like. This wasn't our favorite desert, but it was worth trying something new.

Army Headquarters Shelter - A tunnel system was built for shelter and military command, completed in March 1945 in preparation for the battle to come.

Unsure what kind of bird this is, I will call it a Japanese Duck.

Odo - Place for worshipping Buddha, built in 1502 and rebuilt in 1621. Bridge called "Tennyobashi"

Big koi and small turtle

Throughout the park (like many tourist sites in Japan) there were stamps to be "collected." Olivia proudly acquired all 29.

With dinner, we enjoyed an Asian Pear. It was big.