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Ikei MiyagiExploring

&

Pages 4-5

A long trip to the ‘farthest islands’

INSIDE INFO

KADENA AIR BASE – Throughout the Pacific Theater, U.S. military units must overcome jungle terrain riddled with cliffs, poisonous creatures, dense foliage yielding mere yards of visibil-ity, and muddy slopes that threaten to launch anyone down 30-foot ravines of twisted roots and jagged rocks.

Welcome to the jungle.

U.S. Army Green Berets from 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Greoup, in-vited Team Kadena airmen to train with them at the U.S. Marine Corps Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan.

“The Special Forces detachment in-corporated airmen from around Oki-nawa to attend a training exercise to bridge the gap in small unit tactics, communication techniques, and patient

STORY AND PHOTOS BY STAFF SGT. PETER REFT,

18TH WING

SEE JUNGLE ON PAGE 2

DON’T TRASHZAMAMI ISLAND

PAGE 3

YOU CAN STILL CATCH THE FIREWORKS

PAGE 6

SLIDE INTO NAGO CASTLE PARK

PAGE 8

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extraction procedures between our airmen and the Green Be-rets,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Triana, an inde-pendent duty medical techni-cian paramedic (IDMT-P) from the 67th Fighter Squadron. “Each airman is trained in a dif-ferent specialty providing vari-ous perspectives to achieve the tactical objectives presented by the detachment in the jungle.”

This integration enabled the airmen to train in basic U.S. Army Infantry squad and pla-toon tactics for the first time while simultaneously allow-ing the Special Forces detach-ment to hone its combat lethal-ity and readiness posture for high intensity conflict against a

near-peer adversary, according to a 1-1 SFG (A) command vi-sion document.

“Small unit tactics and pa-tient extraction training pro-vided the skills necessary to perform the duties required in a tactical element or combat scenario,” said Triana. “This

training opportunity has en-hanced our readiness to re-spond to humanitarian relief efforts and deploy to a declared theater of armed conflict.”

The Special Forces detach-ment is optimizing the joint training opportunities present on Okinawa, Japan. Working

with adjacent military units from the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army allows the detachment to enhance its ad-visory capacity and maintain readiness before deploying to a foreign country.

“Training with these airmen opens different channels in terms of capabilities, resourc-es, and training value,” said a Special Forces medical ser-geant. “For our Air Force coun-terparts, it provides a valuable opportunity for them to learn tactical skills they may never have been taught. For us, seeing them motivated, aggressively engaging in these drills, and ad-vancing in their understanding of small unit tactics is valuable feedback for an instructor and advisor on our skills.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1NTINUED FROM PAGE 1

JUNGLE: Enhancing readiness

STRIPES OKINAWA 3OCTOBER 3 − OCTOBER 9, 2019 A STARS AND STRIPES COMMUNITY PUBLICATION

CAMP FOSTER — Local offi-cials on Okinawa have appealed for visitors to stop littering on the tropical island prefec-ture’s beaches after com-plaints sur-faced recently on social me-dia about U.S. servicemem-bers.

The issue was first raised on Labor Day, Sept. 2, when the Zamami Island beach patrol posted photos of litter to Instagram. Village offi-cials said the trash was left by both Japa-nese and U.S. military visi-tors to the island.

The trash was left at both the beach and the port and in-cluded Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans, red Solo Cups and plastic exchange-brand water bottles typically sold only at U.S. mili-tary installations.

“Starting [Aug. 30], there were Y-plate cars parked at the site and many military-look-ing, young groups and families

BY AYA ICHIHASHI AND MATTHEW M. BURKE,STARS AND STRIPES

Published: Sept. 23, 2019

singled out for littering.“Locals and other visitors

from outside of Okinawa also trash the beaches and camp-sites,” a spokesman said. “Some trash is floating waste from elsewhere and some is obvious-ly discarded by visitors and lo-cals. The beach trash problem has been a headache for all of the districts on island.”

Tokashiki Village official Norio Ozaki came to the de-fense of the U.S. servicemem-bers who visit that island.

U.S. servicemembers “are easier to work with as they lis-ten to guards and staff,” Ozaki said. “This goes to every visi-tor to the island: Please bring

back everything you brought as our garbage disposal plant is made for our village popula-tion of about 761, and we wel-come 20,000 visitors a month

during the peak season. It is just too much trash to handle.”

Hata also had a message for

people who litter.“We are happy that visitors

come to the island and it sure boosts our economy,” Hata said. “However, please have manners and obey the rules. If you guys cannot do that, then please go elsewhere.”[email protected]: @[email protected]: @AyaIchihashi

trash off Japan’s beaches each year.

Japan’s Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infra-structure, Transport and Tour-ism declined to comment on U.S. servicemember littering. The Okinawa Defense Bureau, which represents Japan’s De-fense Ministry on the island, said it hasn’t seen the reports of littering on Zamami.

Zamami Tourism Associa-tion officials had not heard re-ports specific to U.S. service-members except for a case in January in which a Torii Sta-tion-based soldier was arrest-ed after breaking nine street lights at a cost of $13,000.

The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau said that U.S. servicemembers should not be

were there,” said Tatsuya Hata, chairman of Zamami Beach Patrol. “They all spoke American English and lived on Okinawa mainland. There were only a few Japanese groups at the site.”

L i c e n s e plates that be-gin with the letter “Y” are reserved in Ja-pan for Ameri-cans under the status of forces agreement.

Z a m a m i is one of the Kerama is-lands, which also include T o k a s h i k i and Aka, ap-p r o x i m a t e l y 20 miles west of Okinawa’s main island. The islands are accessible by a 50-min-ute high-speed ferry ride.

Litter being left by U.S. ser-vicemembers on Zamami’s beaches has increased in re-cent years as the overall traffic has increased since the island was named a national park in 2014, Hata said.

The most littered item is cig-arette butts but also includes food packaging, beer cans, broken camping supplies and plastic bottles, Hata said. He has seen some leave full bags of trash.

“Just because you cannot find a trash can, why would you leave it on the street?” he said.

Incidents involving U.S. servicemembers occur most-ly during American holiday weekends and summer vaca-tion, Hata said. Japanese of-fenders litter most during the Obon holiday, which takes place in mid-August.

Violating Japan’s Waste Management and Public Clean-ing Law by littering can draw penalties of up to six months in prison or a $463 fine, Japanese government websites state.

Marine Corps officials on Okinawa and Kadena Air Base’s 18th Wing were con-tacted for comment on Sept. 17 but did not respond. The U.S. military in Japan holds beach cleanups each year at nearly every installation near a beach, pulling thousands of pounds of

Zamami Island’s Ama Beach, which is frequented by green sea turtles who come to graze on seaweed, is next to a campsite popular with foreign tourists. Photos by Aya Ichihashi, Stars and Stripes

Litterbugs trash at Zamami Island

This goes to every visitor to the island: Please bring back everything you brought as our

garbage disposal plant is made for our village

population of about 761, and we welcome

20,000 visitors a month during the peak

season. It is just too much trash to handle.

– Norio Ozaki,Tokashiki Village official

“

”

EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM:

the waters there. This beach used to be called “ma-ma-san’s beach” by U.S. servicemembers, accord-ing to a staff member working at the beach.

Take note, both Ikei and Oodomari Beaches charge a usage fee, but also have shower rooms and restrooms on site. Ikei Beach has a restaurant, which serves up Okinawa soba noodles, ginger pork, a combo of fried egg and pork, and more. At the re-ception desk of Oodomari Beach, visitors can buy food such as curry and taco rice.

Aside from offering stunning beaches, Ikei Island is known for its many historical sites.

One of these spots is Nakabaru Ruins, only a few minutes from both beaches. Discovered in 1978, the ruins date back about 2,000 to 2,500 years. Earth-enware such as pots and vases, stone axes and ac-cessories made from seashells were excavated at this location. According to an Uruma City brochure,

23 pit dwelling houses were found there. Five of them were restored with lime-rocked

walls and thatched roofs, offering a glimpse back in time. Other his-

toric sites on Ikei include shell mounds, caves and a fountain.

Near Ikei beach, continue your trip back in time with a stroll around the traditional Okinawan homes still in use today. In the autumn, this community is host to “Ichihanari Art Project,” an annual art festival. During this season, the old streets

and houses are adorned with artwork ranging from statues,

dolls, mural paintings, fabric, photos and more. As with the other remote islands,

life on Ikei was not an easy one due to scarcity of fresh water. An old local folk

ballad speaks of a girl who laments the lack

W hat once required a two-hour boat ride from Okinawa’s Katsuren Peninsula, a visit to “Ichihanari,” or the “farthest is-

land,” now takes less than 30 minutes on the Kaichu Doro Causeway.

The causeway connects Henza and Miyagi Is-lands before it reaches the farthest island, now known as Ikei, a must-see when visiting the area.

Ikei Beach on the southwestern coast of the is-land is host to year-round swimming and water ac-tivities. This is a great spot for taking a ride on a banana boat, wakeboarding, flyboarding and more. Since this is an inlet, the waters are relatively calm and make for great swimming.

Oodomari Beach, about a five-minute drive away, is another gem with a 1,968-foot shore and great snorkeling due to the many tropical fish that live in

Ikei Beach GPS COOR ADMISSION

yen for ageyears and u

WEBSITE: h

Oodomari GPS COOR ADMISSION WEBSITE: h

Nakabaru GPS COOR

of water by saying “Although I want to marry into (a family of) Ikei Island, scooping water out of a well must be very painstaking.”

According to a report by Okinawa Prefectural Museum, people on the Island made living by agri-culture and fisheries. They often ventured to distant seas, maneuvering fast ships during the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) and Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) eras.

Today, water is no longer the difficult resource to attain as it once was, and tourism is thriving for Ikei. Memories of the past, however, are preserved on the island, making it a fun and interesting destination.

Though it may be the furthest island, Ikei is not one you’ll want to miss during your stay in Okinawa. [email protected]

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHOJI KUDAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA

Kin BayKin Bay

KaicKaic

tsu PeninPeni

YoYokatsu Peninsula

YoY katsu PeninsulaSTORY AND PHOTOS BY SHOJI KUDAKA

Okinawa’s ‘farthest island’

Take a long trip to Ikei,


Nakabaru Ruin

Oodomari Beach

Ikei Beach

P ast Henza Island, the road will lead you to Miyagi Island, formerly known as Takahanari Jima, or “a

high and distant island” in Okinawan dia-lect.

The topography of the island puts parts of it at around 328 feet or more above sea level. This height provides optimal places on the island for stun-ning views of sunsets, sunrises and vast landscape.

The dynamic island, however, has a murky past. During the Ryukyu King-dom (1429-1879), Miyagi Island was a

place of exile for political criminals, according to the Okinawa Conven-tion & Visitors Bureau.

Though those days are long gone, the island’s unique attrac-tions remain, drawing many tourists throughout the year.

One of these attractions is Nuchi-una, a salt factory located on a cliff along the southeastern coast. It is

known for producing a special brand of salt called Nuchi-masu, which con-

tains more minerals than average salt.Visitors to the island can stop at the

factory for a look at part of the process of making the special salt. Using four pumps and three tanks to draw water from the ocean, the company chose this location near a cliff where the factory sits specifi-cally for the water below.

The fast-oceanic currents of the area, plus no residences nearby, means clean

h RDINATES: N 26.388191, E 127.991157N: 600 yen (about $5.68) for adults; 300 es between 5 and 12; free admission for 4 under.http://www.ikei-beach.com/

i BeachRDINATES: N 26.393671, E 127.991055N: 500 yen for adults; 300 yen for childrenhttp://www.oodomari.com/

Ruins RDINATE: N 26.391372, E 127.994759

Nuchiuna GPS COORDINATES: N 26.360380, E

127.991004 HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. *Free Admission WEBSITE: www.nuchima-su.co.jp

Kafu Banta (Happy Cliff) GPS COORDINATES: N 26.360349, E

127.992037

Tonnaha Beach GPS COORDINATES: N 26.378660, E

127.981936 PARKING FEE: 500 yen

about $4.60) is a good choice. Enjoy a cone and, from the restaurant’s terrace, a beau-tiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

After the salt factory, take a short walk to Kafu Banta or “Happy Cliff.” From here, visitors are treated to more amaz-ing views, specifically those of Nuchino Hama, a crescent moon-shaped beach below. Kafu Banta is also surrounded by rocks and caves in curious shapes. Follow the walking paths to explore the cliff.

Tonnaha, another beach in a seclud-ed area, has many options for water ac-

tivities like banana boat rides, jet skis, wakeboarding and more. Settle in for a barbecue lunch on the wooden decks. The English menus available for both the food and the activities make it easy to spend a full day at the beach.

Although once a place of exile, Miyagi Island now blesses both locals and tourists alike with unique salt, stunning beauty, and fun [email protected]

seawater essential for good salt-making. Once pumped up the cliff, the seawater is processed in a unique method where the water is nebulized before being dried and crystalized in the air, helping to preserve many of the salt’s minerals.

At the factory, visitors can see newly-made salt piled up like powdered snow, and sometimes even, a glimpse of factory employees painstakingly removing im-pure substances from the white salt.

Try the salt in dishes carefully sea-soned with it at the factory’s restaurant, “Café Restaurant Takahanari.” The loca-tion serves up curry rice, salted pork, and soba noodles all made with Nuchi-masu.

And for a treat on a hot summer day, Nuchi-masu Salt Soft Cream (500 yen or

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHOJI KUDAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA

about $4.60) is a good choice. Enjoy a cone STORY ANDD PHPHOTOTOS BY SSHOJHOJHOJOJOJOJJHO I KI KI KI KI KI KI KKUUUDUDAUDAUDAKAKAKA, STRIPES OKINAWA

Going high and far on Miyagi Island

hhOodomari BeachOodomari BeachNakabaru Ruins Nakabaru Ruins

Ik i B hIk i B hIkei BeachIkei Beachhh

hhTonnaha BeachTonnaha Beachachach

MiyagMiyaggi Islandgi Islandd

Heianza IslandHeianza Islanddddd

higaigaigaigaHamahiHamahiHamahiHamahindndIslandIsland

gggggggb hihibuchiuchiYY bY bYabuYabu

nddIslanIslaIIIIIIIIIIIslandIsland

hiunahiunaNuchiunNuchiu

fu Bantafu BantaKafuKafuKK

chu dorochu doroo

ndddddddndddddddIkei IslanIkei Islan


Tonnaha Beach

Kafu Banta

Nuchiuna


Stripes Okinawa is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication. This newspaper is authorized for publication by the Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stripes Okinawa are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense or the U.S. Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes Okinawa may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated

locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of those products by the Department of Defense or Stars and Stripes. Products or services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

J ust because summer is over and fall season is in full effect doesn’t mean the

fireworks have to stop! Head to Onna Village for a display of over

www.onnanavi.com/ for more information.

FIREWORKS AND FESTIVALS GALORE!HANTAGAWA MA-MI FESTA -Think Local, Act Creation!- Vol. 7: Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; market featuring locally-grown beans; at Hantagawa Public Hall; free admission; temporarly free parking (near Shikina-en) up to 40 slots avaialble; 090-7460-0399; www.facebook.com/events/1028413017489733/.25TH IHEYA MOONLIGHT MARA-THON: Oct. 12, Full Marathon at 3 p.m. and Half Marathon at 5 p.m.; registration

no Hiroba on Iheya Island; 0980-46-2867; www.iheya-moonlight.jp/.WORLD BEER FEST OKINAWA OCTO-BERFEST X OKINAWA FOOD FLEA: Oct. 12, 3-9 p.m., Oct. 13, noon-7 p.m.; taste craft beer, and varieties of beer from around the world, along with gour-met food by local farmers; at Ginowan Port Marina, Ginowan Seaside Park; free admission; free parking available; 080-5004-0990; www.facebook.com/oki-nawaoctoberfest/.13TH YAESE-CHO YOUTH EISA FESTI-VAL: Oct. 13, 3:30 p.m.; free admission; temporary free parking lot available, but use of public transportation recom-mended; at Gushikami Athletic Park; 080-3221-9503.34TH ZENTO SHISHIMAI (ALL OF OKI-NAWA ISLANDS LION DANCE) FESTI-VAL: Oct. 13, 6 p.m.; lion dance teams throughout Okinawa get together at Uruma City Agena Bullring; free admis-sion; free shuttle bus from Uruma Shimin Geijyutsu Gekijo (Citiznes’ Art Teatre); 098-923-7182; www.city.uruma.lg.jp/index.php.40TH KIN-CHO FESTIVAL: Oct. 12-13, 5-9 p.m.; featuring Okinawa traditional

-sion; free temporary parking lot avail-

shuttle bus to the venue); 098-968-2111; www.town.kin.okinawa.jp/.34TH KITANAKAGUSUKU SHIOSAI FESTIVAL: Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; at Nakagusuku-son Shiosai Park; traditional

free admission; 098-935-2233; www.vill.kitanakagusuku.lg.jp/.HONEN FES!!! -KUNIGAMI-: Oct. 13, 11

Village’s rich nature and the local culture;

Space; free admission; free parking up to 100 spots available; 090-3413-3413.14TH NARIYAMAAYAGU MATSURI: Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Nariyamaayagu is a folk song on Miyako Island; free to view the competition; at Tomori Imgya; parking available up to 400 lots; 080-6480-1877; www.nariyamaayagu.com/.49TH NAHA OTSUNAHIKI: Oct. 12-14;

performances, etc.; no parking available;

4858; www.naha-otsunahiki.org/; www.naha-navi.or.jp/magazine/2248/.34TH KOZA MOUASHIBI CONCERT: Oct. 14; 6-9 p.m.; Okinawan folk song concert; free awamori served; tickets: 1,800 yen each; at Okinawa Zoo & Mu-seum; free parking available; 098-933-4190; www.okzm.jp/.30TH MINAMI DAITO-SON SANGYO MATSURI (BOROJINO FAIR): Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; a number of events, including Bon Odori, Sumo wrestling,

Park; free admission; no parking avail-able; will be postponed to Oct. 26 in case of severe weather; 0980-22-2184.TAIKEN KODOMO FESTIVAL REIWA IN MICHINO EKI ITOMAN -KIDS OSHIGO-TO TAIKEN-: Oct. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; postponed to the following weekend in case of rain; Children experience sev-eral occupations in real world settings; this hands-on experience would give children an opportunity to learn more about their future dreams and to appre-ciate their parents’ daily hard work; 200 yen to participate (additional fees may or may not apply for each job experience); at Michino Eki Itoman; temporary park-ing available at Bi Bi Beach Itoman (take shuttle bus to the venue); 098-840-3100; www.facebook.com/itoman.torism/.42ND URASOE TEDAKO MATSURI:

098-876-1234.

fireworks show starts at 8 p.m. so make sure to get a good spot.

The festival is a 10-minute-drive from Ishikawa IC on the Okinawa Express and there is free parking and shuttle from the Akama Sports Park. Visit

5,000 fireworks on Oct. 5.The community center will

host its 5th annual Onna-Son Churaumi Fireworks Festival from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Get there early for live performances and some awesome food vendors. The

STRIPES OKINAWA www.onnanavi.ccomomommm///// / ffofor more information

free admissioee admission; 09098 98-935-22kitanakagusuku.lg.jp/.g jp/

fireworks show starts at 8 p.m. so make sure to get a good spot

5,5,5 000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000 0 0 fififififirfirfirfirfirfirfifirfirfirfirfirfirfirfirfirfireeeeworks on Oct. 5.The community center will

ARIPES OS OOOKKKINKINAWAWA

Still a great time to catch some reworks

Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku:

ACROSS1 Sidewinder

sound5 Smart-mouthed

10 Lends a hand14 Social starter15 "The Republic"

writer16 Flat-bottomed

boat17 Kind of mark18 Bold poker bet19 Stick up for20 Funeral pile21 Figure skater

Johnny22 Cuban dance23 Periphery25 ____-than-life26 Element no. 528 Demand30 Jennifer Garner

series31 Trip planner's aid32 Dandy dresser35 Secure with 2 Pitch-black 36 Diluted art 47 Prey grabber

straps 3 Cooked in a wok medium 49 Like some 37 Pizzeria herb 4 Detour route, 38 Type of seizure remarks39 Lawn starter often 41 Within earshot 51 Ann of true crime40 Colorful parrot 5 Breed, as 43 Like the Lone 53 Racetrack 42 Done to death salmon Ranger figures43 The Louvre, e.g. 6 Loyalty 45 Brothers' 54 Dennis, to Mr. 44 Gypsy's deck 7 Most noticeable keeper? Wilson45 Secure 8 Awaken 46 "Survivor" team 56 Alley prowler48 Temporary 9 "Silent Night"

teacher adjective50 Full of chutzpah 10 Separate into 51 Novelist ___ groups

Mae Brown 11 Cake topper52 Bit of rain 12 Dakota maker55 Cheat 13 Take an oath56 Biblical length 22 Boombox insert, 57 Like some beds once58 Slender musical 24 To such an

instrument extent59 Assign 25 Rail anagram60 States further 26 Off one's trolley61 Take care of 27 Spicy stew62 Bopper lead-in 29 Replay feature63 For fear that 32 Win-win

transactionDOWN 33 Cognizant of

1 Door securer 34 Longfellow, eg.

The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke

Copyright 2019 by The Puzzle Syndicate

Answers to Last Week’s Crossword:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22

23 24 25

26 27 28 29

30 31 32 33 34

35 36 37 38

39 40 41 42

43 44

45 46 47 48 49

50 51 52 53 54

55 56 57

58 59 60

61 62 63

P A N S Y I S I S C A S HE L A T E M E T H O N T OR E R U N P E E R A V O NT E R M P E R M I S S I V E

A P R I L M O T L E YS A T E E N M A P L EO X I D A T I O N A R E N AR E V C O N T O U R T U BE L E C T C E N T I P E D E

R I G H T T U R R E TA C T I V E D E M O NW H I T E W A T E R W A D EF O N T G O U T A L L O WU R G E A N N E D E L V EL E E R W E A R D R Y E R


update later

DID YOUKNOW?

Language Lesson

Kanji of the week

Stripes Sports Trivia

Answer

Just 40 miles west of Misawa Air Base on the northern extremity of mainland Japan (Honshu), Aomori

City is known as the gateway to Hokkaido Island. Surrounded by orchards, it’s famous for production of apples (446,000 tons annually), as well as the yearly amounts of heavy snow (up to 60 inches a year), holding the nation’s record for both. In 1945, about 90 percent of the town was destroyed during an Allied Forces bombing and most of the city had to be rebuilt during the postwar boom. Today, the city center is a model of urbanity.

Rich in tradition and history, this storied NFL franchise plays in the smallest TV market of any NFL squad. The team is the only community-owned major pro franchise in the U.S., and was the last stop in the career of “the punky QB known as (Jim) McMahon.”

Green Bay Packers

Awa or hou (Foam/bubble)

Let’s eat.

Tabe mashoo.


the park, start making your way down (if you go on foot you’ll have to hike back up!)

The whole park is covered in hills so if you have kids, you’ll want to make sure you take sliders so they can have fun on all of the slopes!

Just down the hill from the “Cherry Blossom Area” is the “Umaku Children’s Play-ground.” It will also provide your kids (or those young at heart) with hours of enjoyment. There are two different levels with playground equipment in-cluding a little bit of everything.

My kids’ favorite part of the playground is always the roller slide (another good use for those sliders!) There are also monkey bars, zip lines, climbing walls, and toddler-sized equipment.

There is a sidewalk that cir-cles the whole area so it’s a great place for little kids to ride bikes, too. As with other parts of the Nago Castle Park, there are ga-zebos for picnics and restrooms.

A short walk from the play-ground is an impressive suspen-sion bridge. It seems to blend into the landscape of the jungle and hills but when you walk up to it, you see it project out of the top of the forest.

As you walk over the suspen-sion bridge make sure you look down to appreciate the tile work all the way across

it. You will see flower and turtle patterns intricately laid into the bridge. It is also lined

with beautiful sculptures of the

cherry blossoms that the park is known

for. The attention to detail in Oki-nawa will never cease to amaze me!

The suspension bridge is a beautiful part of the Nago Castle Park to photograph and a great place to grab a family photo. I hope you add this to your list of places to visit in Okinawa! The city views, playgrounds, sculp-tures, and forest views will not leave you wondering if there’s more to do. In fact, we were ready for a coffee pick-me-up af-ter a full day exploring this park!

Allie Whalen is a culinary artist and amateur photographer with a love for the outdoors. She has recently begun sharing her experiences online where she talks about natural and healthy ways to take care of your body and the world around you. She is a mili-tary spouse based in Okinawa near Camp Hansen. Allie and her family are excited make beautiful Okinawa their best move yet. There they enjoy the rugged, tranquil life on the northern parts of the island. You can find Allie’s blog at alliemwhalen.com, where she details her travels, basic conservation

techniques, home education, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

is full of history, playgrounds, and hiking trails. It is also huge – close to 175 acres! The history of the castle, that the park is so aptly named after, dates back to the 14th century. The castle served as the home of the Nago Aji, much like a chieftain in other cultures. There is not very much of the old castle left today but the grounds and the views from the park are remarkable.

You could easily spend a full day just exploring Nago Castle Park. You can choose any spot in the park to visit but I would recommend starting at the top. And not to worry, each area is equipped with picnic benches, restrooms, and vending ma-chines. There aren’t any restau-rants in the park so if you want to spend more than a few hours there, I would also recommend bringing a picnic lunch, your favorite snacks, and plenty of

water. The “Cherry Blos-

som Area” is the high-est point in the park and the views here will not disappoint. There is a 3-story observa-tion tower that you can climb for 360 views of Nago and the East China Sea. It is also a

great place to get pictures of Mt. Nago. After you’re done at the pinnacle of

O ne of our favorite parts of Okinawa to explore is Nago. It is mountainous,

covered with jungles, and full of areas to check out!

The Nago Castle Park is just one small part and it is beautiful any time of year. It is especially well-known in Okinawa during late January and early February when the stunning cherry blos-

soms begin to bloom. (It’s even been desig-nated as one of Japan’s Top 100

Cherry Blos-som Spots and has over 200,000 trees!)

The Nago Castle Park

STORY AND PHOTOS BYALLIE WHALEN,

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Stunning views into the urban areas of Nago.

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Nago Castle Park

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