This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/marsmat239 on 2024-03-22 07:45:53.
Today ends my 3rd of 4 weeks in Japan! 1 week from today I will be back in America. Here’s my trip this week:
Day 1 (Friday March 15) Went to Teamlabs Borderless. The art exhibits were pretty awesome, and complemented by smell in a couple areas! Otherwise this is a big instagram photo spot. Please be warned that if you have sensory issues or issues with flashing lights that you may want to skip this experience. There’s no real place to escape while there.
Day 2: Went to the Shinjuku national garden, and marveled at the landscaping. Afterwards went to Small Worlds where I got to see 2 rocket launches!!! Oh, and there’s an Evangelion exhibit. All models were detailed and they were everywhere! Ordered my most unique souvenir:a 1/35 scale model of myself! Shipping back home was more than the figure though lol.
Day 3:
Boarded my first ever domestic-international flight and flew to Naha! I thought it was nice that security gives you a pair of saddles to wear, though I wish I knew I didn’t have to dump my coke. In Naha I had a spam and egg onigiri! The Hotel Palm Royal Naha is central to everything, and has an soten, which has come quite handy at night.
Day 4:
Walked to Shuri Castle and took the Old Stone Road up. I didn’t know that the castle burned down in 2019, but it was pretty amazing seeing the work the Okinawan craftsman were undertaking to rebuild it. It’s still worth a visit.
From there I walked up to Urasoe Castle ruins and accidentally found the location of Hacksaw Ridge. The castle ruins weren’t substantial on most sides, but still pretty cool.
I took Yui Rail back after this adventure.
Day 5:
I walked to the prefecture museum and had lunch. It was intetesting Okinawa showcase their previous role as a center for chinese and japanese allegiance, even going so far as paying tribute to both countries! The items in the museum are pretty amazing too.
From there I took Yui Rail/my feet to the Former Japanese Navy Underground bunker. The Okinawans showed the sequence of battle, some of the hardships the Okinawans had to face, and overall carried an antiwar message. If I had been here 2-3 weeks later, I would’ve had some additional context from the WW2 in Real Time YouTube series.
On my walk back I verified that you can only use Okika and not Suica/Pasmo, and booked myself on a tour.
Day 6:
I visited Cape Manzamo, Ocean Park, Nakijin Castle Ruins, and Pinapple Park with Okinawa Bus. I enjoyed the tour, but be warned-after April 1 they will no longer stop at Pinapple Park.
Cape Manzamo:a beautiful spot worth getting a photo at.
Ocean Park: I wish I had more time here. The aquarium was amazing. I have never seen Manta Rays that big, and they even had a whale! The dolphin tank and sea turtle tank in front seemed small, but it turns out they have rehabilitated several types of animals (including turtles), so they seem to know what they’re doing and want to care for marine life in general.
Nankajin Ruins: My 2nd favorite castle ruins after Shuri. I am 100% convinced BOTW was based on the landscaping and ruins found here.
Pinapple Park: I never thought about a Pinapple themed tourist trap before. The exhibits were corny (sorry, pinapply), and for some reason had dinosaurs. I loved the wine.
Day 7:
I purchased souvenirs and relaxed!
Day 8 (Friday March 22):
I took the ferry to Zamami for the day! This was honestly I highlight for me-I wish I planned a full night here. I hiked up to Takasuki first, and hit the remaining observatories in about 3 hours total (8 miles). Whatever observatory you visit will reward you with breathtaking views, and the road will showcase birds chirping and butterflies! I even saw a whale!
I didn’t get to do any snorkeling, which is one of my big regrets while leaving this island.
Overall: A success! Tokyo’s fun and all, but you gotta see other stuff in Japan too. I’m really glad I stayed as long as I have in Okinawa.