Kokusai Dori, which literally translates as International Street, is a 1.6 km street in Naha. The name comes from the Ernie Pyle International Theater, which catered to US servicemen after WWII.
When I visited this street on previous trips, it was a busy, crowded street, with many restaurants and shops and activity. Previously on Sundays, the street was closed to traffic and people were everywhere. I was there on a Sunday afternoon on this trip and the street was open to traffic, there were few people, and there were many closed shops. That was surprising because it was the New Year Holiday time, so it should have been full of tourists. One good thing was the Blue Seal Ice Cream shop!
Walking distance (for me) from Shuri Castle is the 18th century secondary residence of Ryukyu royalty. (There is also a local bus that serves this area and a parking lot for those who drive). In addition to being a home, it was also used to entertain guests and host foreign dignitaries. The 42,000 square meter property contains a large pond with islands, stone bridges, a wooden palace, an observatory, a guard house, a banana plantation, a fresh water spring, and many types of flowers and trees.
Shikinaen was destroyed in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa. In 1975 and extensive twenty year restoration began. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 2000.
The Udun Palace is a 15 room wooden house used for entertaining foreign guests of the Ryukyu King. The Okinawan red tiled roof was a design feature used by only the most affluent.
After taking off shoes, visitors are able to go inside the house.
This is a beautiful place to visit and imagine the past.
