"A View and The Shinugu Shrine Ruins"

Zooming in from the Shinugu Shrine Ruins

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A View & the Shinugu Shrine Ruins

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 22.267	E 127 58.863

A View and The Shinugu Shrine Ruins

A small plateau lies on top of Miyagi Island and on its eastern edge lies a great viewpoint looking further down the island and parts of Ikei Jima to its north. The zoomed image you see above is of a park down below near the Nagusuku Udun. The viewpoint is collocated on the Shinugu Shrine Ruins. The ruins were first discovered by Shinjun Tawada and was named in 1933, the Shinugu Shrine Shellmound. Today, Mr. Shinjun Tawada is considered to be the father of Okinawan Archeology. Further excavation would lead to discoveries of artifacts “made from clay, stone, shells, and bones”. Also, the excavation would lead to evidence (forty pieces of artifacts) that would seem to indicate that the villagers had “in-ground living quarters”.

There is one point of clarification that needs to be settled. According the translated sign in English, it is said that these “ruins are now known to be the largest village in Okinawa”. Perhaps it is meant that these are the largest ruins of its kind found on Okinawa. The term “village” has various conceptual meanings in terms of size and composition. Today, there is not much to see of these ruins; just a few stone markers placed by the town. It is difficult to get the full scope and size of the area. According to the translation, the ruins were “returned to the earth where they were found for storage purposes”.

The view on top is worth seeing. It gives you an idea of the complex landscape the Okinawans long ago on Miyagi Island had to endure for many years. The location is not far from the Yan Spring down below. It is just a short drive up as you traverse the hillside. To see other scenic views from this area, please click on the photo album above or click here.

Source & Translation. Information provided by the Uruma City Board of Education. 

Other places of interest nearby. The Nagusuku Udun, The Yan Spring. 

"Scenic Panoramic View from Mount Tanodake (Nago)"

Looking North from Mount Tanodake

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Scenic Panoramic View from Mount Tanodake (Nago)

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 35.951	E 128 02.818

Scenic Panoramic View from Mount Tanodake (Nago)

If you are into scenic views, then you may want to visit Mount Tanodake in Nago.  No hiking necessary to get to this mountain. It's an easy drive up from Highway 58. At the top you will have a good 360 view of the four cardinal directions of Okinawa. To the west you will see Yagaji and Kouri Islands. The picture you see above is from an old launch platform (facing north) used for hang gliding. I believe it is no longer in service. The view from there, however, is still amazing.

When you get there, you will also see a small resort called the Hotel Tanew Wellness Resort. I will be honest. At first I thought the building was no longer in use. I think it's a resort that most people are not aware of. But sure enough it was open. Here is their English version of their website http://www.tanew.com/international/english/. The hang gliding launch pad is behind the resort. (Note: The launch pad is blocked off for safety reasons. The picture was taken from the edge).

Getting there. You can access the main route to Mount Tanodake from Highway 58. On the map I posted a landmark of a Giant Mush Room bus stop. Near this landmark is a traffic light intersection where you turn off to go to Mount Tanodake. There is also a road sign that points to it as well. See photo album. According to the map there is another route coming from the east side. I haven't taken this route yet so I cannot vouch for it at the moment.

What to bring. Definitely a camera.

Other places of interest nearby: Makiya Dam, Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area, Scenic Route 18/Haneji Dam Nago City Bypass, Nago Green Bridge/Lower Creek Park.

"Kin Watch Tower - Panoramic View"

Panoramic View from the Kin Watch Tower

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Kin Watch Tower - Panoramic View

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 27.290	E 127 55.366

Kin Watch Tower - Panoramic View

If you are into vistas or panoramic views and happen to be in Kin Town (near Camp Hansen), then this might be a spot you like for a short rest and view area. There are several small attractions here in Kin, like the Kin Kannonji Temple/Cave and the Okawa Natural Spring. Afterwards, you may want to visit this tower and just rest and take in the view. Have a short "bento box" or picnic while you're there. The 25 foot tower is not of significant historical importance, but I thought the Okinawan explorer should know about it as they venture to see other things around Kin Town. It's not really visible even when you drive right past it. But the view from the top might be worth the 5 minute stop. Just take it all in and feel the nice breeze. The view is somewhat obstructed by telephone wires that cut across it, but you still get a pretty view of the area. Click on the picture album to get an idea.

There is a small picnic table underneath the tower. The tower is also on a small open field if your kids and family want to play catch or ball. The bathroom facility may or may be locked. On the other side of the field, lies the Statue of Oshiro Kozo, the father of "Okinawan Emigration to the Philippines".  Parking is limited. Please see the greenthumb tack in the map.

What to bring. Umbrella, water, camera, recreational toys like a football or baseball gloves/ball, lunch box.

Other places of nearby interest. Statue of Oshiro Kozo, Okawa Natural Spring, Kin Kannonji Temple, Kin's Castle Rock, Richamocha Cafe, The Gold Hall, Kinjo's Used Goods, Kin Town's Hidden Nature Trail, Statue of Toyoma Kyuzo, Birth Place of Toyoma Kyuzo, Kin Town's History Chronicles, Kin Town's Cherry Blossom Way.