The Okawa Water Park, Kin Town

The Okawa Water Park

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Okawa Water Park, Kin Town

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 27.246	E 127 55.674

The Okawa Water Park, Kin Town

The Kin Town Water Park sits across the Okawa water spring in the Namisato district of Kin. Though the water park is somewhat small, on a hot summer day the water can be extremely enjoyable, especially for young children. Parents are welcome to partake in the fun. All ages are welcome.

Then and Now. Long ago, where the water park currently sits, stood large washbasins. Water flowed from the Okawa spring into these centralized basins where villagers would use the water for their daily needs (laundry etc.). You can see part of this area in Donn Cuson's website, Remembering Okinawa. Please also visit Michael Lynch's photo comparison of the Okawa Spring, Then and Now.

Information.
Amenities. There are some shaded areas on site. Family members may want to bring their own shade as a precaution. A bathroom and a small playground facility is on location.
Hours. There are no opening or closing hours at the park. However, water at the park does not begin to gush until about 945am. The water will turn off some time before dark.

What to Bring (Recommendations). Mats for sitting, water amusement attire (bathing suits etc.), towels, set of dry clothes, shade, sun screen, garbage bags (please pack out what you pack in).

Directions/Parking. Take Highway 329 into Kin Town. You will see signs along Highway 329 pointing you to the spring. The turn-off sits across a 'Family Mart'. Once you make the turn, follow the green asphalt road downhill. Parking is available on location.

Kanna's Mysterious Yoriage Forest

Fresh water at the Yoriage Forest

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Kanna's Yoriage Forest

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 28.672	E 127 57.643

Kanna's Mysterious Yoriage Forest

In a small section of land off Highway 329 is a tiny forest park in Kanna of Ginoza Village. In no way does it match the enormous size of the Sueyoshi Forest Park of Naha City, but it does have a handful of natural wonders and mysteries to see. You might call this the 'Fangorn Forest' of Okinawa. It is one of the most eeriest and mysterious places on the island. You are about to enter — Kanna's Yoriage Forest (漢那 の ヨリアゲ 森).

As you arrive at the entrance, you will notice a very large Gajimaru Tree upheld by a man-made pillar. It is a very impressive example of man working with nature to promote prosperity and longevity. And not far from the tree is a fountain of fresh pouring water. Symbolically, this is very important. It is because on these same grounds that the 'Water Kami-sama' (Water god), named Kawazukasan Ouibe (カワズかサノオウイベ), is revered and worshiped(1). This same god was also mentioned in 1713 in a historical document referred to as the Country Origins and Records of the Ryukyus (琉球国由来記)(2). It was said that in ancient times, gods would come here to have 'fun' and that long ago, this place was used by the villagers to make tofu. It is also here that in 1938, where the first channelized water system was incorporated in the Ginoza region(3). At the beginning of the Chinese New Year, nearby villagers would come here to give thanks. Source 1.

Research conducted in 2006 from September 26 to October 6 discovered that ruins found here dated back to the Gusuku Era(4) and had originated from China, and in 1971, a survey of the ground revealed high level of moisture in the soil leading to believe that the nearby area was once a rice field. Source 2.

Exploring the trail and the 'Weenuatai Ohaka'. As you explore you will see a small observation tower, small caves, and a cave pit. Much of the trail is damaged or overgrown and some places will be difficult to pass through. But highly visible off the main trail is the Weenuatai Ohaka nestled in small cave-like cavity. The Weenuatai Ohaka was first mentioned in an earlier article titled The Katana and the Ginoza Museum. The term 'ohaka' is Japanese meaning tomb or grave, and a display replica of the Weenuatai Ohaka can be viewed at the Ginoza Village Museum. Because of the amount of information on this historical grave is extensive, see separate article on the Weenuatai Ohaka. ADVISEMENT. The Weenutai Ohaka is a grave. Please be respectful in mannerism. It rest highly visible off the main trail. Villagers still come here to pay respects to their earlier ancestors. It is a place of meditation and reflection.

The Future of the Yoriage Forest. Severe weather has damaged much of the trail that networks around the area. It is not certain what plans the town developers have for this park. Surveyors and planners have been seen in the area. Perhaps in the future, the Yoriage Forest will get a new makeover.

What to bring. To protect yourself from critters, it is highly recommended you wear long sleeves top and bottom, bring a pair of hiking gloves, a neck towel, and a hat. There is a lot of moisture in the area and it will attract a good amount of insects. Consider bringing bug repellent. This place will have mosquitoes no matter what time of the year. It is also highly recommended that you bring a guide stick to probe areas for snakes and to knock down spider webs.

Author's Notes.
1. The exact Kanji character for 'Ou' used in the name 'Kawazukasan Ouibe' as shown in the explanation sign could not be computer generated for this article. The Kanji is believed to be pronounced as 'Ou', a prefix perhaps identifying something of great status such as a deity. Katakana characters have been used in its place instead.
2. It is not exactly certain where the book Country Origin and Records of the Ryukyus (dated 1713) is currently located.
3. It is important to note that Ginoza Village did not become its own municipality until 1946 as stated in their own history chronicles. Some or all of the region was still part of Kin. However, the area back then might have still been referred to as Ginoza (speculation).
4. Gusuku Era can be considered as the 12 century but currently cannot cite an official reference that clearly defines the time period in question .
5. You may notice, as you cross a small wooden bridge, a circular mirror cemented on the rocks. The author believes this was put there in the belief that it would ward off evil spirits. This concept is found in Shintoism and may have been an adopted for such purposes. Who exactly put it there is not known.

Source of Information: Explanation signs posted on site (Japanese only). Source 1, Source 2.
Related Articles. The Katana and the Ginoza Museum, The Weenuatai Ohaka, Sueyoshi Forest Park of Naha City.

Directions. The Yoriage Forest is part of the Kanna Village Park and is on the opposite side of Highway 329 from the Kanna Thalasso Resort. See the map for LandMarks.

Facilities. Parking and restroom facilities are available on location.

"Sunabe Baba Park & Beach"

Beach near Sunabe Baba Park

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Sunabe Baba Park & Beach

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 20.028	E 127 44.700

Sunabe Baba Park & Beach

A great outdoor combination, Sunabe Baba Park accommodates a nice mixture of recreational facilities, while being next to a very warm and relaxing beach. Here many families come to spend time with each other, whether it's playing at the park, spending some time in the sun, or strolling along the water's edge during low tide. Included at the park are sit down areas, playground equipment, a basketball court, and a skateboard park. A five minute walk from the park takes you to the local beach where you can just sit and enjoy the scenery. Below are basic guidelines from the Chatan Park management.

Rules & Regulation.
1. Please clean up after your pets. (Though not openly stated, recommend having leashes for your pets due to high volume of children in the area).
2. Barbeques are not allowed.
3. On weekdays, the skateboard park is open 3pm to 8pm. Holiday's and weekends is 9am to 20am.
4. Personnel utilizing the skateboard ring must wear a helmet before they can go inside.

Bathroom Facilities: Available.
Shaded Areas: Available, but limited.
Swimming: There are rocky shallow areas that may not be suitable for swimming.
Parking. Available. See green icon above. Limited during weekends & Holidays

Directions. The turn-off is on Highway 58, two traffic lights north of the Highway 23 & Highway 58 Intersection. See map above. Look for the street sign designated by the pink thumbtack above.

Other places of interest nearby. Kumaya Cave.

"A Tribute to Hibari Misora - Gajyanbira Park, Naha City"

A monument in tribute to Hibari Misora at Gajyanbira Park. Naha Port in the back.

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A Tribute to Hibari Misora at Gajyanbira Park, Naha

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 12.280	E 127 39.972

A Tribute to Hibari Misora - Gajyanbira Park, Naha City

The aftermath of World War II left many in agony from all sides and left many to question the future of world peace. Okinawa had suffered the many horrors of war first hand on its own soil. And at a uncertain time in an uncertain future, uplift was desperately needed. One voice would emerge to bring sunlight to the darkest corner of the earth, She is perhaps Japan's most famous singer and she is given tribute here at Gajyanbira Park in Naha City. She is Hibari Misora. 

Born in 1937, she began her singing career at the age of 9 in 1946 just after the war. It was through her captivating voice that gave inspiration and hope to the many Japanese and Okinawans during their most darkest days. She had sang over 1500 songs in her career. But there was one song she sang that gave tribute to the people of Okinawa in their struggle to find solace and inner peace in the aftermath of the 'Great Okinawan War'. The song is titled "Hanakaze no Minato" and is loosely translated as "The Port of Flowers in the Wind". As token of their appreciation Okinawans dedicated this monument in her name and placed portions of the lyrics of this song on a large stone, and if you stand at the right place you will hear this song being played. Just look for a set of yellow footsteps, just a short distance from this stone and let the electronic 'magic' do the rest. The location too couldn't be more fitting. It sits above on a ridge overlooking Naha Port. On a clear day with great blue skies the scenery is exquisite.  

Sadly, Hibari Misora's life and a career was short lived. She had died at the young age of 52 in 1989. Though gone, she is not forgotten and rests in the hearts of many Japanese and Okinawans to this day. To learn more about her life and career please visit the Official Website both in Japanese and in English at Misorahibari.com. To hear portions of the song, "Hanakaze no Minato", please visit this YouTube Site*. 

Other places of interest nearby: Sumiyoshi Shrine of Naha City, Pineapple House in Naha City, Manko Waterbird & Wetland Center, Fukushuen Chinese Garden.

*Reader's note: It is not certain if the voice of this particular YouTube clip belongs to Hibari Misora.

"The Graveyard of Ginowan-Udun"

Graveyard of Ginowan Udun

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Graveyard of Ginowan-Udun

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 13.821	E 127 42.757

The Graveyard of Ginowan-Udun

This is the graveyard of Ginowan-Udun, a one time prince of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the OFU period. The grave is found at the Sueyoshi Park and is very close to the Sueyoshi Shrine. The construction of the grave is similar to many of the 'turtle back' graves seen throughout Okinawa. However, this tomb is the "oldest existing tomb displaying a gentle curvy line", called the 'Mayu' or eyebrow, above the grave opening (source, inscription). The tomb was constructed near the beginning of the 18th Century and those built afterwards were built in a different manner. What is is also unique to this grave is a stone wall called the 'Hinpun' that lies in front of the grave. The only way to enter the graveyard are from the sides of the stone wall which was intentionally designed to be narrow. Thus, making sure that the coffin 'had' to be lifted above the stone wall. This was a form of symbolic expression of making one's journey to the 'other' world difficult.  Source of information was found in English near the graveyard. 

See the post below titled "The Sueyoshi Forest Park" for directions. The graveyard can be found on one of the trails at the park. See the Map Icon above to get an orientation.

Other places of interest nearby: Sueyoshi Forest Park, The Sueyoshi Shrine.

"Sueyoshi Forest Park in Naha City"

Sueyoshi Forest Park

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Sueyoshi Forest Park

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 13.548	E 127 42.819

Sueyoshi Forest Park in Naha City

If you love exploring and being around nature, then you're really gonna love this place. This is Sueyoshi Park. I call it the Sueyoshi Forest Park, and when you get there you will know why. Just like Kin has its 'Hidden Nature Trail', another very inconspicuous, but much larger park lies in the southern part of Okinawa, and of all unexpected places, this one lies in Naha City.

There are three main parts to Sueyoshi Park. The first part is the forest park itself, the second part is the grave of Ginowan Udun and the last part is the Sueyoshi Shrine.The latter two parts I will cover in two separate post. I won't talk much about the forest park itself cause words can't replace the actual experience. You will have to see for yourself. You can peruse through the photo album to get an idea of what to expect. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. In this post, I want to cover how to get there, since that will probably be the most difficult part to this venture.

Places of interest nearby: The Sueyoshi Shrine, The Tomb of Ginowan Udun.

What to bring. Plenty of water, mosquito repellent, hat for shade, umbrella for rain and to remove spider webs, camera, snacks or a bento box, a small sweat towel.

Caution. The trails to the Tomb of Ginowan Udun and the Sueyoshi Shrine are pretty much beaten down, however if you venture off to see the shrine you will see some other unbeaten paths along the way. I don't recommend going on them. If you can't see your feet within a 3 foot radius as you are walking then it is not worth it. The obvious danger is snakes. Over time, hopefully a trail maintenance crew will tear away some of the vegetation on some of these paths.

Please follow the instructions below and the study the Map Icons above carefully. If you don't read the instructions you may skip past one of the major highways without realizing it. Also, please note that depending where you park you may be required to do a lot of walking... up and down hills.

<<CLICK HERE FOR DETAIL DIRECTIONS>>

"Katsuren-Haebaru Seaside Park"

Looking out to sea from Katsurenhaebaru

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Katsuren-Haebaru Seaside Park

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 19.809	E 127 52.178

Katsuren-Haebaru Seaside Park

This is a nice simple getaway by the ocean. It's not a fancy park,...just a simple one. If you need an hour of peace to yourself then this is a great place for it. This park is also great to bring the family. There is plenty of open grass to run around with the kids, and then later have a 'bento' lunch. It is also a nice area to have a picnic date with your love one.  The only sound you will hear is the ocean breeze that swishes in and out from the seaside. There is plenty of parking. They have a small bathroom facility and a soda machine. There are only a few places that offer shade, so plan accordingly. 

Getting there is not really difficult. It is almost a straight shot if you look at the map. However, due to some construction, you may have to weave around construction zones to get there. This is not too far from the Awase area for those who live in that section of town. This is really a peaceful hole in the wall. Enjoy.

Optional things to bring. Recreational toys like a football, kite, or bicycles. Bring essential picnic equipment as necessary.

Note to reader: I'm not sure what the official name to this park is. I used the Katsuren-Haebaru name cause the park is close to that area of town.

"Kanna Dam Family Park"

Kanna Dam Family Park

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Kanna Dam Family Park

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 29.251	E 127 57.326

Kanna Dam Family Park

Looking for a quiet place to spend time with the family? You may want to try the 'Kanna Dam Family Park'. As the name suggests, this park is located right next to the Kanna Dam in Ginoza Village, not to far north from Camp Hansen. It's fairly a large park with a open green fields. A large frog pond lies northeast of the main park area. Every year around July, the Village of Ginoza puts forth a festival called the "Kanna Dam Matsuri" or appropriately, The Kanna Dam Festival (Some pictures from the 2011 Festival).

This is a very quiet park for the most part (perhaps because of its location), which makes this place all the better. The park is great place to take a group out to play soccer, baseball, football, and of course, have 'bento' meal for lunch near the large shaded pavilion or under one of the small trees. They have a little man-made fountain and pool area for kids to play in (See photo album above). It is also great place to take your bikes and have your kids ride around without having to worry so much about traffic. Unless, there is an event, this park is very quiet and serene. If you are looking for a quiet place to stop and just relax for 30 minutes or longer, then this is the place.

Facilities: They do have soda machines and a small bathroom area.
Parking: There is plenty of parking near the park. See the green thumbtack.
Getting there. The turn-off to get this park is right off Highway 329. Don't worry about getting lost in this area. You may end up seeing some other points of interest, in particular the Kanna Dam.

Other places of interest nearby: Kanna Dam (Frontal View), Ginoza Belly Button, School of Killifish Pond.

"Nago Green Bridge and The Lower Creek Park"

The Nago Green Bridge

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The Nago Green Bridge and Lower Creek Park

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 35.209	E 127 59.591

Nago Green Bridge and The Lower Creek Park

If you are driving on Route 18 from the east side of the island and coming towards Nago, you will see the "Nago Green Bridge". It will just hit you as you turn the curve and pass the treeline. This marks your entry way into the heart of Nago City. Soon as you cross it you will have the Orion Brewery to your left and the Nago Castle Ruins to your right.

Underneath the Nago Green Bridge is a park in the lower creek area. This is a great place for shade and to relax. Some people park their cars underneath the bridge. There are some steps near the creek you can just sit and relax. You will sometimes see families and kids in the creek looking for fish or crawl dads. There are other places you can sit and relax. See photo album above.

Next to this park is the Nago Castle Ruin. This deserves a whole blog post on its own. Just a little warning though. If you decide to go up the castle ruins, be prepared to walk.

At the lower creek park, they have bathroom facilities and soda machines.

Other places of interest nearby:  Ato no Utaki (Kyoda), Giant Shisas (Kyoda), Water From Hands (Kyoda), Todoroki Waterfall, The Nangusuku Castle Ruins, Nago Museum.

"The Park of Mysteries - Toguchi Village"

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The Park with Many Mysteries

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 18.222	E 127 48.495

The Park of Mysteries - Toguchi Village

I call this 'The Park of Mysteries'. It is tucked away in Toguchi Village, just south of Awase. It is pretty hidden and not something you will see advertised on the main highways. It is in the northwest corner of the 81/329 Intersection. I call it 'The Park of Mysteries' cause there were a few structures of curiosity that had no explicit explanation or inscription next to them (PLEASE CLICK ON THE PICTURE ALBUM). The park is well kept which means someone must take care of it. I suspect that local volunteers in the village help with the maintenance.

Mystery #1. There is this well structure with no inscription on it explaining its purpose. The well is only about a foot deep filled just with rocks and overgrown vegetation. I am not sure if this was a source of water at one time. (It is important to note that this structure may have no importance whatsoever. Someone could have just designed and made it that way). It looks relatively modern.

Mystery #2. There is a pond with a what used to be a large tree hanging over it. The pond is now just stagnant water. But it flows to a nearby ditch. I am not sure if this was a spring at one time. The tree has been cut up for some time, and the only part that remains is a big chuck of its trunk. It looked like the tree was really big at one time and had some importance at one time.

Mystery #3. There is a stone that erected next to a tree. It doesn't look like an ordinary stone. It almost looks like it was put there on purpose. No inscription was next to it. Part of the stone was broken. Again, it could be a coincidence that that stone happen to be there and shaped the way it was, but I don't think so.

Mystery #4. Behind the park is a trail that skirts around to an 'Utaki' (Hogan, the Okinawan native language, for sacred place). There is an inscription with a heading that says 'Kumishi' in Katakana (Katakana is Japanese alphabet for non-Japanese words). Asking around, it is not certain what this means. It could be a Hogan word. Hogan dialects vary on the island as well. So an Okinawan from one part of the island may not know a Hogan word from another part of the island. Below the heading it says, "Birthplace at Atta Village". I believe that the utaki was created at Atta Village which is in Onna Village (opposite side of the island) and that it was later moved to Toguchi Village.

My goal is to go back and find an elder from Toguchi Village that may know about these curious structures.
I will come back and update this post on my findings.

Other places of interest: You will see a set of steps from bottom of this park. If you take it up and veer right, you will run into 'Midori Park' or 'Green Park' about 100 meters away. You will also see another War Memorial (Toguchi War Memorial) at the entrance of Green Park. I will blog about this real soon.

Caution: Just be aware of low lying branches. You may see some of those big Banana Spider webs, particularly if you going on the trail to the mysterious utaki in the back. I wouldn't wear sandals. Wear some good shoes, especially if you decide to go to the 'Green Park' afterwards. 'Green Park' has some interesting side trails, but they are rugged. If you do go to 'Green Park', definitely watch out for the Banana Spiders. 'Green Park' is also built on a slight incline, so it is a little workout going through it.

Parking. Look at the Green thumbtack in the map. Parking is tight. Keep in mind that the village next to the Mysterious Park has some very narrow roads if you try to go through by car (You shouldn't have to though). Toguchi Village is an Old Okinawan style of neighborhood. To access the Mysterious Park, you could do what I did and park somewhere near Highway 329 or 81 and walk to it.

What to bring. Umbrella for shading, rain, and removing spider webs. Definitely bring water and a camera. Bring a lunch box if you think you will be there for a while. It's good for a quiet picnic.

The Mystery Park of Toguchi is a small park, but it is quiet and serene. It's good to relax and just take a small part of Okinawan culture.

"The Big Awase Slide"

The Big Awase Slide at Manta Kohen (Manta Park)

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The Big Awase Slide

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 19.891	E 127 50.106

The Big Awase Slide (Manta-Kohen)

I call this the "Big Awase Slide" at Manta Kohen or Manta Park. If you have children or even if you are a kid inside, then you might like this. It's a roller slide, meaning it has these hundreds of this small bars that spin to help you descend down the slide.

It's not 6 Flags Magic Mountain but something your kids may enjoy. There is also a field to play catch and a basketball court, have a picnic etc.

There are bathroom facilities. Parking? That is another matter. Find what you can and choose wisely. See what the other Okinawans are doing and then maybe do the same. The place can get crowded.

For a little kid then the slide may not work as smooth as you think. The heavier you are the better. BUT if you try it as an adult, this is what I recommend you do to make it go faster. You have to sit up straight with your knees bent and feet flat. Do not extend your legs. You won't go to fast, but fast enough to have fun. Enjoy.