"Modern Day Ruins of an Old 329"

Ruins of an Old 329

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Modern Day Ruins of an Old 329

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 34.240	E 127 59.707

Modern Day Ruins of an Old 329

Ruins are abundant here on Okinawa, both from the Okinawan War and from the old Ryukyu Kingdom. But ruins don't become ruins over night. There is a natural cycle that slowly erodes and tears away at the structures that were once sought and used by men. History Channel had created a television series called 'Life After People' where they used computer simulated models to expedite the aftermath of a town or city if people were to suddenly disappear. But seeing the actual process unfold in modern times is an interesting spectacle to witness - take for example, Highway 329 going into Nago City. You may not have realized it when you were driving, but there is about a 1 km stretch that is elevated on a bridge just before the 329 hits Highway 58.

And down below you can almost say it is a world all unto itself...an underworld of sorts of over growing vegetation, streaming water, and signs of a deteriorating old road. This underworld is part of the Old 329 that once zigged-zagged down the Nago landscape going into Nago City. It is a very eerie place to wander around as you hear cars zip by above and yet, no sign of animated life down below. And yet it is a strange, but intriguing thing to see – a structure once used by men, now left at the mercy of a relentless forest slowly closing in.

It's not certain why this road was replaced by the now standing bridge.

See more pictures of the Old 329.

Parking. Recommend you park at the location of the balloon icon and start from there. There is small area where you can park your car. I don't recommend you park at the top 1km away where the bridge starts. Getting out of there can be a safety hazard. Cars going north tend to travel at high speeds around the corner.

"The Shiinagusuku Ruins"

Shiinagusuku Ruins

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Shiinagusuku Ruins

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 39.595	E 127 58.396

The Shiinagusuku Ruins

This is the Shiinagusuku Ruins. The history and research about this place is mired in mystery. It is not even quite clear which town or precinct it belongs to. It borders Nakajin Village, Nago City, and the town of Motobu. Nothing was mentioned in any of their official websites about this site. The only information that we obtained was its name, due to a small road sign in roman characters leading us to the ruins. The suffix 'gusuku' is Okinawan dialect for castle or fortress, and by its appearance and location it does give indication that it was once used as such. Once you are there, you do get the ambiance that it is an 'old' ruin site – preserved and untainted by modern construction. Mostly what you will see are large stones that seemed to be naturally part of the landscape, and then some makeshift stone walls further back (though it is not certain when those walls were erected). Now, it is mostly covered by Elephant Ear plants and trees interspersed throughout the area. One intriguing question does come to mind – what was its relationship which Nakajin Castle not too far away? Did it just serve as an outpost or lookout of the northern east side of the Motobu Peninsula? It's not quite clear.

There were signs that possible renovations may be done in the future. Engineer tape and reflective markers were placed at strategic points on location. However, at this time, the origins and the history of the Shiinagusuku Ruins shall remain a mystery.

Caution. I highly recommend you bring a good size guide stick, larger than a normal size umbrella. Though there are some well laid out paths, there are some areas you may be tempted to go. However, I highly recommend you just stay on the beaten paths. You can safely pretty much see all you need to see from there. Because of all the gaps between stones and sometimes dense ground vegetation along the unbeaten areas, you will need to probe these areas if you do decide to go. There are just too many places for snakes to hide. There are also plenty of spider webs in the area, so keep your eyes on top as well.

What to bring. Bring plenty of mosquito repellant. Recommend pants, good shoes, hat and long sleeve shirt (pending on weather), water, and your camera.

Getting There. Getting there is not difficult. If you look at the map you will see the turn off is off Highway 505. However, there is only one small road sign that points in that direction. Study the map carefully so as not to pass it. Once you turn you will see other signs (in Japanese only) pointing you the way. At some point you will reach an end point. You will see a construction area to the left and a tented farm center-right. The path is along this tented farm. The following pictures are the sequence you will see from parking to entering the ruin site: Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Picture 4, Picture 5, Picture 6. 

"Iha-jo Castle Ruins of Ishikawa"

Entrance to the Iha-jo Castle Ruins

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Iha-jo Castle Ruins of Ishikawa

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 25.285	E 127 49.031

Iha-jo Castle Ruins of Ishikawa

This is the Iha-jo Castle Ruins of Ishikawa in Uruma City. It is a small castle site that sits on a hilltop over looking what is now Ishikawa district and Kinbu Bay. You will see remains of an old single layered stone wall that surrounds the castle site in different areas. The castle ruins covers about about 60 square meters, or 201 square feet in total area. Up on top you will see various spots where people pray, known as 'utakis'. Various artifacts have been discovered here to include pottery from other countries. There was also indications that poles to erect huts were used at one time on the castle grounds. Near the main entrance to the castle ruins you will see a large torii gate and a sign translated in English provided by the Okinawa Prefecture Board of Education and the then, Ishikawa City Board of Education. The source of the information was derived from that sign.  

One point of interest near this site is the burial tomb of Iha Nuru. This is supposedly about 200 meters away from the castle ruins. However, it could not be located. Either the path to it was overgrown by vegetation or the sign marker was removed. The word 'Nuru' is Okinawan dialect (Hogen) for 'Noro' in Japanese. A 'Noro' or 'Nuru' is a priestess, and for many centuries has played significant roles in Okinawan culture, religion, and society. To read up a little about Japanese/Okinawa Priestess please check out the Japan: Life and Religion website. As of now, the mysterious location of the Iha Nuru Tomb will remain in the O-Files.

Getting there. Getting these isn't difficult. It is not far from the Highway 329 (Ishikawa Bypass) and Highway 6 traffic intersection. Look for these brown and beige road signs along the road to see where to turn. It's not too difficult.

Parking. You can park off to the side near the ruin grounds.
What to bring. Camera, mosquito repellent, good shoes, umbrella and/or guide stick.
Caution. You may see areas of overgrown vegetation. Avoid walking in these areas if you cannot see around where you are stepping, the obvious danger being snakes.

"The Nangusuku Castle Site Ruins in Nago City"

Steps leading up the Nangusuku Site Ruins

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Nangusuku Castle Ruins of Nago City

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 35.269	E 127 59.424

The Nangusuku Castle Site Ruins in Nago City

The Nangusuku Castle Ruins is part of a much larger park known as the 'Nago Castle Site Park'. The ruins are collocated on the same mountainous region where they host the annual Nago Cherry Blossom Festival every January and February. English translated signs found near the site explain that the ruin grounds were residence to Nago Aji, once royal members of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Additionally research has shown that various artifacts excavated here have been said to have theirs origins traced to China and Korea giving belief that people first settled here around the 14^th Century. Artifacts included Chinese ceramic pottery known as 'Kamwi-yaki' jars and Korean roof tiles and pots. Unlike many of the major castles found on Okinawa, the Nangusuku site does not have any stone walls. Instead, trench like defensive structures have been discovered at this site.

When you first arrive near the ruin grounds, it is not quite clear where exactly are the ruins. Everything seems to have been modernized (meaning modern construction) with the exception of a few old sacred prayer sites scattered about. There is a shrine at the top of the steps. This too is built from modern construction. As you walk around you will see a network of trails and beaten paths, and paved roads. You will be tempted to walk around the entire park. As stated before, the ruin grounds is part of a much larger park. If you do wish to venture off, prepare to walk a lot. Most of it will be up or down hills.

Location and Parking. Parking closest to the Nangusuku Castle Site is at the 'south entrance'. The Green Thumbtack icon you see above marks the base of the steps that lead up to the ruin site, and also marks one of the designated parking areas at the 'south entrance'. These landmarks are collocated near the end of Route 18 and the Nago Green Bridge.

If you wish to visit the entire park and see other stuff and have no desire to walk long distances, then view the last picture in the photo-album. It a photo of a map board taken at the park. The 'south entrance' will be a the lower left hand corner. Downloading the photo will not give you a high resolution. Use Google's zoom tool already affixed to the photo album instead to see more details. This map board is also located at the Lower Creek Park caddy corner to the Nago Green Bridge (both near the south entrance).

Note: Other photos of the park are included in the photo album in case you decide to visit other areas.

What to bring. Water, mosquito repellant, good foot wear, umbrella for rain and knocking away spider webs, camera, hat or sweat rag (optional), Bento lunch (optional).

Bathroom facilities. There are various bathroom facilities spread out through the park.

Other places of interest nearby: Nago Green Bridge and the Lower Creek Park, Ato no Utaki (Kyoda), Giant Shisas (Kyoda), Water From Hands (Kyoda), Todoroki Waterfall, Nago Museum. 

"The Yabuchi Cave Ruins"

The Yabuchi Cave

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Yabuchi Cave Ruins

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 18.902	E 127 55.719

The Yabuchi Cave Ruins 

In 1959, an important archaeological discovery was made near the Katsuren Peninsula, off a small Okinawan island called Yabuchi Jima, or Yabuchi Island. An information sign provided by the Uruma City Board of Education explains that it was here that four archeologist named Masahide Takemoto, Seitoku Hokama, Shoichi Heshiki, and Koutoku Miyagi first made the discovery of old ruins at this location. A year later, an excavation team, headed by Naoichi Kokubu, would later find old pottery and shell arrowheads estimated at the time to be 6500 years old. Shell arrows found here were similar to those found in Southern China giving belief that sea routes were a lot more extensive than previous realized. 

The cave is known historical site. There is an information sign translated in English, Chinese, and Korean. Visitors are welcome. There is even a guest sign book station near the cave. The Yabuchi cave (also called Janei Gama ジャネイ ガマ by the Okinawans) is also a place of worship. You may see some Okinawans come and pray. There are different areas where certains spirits are prayed to. Please show proper reverence around the area. As a rule of thumb, if you do see Okinawans praying, it is best to keep a proper distance for privacy's sake. This goes with all sacred sites or places of worships. Okinawans are accustom to curious foreigners and welcome cultural appreciation, but as another rule of thumb, please avoid taking any pictures of them praying unless they give you express permission. I gather most may not mind, but some prefer privacy.

Getting there. Getting there is a literally a straight shot, as you can see from the map. HOWEVER,  once you pass the Yabuchi Bridge the road becomes a dirt road. THIS IS VERY NARROW DIRT ROAD and only one car can go through at a time. At times you will be wall-to-wall against vegetation. Plus, there are farmlands along the way, and chances of running into a farmer's vehicle is very likely. There are certain areas where your vehicle can turn off and let the other vehicle pass. I DO NOT RECOMMEND driving through with a  large SUV or truck. Use proper judgement. But you at least have two options for parking (see next paragraph).

Parking. There is limited parking at the end of the dirt road near the cave grounds. There is plenty of open space to turn your vehicle around. You can park here if you have a small to medium size vehicle. The other option for parking is where the paved road becomes a dirt road. You can park here and walk about 1.5 Kilometers to the cave grounds. It's up to you. You will be far away from your vehicle so park at your own risk.

Safety.  The cave can get pitch black after a certain point and the ceiling becomes smaller and smaller with stalactites-icicles forming from the top. It does come to a dead end. Watch your head. Depending on the time of year, you may see lots of mosquitoes, so be prepared.  

Other places of interest nearby: The Yakena Straits Observatory. 

"Kin's Castle Rock"

Kin's Castle Rock

View Map It! Okinawa in a larger map

Kin's Castle Rock

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 27.309	E 127 55.407

Kin's Castle Rock 

At one time, Kin Town had a small castle. The last remnants of this castle is a stone that sits underneath a large tree in Kin Town (See picture album above). Next to the stone is a smaller stone with the Kanji meaning, "Stone belonging to the Castle of Kin". Okinawa has many large castle ruins island-wide, but little is publicly documented on the castle in Kin or its exact location. Next to the "Kin's Castle Rock" is a large rusted, metal gear intentionally planted in stone. There is no description or inscription next to it describing its purpose. (Update: August 15, 2011 - This was a metal press used by farmers decades ago to derive juice from sugar canes. A cow or horse would be tied to a cog wheel and turn to press against another press squeezing the juice out of the sugar canes.)

Perhaps like in many historical relics in Okinawa, The "Castle Rock from Kin Town" is yet another mysterious objects forgotten in time.

Other areas of interest nearby: Kin Watch Tower, Statue of Oshiro Kozo, Okawa Natural Spring, Kin Kannonji/Temple, 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.