Okininjakitty's Map

Kakazu Ridge Park is a combination park and historical site. The park itself has many places for recreational activities as well as some fantastic historical sites. Did you know that during the Battle of Okinawa was actually fought at this site? 

 

There are various historical sites to include monuments, caves and a section of wall which was shot at during WWII. 

 

On top of all this Kakuzu Ridge Park is one of the most haunted places in Okinawa. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nmZo7uBhxY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvJimXPY1U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVNPL_DvUG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPgT5zmdj_8


 

A tragic and terrifying event for the people of Okinawa was a chopper crash which happened in the city. The pilots lost control of the aircraft and it had crash landed at this site. 

 

Although no one was killed the accident caused a lot of concern among the residents which continues to resinate even today. 

 

The location is a reminder of what happened. A tree still stands what was burned during the accident as does a wall from the part of the school which the chopper crashed in to. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2_QdcwWxUQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vdtPDYXkE

At the Ginowan Convention Center there are a TON of interesting happenings. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1xabe2zMLE

This small walking path runs along the Ginowan Bypass. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7CICAkZ2o
 

Located in Futenma the Futenma Shrine Cave is a place where many go to worship regularly. Located in the shrine is a cave which is also the location where some fossils of animals which are now non existent on the island were found.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaILYaFKt7M

Located in Mihama this is a boardwalk style area which features shopping food and all the comforts of a shopping adventure back in the US.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qYM8ki98Ms

What once was "Yogurt Land" this is now called "Party Land". This do it yourself frozen yogurt place is a favorite among many.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvl8z48ETPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmPGs3dcHdk

Want to know more about the city of Ginowan? This museum is the place for you! This small museum has parking so it is easy to visit and is free of charge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSKttw_H4F0

This area which once was the community spring is hard to see unless you are keeping an eye out for it.

Marked with a blue sign this spring is down a set of stairs which leads you to an area which in my opinion transports you through time.

There is no parking for this location so your best bet is to access on food.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfkDqtHwpQQ

This is an abandoned hotel which is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Okinawa. 

 

The hotel was abandoned once strange things started happening. Now as it sits on the hill top it still has items inside, unopened.

 

Hacksaw Ridge as it is known in the history books related to WWII and the Battle of Okinawa is also known as the Urasoe Castle and the Tomb of the king of Urasoe. 

 

This is a great place where you can visit and follow the path to see the amazing structure that is now the "castle ruins". 
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as7PSUqk5p0&feature=relmfu

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAaQrv9hdK0&playnext=1&list=PLB0E9AE33A065E5AD&feature=results_video

Located just before the gate to Futenma Air Station is a small set of stairs which will lead you down a path. This path is covered with information about Oyama and Ginowan. 

 

There is also a cave and tombs located on this path. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcPB910KVKg&playnext=1&list=PLB0E9AE33A065E5AD&feature=results_video

You never know what you might find if you know where to look! 

 

This is a rail road track which can only be seen if you are walking on the sidewalk. The rail road was used prior to WWII. Only a small piece remains but you can still see it first hand. 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrtOvcw6taI

Suri Station is the last stop on the Yuri Monorail System. 

Being that I am from a Portuguese family I was delighted to find this little shop. The malasada are wonderful and taste just::text like the kind I used to get at home. 

 

There is a small sit down area to eat the other variety of foods that they also serve to include curry. There is also a take out window. Access for this shop is via the monorail. There is no parking available. 

Tucked away in Ginowan Morikawa Park is a little park with a lot of history and some spooky stories.

The park itself is rather large and although it is in the city it is the perfect time to get some "away time" from the hustle and bustle that you might experience living here in Ginowan. The park features various walking paths as well as a playground area.

So what's with the spooky stories? Well it's said that if you knock on the gate three times then you will be visited by spirits of two young children holding a lantern who lost their lives during the battle of Okinawa. Not creepy enough for you? How about the idea of a demon living on the top of the large slide in the park?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glemcd1fHd8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HuPodEg6ok

The Golden Cave is located in Kin and is a unique experience. This restaurant/museum/cave is a place where you can go and experience some fantastic history as well as have some delicious foods. 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEjh66SKGm0

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUt41EufW6Y&feature=relmfu

 

 

The Cornerstone Of Peace is a monument made up of 166 stones which carry the 240,931 names of those whose lives were lost in the Battle Of Okinawa. This includes names from throughout Japan, Okinawa, United States, United Kingdom, Republic Of Korea, North Korea and Taiwan.

I have marked this as a park because for all intensive purposes that is what this area is. There are many walking paths, trails and other such things. It should be noted, however, that this is not a park in the sense of a place where you might go to play ball or what have you. Please take that into consideration when visiting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqPf-qaZ_p8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gs6V22HBA8

One of Okinawa's "Must See" locations is Kokusai Street. Located in Naha City this street has shopping, food, night life and more. If you are looking for the hustle and bustle of the city here in Okinawa Kokusai Street has it!

NOTE TO FAMILIES:
If you are one of those families with children who would prefer that they are not exposed to the occasional cartoon condom, penis ashtray or boob stress ball then it might not be a bad idea to leave the kiddles at home for your first trip to Kokusai Street. Remember, here in Japan people are a bit more. . . . "free with the body" one might say so these types of things are out in the open.

Can't get enough of Okinawa?

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980 Yakiniku all you can eat and drink lunch.

Second hand shop.

Comprehensive park is a large recreational area. There are playgrounds as well as other recreational type activities to suit ever personality. 

Located on Ikei Island this beach is a great place to catch some rays and enjoy the refreshing clear waters of Okinawa.

This beach is not free, you must pay to use it, however, the small fee is worth the experience.

Ikei island is accessible via car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1KgXSvdPME

Narita Rest House is a great place to stay if you need to crash for the evening while traveling through Tokyo. Rooms are for the most part affordable and easy to book.

There is also food and a shuttle to and from the airport making it incredibly convenient.

The hotel itself is about a 5 out of 10 but again it's not about the luxury but rather about the place you are able to stay until you leave for your flight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeOU9CiXuVA

A delicious LA style sushi bar.

This is an all inclusive do it yourself shop with everything from crafts and nuts and bolts all the way to garden supplies. 

Shopping Center

You can get to the airport via a shuttle, car or monorail. Parking for your car is not free unless you are simply dropping of passengers.

Like frozen yogurt? At Party Land you can make your own with all of your favorite fixings.

Drive Through Available!

This is the closest things I have found here in Okinawa to a "Friendly's". They are an ice cream shop which serves food and drinks as well. There are various sets of pasta, burgers and dogs all which can be purchased with a scoop of Okinawa's best ice cream.

This is a basic auto "do it yourself" shop. This is basically an "Auto Zone" type shop where you can purchase fluids parts for regular maintenance and accessories for your cars.

Discount Grocery Store

This is a clothing store similar to the "Gap". Here you can find various basics and some other fashion pieces. There is clothing for children and adults, however, they do not generally have larger sizes.

Discount Shoe Shop

This is a "dollar store".
Items are all 105yen although there are specialty items which cost slightly more. All of them are clearly marked.

This is a store similar to CVS.

Although on this map there is no building here this is now a shopping center.

PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK

This is a beautiful little waterfall located just off the beaten path here in Okinawa. This is very accessible to those even with the least amount of mobility.

This is a small community spring which was once used for every day life here in Okinawa.
Please be advised if you do visit this location that the parking area behind has some private parking which is NOT permitted for you to park in. There are some signs which indicate that they are parking for the spring below. This is also a great place to walk to if you live in the surrounding area.

It is said that a demon lives at the top of this slide. Spooky hah?