The town where Haru and Tsuneko live is located on the northeastern corner of the Motobu peninsula. About 10,000 people live in Nakijin village. It is a rural area with many small farms.
The unhurried pace of local life allows you to slow down and appreciate the little things.
I take my time walking around Nakijin and enjoy seeing the agriculture, the hidden houses, the rustic back roads, the lush plants, and the thriving animals.
This unusual butterfly would be well camouflaged if it would just sit still.
The din of cicadas is loud, but so persistent that your ears can’t help but ignore it.
The most important historical site in the village is Nakijin-jo. The tattered remains of this huge castle sit high above the ocean. The jagged rocks of it’s mammoth walls come together to form an impenetrable fortress.
Archaeologists are still studying the site, but a lot is known about the history of Nakijin-jo.
Its construction began in the 14th century as a castle for the Hokuzan kingdom. It was used by the government of the Ryukyu kingdom for hundreds of years before the Japanese took control of Okinawa.
There are several alters used for worship scattered around the castle grounds. It was well preserved for many years, but some of the walls and gates had to be rebuilt after being damaged in World War II.
Nakijin-jo is also one of several places where Japanese women ask to have their picture taken with me. I’d like to think it’s because I’m a stud, but really it’s because I’m a Gaijin – which means foreigner in Japanese.
Nakijin is my home away from home in Okinawa, but there are still plenty of places to explore. I even drag Haru-san and Tsuneko-oba to some place I’ve never been – the jungles of Okinawa’s highest point – Yonaha-dake.
I’m James Knott. Thanks for watching! If you’re watching this video on my website agileH.com please continue to browse the other great videos on the website. If you’re watching this on another video sharing website, pleas comment on, rate, and subscribe to my videos. Stay tune because we’re going to Yonaha-Dake and other great places in Okinawa, next!
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