| Cape Zanpa Cape Zanpa is located on the northwest tip of Yomitan Village and offers a dynamic view of one of the outstanding scenic spots on Okinawa Island. The cliff is an upheaval of coral 30 meters high and continues for around 2 kilometers in width. Waves breaking on the cliff and sending up spray of mist create an overwhelming sound. |
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| Cape Maeda Cape Maeda is a noted diving spot for the Teira batfish that live there. The view of the emerald ocean at your feet makes you feel as if you are inside the waves. The observation platform and the parking lot are always busy with diving enthusiasts no matter the season. Right after descending down the stairs from the cape, visitors find the shallow coral reef ocean spreading out. Further out, about 10 - 20 meters, it falls off and the diving spot where the schools of batfish can be viewed is located nearby. The fish are one of the reasons this spot is so popular and, on a clear day, their silhouettes can be seen from the cape. |
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| Ryukyu Mura --- Fondly remembering the traditions and heart of Okinawa Old-style buildings from various regions of the prefecture were relocated and restored at Ryukyu Mura, performing a vital role in introducing the ancient lifestyle and culture of Okinawa. Diverse events and activities seen no where else in Japan, such as hand-made sugar production utilizing water buffalo to run the sugar press, fabric production featuring indigo dying and Bingata stencil-dyed fabric, pottery making by throwing, coiling and painting are held. Ryukyu Mura is a sightseeing spot where visitors can experience firsthand the traditions and spirit of Okinawa. *Click on Ryukyu Mura to visit their homepage. |
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| Yachimun-no-sato Pottery Village
"Yachimun" means pottery in the Okinawan dialect. As Okinawa is blessed with good pottery clay, ceramics have thrived since ancient times. At Yachimun-no-sato. potters jointly opened a Nobori-gama climbing kiln. The center of the village is the kiln shed, with bright red roof tiles, a traditional production item in Okinawa. Many potters, including Jiro Kinjo, a living national treasure and owner of the largest kiln in Okinawa, endeavor to continue traditional Okinawan ceramics at Yachimun-no sato. Glass Studio Niji Visitors can observe the process by which artisans melt glass from fragments and powders, and shape the molten glass into vessels by glass-blowing. The special characteristic that Niji Glass Studio (niji means rainbow) centers on in their blowing is glass that expresses coolness and transparency. |
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| Yomitan-son Cooperative Marketing Center Galleries that feature Yomitan Village specialty items, such as pottery and Yomitanzan Hanaori fabric, were established at the Yomitan-son Cooperative Marketing Center. A wide assortment of creations by Jiro Kinjo, a National Living Treasure, is featured here. Yomitanzan Hanaori weaving died out around the turn of the century, but the legendary skills were revived with the encouragement of the village. Other Yomitan specialties such as purple Beni-imo sweet potatoes and various agricultural products are also sold here. |
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| Traditional Arts and Crafts Center The center features displays and demonstrations as well as markets Yomitan-son Hanaori fabric. Yomitan-son is also called Yuntanja, and this can be traced to Hanaori fabrics of Yomitan. A combination of three basic weaving techniques called Senka (hibiscus), Fusha (windmill) and Ougibana (fan-flower) was transmitted from the south around the 15th century. The traditions of Hanaori, noted for the lovely stripes and ikat patterns made in red and yellow silk thread, continues to be woven still today by the hands of the people in Yomitan. |
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| Murasaki Mura This village was constructed as the set for the NHK historical drama "Dragon Wind" and is a reconstruction of the glorious trading-nation days of the 14th - 15th century Ryukyu Dynasty in Okinawa. *Click on the Muraski Mura icon to visit their homepage. |
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| Zakimi-joseki Castle Park At the beginning of the 15th century, Yomitan regional warlord Gosamaru, a noted castle builder, constructed Zakimi Castle. It became a base for international trade with China and many countries of south Asia. Zakimi Castle is constructed on top of a small plateau and made of piled coral limestone from the coast. The most ancient arched stone gate construction in Okinawa can be found there as well as a great view of the South China Sea from the park. |
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| While taking it easy at Alivila, a short stroll through the cultural village of Yomitan-son is highly recommended. | ||
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Guide for sightseeing spots near Hotel Nikko Alivila
Move the mouse curser over the pointed-finger icons for details on sightseeing spots.
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