Okinawa has nine historic sites that have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites (natural and cultural sites of universal significance- about 950 in the world). We’re trying to finish seeing all nine this year—only four to go! You can see the complete list at the bottom.

Some friends in Virginia sent us a Flat Stanley, so we decided to take him along to a couple of the sites nearby. We started at the Shikina-En Gardens. The site includes several rebuilt structures including a small palace, ROKKAKU-DO (a gazebo like structure in the middle of the pond island), stone bridges, and gardens. The information said that the house and grounds would have been used to entertain foreign delegates, as well as a place where the royal family would get away from the more formal Shuri Castle.

Matt and Mem (and Stanley) at the entrance

Winding stone walkways and stairs connected all the elements of the gardens.

On the bridge

Walking around the pond

Statues

Sue with Matt… yes, he grew a mustache through March…ugh.

We had a great morning at the gardens, and the grounds are easily explorable in a couple hours, Oki Peeps. It is very close to Shuri Castle (more on that tomorrow). Hope that wherever you are, family and friends, you are out exploring new things.

For those counting, the World Heritage sites on Okinawa are:
Shikina-En Gardens (3/2013)
Nakijin Castle (2/2013)
Shuri Castle (We visited in 10/2012 and 3/2013)
Stone Gate of the Sonohyan Shrine (Visited 10/2012 and 3/2013)
Zakimi Castle (visited New Year’s Day 2013)
Katsuren  Castle
Sêfa-utaki
Taumauden Royal Mausoleum
Nakagusuku Castle