I like travelling alone. That way, I've only got one idiot to worry about.
Our exploration of Naha’s iconic Shuri Castle continues from my previous post – though we’ll be spending more time outdoors on this occasion. Let’s have a look at some of the outlying structures that played an important role in the spiritual, ceremonial, and official affairs of those who once resided within these walls.
Continue reading “Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part Two (06 and 09 May 2018)”
Before Okinawa was Okinawa, it was the Kingdom of Ryūkyū: an independent nation with its own system of government and unique way of life. That realm was once ruled from within the stately confines of Shuri Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the prefectural capital of Naha – a royal residence whose architecture and appointments have no true equivalent anywhere else in Japan.
Continue reading “Field Report: Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan – Part One (06 May 2018)”
Two years ago, I flew back home from Japan through Nagoya’s main gateway to the world. Let’s look back into the depths of history – well, not all that far back or deep – and see what the experience was like.
Welcome to Chūbu Centrair International Airport.
Continue reading “Terminal Report: Chūbu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Aichi, Japan”
A couple of winters ago, I sampled recreations of tea and confectionery that the Joseon-era kings of Korea once enjoyed … and I did so right inside their own palace. More than a year later, I was served yet more royal treats, except that the setting was Shuri Castle (in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture) and the sweetmeats I savoured once graced the tables of the Kings of Ryūkyū.
Welcome to Sasunoma.
Continue reading “Food Report: Traditional Okinawan Tea and Sweets at Sasunoma (Naha, Japan)”
Today’s offering will not be a detailed Food Report. Instead, we’ll be snacking on a highly abbreviated share-post with a swirl of pictures, a sprinkling of details, and a dash of very limited commentary. The subject of this review: a lunchtime feast of gyōza and rāmen at a popular chain restaurant in Okinawa’s capital.
Welcome to Ōsaka Ōshō.
Continue reading “(Mini-)Food Report: Gyoza and Ramen at Osaka Ohsho (Naha, Japan)”
It’s taken 3 flights on the Cathay group – 2 bound for Okinawa, and the first leg of the return – to reach this point. Now, on the final leg of our homeward journey, let’s see if Cathay Pacific can maintain the solid performance they’ve shown so far.
Welcome aboard CX913.
Continue reading “Flight Report: HKG-MNL on Cathay Pacific Flight CX913”
A great flight on Cathay Dragon KA378 was a fine start to an awesome holiday in Okinawa. Now it’s time to head home – and time to see if the airline does as well on the return leg as it did on the inbound.
Welcome aboard KA379.
Continue reading “Flight Report: OKA-HKG on Cathay Dragon Flight KA379”
Today, we’ll experience what it’s like to use the international terminal of Okinawa Prefecture’s gateway to the world.
Welcome to Naha Airport.
Continue reading “Terminal Report: Naha Airport (OKA) International Terminal, Okinawa, Japan”
Today was a day for greeting old friends: Hong Kong International Airport, which I’ve used on multiple occasions; and Japan, which I was about to visit for the sixteenth time. But it was also marked by two notable firsts: my first visit to Okinawa, and my first flight on Cathay Dragon.
Welcome aboard KA378.
Continue reading “Flight Report: HKG-OKA on Cathay Dragon Flight KA378”
There are currently no direct flights between Manila and Okinawa, but we’re not short of options if a transit stop is added to the mix. We eventually settled on Cathay Pacific for this short holiday in Japan’s southernmost prefecture, and the airline would bring us to its bustling hub in Hong Kong before taking us to our final destination.
Welcome aboard CX908.
Continue reading “Flight Report: MNL-HKG on Cathay Pacific Flight CX908”
Within striking distance