Konbanwa,
I had just seen the movie "The Last Emperor" a few days before visiting Shurijo Castle this week, the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and I could almost see the Shaolin monks practicing their martial arts in the very spot I was standing. The palace had been destroyed in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 1992 with the help of historical records, memory, and photographs. Everything was breathtaking, from the shishi dogs guarding the gates, the worship places, to the King's throng and the views are indescribable. These pictures cannot really translate the beauty and splendor of this Castle.
And about that snow ball or favored ice in the last couple of pictures...YUCK! If you make it over here don't buy it...take that 400 yen and go to McDonald's.
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| Kankaimon Gate...front entrance to the Castle |
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| There's always two, one with it's mouth open to catch the spirits and one with it's mouth close to keep it trapped. |
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| Roukokumon Gate |
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| Suimui Utaki, a place of worship |
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| Bezaitendo Shrine and Enanchi Pond, held precious Buddhist scriptures |
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| Bezaitendo Shine |
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| The King's seat |
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| A seat the King used to address the people or his court |
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| We were all happy before I tasted this flavored ice! |
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| Doesn't it LOOK inviting? Don't do it.... |
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