Okinawa or Bust: Budgeting Paradise

Posted on 08/26/2022 Last updated on 08/26/2022

Top Photo provided by Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Okinawa is one of the most famous parts of Japan. This could be because of a man named Pat Morita and a certain Karate Kid. It could also be because of the revered Okinawan Soba noodles. Maybe it’s the amazing Goya chanpuru– I know, it should not be possible for bitter gourd to taste so good. Maybe it’s the fragrant subtlety of Sanpincha, Okinawa’s version of the elegant jasmine tea.

Okinawa’s notoriety could also be a result of its beautiful beaches, the deep blue skies – vastly different from the hues around the rest of Japan; vibrant, playful, and free from fog – and, of course, the famous Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

It could be all of these and it could be none of these, how’s one to know? What I do know is that Okinawa has some other attractions, quite aside from the Aquarium and the deep blue seas.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Now, I could talk to you about the butterfly park that also has access to some of the yummiest Okinawan Soba I have eaten.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

We could also visit the famed pineapple park and leave with some freshly-squeezed bottles of pineapple juice.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Or we could explore the deep surfaces of the ocean via snorkeling.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Sometimes though, you don’t want to spend a lot of money, but you do want to see, enjoy, and experience Okinawa at a leisurely pace. You might be having a lazy day, or an “I’m not spending any money today,” kind of day. All that I’m here to do is show you is two ways to have fun in Okinawa that add little or nothing to your budget. So, throw on your adventure gear, strap in, and come along with me.

Shisa Hunting

Random? Yes! Boring? Definitely not! But what exactly am I talking about? The Shisa or shi-shi is the Ryukyuan dog-lion that is, traditionally, believed to ward off evil spirits. Arriving at Okinawa from China in the 14th Century, these protectors are said to be descendants of the Chinese guardian lions. They resemble a cross between a lion and a dog, and often appear in pairs.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Just as interesting are the legends surrounding these great defenders of the Okinawans. There is a story about Shisa being gifted to an Okinawan King. Soon after, the village was attacked by an awful dragon that dwelled in Naha Bay. The dragon thundered and raged, rendering the villagers helpless. As they ran to the king, begging that his armies protect him, he too, felt like all was lost.

One night, as he paced the length of his gardens, he came across the Shisa that had been gifted to him. On a whim, he pled with them to protect his village. Legend has it that the inanimate Shisa came to life and roared like a great lion. The roar held such might that a great rock was dislodged from the sky, crushing the dragon. That rock, according to the story, became what is known as Ganna-mui Island.

Now that we know a little more about Shisa, what, dear friend, is Shisa hunting? Exactly what it sounds like, Hunt and “acquire” as many Shisa as possible. The acquisition methods differ. You can shoot the Shisa using your camera, sketch them or just spend a day spotting as many as you can find. Why? Because in Okinawa Shisa come in different shapes and sizes and are hidden in different places.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

This Shisa couldn’t shut his mouth if he wanted!

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

Legend is that Shisa with a sphere holds a concentration of good fortune and luck! Find as many as you can!

Be sure to catch a complete pair, as the legend is that a pair will complete the protection. One with mouth open to ward off bad spirits, the other with closed mouth to keep the good spirits around.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue, used with permission. Commercial use outside of this site is strictly prohibited.

This is a fun activity to do between activities as Shisa peep out at you from everywhere.

Spot this little guy in the wild!

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue, used with permission. Commercial use outside of this site is strictly prohibited.

Shurijo Castle Park

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I know, I know. I said “free,” but hear me out for a second. Do you know that a large part of this World Heritage site is Admission Fee free? According to the website, the road to the Seiden (main chamber, main castle) and the vicinity of the Seiden are admission free.

Now this may sound like no big deal, but the Road to the Seiden comprises of the Shureimon or “the beautiful gate at the top”. This gate is elegantly constructed and is the main entrance to this castle. It also consists of other historical sites as the Ryuhi, Sappo Shichi (7 stone tablets close to the Ryuhi) and Kankaimon, the first gate leading to the inner castle walls. Kankaimon is guarded by (you guessed it) two stone Shisa welcoming the good visitors to the castle.

The Vicinity of the Seiden, which is the area around the Seiden is also free and offers a lot to sight seers. For instance, at the Hoshinmon – the last gate leading up to the Una at the Seiden – there is a gate opening ceremony called the Ukejo every morning. The Iri-no Azana is also free. From that vantage point a magnificent view of the City of Naha unfolds before the beholder. Other areas to view for free are Kofukumon, Shicha-nu Una and Suimi Utaki, to name a few.

Photo Credit: Onyew Bongos-Ikwue

The View from Iri-no Azana!

I ought to mention here that tickets to the castle are budget-friendly and the interior is just as captivating as the exterior, presenting the viewer with rich cultural knowledge and historical anecdotes.

To conclude, Okinawa is a great place to visit and is chock full of places to go and activities to do. I just enjoyed doing these two things that cost nothing and I hope that if you ever get a chance to visit Okinawa you will try these two things. Especially Shisa hunting! Enjoy!

Photo Credits:

All photos used in this article were provided by and © Onyew Bongos-Ikwue (original author), used with permission. Commercial use outside of this site is strictly prohibited.