Explore Naha's hidden gems by shared sightseeing taxi in Shuri

When it comes to sightseeing in Naha, the two main attractions are the area around Kokusai Street, which is easily accessible by the Yui Rail, and Shuri Castle.
Are there only two main sights to see in Naha?! No, of course not!
The long history that began with the Ryukyu Kingdom still breathes life into Naha today.

This time, we'll introduce a shared sightseeing taxi that takes you around Naha's lesser-known tourist spots.
Leave the driving and guiding to the driver!

This marks the beginning of a three-hour journey to discover even more of Okinawa's hidden depths.

<Table of Contents>
1. Overview of shared sightseeing taxis
1-1. Departure at 9:00 AM: Ryukyu Romance and Historical Exploration Course
1-2. Departure at 13:00: Traditional sweets and Awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) tasting course
2. Conclusion

1. Overview of shared sightseeing taxis

The shared sightseeing taxi we're introducing today is themed around "Exploring the history, romance, and hidden gems of Ryukyu," and is only available on Fridays and Saturdays from December 2017 to January 2018.

The morning departure is the "Ryukyu Romance and History Exploration Course".
The afternoon departure is a completely different course, featuring a "Traditional Sweets and Awamori Enjoyment Course."

All departures are in front of Tenbusu Naha on Kokusai Street. It's about a 3-minute walk from Makishi Station on the Yui Rail.
The price is ¥3,500 per person.

*The vehicle may be a sedan depending on the number of passengers.

1-1. Departure at 9:00 AM: Ryukyu Romance and Historical Exploration Course

The Ryukyu Romance and History Exploration Course offers a chance to experience the culture and hospitality of Okinawa, which has continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

First, we went to Shikinaen Garden.

Shikinaen Garden served as both a villa for the Ryukyu Kingdom and a place to entertain guests. As a thriving trading post between the Edo Shogunate and the Chinese government, the Ryukyu Kingdom's garden features Chinese influences in key areas, creating a unique Okinawan garden.
The entrance fee is included, and there's even a driver who acts as a guide, so you'll definitely become interested in Okinawan history.

Shuri Kannon-do

Visiting temples and shrines while sightseeing in Okinawa is unexpected, even though it's not as common as visiting Kyoto or Nara!
The second stop is Shuri Kannon-do, a temple where locals visit to pray for safe travels.

Long ago, a king whose son, the prince, was taken hostage made a vow to build a Kannon temple if his son returned safely.
After the prince returned safely, the Shuri Kannon Hall was built, and it became a place where the King of Ryukyu would pray and worship for the safety of his country.

You can see the entire city of Naha below.

If you're lucky, you might even meet Conan, the praying dog!

Shuri Ryusen

Next up are fabrics that will add color to your hospitality. Okinawan dyed fabrics are characterized by their unique use of color.

At Shuri Ryusen, you can see Bingata dyeing, which features patterns characteristic of Okinawa, as well as original coral dyeing techniques.
This course offers a unique opportunity to see the origins and manufacturing process of the artworks.

Yamashiro Manju

The perfect way to end the trip is to visit a truly hidden gem.
Yamashiro Manju is a shop that is extremely local and rarely visited by tourists.

It is one of Shuri's three most famous manju (steamed buns)* and has a history of 170 years.
*These are Yamashiro Manju, Gibo Manju, and Tenpi-mae Manju. All three have a history of over 100 years!

These freshly steamed buns, cooked on ginger lily leaves, are filled to the brim with sweet red bean paste inside their thin outer layer.

At Yamashiro Manju, you can get one as a souvenir, so please try eating it right there.

1-2. Departure at 13:00: Traditional sweets and Awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) tasting course

The theme for the afternoon course is sweets and alcohol.
Departure is at 13 PM, again from Tenbusu Naha.

Shigehana Kippan / Arakaki Chinsuko

Our first destination varies depending on the day of the week; on Fridays we stop at Shiga Kippan, and on Saturdays we stop at Arakaki Chinsuko.

Kippan Shibana

At Shiga Kippan, you can enjoy "Kippan" (a type of mochi) and "Tōgan-zuke" (pickled winter melon).
"Kippan" and "Tougan-zuke" are Okinawan sweets that have been around since the Ryukyu Kingdom era and were even served as desserts in hospitality courses.

It's a well-known local confection, and many people buy it as a treat to enjoy with tea.

Because it's time-consuming to make, currently only Shigehana Kippan is manufacturing it!

新垣ちんすこう

Arakaki Chinsuko, a popular spot to stop by on Saturdays, is a long-established chinsuko (Okinawan shortbread) shop.
Chinsuko is known for its simple yet somehow rich and unique flavor. When you really think about it, chinsuko is a very distinctive confection!

At Arakaki Chinsuko, you can sample their products and learn about the shop's history and commitment to quality.

Awamori Distillery

After sweets, it's time for alcohol! When it comes to Okinawan alcohol, it's Awamori, right?
There are sake breweries in Naha City too.
The shared sightseeing taxi will stop at either Mizuho Brewery or Zuisen Brewery.

As you enter the factory, you're greeted by the faint aroma of awamori (Okinawan rice liquor).
Awamori develops a richer aroma and flavor the longer it is aged, and awamori aged for three years or more is called kusu.

What does awamori taste like when it's matured in a barrel?

So, after being given a tour of the brewery, it was time for the much-anticipated tasting!
The taste varies greatly depending on how it's aged, which is fascinating. I always end up drinking too much.
When you visit Zuisen Brewery, why not pick up some "Fukumase Ume" (plum blossoms) as a souvenir?

This product is made from the plums left over after the production of "Okinawa Brown Sugar Plum Wine," and is characterized by its mellow sweetness and tartness. You can also enjoy a subtle hint of awamori (Okinawan rice liquor) aroma afterwards.(※This product contains a small amount of alcohol.)
Freezing it to make sherbet is recommended in the summer!

One of the great things about taxis is that you don't have to drive, so everyone can enjoy a drink together!

Shuri Castle

We'll also be stopping by Shuri Castle, a World Heritage Site that's a must-see.

There are many gates leading up to the main hall of Shuri Castle, and each one has its own meaning.

Pass through numerous gates and carefully check every easily overlooked checkpoint.

If you're lucky, you might even get to see one of the three Ryukyu dance performances held throughout the day.

You'll have about an hour to spare at Shuri Castle, so take some time to enjoy the scenery at the main hall (admission fee applies/at your own expense) and the West Azana (free area).

Dessert Lab Chocolat

After a tiring walk around Shuri Castle, we took a coffee break. Finally, we headed to Dessert Lab Chocolat, a popular spot among Shuri's ladies.

At Dessert Lab Chocolat, we were served their signature coffee and cookies, making for a brief coffee break.
During the Christmas season, you'll receive a gift basket of baked goods (drinks not included)!

2. Conclusion

Finally, we returned to Tenbusu and disbanded. It was a little sad to say goodbye to the driver and the other passengers.

I've given you a brief overview of the course, but I imagine it's a course you might not have thought of yourself.
Since it's a shared taxi, you can participate even if you're alone, and the fare is a flat rate of ¥3500.

As the saying goes, "Even a chance encounter is a karmic connection from a past life," so it would be nice to enjoy meeting the people you travel around with on this shared taxi.

Overview of Shuri Shared Sightseeing Taxi
Operating period: Fridays and Saturdays from December 2017 to January 2018 (excluding December 29th and 30th)
Reservations: 098-857-4150 (Okiichi Hire)
Please make your reservation by 16 PM the day before.
Price: ¥3,500 per person
*The vehicle will be changed according to the number of people in your group.
Details:http://ogb.go.jp/okiunyu/info/291127.pdf