Recently I was going through Naha when I came upon a Shinto priest leading a parade of people through the streets of Naha, the Naminoue district to be exact. The group began their walk at Ryubo on Kokusai street and the parade ended at Naminoue Shrine where a ceremony took place. I am not sure what this was all for, but it was an interesting thing unlike anything I have seen before in Naha.

What is it like to be in the middle of the action? This year the police were dispatched with batons to help control the crowds during the Naha tug-of-war in Okinawa. Not even a press pass got me through the barrier of enforcement. Here's a good look at what it's like to be in the middle of the crowd fighting for every inch.

Beniimo (sometimes spelled benimo, beni-imo; sometimes referred to as ube) is a variety of sweet potato with a distinctive purple color. Sweet in taste, the potato is an integral part of Okinawan diet and culture, with its history on the island dating back more than 400 years.

Kinjo-cho Stone Road (Kinjo-cho Ishidatami Michi) is a two-meter wide, 300-meter long path paved with large blocks of Ryukyuan limestone. It is located in Shuri, Okinawa, to the south of Shuri Castle.

Fukushu-en (Fukushu Garden) is a Chinese-style garden located in Naha City. It was constructed to celebrate the city?s historical ties to China?s Fujian province and current relationship with the city of Fuzhou.

Katusuren Castle is located on the Katsuren Peninsula on the eastern coast of Okinawa. Today, the ruins of the castle are an educational attraction, hosting tourists, schoolchildren, amateur historians, and curious passersby.

Obon is a three-day holiday set aside each summer to honor deceased ancestors. During this period, family members celebrate the return of ancestral spirits by gathering together, feasting, and praying.

Tama-u-dun (also Tamaudun) is a limestone mausoleum that houses the remains of members of the Sho En dynasty of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. It is located in Shuri, roughly 200 meters from the Shureimon.

Hamahiga Island is a small landmass located off the Katsuren Peninsula on the eastern coast of Okinawa Honto. Roughly 2.5 square kilometers in area, Hamahiga?s small size belies its importance in Ryukyu mythology. The island?s name comes from the two communities on opposite sides of the small mass: Hama and Higa.

Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate (Sonohyan Utaki Ishimon) is located in Shuri Castle Park, roughly 50 meters to the rear of the Shureimon.