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Rich with a cultural heritage that goes back 600 years this area of central Okinawa offers a relaxing area that visitors to Okinawa can enjoy the natural beauty and traditions that Yomitan village offers.
Spiritually, Okinawans believe that man and woman are tied eternally to the heavens and the sea. This belief is what ties together many of their festivals, spiritual holidays, and annual celebrations. In northern Okinawa the honoring of this spiritual concept can be seen played out during the Ungami Festival--which honors the god of the sea. Un(ocean) Gami(god) 
From the top of Shuri Castle the Kerama islands are visible in the distance.
A look at the crystal clear mountain water in natural springs that form around Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, in the Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture area of Japan. These ponds can be several feet deep--yet clear to the bottom due to the pure, clear mountain water. The Torii is the entrance to climbing route station 5. Even though most climbers do not climb the Subashiri and Gotemba routes, many descend down these because of their ash-covered paths. From the seventh station to near the fifth station, one could literally run down these ash-covered paths in approximately 30 minutes. It is also possible to ride a mountain bike down Mt. Fuji from the summit. 
Feature one of this month's Okinawa Living magazine features a hot place--Shinjuku Tokyo, home to large buildings and Tokyo's hot nightlife spot, Kabuki Town. 
The Photo Essay for October's Okinawa Living issue features scenes from the Naha Matsuri held annually in Naha City which is also held in conjunction with the Naha Tug-of-War. This Tug-of-War features the world's largest rope made of natural substances weighing in at over 40 tons. Tens of thousands of participants line up to help pull this rope a distance of only five meters, the distance which decides the winner. 
Another issue of Okinawa Living Magazine laid to rest with the November 2007 issue. This month's feature one article uses stunning images of Shuri Castle that were shot over the past few months. The result, a look at Shuri Castle that most people will never get to experience. 
Kidokoro San wearing 400 year old authentic Yoroi Samurai armor.
Murasaki Mura was once home to an NHK television drama that was filmed in Okinawa, Japan. After the television series ended, the set was turned into a craft park in Yomiton Village. Much of the architecture in Murasaki Mura is reminiscent of ancient Chinese arcitecture, where Okinawa has strong roots.
For centuries, Shuri Castle has stood as the pride and joy of the Ryukyu Islands. The home of Ryukyuan royalty, its vermilion buildings shone in the tropical sun, glimmers of gold emanating regal light from the pillars and gates. Destroyed on several occasions by fire, this wooden structure has seen many incarnations, the most recent of which was completed in 1992 after nearly four decades of research and reconstruction following the building's demise during the bloody battle of World War II.
The sun setting over American Village in Chatan Town, Okinawa Japan. American Village is a popular shopping area and is located just outside Camp Lester.
