Shikina-en Royal Gardens 識名園 — Attraction in Naha

Shikina-en Garden, rebuilt after the Okinawa War, was originally built as former Ryukyu kings' 2nd residence and probably summer house in 18th century [1799 AD]. Even after it was rebuilt, it was designated as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Unlike other traditional Japanese gardens of imperial families or dignities, which are often composed of pond, flower trees, bamboo trees, stone bridge, artificial hills and rivers, Shikina-en Garden has Chinese-style pavilion, pond in Chinese "heart" shape, fewer flower trees, but lots of tall trees, especially banyan trees, which can shield visitors or users from sunshine even though trees' roots develop and grow like spiderwebs.

The entrance fee for the Garden...

Shikinaen was formerly the secondary residence of the monarchs of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Sadly, the palace and gardens were completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. So what you see now is the restored gardens.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped around a photogenic pond, where there's also a wooden palace, pretty bridges and another photogenic Rokkadu-Do pavilion.

The wooden palace looks simple, but was used by the kings and diplomatic guests. The building looks like a simple building, but has Okinawan-style, red tile roofs and a spacious interiors that allow air to flow.

The gardens is a Japanese-style landscape garden with lots of shaded strolling paths and there's a pavilion with...

It wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. It’s nice and relaxing, but I wish it would have been appropriate for me to take a blanket, spread it out, and just relax/sunbathe by the pond. There is a big sign when you enter saying no food or drinks, so our plan to relax and eat fruit by the pond was thwarted! It costs 400 yen for adults. It was my last stop on my tour of Okinawa world heritage sites. It wasn’t the best (best is Katsuren Castle ruins—nice climb and views or Najikin Castle ruins—pretty atmosphere and trees) or the worst (seifa utaki, sp?, was the worst if you’re wondering-great view, but kind of just a pile of rocks in...