Shuri Castle

It was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed.

Beginning in 1992, it was reconstructed on the original site based on photographs, historical records, and memory.

                       

Because of its central role in Ryukyuan political and religious life, the castle is surrounded by various sites of historical interest, including Shureimon, the main gate to the castle, and the Tamaudun Mauseoleum, the royal tombs located next to Shuri Castle.

Amanohashidate

It is a pine covered sandbar that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay in the scenic, coastal region of northern Kyoto Prefecture. Viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay, the Amanohashidate Sandbar (which roughly translates to "bridge in heaven") looks like a pathway between heaven and earth. The scene has been admired for centuries and is ranked among Japan's three most scenic views.

Several other attractions can be explored on foot or by rental bicycle at either end of the sandbar. They contain a couple of temples, a shrine, a small amusement park and observation decks from which to enjoy the view.

 
Tourists can take sightseeing cruises around the bay or enjoy the sand beaches along the sandbar.