Shikinaen Gardens

Originally built in the 18th century, the Shikinaen Gardens are located in Naha near Shuri Castle.  The gardens house the royal summer home of the Ryukyu Kings and is one of 9 World Heritage Sites on island.

The garden is done in the traditional Japanese style of landscape gardening with a central pond.  However, the architecture and the chosen plants give it a uniquely Okinawan feel.  The Shikinaen Gardens were completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and have since been restored.

After paying only 300 yen per adult, we took several paths through the wooded part of the garden around the guardhouses and down to the spring.  From there you can continue on to the main house or around the pond.  We decided to let our toddler lead the way.  She just started walking, so it made for a nice slow pace.

We toured the summer home which really puts into perspective what a real royal home would be like.  Not extremely large and overly grand.  I can really appreciate Eastern style.  They're attention to details and the way they try to make things be in harmony with nature.  And I really like Tatami floors.  They're elegant AND comfortable.  It's too bad they require so much work to take care of or I might have transformed my entire apartment by now.

We then walked around the pond and over its several stone bridges.  Along the way O had us admire every rock in the vicinity and practiced her stair-climbing.  We also took a small roll down one of the grassy hills and sat and watched the fish swim by.

I think we'll be coming back to this place.  It's very peaceful and I have a feeling it would be beautiful during every season.