It’s been 3 months since I lived in Okinawa. The colorful Kanhi-zakura has also changed its color to young leaves, and it is gradually approaching the warm season of Okinawa that I know. by the way,
“Is winter in Okinawa cold?”
If someone asks you
“It was colder than I had imagined.”
I think I will answer like this. When I’m from Tohoku and wear short sleeves, people in Okinawa probably say, “You’re making a fool of Okinawa in winter, right?”
Winter in Okinawa was my first experience. There is no such thing as a mindset. On the contrary, he said, “It won’t be so cold.”
Even in winter, Okinawa has a temperature of 25°C or higher on warm days. Conversely, it can drop below 10°C when it is cold. This temperature difference may have made me feel colder than the temperature. I couldn’t keep up with my body and I was sick.
By the way, this time I was able to go on such a warm day, Yomitan Village in the central part of the main island of Okinawa visited “Zanpa Misaki” and the good old movie theater “Sakurazaka Theater” in Naha City. I would like to introduce you.
Cape Zanpa, which was not just a superb view
Cape Zanpa is a coast with a 30m cliff that stretches for 2km, and is said to be the last place where the setting sun sets on the main island of Okinawa. It seems to be a popular spot for fishing and surfing.
The color of the sea changes depending on the amount of sunlight
There are cats in various places in Okinawa. Is it warm and cozy?
They are very friendly and they come closer and follow me.
Cape Zanpa is a big park (Cape Zanpa Park), and I could see something like this while walking.
It is a bronze statue of the “Taiki” that was selected as the leader of the tribute messenger (the messenger to deliver tribute to the Ming and Qing emperors) for the first time during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and went to China.
He is said to have shaped the kingdom’s era of great trade, and is now known as the “god of business.”
As a matter of course, there is China (Ming and Qing at that time) in the direction of pointing.
Height 8.75m, length 7.8m, the world's largest shisa
This giant Shisa is called “Zanpa Daishishi”. The direction this Shisa is facing, yes, it is also facing China.
When I saw this coast, it seemed to overlap with the coast I had seen in the video of the Battle of Okinawa (the end of World War II, the ground battle in Okinawa).
When I looked it up later, the coast of Yomitan Village was also the place where the military landed.
When I first came to Okinawa over 15 years ago, I remember being surprised at how large the US military base was. Despite having mixed emotions, they digest American culture and incorporate it into their own culture. I remember feeling very attractive about this. The more I know about the history of Okinawa, the more I feel that it is quite natural that Okinawa is a place full of originality.
Old and new cinema
This theater was enthusiastically recommended by my mother-in-law in Okinawa, saying, “It’s a really nice place. I’m doing a lot of very good movies, so please go.”
It was a place called “Sangoza”, a playhouse that opened in 1952. The following year, it changed into a movie theater and changed the names of “Sakurazaka Ryueikan” and “Sakurazaka Cinecon Ryuei”. It is now called “Sakurazaka Theater”. They also hold events and live performances.
You can enjoy many movies in 3 halls
I think it’s one of the few small, old, and a little deserted cinemas (I personally love it), but it’s not just about history. In a small space, I felt the liveliness of saying, “I’m still active at all.”
"Yachimun" is an Okinawan pronunciation and means pottery.
One that felt such liveliness. There are various vessels and miscellaneous goods that you can see or buy. It conveys the feelings of customers, creators, and Okinawan culture.
There are many books that are mixed old and new and look interesting.
“Yachimun” and “Ryukyu glass” are lined up in the middle of the stairs to the second floor.
Almost every bookstore in Okinawa has an “Okinawa book corner”.
Do you mean that you are very interested in the history and people of your place of residence? Of course, I think it has the meaning of a corner for tourists.
There was even a cafe inside the building. You can also use the open terrace. It was a cafe that blended the atmosphere of a modern casual cafe with the atmosphere of a pure coffee shop in the Showa era.
“Sangoza Kitchen” is probably taken from the name “Sangoza” when it first opened. The small window for takeout is very nice.
A small take-out window on the right side of the front
It seems that it has been renewed several times, but it continues to change flexibly with the passage of time. I think it’s more difficult than words to throw away the past.
I have never met such a movie theater that is constantly changing like a living thing. I’m really looking forward to what the “newness” will look like the next time I go.
Cafe bus that seems to appear in the movie
By the way, I would like to introduce the recommended restaurants at the end this time as well.
It is a shop called “Kinjo Parlor” near the Zanpa Cape Lighthouse. It’s a shop with an atmosphere that seems to appear in movies.
The menu is extensive, with tables and chairs outside.
I think the cheerful female shopkeeper will welcome you with a smile, so please stop by when you go to Cape Zanpa.
See you next time.
