Okinawa, first day.

After a nice breakfast, rice and vegetables and a coffee, I headed up to Shikina-En, the residence of the Ryukyus royal family at the end of the 18th century (http://www.city.naha.okinawa.jp/kakuka/kyouikubunkazai/bunkazai/shikinaen.html). There is a route that one has to follow. Before entering the main building, one has to remove one's shoes as the home has wooden floors.

It was nice to see some bamboo in the garden.

I continued to the Shiriju Castle. I took as many village roots to avoid traffic. Towards the end, I had to push the fully loaded bicycle up a steep set of stairs, but it was worth it.

I spent the night. More on this on my next post.