Visiting Japan over the New Year break is a challenging time to find accommodation. This, along with Golden Week earlier in the year, are times when you need to book ahead and be aware that prices will jump. Christmas is a fun, pretty time with lights and decorations and people stay home. New Year is completely different. As Buddhists, the changing of the year is very important with people travelling back to where they are from, spending time with family and visiting the temple on New Year’s Day. Hotels are usually sold out. We prebooked the Green Rich hotel in Nago (we stayed here last New Year as well) and were able to get a reasonable price. We are happy to return as we like this small city with beautiful beaches and interesting rides in the area.
We have checked out and are now heading south along the coast to Nago. The ship we arrived on is now heading back to Kagoshima, but a few days and sailings later.
We are approaching Nago. The coastline in Nago is lovely with beaches and a huge area for fish packing. Hotels and apartments at this end of the beach. We will be staying closer to town.
Okinawa has a tradition where the entrance to a home or business has a pair of Shisa positioned on the two corners of your roof or on gates. One has an open mouth and the other is closed. They keep you safe with one taking in the bad spirits and other keeping them trapped. We see them in various materials and sizes….some are tiny and some are gigantic. Shivas made of shell are unusual but eye catching.
We are checked in and ready to enjoy some dinner in our room from a nearby grocery store. Sushi…futomaki, tuna and salads. The tuna is incredible. Next stop is the Onsen on the top floor of the hotels.
