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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
During your assignment to Okinawa, take advantage of the many beautiful and historic and cultural sites. The following are a few of the most popular attractions:
Naha Dragon Boat Race: "Golden Week," the first week in May, is one of Japan's biggest holidays. The Naha dragon boat races are held at Aja Port, Naha, to coincide with the start of the annual tourist season. These races began in China around 278 B.C. and were imported to Okinawa in the 14th Century. Each year, male and female teams from the U.S. forces on Okinawa compete against Okinawan teams and each other.
Okinawa City Festival: Every year in late summer or early fall, Okinawa City host its annual international festival and tug-o-war. One hundred children line up against Okinawans and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition using a huge rope. Many base members also march in the local parade.
Memorial Park: On Memorial Park, next to quiet cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will find 90 monuments erected by various prefectures and cities within the park. These tombs are memorials honoring the men who lost their lives during World War II's Pacific Islands campaign. The cliffs are known to some Americans as "Suicide Cliff," because Japanese Lt. Gen. Mitsuru Ushijima, commanding general of the 32nd Imperial Japanese Army, performed "seppuku" or "harakiri" here. You will find Okinawa's Peace Memorial Hall just north of the cliffs. The hall houses the Peace Buddha Statue and other war artifacts.
Okinawa City Children's Zoo: The Okinawa City Children's Zoo offers the entire family a place to enjoy animals and the outdoors. Although the zoo is relatively small, it provides plenty to hold children's attention, including an amusement park with a merry-go-round, train and is decorated with millions of lights during the Christmas season.
Shuri Castle: Shuri Castle offers an opportunity to rediscover the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Shuri, the capital city during the Ryukyu dynasty, was used as the king's office and hall for ceremonies in the Ryukyu Dynasty. The castle represents a refined Ryukyu style, developed through incorporation of Chinese and Japanese styles.
Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters: After World War II, only a few structures on Okinawa remained intact. The Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, honeycombed beneath the hills above Naha, was one structure which stood solid during constant U.S. military bombardment. Visitors can tour down the long narrow hallways and rooms of this structure which Japanese soldiers carved into the earth with picks and shovels. Visitors will also find a museum located above the headquarters displaying many articles used by the troops during the Battle of Okinawa.
Expo Park/Aquarium: Expo Park is dedicated to man's relationship with the sea and its animals. The park features an indoor aquarium, dolphin shows, a museum, foreign pavilions, playgrounds, game rooms, picnic areas, a large amusement park and a white sand beach. The park is located on the Motobu Peninsula.
Bullfighting: Bullfighting has been a part of Okinawan culture for centuries. Unlike the traditional bullfights in Spain and South America, Okinawan bullfighters developed their own style. Instead of a man fighting a bull, two bulls battle each other under the close supervision of trainers.
Ryukyu Folk Village: The Ryukyu Folk Village features numerous exhibits depicting traditional Okinawan homes and customs. Most buildings are filled with Okinawan antiques. Weaving, bingata and pottery demonstrations show Okinawan life from yesteryear.
Current as of October 2012
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Air Mobility Command Terminal (AMC)
632-6487
American Red Cross
634-1294
Chapel Customer Service
634-1288
Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS)
634-8995
Hospital Appointment Line
630-4817
Airman Family Readiness Center
634-3366
Housing Office
634-0582
Human Resource Office (HRO)
634-2330
Information Tours and Travel (ITT)
634-4322
Legal Assistance
634-3300
Lodging
632-1050
Traffic Management Inbound Office
634-2465
Traffic Management Outbound Office
634-7857
Pass & Identification Customer Service
634-4172
Post Office
634-7401
Schilling Recreation Center
634-1387
USO
633-0438
Women, Infant & Children Overseas (WICO)
645-9426
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