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GALLERY — MAY & JUNE 2008, OKINAWA
Now let's rewind to the beginning. The trip from New York to Okinawa started on May 25th. I started the trip with my deshi (close student) Mr. Preston Flammang, who was travelling to Japan for the first time. The first surprise of the trip was that my ticket was upgraded to business class due to my air miles. Believe me, I did not complained...
ARRIVAL TO TOKYO
After a fourteen hour flight, we finally arrived to Tokyo. The next day, we were greeted by Mr. Susumu Tanaka, a good friend and supporter of the Shinjinbukan organization.
On our second day in Tokyo, Mr. Susumu Tanaka gave us a complete tour of Tokyo, including several temples, gardens, shopping districts, and more... In the evening, we had dinner with another friend Mr. Akimura.
ARRIVAL TO OKINAWA
On June 28th, we took another flight from Tokyo to Okinawa: two and a half hours... Then, we finally arrived to the Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō, located in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. And as part of the tradition, we trained late into the night and slept in the Dōjō, instead of a hotel. So, much fun...
During the first few days in Okinawa, we had the opportunity to spend quality time with Onaga Kaichō training late into the night (2:30 am) and during the day going sightseeing around Naha City in the monorail. And of course, we tasted some of the traditional Okinawan food and a few drinks, kanpai...
SIGHTSEEING AROUND OKINAWA
In the afternoons, we had the opportunity to go sightseeing around the Island of Okinawa. Here are a few highlights:
Below: Visit to the Itoman fisherman's Village to eat fresh Sashimi. Oishii!!! (delicious)...
Below: Looking at some Real State, and another cofee break...
Below: Waiting for a plane at the edge of at bypass...
Below: A quick visit to Sunset Beach. This was not a vacation, but instead a Karate training trip. So, this was our only quick break at a tropical beach.
Below: And finally, Kokusai Dori (International Highway), one of the main turist shopping areas in Naha. Kokusai Dori was only about five minute walk from the Dōjō. It was definetely a good place to hangout and look at interesting people.
