Ryugujo Observatory
Okinawa Prefecture · Japan
This observation deck, located on a hilltop, is uniquely designed to resemble Ryugu Castle. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Irabu Bridge and the surrounding blue sea. It's a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Ryugujo Observatory, perched on the highest point of Kurima Island. This whimsical three-story structure is designed to resemble the 'Ryugujo,' or the mythical Dragon Palace of Japanese folklore. …
Listen in the app2Urashima Taro — The Mythological Context
As you stand on the viewing decks of the Ryugujo Observatory, let us delve deeper into the myth that inspired its design. The story of Urashima Taro is one of Japan's most beloved legends. …
Listen in the app3Yonaha Maehama — The Seven-Kilometer Miracle
Gazing north from the observatory, your eyes are immediately drawn to the vast white arc of Yonaha Maehama Beach. Spanning seven kilometers, this is the flagship beach of Miyako Island. …
Listen in the app4Kurima Island — Longevity and Agriculture
While the view is dominated by the sea, let us not forget the land upon which this observatory stands. Kurima Island is a small, uplifted coral island with a population of only a few hundred people. …
Listen in the app5The Kurima Bridge — A Link of Light
The Kurima Bridge, which you can see stretching elegantly across the channel, was completed in March nineteen-ninety-five. At one thousand six hundred and ninety meters, it was once the longest bridge in Okinawa until the…
Listen in the app6Nankuru Naisa — The Okinawan Mindset
As you absorb the panoramic views from the observatory, take a moment to reflect on the psychological landscape of the people who live here. There is a word that kept coming up in studies of Okinawan longevity: 'Nankuru Naisa.'…
Listen in the app7The Night Sky and the Starry Sea
While the Ryugujo Observatory is most famous for its daytime views, it also offers a unique perspective on the Okinawan night sky. Kurima Island has very little light pollution, making it an exceptional location for stargazing. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As you descend from the Ryugujo Observatory and prepare to leave Kurima Island, I hope the vistas you have witnessed remain etched in your memory. You have stood at the intersection of myth and reality, looking out from a 'Dragon…
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What is Ryugujo Observatory?
Ryugujo Observatory is a place in Okinawa Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Okinawa Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 24.7259, 125.2515 |
| Last updated |
