In the early summer morning, as subtropical plants fresh with dew release a refreshing fragrance and the sunrise from the Pacific horizon tints the sea golden, a journey along Okinawa’s coastline on a street cart begins. Feeling the cool charm of the early morning with all your senses, you step on the accelerator and start your adventure.
From Naha Airport to Senaga Island, With the Morning Sun
Start your summer morning journey by firing up the street cart engine around Naha Airport. Planes taking off and landing on the runway gleam silver as they reflect the morning light. On the sea road heading to Senaga Island, the morning sun illuminates the cobalt blue sea, making each wave sparkle like diamonds. This scenery, experienced on a road cart, has a unique modesty that can only be appreciated in early morning. From the observation deck of Senaga Island, the silhouette of the Kerama Islands and the magnificent view of the Ryukyu sea illuminated by the morning sun will be etched in your memory.
The Ryukyu Sea, Memories of Ancient Maritime Trade
As you travel along Okinawa’s coastline on your street cart, reflect on the era when the Ryukyu Kingdom was the center of maritime trade connecting China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Ryukyu sea was a place where ships from around the world crossed paths, exchanging cultures and goods, preserving its rich history to this day.
At Zanpa Coast or Sesoko Beach, temporarily stop your street cart to gaze at the refreshing morning sea. The sound of waves and the pleasant sound of sea breeze create a serenity unique to the early morning coast. By touring with a road cart, you can efficiently visit these beautiful beaches and enjoy the diverse faces of Okinawa’s sea.
At the Blue Cave or Maeda Coast, witness natural works of art created by Ryukyu limestone eroded by sea winds and waves. These formations, shaped over tens of thousands of years, convey the grand scale of time held by Okinawa’s land.
Subtropical Plants, Summer Morning Colors
As you tour around Okinawa Island on a street cart, you’ll encounter lush subtropical plants bathing in the summer sun. The shade created by large Gajumaru and Fukugi trees, the vivid colors of hibiscus and bougainvillea look especially beautiful in the morning light.
In Nago City and Motobu area in northern Okinawa, observe traditional Okinawan agriculture and fishing up close while touring on a street cart. Views of sugarcane fields, bitter gourd fields, and pineapple plantations that cannot be seen on the mainland enrich your journey on a road cart.
At mangrove colonies, observe the unique ecosystem of tropical brackish waters up close. The distinctive topography created by mangrove roots and the diverse birds and fish that inhabit there make you realize the richness of Okinawa’s natural environment.
Sea Legends and Folklore, Summer Memories
Along Okinawa’s coastline, which you tour on a street cart, legends of the sea and folk traditions remain in various locations. Experience the powerful history of how Okinawan people have lived with the sea, including the legend of Nirai Kanai, faith in sea deities, and rituals praying for fishing safety, all while moving on a road cart.
On outlying islands such as Ie Island and Sesoko Island, experience an even richer maritime culture. As you tour on a street cart, realize how the lives of Okinawan people are connected to the sea, including the lives of fishermen, the strength of underwater roads, and the convenience of maritime transportation.
Maritime cultural experiences in Okinawa that cannot be experienced on a road cart. By participating in legends, folk songs, rituals, traditions, and festivals related to Okinawa’s sea, and through interaction with local people, you can touch the deep world of Okinawan maritime culture.
Summer Morning Street Cart, Dialogue with the Sea
The Okinawan coastal experience on a street cart reaches its final stage. The last place to visit is Gyokusendo, which commands a view of the Ryukyu sea. This sacred water source has been the most important water source for the Ryukyu people since ancient times, and also a spiritual pillar.
The depth of maritime culture that can only be experienced in Okinawa, unlike on a road cart. A summer morning tour on a street cart means not just tourism, but a true encounter with the world of Ryukyu sea and nature. Through interaction with local people, understanding maritime culture, and respect for the natural environment, the summer morning in Okinawa that you raced through on a road cart will surely become a special memory deeply engraved in your heart.
For details about valid driver’s licenses, please check https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/.
