Itoman City, located at the southern tip of Okinawa, is a hidden gem that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of its standout attractions is the Awamori Masahiro Gallery, where visitors can explore the fascinating world of awamori, a traditional Okinawan rice spirit.
Awamori Masahiro Gallery
The Awamori Masahiro Gallery is part of a company called Masahiro Shuzo, which has been making a special drink called awamori since 1883. The gallery opened in 1991 when the company turned 100 years old. It’s right next to where they make the awamori, so you can learn all about this traditional Okinawan drink.
What’s awamori?
Awamori is a unique alcoholic drink only available in Okinawa. It’s made from rice and a particular type of mold called black koji. People have been making awamori for over 500 years, since the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The name “awamori” means “moon” or “round” because of the shape of the pots used to make it.
Producers mix steamed rice with black koji mold to make awamori and ferment the mixture. They then distill it by heating it to separate the alcohol. Awamori stands out from other similar drinks because producers make it exclusively from rice, which creates a unique taste. The entire process takes about two weeks, and when they finish, the drink has a strong alcohol content of about 17% to 18%.
You can drink awamori in different ways. There’s “white awamori,” which is new, and “kusu,” which has been aged for at least three years. The older awamori tastes different and might have vanilla, caramel, or fruit flavors.
At the Awamori Masahiro Gallery, you can try different types of awamori for free and learn how they’re made. It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn about Okinawan food and drinks. The gallery is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but you need to arrive by 4:30 to get in. It’s closed during New Year’s holidays.
Cape Kyan
Cape Kyan is the southernmost point of Okinawa’s main island. It’s famous for its rocky cliffs and stunning ocean views. Visitors can also appreciate the beautiful blue waters and surrounding natural scenery. This area has a significant and somber history from World War II.
Because of this, Cape Kyan serves as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives. A monument has been built here to honor the victims, reminding visitors of the past. Today, Cape Kyan is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Okinawa’s natural beauty. People come to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and take stunning photographs, making it a must-see location for anyone exploring the area.
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Ryukyu Glass Village
Ryukyu Glass Village opened in 1985 and is Okinawa’s largest handmade glass workshop. This colorful place is famous for its beautiful Ryukyu glass, which is known for its bright colors and detailed designs. Visitors can join fun workshops where they can make their glass pieces with the help of skilled glassmakers.
The workshops are perfect for people of all ages, making it an excellent spot for families. You can choose from more than ten activities, like glass blowing, carving, and making accessories. It’s a hands-on experience that lets you see how these fantastic glass items are created. Book your spot in advance, and you can take your finished glass home after it cools down.
Besides the workshops, Ryukyu Glass Village has a gallery where you can buy various glass items. It also has a restaurant that serves local Okinawan dishes like taco rice and Okinawa soba. The village is accessible for everyone to enjoy this fun cultural experience. Overall, Ryukyu Glass Village is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art and tradition of Okinawa.
Peace Memorial Park
Peace Memorial Park is an important place that helps people remember the Battle of Okinawa from World War II. This extensive park is on Mabuni Hill, while the central part is home to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. This museum teaches people about peace by showing what happened during the war. You can see photos and objects that show what life was like for people who lived through the battle.
One of the most incredible things in the park is the Cornerstone of Peace. It’s a large curved wall of stones bearing the names of everyone who died in the battle, regardless of their country. There is also a particular flame called the Flame of Peace. This flame uses fire from other significant places in Japan to remind us of the importance of peace.
The park also has the Okinawa Peace Hall, with a tall statue (about as tall as a four-story building) representing world peace. There are other memorials to remember the people who died, too. Millions of people visit the park yearly to learn about Okinawa’s history and consider the importance of peace after a war. You can visit Peace Memorial Park every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. You have to pay to go to the museum. It’s a great place to visit if you want to understand Okinawa’s past and its message of making peace with others.
Bibi Beach
Bibi Beach is famous for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. This beach is particularly popular with families and groups looking for a relaxing day by the sea, offering ample space for barbecues and picnics.
The beach has facilities, including showers for visitors to rinse off after a swim and a large parking lot to accommodate guests. Lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe swimming and water activities environment. Water sports equipment is also available for rent, allowing visitors to engage in various aquatic adventures.
Why should I visit places like the Awamori Masahiro Gallery?
Visiting places like the Awamori Masahiro Gallery in Itoman City is a great way to learn about Okinawa’s unique culture. The gallery focuses on awamori, a type of Okinawan rice spirit that has been made for over a hundred years.
Also, Itoman City has many other attractions, including beautiful beaches and historical sites. This means you can easily spend a whole day exploring and learning about the area. You can enjoy delicious Awamori and better understand Okinawa’s culture and history by visiting places like the Awamori Masahiro Gallery. It’s a fun and educational experience that you won’t want to miss!
