Zodiac Shrines and Naha Backstreets Cycling Tour

5.0
(23 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

The tour is designed to allow you to experience a little-seen part of Okinawan culture. Cycling around the back alleys of the city with your local guide, you will embark on a pilgrimage to the various Zodiac shrines of Naha and Shuri. You will have the chance to witness modern-day Okinawans observe worship traditions dating all the way back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. This is your opportunity to experience for yourself shrines, temples, sacred springs, royal mausoleums, and more in the unique Ryukyuan style.

If we're lucky, the kami (gods), bodhisattvas, ancestors, etc. may look favorably upon you and your kin!

※If the precipitation probability exceeds 70% or in case of severe weather, we may change plans. In this case, we will contact you the day before.

What's Included

Use of bicycle
Snacks
Pilgrim's book "Goshuin-cho"
Incom installed cycling helmet
Bottled water
Camera mounts
Mobile phone holder

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please note that the correct address is 1F, 3-13-20, Makishi, Naha, Okinawa.The shop is 1-minute walk from Makishi monorail station. It's the building next to Makishi's post office.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Please meet at the store near Makishi Monorail Station. 1 minute walk from Makishi Monorail Station. We will pick up our electric bicycles and give a brief information session so that everyone can enjoy a safe ride.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    You can see Kannon Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of the Ryukyu Kingdom, as well as beautiful carvings and ornaments. You can look over the cityscape of Shuri from the bright vermilion temple.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Pass through the local area of Naha where several traditional houses remain. When you arrive at the temple, which has been practicing Okinawan Buddhism for over 500 years, you will be greeted by an ancient gate and a large banyan tree. ◎Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    This is the special ceremonial gate that symbolizes Okinawa. You can take a photo with your bicycle in front of the gate, which has an eye-catching vermilion color and well-balanced design.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    This temple is visited by many devotees who make pilgrimages to pray for good health and pregnancy while giving thanks for their current life. It’s a must-see temple given the bright red daruma dolls and captivating beauty of the torii gates. ◎Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Cross the main street and pass through the monorail that runs above you in mid-air, and you will suddenly arrive at a temple with a sacred atmosphere. Next to the new temple, rebuilt after the war, an ancient Japanese Jizo statue stands warmly greeting visitors.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As you wander down nostalgic roads that can only be accessed by bicycle, the aroma of rice malt wafts through the air. Surrounded by stone walls that remained intact during the war, the traditional, tiled factory will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7

    This is a miraculous spring where water was discovered deep in the forest after an Okinawan princess noticed waterfowl were nearby. You can feel a historical connection that exists to this day in the water that continues to flow. ◎Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Back in WWII, this small unassuming hill was the site of a fierce battle. In the past, atop this hill, you could see all the way to the Kerama Islands, but now it is surrounded by modern buildings and condominiums. This place feels like a fusion of the present and the past where the history of war is passed down quietly. ◎Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

    Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Enjoy a thrilling downhill ride to the sacred place where successive kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom were entombed. Although it is now a park in the city with refreshing, clean air, the stone gate and banyan tree that stretches straight out towards the sky convey the feeling of a place lost in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The tour ends at our shop where you will return your bicycle. Afterwards, please enjoy the city of Naha on your own.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children aged 1 to 5 can have a child seat attached to the parent's bicycle. Please consult the staff for more information.
Supplied by イーチャリティ那覇国際通り本店

Tags

Mountain Bike Tours
Half-day Tours
Sustainable Tours
Historical Tours
Bike Tours
E-Bike Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

5.0 Based on 23 23 reviews
5 stars
22
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}