Hubby standing in front of the entrance of the cave where the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan experience begins.

Looking out from entrance of the cave where the Valley of Gangala of Okinawa, Japan experience begins.

The hour and a half tour shows interesting natural sites like the river that flows through the valley and rock formations explaining how the valley was a cave once. Along the way, extraordinary trees were pointed out like the “Walking Banyan Tree” which is a name given because of the tree’s new roots that grew out extending itself down creating a “new leg” of the tree towards the river. It is the tree’s natural way of looking for more source of water. Another attraction was the 150-year-old banyan tree with roots that hang down all over prettily. It felt like a movie scene.

The famous “Walking Banyan Tree” of Okinawa, Japan is a name given because of the tree’s new roots that grew out extending itself down creating a “new leg” of the tree towards the river.

The river that passes through the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan.

Beautiful rock formations showing the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan to be a cave once.

The 150-year-old banyan tree is one attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan.

The valley also houses two famous caves in Okinawa – the Inagudo Cave or famously called the “female cave” and the Ikigado or the “male cave –  and ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility.. There is a valid reason why they are called such and the photos will briefly explain why.

The Inagudo Cave or famously called the “female cave” is an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility

The Ikigado or the “male cave” is an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility

Lamps were provided as we entered the Ikigado or the “male cave”, an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility.

One astonishing attraction in the Valley of Gangala are excavations of pre-historic settlement believed to be 1,800 years old. Bones and tools of the Minatogawa man who are thought to be among the oldest inhabitants of Okinawa, and some of the oldest in all Asia were found in this site.

Excavations of pre-historic settlement believed to be 1,800 years old in the Valley of Gangola. Photo shown is the exact spot where the bones and tools of the Minatogawa man was found, who was thought to be among the oldest inhabitants of Okinawa, and one of the oldest in all Asia.

Ongoing excavations of pre-historic settlement believed to be 1,800 years old in the Valley of Gangola. Bones and tools of the Minatogawa man was found here, who was thought to be among the oldest inhabitants of Okinawa, and one of the oldest in all Asia.

There are many stories explaining the origin of the name Gangala but our Japanese tour guide concluded that the name is the sound of a stone being thrown and then rolled down the deep areas of the site :

Gang, Gang, Gangala, Gangalala, Gangalalala.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 150 years old banyan tree in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, entrance of the cave to Gangala Valley in Okinawa, excavations in the Valley of Gangala, female Cave in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, hiking ideas in okinawa, honeymoon ideas, Ikigado Cave in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, Inagudo Cave in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, Japan, male Cave in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, Minatogawa man of Okinawa Japan, origin of the name of Gangala Valley, river in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, rock formations in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan, things to do as a couple, things to do in japan, things to do in okinawa, things to see in japan, things to see in okinawa, Valley of Gangala – Okinawa, Walking Banyan Tree in Gangala Valley in Okinawa Japan ]]> http://becauseiamuniquelyandwonderfullymade.com/2013/05/23/valley-of-gangala-okinawa-japan/feed/ 2 appleeees Hubby standing in front of the entrance of the cave where the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan experience begins. Looking out from entrance of the cave where the Valley of Gangala of Okinawa, Japan experience begins. The famous “Walking Banyan Tree” of Okinawa, Japan is a name given because of the tree’s new roots that grew out extending itself down creating a “new leg” of the tree towards the river. The river that passes through the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Beautiful rock formations showing the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan to be a cave once. The 150-year-old banyan tree is one attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. The Inagudo Cave or famously called the "female cave" is an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility The Ikigado or the “male cave" is an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility Lamps were provided as we entered the Ikigado or the “male cave", an attraction in the Valley of Gangala in Okinawa, Japan. Ancient Okinawans came here to pray for fertility. Excavations of pre-historic settlement believed to be 1,800 years old in the Valley of Gangola. Photo shown is the exact spot where the bones and tools of the Minatogawa man was found, who was thought to be among the oldest inhabitants of Okinawa, and one of the oldest in all Asia. Ongoing excavations of pre-historic settlement believed to be 1,800 years old in the Valley of Gangola. Bones and tools of the Minatogawa man was found here, who was thought to be among the oldest inhabitants of Okinawa, and one of the oldest in all Asia. http://becauseiamuniquelyandwonderfullymade.com/2013/05/15/shuri-castle-okinawa-japan/ http://becauseiamuniquelyandwonderfullymade.com/2013/05/15/shuri-castle-okinawa-japan/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 08:41:55 +0000 apple.e.e-s. http://becauseiamuniquelyandwonderfullymade.com/?p=2724 ]]> There is something special about rain that makes one smile, just not on the day of a planned trip to Shuri Castle which is one of the declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in Okinawa. Shoes are required to be taken off when exploring the interiors of the castle, and the Japanese, being as efficient as they always are, handed out small plastic bags to everyone to keep our muddy shoes from dripping as we tour around. Located in Naha City, the present buildings are reconstructions of the former center of administration and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture. Chinese influence in its architectural feature is very dominant, striking a close resemblance to the Forbidden City especially the prevalence of color red. Shuri Castle is said to be the most loved castle by tourists who come to this island which explains how crowded the site was even this month is rainy and at worst, stormy.

A replica of the king’s throne and crown are the famous exhibits inside the castle. Please note that there are only certain areas where cameras are allowed.

Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan is declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

The view from the side of Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan. It is a declared UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

The Kankaimon gate at Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

The Zuisenmon at Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

The walls at Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

Sonohyan Utaki Shrine with Ishimon Gate at Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

The replica of the king’s throne as exhibited inside Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

A replica of the king’s crown as exhibited inside Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Hubby and I standing in the courtyard of Shuri Castle in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

What you need to make Naan Bread.

Mix yeast and 1 tbsp warm water then add sugar and leave it for 5 minutes.

Mixed yeast and warm water for naan bread making.

For the dough, mix flour, salt and baking powder. Add oil, yoghurt, milk and the yeast mixture.

Mixed flour, salt and baking powder for naan bread making.

Knead for 5-6 minutes then place the dough in a bowl and cover it for 10-15 minutes.

Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes then place it in a bowl and cover it for 10-15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 275F. Flour flat surface and divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll dough. You can add garlic or cheese or any flavor of your choice to your dough.

Rolling the dough for naan bread.

Grease tray with oil and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Rolled dough are placed in a greased tray and baked for 10-15 minutes.

Best served with curry.

Homemade naan break best served with curry.

For instance, just a short walk tracking down the seawall right off where we live is the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan. Known to be the largest multi-function complex in the prefecture, the center caters to concerts, performances, ceremonies and events needs.  Opened in 1987, it has the capacity of 5,000. It was constructed inspired with the theme of the “sky” to represent the bird and the sun, the “ocean” to represent the life in the water, and the “sinus” (referring to the shape of the center as viewed from the top) to represent people.

A marvelous gate welcomes you to Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan, Okinawa, Japan.

Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan is the largest multi-function complex in the prefecture.

Okinawa Convention Center which opened in 1987 has a capacity of 5,000.

A beautifully manicured tree greets visitors coming to Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan.

A fountain with a whale on top at Okinawa Convention Center, a reflection of the remarkable whale watching industry in the island.

A children’s playground at Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan.

Okinawa Convention Center is also strategically located in the seaside offering a majestic view of the man-made Tropical Beach where families can go for a picnic or a cook out or just a lazy day at the marina. It has a seaside park and an open air amphitheater for events that require to be outdoor. The place is also flocked by locals and tourists for soccer and baseball events held at Convention Center’s big fields and stadium.

The arch at Ginowan Seaside Park.

An open amphitheater with a full view of the beautiful Tropical Beach at Ginowan Seaside Park in Okinawa, Japan.

The Ginowan Marina.

A monument of peace at Ginowan Seaside Park in Okinawa, Japan.

This beauty is just a walk away and it is all free. If driving, parking space is never a hassle. I am definitely going to spend some of my summer days in this place. I cannot wait.

Naha is the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Naha, a bustling city in the south of Okinawa, is the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Some architectural displays in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

The very famous “miraculous one mile” in Naha City is Kokusaidori which translates to “International Road” and commonly called as Kokusai Street, boasts eating and drinking establishments to cater to your palate needs.

At certain times of the day, Kokusaidori or Kokusai Street in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan becomes one way and one gets to stand right in the middle.

Kokusai Street in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan boasts eating and drinking establishments to cater to your palate needs.

Grape Seaweed called Umi-budo in Japanese is famous in Okinawa and is now my hubby and I’s favorite.

Cultured grape seaweed or Umi-budo in one of the shops in Kokusaidori.

Rice wines with animals believed to be medicinal are sold at Kokusai Street, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

One of the restaurants in Kokusaidori, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan with a charm.

One of the restaurants in Kokusaidori (Kokusai Street) in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Kokusai Street is also well known as an entertainment and shopping center.  With quite a number of souvenir shops to choose from, just being there is an adventure to remember for a lifetime.

One of the souvenir shops in Kokusaidori (Kokusai Street) in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Giant Gundam displayed at Kokusaidori (Kokusai Street) in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Having fun at one of the souvenir shops in Kokusaidori (Kokusai Street) in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.

Kissing a life-size anime at one of the souvenir shops in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan.