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Zodiac Shrines and Naha Backstreets Cycling Tour

By Discovery Bicycle Tours Okinawa / e-CHARIty Naha
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
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Features

  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Activity location

  • 3 Chome
    • 3 Chome
    • 900-0013, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • 3-chōme-13-20 Makishi
    • 20 13
    • 900-0013, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Tue, 14 Apr
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Use of bicycle
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Snacks
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Pilgrim's book "Goshuin-cho"
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Incom installed cycling helmet
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Bottled water
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Camera mounts
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Mobile phone holder

Know before you book

  • 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.
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

What you can expect

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.

Activity itinerary

3 Chome

  • 20m
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.

Shuri Kannondo

  • 20m
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.

Ankoku-ji Temple

  • 20m
Pass through the local area of Naha where several traditional houses remain. When you arrive at the temple, which has been practising Okinawan Buddhism for over 500 years, you will be greeted by an ancient gate and a large banyan tree. ◎Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Shuri Castle

  • 20m
This is the special ceremonial gate that symbolises Okinawa. You can take a photo with your bicycle in front of the gate, which has an eye-catching vermilion colour and well-balanced design.

Sairaiin (Daruma Temple)

  • 20m
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

Seikoji

  • 20m
Cross the high 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.

Shuritobarucho

  • 15m
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

Sogenji-dori

  • 15m
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.

3 Chome (Pass by)

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

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    3 Chome
    • 3 Chome
    • 900-0013, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    3-chōme-13-20 Makishi
    • 20 13
    • 900-0013, Naha, Okinawa, Japan