We start strong in 2022! Finally checked off our bucket list: see the first sunrise in Northern Okinawa. I’m grateful that the UN was well disciplined, he made sure we didn’t over-commit our NYE plans so that we didn’t have to pull an all-nighter as if we were still in college. We kicked off the start of 2022 by watching the first sunrise at Cape Hedo, visited Daisekirinzan, barbecued and played board games with friends, and even went fishing on New Year’s Day!

During the first week of the new year, it is customary for Japanese to visit different temples to pray for blessings for the year. We visited 2 out of the 8 Ryukyu Hashas - Sueyoshigu and Shikina Shrine, as well as two very popular shrines in Okinawa. As always, we didn’t worship at these shrines, we went to simply be immersed in Japanese New Year celebrations and surrounded by delicious food stalls outside of some of these shrines.

Gokoku Shrine

We were looking for Oki-gu, one of the Ryukyu Hashas, but saw the bigger crowd flooding to Gokoku Shrine. Only when we were purchasing omamori did we realize that Oki-gu is different from Gokoku Shrine. LOL Gokoku Shrine is very busy during the New Year, outside of the Shrine there are many good food options!

Sueyoshigu

Remember to bring bug spray! Hiking wasn’t part of our original plan, but we trekked through mossy stone paths and climbed flights of stairs to get to Sueyoshigu. This particular shrine is a bit hidden, if it weren’t for the New Year flags, we probably wouldn’t have found it. Direction: park here, there are stairways on the right, and another trail on the left. Don’t turn on either side, just go straight! Not far away, you will see a sign “Sueyoshigu” on the left.

Sairaiin (Daruma Temple)

I’ve long wanted to come here to see the many darumas. There are different sizes and colors darumas that you can purchase according to your wish.

Shikina Shrine

One of the Ryukyu Hashas! If you would like a Goshuin, you need to notify a shrine clerk ahead of time.

As per usual, I set a few new year’s goals for myself, hoping this year I can be even more focused on the things I set out to do, and spend more time doing things that are interesting and important to me. I wish a blessed and healthy 2022 to everyone!