Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although many of the inhabited Ryukyu are very small, someimes only 2-3 miles (4-5 kilometers) or
less in diameter, they are for the most part arable and suitable for culivaion and habitaion, although
adequate fresh water supplies are always a challenge. In general, uninhabited islands are uninhabited
for a reason: they are either too small, too lowlying, too rocky or possess no fresh water—or all of the
above.
Tradiional Okinawan Houses
A classic Okinawan house is usually encircled by a coral stone wall or
fugaki
trees for protecion
against winds and typhoon damage. It has a ceramic iled roof oten sporing a
shīsā
dog and is raised
off the ground on stones for to guard against dampness and insects. It is surrounded by an over-
hanging roof supported by wooden pillars for shade protecion from the sun and for air circulaion.
It's a structure that's been completely adapted over the centuries to perfectly fit into its environment.
The Shīsā Lion Dog
(
シーサー
)
Symbol of Okinawa, good luck charm of the Ryukyu kingdom and defender of the home from evil spir-
its,
shīsā
originated in the early blend of Chinese and Ryukyuan cultures. They're placed at the en-
