OKINAWA ARCHITECTURE

Okinawa has many remains of a unique type of castle or fortress called Gusuku. These are believed to be the predecessors of Japan's castles.

Arch at a gusuku in Okinawa prefecture, Japan. Picture by Fg2

Whereas most homes in Japan are made with wood and allow free-flow of air to combat humidity, typical modern homes in Okinawa are made from concrete with barred windows (protection from flying plant matter) to deal with regular typhoons. Roofs are also designed with strong winds in mind, with each tile cemented on and not merely layered as seen with many homes elsewhere in Japan.

Shisa on a roof in Okinawa. Picture by Fg2

Many roofs also display a roundish statue of a lion or dragon, called a shisa, which is said to protect the home from danger. Roofs are typically red in color and are inspired by Chinese design.

Okinawa Hotel

Looking for Okinawa Accommodation?
Please support our site by using our Okinawa Hotel reservation system and save up to 70% on accommodation.

Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License)