Yonabaru, town in Shimajiri district, Okinawa prefecture, Japan
Yonabaru is a small town in the southern part of Okinawa island in Japan, located in Shimajiri District. The settlement sits near the coast and is characterized by peaceful streets and quiet communities where everyday life follows a slow pace.
The first settlement in Ue-Yonabaru was chosen for its closeness to the sea, which provided fishing opportunities and fresh water. After administrative changes in 1879, the area became part of different districts until it officially became an independent town in 1949.
The name Yonabaru appears in old Okinawan songs and is believed to come from the seaside area where the town was established. Local residents keep traditional customs alive through fishing practices, festivals, and ancestor veneration, which shape the slow rhythm of daily life here.
Visitors can explore ancient sites connected to priestess history and old buildings that tell the town's story. Walking through the quiet streets is the best way to experience the place and observe how residents go about their daily routines.
The priestess Kikoe-Oogimi held a special role protecting the king from misfortune and bad luck in early Okinawan history. Sites in the town associated with her and other priestesses reveal how spiritual authority was held by these women in ancient society.
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