Okinawa by Air

A thorn among the roses!

by Pa Rock
Cultural Explorer


Two weeks ago my friend Valerie and I took another air tour of Okinawa with Bryan the pilot.  This time we covered the northern end of the island.   We flew from Kadena to the East China Sea - a matter of minutes - to the island of Ie Shima, northward along the coast to Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa, down the Pacific Coast to just north of Naha, across the island,and back to Kadena - essentially seeing those parts of the island that we were not exposed to on our first flight.

Fasten those seat belts.  It's going to be a bumpy ride!
Who knew the pilot would bail?

Agricultural area of Ie Shima

We were accompanied on this trip by Valerie's Okinawan friend, Atsuko.  This was actually a birthday flight for Atsuko.  She lives in Nago and teaches on the nearby island of Ie Shima.  (Ie Shima is the island where journalist Ernie Pyle was killed by a Japanese sniper during World War II.)   As part of this tour we flew over Ie Shima and were able to see the school where Atsuko teaches.

Sit back and enjoy the tour!

Urban area of Ie Shima.  Schools are near the sports
track at center of photo.

Cape Hedo

Part of the Pacific Coast

Araha Beach, Okinawa - my 'hood'

Coming in for a landing.

Atsuko and Valerie watching Bryan refuel the plane.