Historical landmark • 1-chōme-20-3 Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa 900-0021, Japan
A large rock that evokes the breath of ancient times exists in a quiet appearance slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Naha City. That is "Nakajima no Ooishi". This huge Ryukyu limestone boasts a circumference of about 25m and a majestic height of about 6m.
This rock has traces called "notches" formed by erosion by waves, indicating that this place was once a coastline. It is a valuable presence that allows us to glimpse the formation of Okinawa.
During the medieval period, there was a pleasure quarter in this vicinity, and it was bustling with many pleasure-seekers. It is said that the famous poet "Yoshiya Chiru" also ended his short life in this pleasure quarter. Perhaps the former vitality and glamorous scenes are deeply preserved around the big rock.
This large rock is also depicted in one of the "Ryukyu Hakkou" by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, called "Nakajima Shounen". Although Hokusai did not actually visit Okinawa, it is said that the rock in the foreground is the current Nakajima no Ooishi. From the fantastic description, you can glimpse the mysterious landscape of the large rock.
Nakajima no Ooishi is a valuable presence that condenses the history and culture of Okinawa. If you visit this large rock, away from the hustle and bustle of Naha City, you can reminisce about ancient times. Why not take this opportunity to visit?