The Tomori Lion

One of our favorite stops was the Tomori Stone Lion.  We had seen some pictures like these when we visited the Battle of Okinawa museum.  Notice how the vegetation is nearly gone around the lion itself.  You can see bullet holes and damage from the war on the lion.

But it is a beautiful, peaceful spot to visit nowadays.  It's actually amazing that this statute, that's been there since the 1600's, withstood the terrible battle that was waged all around it.  It's tranquil now, with a bridge leading from the stone steps up to the lion.  There is a picnic area that overlooks the surrounding area.

Here are a few pictures from up by the lion.  One thing that surprised us was the amount of cement we saw in Okinawa.  Most of their buildings have been built since the war, and they have strict building codes.  All homes and buildings have to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, so they are built to last.

This last picture is taken from the entrance to the Naval Underground Headquarters.

In Japan, they love their baseball.  Athletes practice many hours to be on the teams; and in Japan, school goes six days a week.  Here is a picture taken from the lion hill of a team practicing by their school. Not only do they go to school a lot, but Japanese kids clean up after themselves.  They clean the schools, the bathrooms, and the grounds.