SYSTEM NOTICE

Auto translation by AI. Be sure, accuracy, nuances and authorial intent may not be fully reflected.
見出し画像

0399 The Banyan Tree Reigns, Excavation of the World's Oldest Fishhook at 'Gangala Valley' (Okinawa Prefecture)

Blessings of Gangala Valley

Marriage, conception, safe childbirth, and prosperity of descendants

360-degree view of Gangala Valley


About Gangala Valley

This valley was formed in ancient times by the collapse of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago, and it is possible that the 20,000-year-old 'Minatogawa Man' discovered nearby once lived here. It is a power spot for marriage, conception, and safe childbirth, covering an area as vast as the Tokyo Dome.

The view from the tree terrace handmade by staff atop the banyan tree

This is a new tourist destination that opened in 2008.
To protect the rich nature and academically valuable site, the valley is accessible only via guided tours with dedicated guides, and entry is not permitted outside of these reserved tours.

http://www.caveparty.jp/gallery/img/photo/gallery32_2.jpg

Banyan tree

Because of the possibility that Minatogawa Man lived here, the valley has been undergoing archaeological excavations, and the world's oldest fishhook, dating back 23,000 years, has been discovered. It is an important site for exploring the roots of the Japanese people, and research is being conducted by institutions such as the University of Tokyo and the National Museum of Nature and Science.

http://www.caveparty.jp/gallery/img/photo/gallery31_2.jpg

The stylish 'Cave Cafe,' which utilizes a natural cave, is a popular spot that also serves as the starting point for guided tours, and the world's oldest fishhook was discovered at this site.
● Cave Cafe Official Photo Gallery → http://www.caveparty.jp/gallery/

http://www.caveparty.jp/gallery/img/photo/gallery33.jpg

The 20-meter-tall 'Ufushu' Banyan tree exudes an overwhelming presence.
It is so large that it cannot fit into a camera frame, and its estimated age is 150 years.

Banyan tree

The 'Inagu Cave' and 'Ikiga Cave' are considered symbols of women and men, respectively.
Inagu means woman in the Okinawan language, and a sign is posted identifying it as the 'Mother Goddess.'
It is a power spot for good relationships, safe childbirth, conception, and the prosperity of descendants.

Spiritually speaking, the 'Ufushu' Banyan tree reigns as the sage of the forest and serves as the home of the Okinawan fairy, Kijimuna.
One can feel a spiritual presence from the 'Inagu Cave' and 'Ikiga Cave'.

Access (Google Maps)

Official Website / Reference Sites, etc.

▼ Can be read in 2-3 minutes. 16 images. An article by someone who actually toured the valley, giving you a general feel for it. ▼

▼*Note: While the article states that the Cave Cafe can be used by non-tour participants, it is currently limited to tour participants only.* This article takes about 3 minutes to read. 15 images. Featuring the Cave Cafe, jungle, power spots 'Mother Goddess' and 'Cave', the 'Ufushu' Banyan Tree, and traces of the ancient 'Minatogawa Man'.

▼Over 60 image-focused photos. From Naha Airport to the valley signs, entrance, Cave Cafe, forest, banyan trees, Inagu Cave, Ikiga Cave, the 'Ufushu' Banyan Tree, handmade tree-top terrace, and the ancient ruins/final destination. Followed by shop visits: 'Tasogare Coffee', leather goods shop 'Unshare', fabric accessories 'Mimuri', Tasogare Coffee sister shop 'Saborami', Sakurazaka Theater (Okinawa pottery 'yachimun', book and accessory shop), Kibogaoka Park, Senagajima, Umikaji Terrace, foot bath, and handmade gelato shop.

▼[Official Website] Information on Gangala Valley (tour courses, Cave Cafe, private cave rental), fees, precautions, access, event information, archaeological excavations, staff blog, online reservations, and language switching (Japanese, English, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean).

いいなと思ったら応援しよう!