Shikinaen Royal Gardens, Okinawa

On the way home from our Naha staycation last weekend, we finally stopped in to have a look at the Shikina-en Royal Gardens, which I have been meaning to do for so long. I feel like this staycation was great for checking out places that were on my Okinawa bucket list. 

I really wasn't sure what to expect of these gardens, as i've seen many amazing Japanese gardens in my time on the mainland, and I always expect things to be a little more rustic in Okinawa. It was definitely very Okinawan, but gorgeous all the same.

There is plenty of shade walking through the lush, rocky paths, which was great because it was extremely hot and humid. Once we got through the "forest" we came to a lovely lake surrounded by the old Royal family second home as well as some old old bridges and a pagoda. We got to walk around inside the house, which was quite interesting to see how people used to live (well, the royal people!).

I think you can easily spend an hour looking around these gardens, and I would definitely recommend it to visitors in Okinawa.