CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER OLSEN
Just a short distance away from Shuri Castle in Naha sits the Kinjo Dam. Construction of the dam took a little more than ten years and was completed in 2000. It is a concrete gravity dam and its main purpose is flood control for the Li River.
While this dam has no historical significance, it is in a historical area. It is adjacent to the Shikina Cemetery and the historic Shuri-Kinjocho-Stone Pavement passes through the grounds of the dam. There are tiered paths and stairways that go all around the dam that are popular for daily exercise and offer a beautiful view. At the south east end of the park is the Hiji River and Bridge. It is said that the bridge was built in the 17th century and made of limestone.
The area is great for a quiet leisurely stroll in nature and offers so many beautiful photo opportunities. I would recommend bug spray though. This is not very stroller friendly unless you stay on the top path.
Directions: From the 330, drive south towards Naha. Turn left onto the 82. Follow the 82 past Shuri Castle and the expressway. Turn right at the next light. You will see a white sign for the Kinjo Dam directing you this way. You will soon see the dam on your left and the spillway in the distance. The parking lot is just after the spillway.
From the 58, drive south towards Naha. After you pass Camp Kinser, make sure that you are in the far left lane so you do not go on the overpass, allowing you to turn left onto the 82. Follow the 82 past Shuri Castle and the expressway. Turn right at the next light. You will see a white sign for the Kinjo Dam directing you this way. You will soon see the dam on your left and the spillway in the distance. The parking lot is just after the spillway.
From the Expressway, drive south towards Naha. The expressway will split in two, one towards the airport and the other into Naha. Take the one into Naha. It will be the one on the right. After you go through tolls, take a left turn onto the 82 and immediately get into the right hand turning lane. You will see a white sign for the Kinjo Dam directing you this way. After you turn at the light, you will soon see the dam on your left and the spillway in the distance. The parking lot is just after the spillway.
Google Map Coordinates: 26.212419, 127.717789