A road designated for one car in the states is two lanes in Japan, with cars parked on each side. Children are taught that they have the right of way, so we constantly kept an eye out for pedestrians who might step out into the traffic. Motor scooters weave in and out of traffic, turn in front of cars and make a third or fourth lane out of any single lane of traffic. Ryokujuen, a concrete facility, was very large by Okinawan standards, with landscaped flower boxes outside. Some land was made into a small garden and was very beautiful.
Land is precious on the island and gardens are prized.
Upon entering the building, the contrast with facilities in the U.S., was immediate. We hastily removed our shoes and put on house shoes. The boundaries for walking with outside shoes were clearly established by colored flooring or raised steps. Shoe cabinets lined the walls. Stands filled with brightly colored umbrellas stood beside each door.