Images of Okinawa Photo Gallery by Helen Betts at pbase.com

Images of Okinawa

A sampling of life and scenes on this fascinating island, which is part of Japan but closer to Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Manila and Hong Kong than to Tokyo. Pictures taken with Sony S75, S85, F707, F717 or V1. For more of my pictures of Okinawa, go to http://community.webshots.com/user/helenpb_

pages 1 2 3 ALL

Busena resort (East China Sea side)	Torii Station beach	Hamahiga public beach	Renaissance Okinawa Resort
Alivila Resort Hotel	Alivila	Alivila	Alivila
Alivila	Resort bride	Camp Schwab beach (Pacific Ocean side)	Camp Schwab, Ouwan
Okuma view	Ikeijima	Hamahiga inlet	Betty's view
Miyagijima cliffs	Lone fisherman on Ikeijima	Moon Beach	Palm in Yomitan
Traditional Okinawan roof	New roof	Planted roof	Noborigama (step kiln)
Eisa Festival drummers	Drummer	Naha Great Tug-of-War	Getting the rope ready
Naha Haarii (dragon boat races)	Naha Haarii	2003 Naha Haarii	Haari winners, 2003 (Urizun pub)
Kadena shisa (female)	Kadena shisa (male)	Grass shisa	Modern shisa
F18 over our house	Troop review, Camp Kinser	CH53 revving up, Futenma MCAS	Camp Foster sign
Change of Command ceremony, Camp Hansen	F15, Futenma MCAS	Harrier, Futenma MCAS	Tails You Win! (Transportation Challenge)
East China Sea from home	Habu preserved in awamori	Kamikirimushi	I hear ya knockin', but ya can't come in
Neon Palm at Night	Neon Palm	Sunset from my garden	The Tacit Farmer
Hanabasho	Getto buds	Orchid	Ijyu
Hibiscus white	Golden	Orange	Yellow

pages 1 2 3 ALL

post a comment

Don Rich		09-Jul-2008 19:59
Dear Helen, Thank you so much for your photo account of what Okinawa has become over the last 55 years. From 1952 thru 1954 I lived there as a member of the military. There was only one paved highway Rt 1 which ran from Naha to Kadena. Most of what you've pictured was not there when I was, almost all of the town names are new to me. My early 50's tour was pleasent, however today it would be outstanding. Regards and thanks again, Don Rich

Mike		26-Jun-2008 14:09
Great pictures that brought back many memories. My father was stationed on Okinawa back in 1974-1977 and our family was so lucky to have been able to go with him. It was the perfect time with me attending high school and developing an interest in both photography and stereo equipment. We also enjoyed a very high dollar-yen exchange rate back then, so everything was cheap. I imagine everything has changed so much since then and would love to re-visit the island sometime.

thechebb		14-Jun-2008 00:31
Great gallery Helen - I'm amazed I didn't comment when I came through before - Cheers & Voted!

Guest		12-Jun-2008 03:54
My goodness...I miss that place. We were there for six years and loved it. I am trying to get my husband to request to go back...still to early though. I hope to see more pics soon, the memories are missed! Keep up the great work!

Guest		23-Apr-2008 23:22
I just retired from the Navy from Okinawa and, luckily, my wife is Japanese. We are already planning to move back there for good at some point. I spent 10 of my 20 years in the Navy there. I worked at the hospital on Camp Lester. It will be nice to move there for good. I just wanted to at least give the States one more chance before we finally decided. We have been back for 4 months and our minds are already made up.

Len		23-Apr-2008 00:29
Great photos. Looks as if a lot has changed since I was on "The Rock" that was 1975-76

don		03-Apr-2008 07:46
Thankyou so much. I had all my photos stolen from Okinawa after living there for a yr. while stationed on Camp Kinser USMC. I've tried to describe it's beuty to my wife but nothing compares to these pics. Again thanks Don

G. Marion Harris		21-Mar-2008 19:56
Enjoyed the pictures very much. It brought back memories of 1970-1972 which I think of today as the best of my life. At the time , I didn't realize the fact. Our first child was born there. I keep looking for pictures of the Top of the Rock Officers Club and the Machinato Service Area where we lived but have yet to see any. Great Pictures!

Hatfield Jack		05-Mar-2008 03:30
I was stationed near Futenma, in 63-65 with Army Signal Corps, Worked at Hq Co at Com Center near Futenma Like everyone else I loved OKI the customs and the people would love to go back Im sure it would be different now It's been awhile But I will never forget my time. The pictures are nice.

Art		20-Jan-2008 03:26
In 1965 I was ststioned at camp Boone where The RYUKYU POLICE were stationed. Ilove the people of Okinawa,they were very nice to me. I also love COZy and BC Street.

Guest		30-Nov-2007 11:27
Dear Helen, These are beautiful photos of Okinawa. Much has changed since I was there in 75 to 77. Please let everyone know to cherish every moment they have there. I unfortunately took it for granted and now after thirty two years find myself at times very sadden to the point of tears for not realizing just what I was given the chance to see and enjoy. I have very few memories and very few photos which are like the old Polaroid camera. I worked in the (what was then Army Hospital). I had read where the hospital was going to be torn down and relocated else where on the island. I wanted to go back but after seeing photos as to what Okinawa is today, it just wouln't be the same. I don't remember any resorts or beaches like the ones shown in the pictures at all. Oh, and my daughters name is Helen as that was my mothers name. Take care and God Bless

ukreal1		29-Nov-2007 04:04
outstanding pics, I am heading there in 2 mths, looking forward to some great photography!

Guest		27-Nov-2007 18:57
Dear Helen, your pictures are just gorgeous! Just how I remember some of it, and there are definitely changes. I was born on Okinawa in 1957; in fact, my mom and brother, too. after looking at these pictures, I'm convinced even more how home sick I am. My relatives all still live there (mom's side of the family). My uncle lives in one of those traditional homes in Urasoe. I'm ready to go back to my "island." Now I know why my Dad loved it so. I believe I'll follow in his footsteps. Anyway, Blessings to everyone. Miyuki

Karen Rice		16-Nov-2007 21:16
I was blessed to be stationed on Okinawa from 1980 to 1984. It is the most beautiful place I have ever lived. We used to go up to the northern part of the island and camp out in a cave that was right on the beach and not see another person the entire stay. Such an awesome place to be stationed, lots of fun night life too. I sure hope I can go back for a visit one day!

Suwanee Lennon		06-Nov-2007 09:42
Hi Helen, I am currently on Okinawa right now, these images are very familiar and know where they are exactly. You have some really amazing images here on this collection, wish you are here still! Take a look at my work here: www.pbase.com/suwanee Vote!!

Ali Majdfar		30-Oct-2007 05:11
Spectacular collection, GMV

Jacque King		27-Oct-2007 04:00
So amazing! I lived on Okinawa from 1992-1995 and this is incredible! So many wonderful memories from these pictures.

SHELBY		03-Oct-2007 11:06
THE PICTURE ARE BEAUTIFUL. LIVED FOR 13 YEARS ON OKINAWA. I'LL CHERISH MY MEMORIES OF THIS ISLAND FOREVER. MANY TIME I DREAM OF THE PEOPLE THAT I MET WHILE I WAS THERE.

Kim		15-Aug-2007 22:44
I lived on OKI from 1987 to 1991. I love all your pictures. It brings back so many memories. Thank you for this site!

Anon		07-Aug-2007 19:25
Cindy Ryan's father?

Sandra Rose		30-Jul-2007 19:26
I Lived in Okinawa from 1963 to 1968 when my father was stationed there He was Killed in 1968 and we had to leave they sent us a picture of a building that had his name on it. I was wondering what they did with those buildings or if they still stand My Father was In the First Special Forces Green Beret's. We lived in Kadena, and Fatema. I enjoyed the pictures, But if you could find out any info on those building's I would appreciate it. My Father's name was SGT Major William H. Ryan

L. Briggs (USAF 1962-1966)		15-Jul-2007 02:55
Excellent photos. I was particularly interested in Moon Beach. I was there in 1965 and it was much small beach area, no buildings and very small beach area. My gave times have changed th island.

Kate		12-Jul-2007 13:29
Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. I was fortunate enough to enjoy this beautiful island and its people from 2/70 to 4/72 and as others have said, I will never forget it. I lived in Sunabe outside of Kadena Gate Three. It was my first trip outside of the U.S., I was almost 23 yrs. old and pregnant. My Navy spouse was stationed at Hanza. We had two sons born on Okinawa and someday I hope to go back. The people were the most kind and gentle souls I have ever met and I have lived in many parts of this wonderful world! In July, 1970 Typhoon Olga tore through. I pray the one headed towards Okinawa now will stray or lose strength.

Thomas Kelly		09-Jul-2007 22:09
Hello, I'm a Marine and i will be headed to Okinawa in two days, seeing these pictures is deffinatly getting me excited. It looks great there and it gives me a positive attitude

Mike Davis		21-Jun-2007 13:42
Beautiful photos. I was stationed there from Oct 84 til Mar 92 and will never forget it. All 3 of our boys were born there. My oldest son, Tory is now stationed at Kadena and the whole family is going to visit him next year. Beautiful island, beautiful people, what more could you ask?

Tina		30-Apr-2007 05:25
My husband is a Marine with orders in hand to Okinawa. I have to say that I have been apprehensive about leaving the states, but after viewing your site, I feel at peace with the journey ahead. The photos you have posted display an island of grace, beauty and tranquility. Much different than I had pictured the island in my mind. Thank you!

Guest		30-Mar-2007 16:28
Hey - I'm heading to Okinawa in under two on a solo journey..... thinking of stay in a hostel near moon Beach - mear the maeda misaki dive centre. Does anyone know it? Or better still stayed there? Think it's just north of Kadena. Thanks Guys.

Richard		20-Feb-2007 04:18
These photos have stemmed my interest to visit for my first time. I am of Okinawan decent with the maiden name of my mother Hamahiga. Any hosts?

WILLIAM E. SMITH		06-Feb-2007 21:21
I WAS THERE IN 1964 AS A MARINE. I'M LIKE MANY PEOPLE, JUST CAN'T FORGET IT.

SteveO69		05-Jan-2007 19:58
Very, very nice! I've been to Okinawa 3 times in the last 2 years. I've been from one end of the island to the other, and you do the tour guide bit very well! SteveO69

Rachael		02-Dec-2006 07:57
Hi Helen~I'm about to move to Okinawa & had no idea what to imagine. From browsing other Okinawa-related sites, I believe yours is the best. Great photography! Looking forward to my new home. Also, I heard the sweet potato ice cream is purple & now I know why. Sweet potatoes I eat are orange...Anyway, thanks again! I shared your site with all my family and friends.

Mary		17-Sep-2006 23:37
Thank you for taking me back to a place I miss dearly!

Jeanette		30-Aug-2006 20:45
These were wonderful photos! They took me back to my four years on Okinawa. Thank you for sharing!!

Jimmy K		22-Jun-2006 00:17
Beautiful photos that took me back to so many of the best, fondest times of my life. My Air Force father was assigned to Kadena AB three times -- 1964-67, 1969-73 and 1976-81 -- with me and my sis graduating from Kubasaki High School in '80 and '81 respectively. For a military brat who's traveled the world, Okinawa will be always be home to me... and I hope to make it back in 2007 for my first visit since '81.Although the urban areas have undergone a major transformation, a short drive north can quickly transport one back to the Okinawa of our youth.

Dick Oelze		11-Apr-2006 20:12
I also enjoyed your pictures immensly. I was staioned at Torii from 12/63-8/65 and loved it. It's changed so much but still has the most beautiful coral and blue sea of anywhere I've been--snorkled in it many times...was amazed at the color of the coral and the fish. Loved the people as well--very warm and friendly....Dick

Anne (Freimuth) Statland		05-Apr-2006 13:54
Hi Helen, I am enjoying your pictures, over and over again. I was born on Okinawa and lived there until I was 16. We moved to the US in 1966. In 2003, my family and I met you -- very briefly -- at the Memorial Day event in August. We put flowers at the memorial with you and your husband. I have pictures of us in our memory album of the trip. That trip was the first since we left in '66. What a wonderful visit and hopefully the first of many. We were hoping to return this Fall, but I don't think it will happen, so hopefully we'll return in the Fall of 2007. Let me say thank you for taking these most beautiful pictures and posting them for all to enjoy. I think that even those who have not experienced the beauty and grace of Okinawa and the people that live there will enjoy your shots. Thank you.

親港北人		28-Mar-2006 11:32
Thanks for the memories; I also lived in this "other world" during 1971-73; it entirely changed the direction of my life. I'm almost afraid ever to go back, knowing so much has changed since reversion.

Keith Patton		27-Mar-2006 18:42
I lived there from 1966 to 1969. It has changed quite a bit I can see. We owned a house in Oyama, on the top terrace just below the Futema perimeter fence. We had a great veiw of the East China sea and Camp Mercy. I was 12-15 at the time and it was a great time. I got to camp all over the island with the boy scouts. Thanks for the pictures.

Guest		08-Mar-2006 01:55
Wow! Your galleries are bookmarked! I can almost taste that goya.....I miss Oki.... Your galleries are simply perfect. I could look at the same one every day and still be amazed!

Shannon		25-Feb-2006 16:52
I love all your pictures they are absolutely breathtaking. I lived there for over 5 years and I consider it my home. I've been gone for so long, thank you for taking me home!

Guest		17-Feb-2006 17:08
Great Pictures!! Im currently stationed in Okinawa and I can experiance all the beauty first hand. Check out my own photography Okinawa Photography

John Martin		17-Jan-2006 04:29
What a fantastic collection. Reminds me of what I'm missing since I left in 79 after a +5 year tour. I do think, tho, that your F-16 at MCAS Futenma is actually an F-15. Kudos for such beautiful work.

Artur Fleming		22-Apr-2005 16:41
Thanks for the pictures. My daughter is to be stationed there for the next two years and I think she is going to enjoy the time there.

Valeria		09-Feb-2005 17:18
Just beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos of Okinawa. You've made my day!

Weaver		23-Apr-2004 13:28
Great pictures. Spent the best 2 years ever in Okinawa and truly miss it. Thanks for letting me relive it over again vicarously through your pictures. What a culture, what an island...

Linda Lazaroff		16-Apr-2004 21:11
He didn't mention it, but Sgt. Justin Hardgrove was born in Okinawa; I should know - I'm his mom! The pix are incredible - as was my experience there as a US Marine; only one of 12 at the time. We lived in Okinawa City and loved the experience - espeicially Charlies Tacos and Sams By The Sea. Ahhh... memories....

Zac		29-Mar-2004 08:21
Dang...I spent most of my life on this island, from Naha to Nago, spent nites on the beaches, kicked it at Gate 2 and Kokusai street...the day i left i vowed to be back and spend the rest of my life there...okinawa is a whole different world, it's not really part of mainland, not to americanized(

shandi		23-Mar-2004 20:45
Hi, I wanted to thank you for posting your stunning pictures of Okinawa. It brings tears to my eyes. My family was stationed there from Nov2002-June2003. It was a short but sweet tour. We had to leave abruptly for health reasons concerning our newborn. He was born at 35 weeks gestation and had to stay in the NICU. We were to take him home with us a week after his birth, but Doctors discovered a heart murmur, upon that they did a scan of his heart and found that he had Tetrology of Fallot. We were on a C-130 within hours of diagnosis. I've never been back. It's just sad because I made wonderful friends there and never got to say goodbye. Our son had heart surgery in Nov 2004 and is happily doing quite well. We were told we would never get to be stationed there again. I really loved that place, it felt like home. The people there are so wonderfully genuine. Thanks to the people at Saki Corporation for making me feel like family. Thanks again to you, Helen for the wonderful photographs of a beautiful people. Shandi Floyd

Alvin R Williams IV		14-Mar-2004 19:43
I have enjoyed looking at your many find pictures of Okinawa. I was station there with my father in 1959-62! I passed though again in 71. My what a lot has changed! But the beaches seem familiar. They are wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing Alvin R. Williams IV SFC Aviation (RET) ARWIV@adelphia.net

patrick		08-Mar-2004 18:30
superb images, beautiful costums of japan

Helen Betts		07-Jan-2004 17:26
Thank you for looking! Yes, as rule I use center-weighted metering, although occasionally will use spot (but rarely matrix). A long time ago when I was really doing a lot of experimenting with my 707 and then 717, I just found that I liked the results better with that method. I wish I had some examples to show, but I don't think I kept those tests. Helen

Justme		06-Jan-2004 06:08
Hi, Nice pictures. I noticed that you use center weighted for light metering for all of your pics. Any reason why? As suppose to matrix (Multi).

Louis Wendruck		03-Dec-2003 05:12
These are the most beautiful photos I have seen. I love Japan, and visited Japan in 2001. I am a classmate of your husband Tim Betts from Occidental College 1978. Thanks for the great photos!

Randu		24-Sep-2003 13:54
Great to see your pics, I know where to go next week when I am overthere!

W. Burkett		22-Sep-2003 09:57
Thank you for bringing my Marine son closer to home by sharing pictures of where he is.

sb1		15-Jul-2003 02:07
Helen, Beautiful. Wish I had been a better photographer when I was there (80-82). Thanks for the memories. Mike

Christian Roux (from Switzerland)		19-Jun-2003 17:30
Bravo for your very interesting pictures. They are beautifull. Please give a commentary to my ones on www.pbase.com/christianswiss

eddie		10-May-2003 15:02
Nice Pics, Stationed there from 1999-2001. Fantastic place and will go back sometime soon. Thanks for sharing. erjazz@mailcity.com

rpgrace		21-Feb-2003 17:06
Helen, Great job! I love to travel with my digital, but when reviewing I always find that there are thirty or so worth framing. You have the gift of great timing and an eye for perspective. I'm going to go buy stock in frames now- your whole gallery is amazing! Rpgrace@hotmail.com

"JJ"		14-Nov-2002 03:36
I must say I agree with Justin. The time I spent in Okinawa changed me forever. I've never felt more ALIVE!!! Do you by chance have any photos of Higi Falls?

"JJ"		14-Nov-2002 03:28
WOW!!This site brings back memories.I was stationed at Kadena from "97 to "99.Okinawa was my favorite assignment.So much culture and energy packed into one island!! Can't wait to revisit!!

Sgt. Justin Hardgrove USMC		08-Nov-2002 15:05
I was stationed on okinawa from 96-98. Two of the happiest, most memorable years of my life. I miss it every day. You have put together a beautiful pictoral. It's everything I remember. Thank You

Sgt. Justin Hardgrove USMC		08-Nov-2002 15:05
I was stationed on okinawa from 96-98. Two of the happiest, most memorable years of my life. I miss it every day. You have put together a beautiful pictoral. It's everything I remember. Thank You

jptwins		28-Jun-2002 18:10
Great to see these pics, I was a military dependant there in the late 60's, doesnt appear to have changed much.

Hal		02-Nov-2001 06:09
Great pictures! Was there late July(hot!!) w/ mixed expectations as an okinawan-american. But not only a beautiful place as your pictures show, beautiful & accepting people as well. Looking forward to going back someday.

Brent Lossing		10-Oct-2001 19:49
Helen, Wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing, from MN I don't get to see countries from another's eyes, often. Really like it a lot!

fukuzz		10-Oct-2001 17:29
Wonderful pictures! I wanna go back now.....

click on thumbnails for full image