Due to its geographical location and historical factors, Okinawa has developed a unique Ryukyu culture that spans over 500 years.
Even today, traces of the history and culture can still be seen throughout Okinawa.
In Okinawa, make sure to embark on a journey through time and experience the local traditional culture!
🏰Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom
The charm of Okinawa's traditional culture is gathered here — a theme park where you can fully experience Ryukyu culture.
Admire the beautiful traditional villages with red-tiled roofs; some of the buildings are even listed as Japan's tangible cultural properties.
This time, I used the "Have Fun in Okinawa Pass" to exchange for admission ticket package to Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom.
It includes Gyokusendo Cave, Ryukyu Kingdom Village, and the Habu Museum Park, allowing you to explore all of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Simply show the QR code on the pass to the staff to redeem it!
Here's the admission ticket! Let's go!
Arriving at the Ryukyu Kingdom, I recommend starting with an underground adventure. Follow me to Okinawa's largest limestone cave, "Gyokusendo Cave."
Gyokusendo Cave, born from coral reefs, is a wonder that took 300,000 years to form and is the second longest limestone cave in Japan.
The cave stretches about 5,000 meters in length, containing over one million stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars!
Some of them are long, please be careful at all times.
I thought the cave would be stuffy, but it's actually quite cool inside.
Although it's a bit dim, there are handrails along the walkways, so safety isn't an issue at all.
Some of the unique stalactites inside the cave are named based on their distinctive shapes.
"Hall of first love"
"The Tilted Jizo Bosatsu"
"The Golden Cup" is a unique limestone formation resembling terraced fields, reaching a height of 2.5 meters, and is truly spectacular.
The "Blue Spring" is a popular attraction in the cave.
The blue light reflecting off the crystal-clear water creates a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere.
Outside Gyokusendo Cave, you can try the underground water from inside the cave and see how it compares to the water you usually drink.
Every summer, special cave exploration activities are held. By making an online reservation, you can explore the mysterious areas outside the main paths.
Image Source：琉球文化王國
Next, head to the Snake Museum, which showcases a variety of snakes and reptiles. Here you can see snakes swimming in the water.
There are also exhibits on snake-related knowledge and skeletal specimens of snakes.
If you're not afraid of snakes, you can experience touching a large python and take a photo with it (additional fee required).
The highlight here is the "Snake Performance Show," where you can witness the power of snake attacks.
"Snake vs. Balloon Experiment"
Before the event starts, snakes will be showcased and their structure briefly introduced.
Next, the staff will prepare two balloons: one regular white balloon and another filled with warm water.
Because snakes sense objects through temperature, they'll only attack the blue balloon filled with warm water.
When the snake popped that balloon, I almost jumped outta my skin!
After enjoying the thrilling snake show, you can explore Okinawan traditional crafts
like Ryukyu glass, pottery art, traditional handwoven textiles, and colorful dyeing techniques.
Besides just watching, you can also get hands-on with DIY activities right there,
creating your very own unique souvenirs (additional fee required).
"Ryukyu Glass"
"Ryukyu Glass Bead"
"Pottery Workshop"
"Weaving Workshop"
"Bingata Studio" - Bingata Dyeing
"Leathercraft"
You can try out hammering for free on the side, but making keychains requires an additional fee.
"Shisa Painting"
"Indigo Dyeing Experience"
There are all kinds of traditional crafts waiting for you to experience!
🏛️Okinawa Culture Center
The Okinawa Culture Center showcases artifacts and historical photos of Okinawan Ryukyu culture. Come on in for a stroll!
Okinawa Culture Center Official Website
📍 Address: 1336 Maekawa, Tamaki, Nanjo City, Okinawa
🎫 Price: Over 15 Years Old 2000 Yen / 4 ~ 14 Years Old 1000 Yen
🏠 Business Hours: 9:00 – 17:30
⚠️Attractions in the Pass will be updated from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.