Located in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island, Okinawa World is like riding in a time machine!
Why don’t you go back in time to the good old days of the Ryukyu Kingdom and walk through a magnificent story of tradition and nature?
Here, there is something for everyone, from exploring the mysterious limestone caves to experiencing crafts in an old house decorated with hibiscus flowers!
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Explore the unexplored world of Gyokusendo Cave!
Gyokusendo, located in Okinawa’s Okinawa World, is more than just a tourist attraction; it is an amazing art space created by the earth.
The formation of these limestone caves began about 300,000 years ago, and even today they continue to change their shape little by little.
Of the 5km-long cave, 890m is open to the public, and the route alone is deeply impressive to visitors.
Blue Fountain – a fantastic natural creation
One of the highlights of the cave is the Blue Fountain.
This part of the park is where natural underground water gushes out and glows a fantastic blue color when lit up.
Limestone crystals reflected on the surface of the water create a starry sky-like beauty. Visitors are invited to enter a different world.
Spear ceiling – stalactites piercing the heavens
The area known as the “spear ceiling” is where countless stalactites grow sharply down from the ceiling.
These were formed by the overlapping of a drop of water and lime over thousands of years.
This spectacular natural artwork offers a glimpse into a mysterious world deep underground.
Exploration Tours – Go Deeper into the Cave World
Special tours are offered only during the summer months to explore areas beyond the general public area.
On this tour, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will take you to the depths of the caves that you would not normally be able to see.
In the undisclosed areas, you may see even larger stalactites and rare creatures. Equipped with expedition clothes and helmets, visitors can enjoy a real sense of exploration.
Photo Opportunities
At Gyokusendo, visitors are encouraged to take pictures with its beautiful scenery as a backdrop. In particular, the contrast of light and shadow in the “Blue Spring” area is extremely beautiful, providing the perfect shot to commemorate your visit.
For visitors, Gyokusendo is not just a tourist attraction, but a place to experience the natural art that the earth has created over a long period of time. The spectacular scenery and mystical atmosphere will leave you with unforgettable memories for the rest of your life.
Basic Information on Okinawa World
address (e.g. of house) | 1336 Maegawa, Tamaki, Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan |
Phone number | 098-949-7421 |
Business Hours | 9:00-17:30 (last admission at 16:00) |
business holiday | open every day of the year |
Access | Approximately 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
kindergarten enrollment fee | Adults 2,000 yen / Children 1,000 yen |
parking lot | Free of charge, accommodates 400 vehicles |
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A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town with a sense of history
Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, located within Okinawa World, is an area that retains the atmosphere of the former Ryukyu Kingdom.
In this historical space, the good old Okinawan traditions and culture will captivate visitors.
It is as if you have stepped back in time, providing a rare experience that brings you closer to Okinawa’s history.
Landscape of red tiles and cobblestone pavement
The red-tiled roofs that symbolize the architectural beauty of the Ryukyu Kingdom period and the beautifully manicured stone-paved streets further enhance the atmosphere of the castle town.
These building materials are also a testament to the prosperity of the former Ryukyu Kingdom through trade with China and Southeast Asia.
Visitors can walk through its beautiful streets, feeling this historical background.
Learn traditional crafts at the hands-on workshop
Another attraction of Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town is that there are many workshops where visitors can experience a variety of traditional crafts. Especially popular are “Bingata dyeing” and “Ryukyu glass making.
- Bingata Dyeing: This dyeing technique, which has been practiced since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, is characterized by the use of unique stencils to create gorgeous patterns on fabric. Visitors can actually choose a stencil and experience applying the colors to the cloth with their own hands. Through this activity, visitors can directly experience traditional Okinawan culture.
- Ryukyu Glass Making: This craft, which began after the war by recycling cola bottles left behind by the U.S. military, is now one of Okinawa’s most representative handicrafts. Visitors can form beautiful, transparent glass pieces with their own hands, and enjoy the unique texture and color of the pieces.
Preservation of historic buildings
Within the castle town, there are many old private houses that have been relocated from various parts of Okinawa, some of which are designated as national tangible cultural properties.
By visiting these old houses, visitors can get a glimpse into the structure of traditional Okinawan houses and the lives of people in the past.
In addition, Ryukyuan dance and sanshin (Okinawan guitar) performances are occasionally held in these houses, allowing visitors to experience Okinawan culture more deeply.
A day in the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom
In Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, you can not only feel the good old days of Okinawa, but also create your own special memories with handmade crafts.
By visiting this place, you are not only sightseeing, but also experiencing and learning for yourself a part of Okinawa’s history and culture.
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Thrilling! Hub and Mongoose Show
The Habu Natural History Park at Okinawa’s Okinawa World is more than just a zoo.
This place offers thrilling encounters with a variety of reptiles, including Okinawa’s most dangerous creatures, the habu.
Particularly popular is the Hub and Mongoose show. The show not only thrills and excites the audience, but also provides valuable learning opportunities about the hubs.
What is a hub?
The habu is a venomous snake found in Okinawa, and its venom is extremely potent.
Bites from hubs have long been a major problem in Okinawa, which is why learning how to coexist with them is so important.
The Hub Natural History Park provides comprehensive information about hubs, including their ecology, venom mechanisms, and first aid methods.
Hub and Mongoose Show
The show is not a staged confrontation between the hub and its natural enemy, the mongoose.
From a modern animal protection standpoint, no direct fighting takes place.
Instead, trained staff safely demonstrate the behavior of hubs and mongooses and introduce their ecology and characteristics.
The show is both educational and entertaining, and the exhibits make use of the capabilities of the hubs and mongooses.
Commemorative photo with the Hub
After the show, we offer brave visitors a photo opportunity with the hub.
Of course, all safety measures are in place for this activity.
This experience is a rare opportunity for participants to get a closer look at the habu creature and will surely be an unforgettable memory for them.
Educational Value and Entertainment
The shows at the Habu Natural History Park do more than just scare you.
Through these shows, we help people learn proper knowledge about habu and understand how to interact with nature in Okinawa.
The shows are also often accompanied by humor, making them enjoyable for both children and adults.
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Enjoy the delicacies of Okinawa
Okinawa is known not only for its unique culture, but also for its rich food culture.
If you visit Okinawa World, savoring its gastronomy is an important part of enriching your Okinawan experience.
In particular, at “Okinawa Soba Boast: Towanoya” and “Nanto Sake Brewery,” you can enjoy a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.
Okinawa soba pride: Taste the essence of Okinawan soba
Okinawa soba is one of the most typical Okinawan dishes. Topped with pork, fish cake, and green onions, this dish is a favorite of Okinawan families and a must-try for tourists.
At “Okinawa Soba Boast: Whataya,” the restaurant offers unique and creative Okinawa soba dishes based on the same basic concept.
In particular, bonito and kelp are lavishly used in the broth to add depth and aroma. In addition, the noodles, which are cut by hand on the spot, have a different texture and are unique and special.
Nanto Brewery: craft beer reflecting local flavors
The Nanto Brewery’s appeal lies in its brewing of beer that makes the most of Okinawa’s climate.
Here, we use fresh water from Gyokusendo, which is pumped up from 100 meters underground.
This fresh water is rich in minerals and soft water suitable for beer brewing. Beers brewed at the Nanto Brewery are characterized by their mild and fruity taste, and OKINAWA SANGO BEER in particular is highly regarded among local beer fans.
The variety of beer varies with the season, so you may find a new flavor each time you visit.
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How to access
Access by car
- From Naha Airport: Approximately 30 minutes. Take Okinawa Expressway and get off at Minami-fubara-minami Interchange and go to public road. After that, go directly to Okinawa World via Route 331. From Naha City, it is also about 30 minutes via Route 331.
Access by bus
- From Naha Bus Terminal: If you choose to take a bus, several bus routes such as No. 38 and No. 50 provide access to Okinawa World (Gyokusendo bus stop). A bus trip is recommended as one way to enjoy the Okinawan scenery.
Access by Taxi
- Cabs are also available from Naha Airport and major hotels. The airport is about 30 minutes away, and cabs are the most direct and fastest option.
Access by tour bus
- One option is to use a sightseeing tour bus. Many travel agencies offer one-day tours to Okinawa World from Naha City or resort hotels, so it is convenient to make reservations in advance.
Other Information
- Parking: There is a large parking lot that can accommodate up to 400 cars. It is very convenient to access by car when visiting.
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summary
Okinawa World is a place where you can experience the charm of Okinawa to the fullest.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions, starting with an adventure in the mysterious “Gyokusendo,” a cultural experience in the historic “Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town,” and a thrilling “Hub and Mongoose Show.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink, making it possible to enjoy yourself all day long.
When you visit Okinawa, be sure to visit Okinawa World and experience the nature, culture, and adventure of Okinawa.
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
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We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
One of the best spots for lunch in Okinawa!