Unleash the Magic of Okinawa World: Dive into Tradition and Marvel at Enchanting Caves!

Essential Information about Okinawa World

First, let me provide you with some basic information about Okinawa World, including its location and ticket prices. It's also helpful to check the climate in Okinawa before your visit.

A Theme Park in Nanjo City

Okinawa World is a popular tourist destination located in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, where you can experience the charm of Okinawa's history, culture, and nature. The limestone cave called "Gyokusendo," which was explored and surveyed by the academic expedition team from Ehime University in March 1967 when Okinawa was still under American administration, was opened to the public in 1972. Starting from the famous Gyokusendo, the above-ground area was expanded, and in 1996, it was reopened as Okinawa World, becoming an important tourist facility in Okinawa.

Access

Okinawa World is conveniently located near the airport, with its address being 1336 Tamagusuku Maekawa, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. You can reach it by various means of transportation such as rental cars, taxis, or a combination of monorail and bus. Let's take a look at the prices and estimated travel times for each option.

■ From Naha City or Naha Airport

If you choose to go by rental car or taxi, it takes about 30 minutes to drive from the central area of Naha City, including Kokusai Street, to Okinawa World. The distance is similar whether you start from Naha Airport or the city center. You can take the Okinawa Expressway and exit at the Minami-Nakagusuku Minami Interchange, which takes about 10 minutes.

The taxi fare is approximately 3,000 yen. If you are traveling in a group, you can split the fare, making it a convenient option without the need to worry about carrying your luggage.

If you prefer to take the bus or monorail, you can board a public bus at the "Naha Bus Terminal" and get off at the "Gyokusendo Parking Lot." It's just a 2-minute walk from there.

The nearest station to the "Naha Bus Terminal" is the "Asahibashi Station" on the monorail (Yui Rail).

The monorail fare from the airport to "Asahibashi Station" is 270 yen for adults and 140 yen for children. The bus fare from the "Naha Bus Terminal" to the "Gyokusendo Parking Lot" is around 590 yen, and the travel time is approximately 1 hour.

*Note: Some buses also depart from "Domestic Terminal Mae" at Naha Airport. The fare in that case is 690 yen.

Opening Hours

Since April 1, 2020, the operating hours have been reduced by 30 minutes until further notice. The current opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:30, with the last admission at 16:00.

Ticket Prices

• Adults (15 years old and above): 2,000 yen
• Children (4-14 years old): 1,000 yen

*Entrance is through Gyokusendo.

■ Advance Tickets

There may be discounted tickets available for purchase in advance online. If you already have a planned itinerary for your Okinawa trip, be sure to check for special deals on tickets!

Weather

Okinawa is located in the southern part of the island, so the weather is slightly warmer compared to the northern regions. The most comfortable time to visit, known as the "Urizun" season, is around April. The rainy season starts earlier than on the mainland, usually after the Golden Week period. Please note that July and August are prone to direct hits from typhoons, so caution is advised.

Okinawa has a subtropical climate, with a year-round mild temperature. Even in winter, the average temperature is around 16°C. Although Okinawa is often associated with sunny weather due to its subtropical region, it actually receives a significant amount of rainfall, including sudden showers, so it's essential to bring rain gear.

Highlights of Okinawa World Sightseeing

With so many attractions in this theme park, you may be wondering where to go. To make the most of your visit, let's check out what it has to offer in advance.

Limestone Cave - Gyokusendo

This is a must-see place when visiting Okinawa World. It is a limestone cave formed over approximately 300,000 years, with a total length of about 5 kilometers. Gyokusendo is considered the largest in Japan and one of the most beautiful in the Orient. Inside the cave, you will find over one million stalactites, the highest number in Japan. These stalactites are still growing at a speed of 1 millimeter every three years, which is faster compared to other caves outside the prefecture. Around 890 meters of the cave are open to the public, while the rest is used for research purposes.

Craft Experience

Okinawa World offers the opportunity to experience traditional Okinawan crafts firsthand. It's a great idea to create your own original crafts to take home as souvenirs. Here are a few recommended experiences:

■ Ryukyu Glass

Ryukyu Glass originated from the reuse of Coca-Cola bottles brought by Americans after World War II. In this experience, you can choose from about six different shapes and learn from skilled artisans in an authentic workshop. They provide detailed instructions, so even children can enjoy it with peace of mind.

■ Bingata

Bingata is a traditional Okinawan dyeing technique with a history of over 400 years. The word "bing" in Bingata means color, and "gata" means pattern. It features unique and vibrant designs, and you can try dyeing coasters, bandanas, bags, and other small items with your favorite colors.

■ Uezu Dyeing

Uezu refers to sugarcane, and Uezu dyeing involves using dyes made from boiling sugarcane leaves and inflorescences. You can create products such as coasters and drawstring bags in light green or yellow hues. The experience takes approximately 30 minutes.

Photography

If you want to capture photos that represent Okinawa, Okinawa World is also a recommended spot. You can enjoy photography in unique ways.

■Dressing Up in Traditional Costumes

At the Ryukyu Photo Studio, you can experience wearing traditional costumes that were once exclusively worn by important figures during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It's a special experience that allows you to feel like a Ryukyuan. These traditional costumes, which were said to be worn only by noble people, are also available for men, making it a fun activity for couples. If you take photos in the registered cultural heritage site called "Ryukyu Kingdom Shuri Castle Town (Former House Group)," you will truly feel like you're in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Be sure to try it when you visit.

■Photo Session with White Snakes

White snakes, also known as symbols of good fortune, are a rare sight to behold. At the Habu Museum Park, you can have your photo taken with a white snake coiled around your neck. These snakes are surprisingly large but have smooth skin, and being able to touch them is a precious experience. If you're interested, give it a try!

Super Eisa

You can witness Eisa, a representative traditional performing art of Okinawa with a history of about 400 years, right in front of you. Eisa is a dance performed to pray for the safe return of ancestors to heaven during the Bon festival (held around the 15th day of the 7th lunar month) and for family safety and good health. In addition to Eisa, you can enjoy other traditional performing arts such as lion dance, angama, and yotsudake. Okinawa World holds daily performances, but please check the official website below for the latest information.

Habu Show

The Habu Show is a 20-minute performance that takes place five times a day. It showcases the thrilling moments of habu snake attacks and provides an exciting and suspenseful experience.

You can also witness the showdown between the highly venomous sea snake and the adorable mongoose. Since it's a rare opportunity, don't miss it!

Segway Tour

There is a paid guided tour where you can enjoy exploring the park on a Segway. You will have practice time before starting, so there's no need to worry. The guide will take you through courses that are not normally accessible within Okinawa World. The tour takes approximately one hour, and the price is 5,000 yen + tax per person. It is held around four times a day. If you're interested, check it out.

Restaurant Options within the Park, including Lunch Buffet

At the "Healthy Buffet Chura Island" in the park, you can enjoy a buffet with over 80 dishes that are consciously prepared for health. It's a luxurious restaurant where you can indulge in fresh Okinawan ingredients. It's especially recommended for families as it has a kids' room and traditional Japanese-style seating.

In addition, "Okinawa Soba Specialty Nan-to-ya" is a shop in the free area that can be accessed without an admission ticket, so anyone can use it. As the name suggests, they take pride in their Okinawa soba. The soba noodles, made from 100% wheat flour, paired with a flavorful bonito broth, are packed with deliciousness. They also offer other dishes such as Soki soba, Agu pork bowl, and Agu meat buns, which are just the right portion when you're feeling a little hungry.

Souvenirs

Okinawa World boasts the largest "specialty souvenir shopping street" in Japan, where you can find all kinds of Okinawan souvenirs. In addition to the classic items like beniimo tart and chinsuko (Okinawan cookies), they offer various souvenirs such as island sandals, kariyushi wear (Okinawan traditional clothing), and Ryukyu glass. The most popular souvenir is the "Marugoto Pine Castella," a cake that is made entirely with pineapples. It has a rich pineapple flavor, and the sweetness of tropical fruit fills your mouth. Don't forget to get some unique items like original merchandise from the Habu Museum Park, beer from Nanto Sake Brewery, or Habu liquor. Take your time and enjoy shopping.

Estimated Time for Sightseeing

The duration can vary depending on the experiences you choose, but it's good to allocate around 4 hours. The Tamagusuku Castle Ruins can be explored in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The experience activities range from approximately 5 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, so it's advisable to check the duration of the guided tours in advance for a smoother schedule. It's also recommended to review the map to efficiently navigate the park.

■Recommended Nearby Spot: Gangala Valley

Just across the road from Okinawa World, there is a tourist spot called "Gangala Valley." It is a natural valley formed by the collapse of limestone caves that existed around tens of thousands of years ago. It's a valuable place that still preserves the remains of the "Koza People," ancient inhabitants from about 18,000 years ago. You can visit this spot only by booking a guided tour. Since it's about a 2-minute walk away, if you have the time, be sure to visit.

Restaurants near Okinawa World for Dining

Here are two recommended restaurants in the vicinity. You can stop by before or after your sightseeing, so check them out according to your schedule.

Cave Cafe

The Cave Cafe is located within walking distance and serves as the meeting point for tours in Gangala Valley. It utilizes a large cave, providing a mystical setting in the heart of nature where you can enjoy meals and take a break. You can also use the cafe for free without participating in the tours. In addition to food and drinks, you can indulge in sweets and local Okinawan craft beer.

Hamabe no Chaya

Hamabe no Chaya is a cafe with an excellent location on Shinbaru Beach, where you can relax while overlooking the sea. They offer a variety of menus that allow you to experience Okinawa, such as a fresh sea grape salad and cakes made with local ingredients. They also have cocktails made with awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), so if you're interested, give them a try.

Recommended Hotels near Okinawa World

Hotels near Okinawa World are recommended as they are relatively close to Naha City and the airport. Here are some hotels that will enhance your stay experience.

Hyakunagaran

Hyakunagaran is a scenic hotel overlooking Kudaka Island. Guests can freely use the private open-air baths on the top floor. The rooms are constructed using materials unique to Okinawa, such as red tiles and Ryukyu limestone, creating an atmosphere as if you were living in Okinawa. All rooms offer a breathtaking view of the sea. It's approximately a 40-minute bus or car ride from Okinawa World.

The Southern Links Resort Hotel

The hotel is equipped with a golf course . From the guest rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful green golf course and the blue sea. There is also a room available where you can stay with your pet (dog) - limited to one room per day. The hotel features a glass-walled restaurant where you can savor Ryukyuan cuisine and creative dishes, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy light meals while overlooking the greenery at a reasonable price. The hotel has a convenient location, approximately 15 minutes by car to Okinawa World and Gangala Valley.

Experience the Magic of Okinawa World!

Discover the wonders of Okinawa World, a captivating theme park that immerses you in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Okinawa. From the breathtaking stalactite cave, Tamagusuku Castle, to the vibrant Eisa dance performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Indulge in traditional craft experiences, savor the flavors of Okinawan cuisine, and explore the charming souvenir shops. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural insights, or simply a memorable day with loved ones, Okinawa World has it all. Embark on a journey of discovery and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting destination. Experience the allure of Okinawa World today and let its captivating spirit leave a lasting impression on your heart.

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