Ryukyu Mura

Ryukyu Mura is a great place for arts and heritage buffs—or anyone keen on understanding Okinawa’s unique culture, distinct from mainland Japan. While there’s plenty here to see, the focus is on Ryukyuan heritage as something to be experienced. You’ll find traditional artisans offering multiple hands-on workshops, from shisha dog making to cloth-dying, with the opportunity to make your own bespoke souvenir. A performance of a daily Kachashi—an Okinawan folk dance—adds to the festive atmosphere.

• Be sure to check the Ryukyu Mura website ahead of time for different meal and performance packages, including 2-hour, 4-hour, and full-day options.

• Interested in taking home some fun and memorable souvenir photos? Traditional Ryukyuan clothing is available for rent; you can be photographed with some of the theme park’s traditional buildings as your backdrop.

• Special combo tickets combine visits to the Ryukyu Mura with entry to one of Okinawa’s most popular attractions, the Churaumi Aquarium. Check the official website for more details (although, be warned, it’s mostly only available in Japanese.).

• Customizable full-day tours can include visiting Ryukyu Mura to see the cultural theme park with a guide who can explain the historical context.

• Children receive half-priced admission, making Ryukyu Mura a budget-friendly option for families.

Ryukyu Mura is located just off Highway 58 in central Okinawa Honto. Travelers with their own transportation can easily reach the theme park by car—count on about a 40–45-minute drive from Naha, depending on traffic. You can also take a Nago-bound bus—Bus 120— from Naha and get off at Ryukyu Mura; buses take about 80 to 90 minutes.

Ryukyu Mura is open every day from 8:30am until 5:30pm. The village opens and closes later in summer (July through September), from 9am until 6pm. Check the daily schedule for a complete performance schedule. Kachashi performances typically occur at 4pm; on Sundays, they are interactive. There is an Eisa folk dance show at 1pm, although you should check the website in advance to confirm.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is known for its colorful tanks that recreate underwater ecosystems native to the Okinawan islands. It’s easily reached by private car or public transportation, located within Ocean Expo Park on the edge of northern Okinawa’s Motobu Peninsula. The most popular exhibits are the Coral Sea tank, Deep Sea World, and the captivating Kuroshio Sea tank, featuring manta rays and whale sharks.