Dragging an infant, toddler, pre-teen, husband and in-laws ANYWHERE might not sound like much fun, but I have to admit that we all completely enjoyed ourselves at Ryukyu Mura. It’s basically a traditional Okinawan village with exhibits showcasing various festivals, crafts and foods. We got there just in time for the Parade (10am — also at 4pm) that condenses a years worth of festivals into one parade:
Usudeku, Karate, Miruku, Kajimayah, Lion Dance, Juri, Mamidoma & Eisa. I especially loved the older
lady who walked around with a huge bottle of awamori balanced on her head and the wonderful eisa dancers (they do their own show at 9am & 1pm). The Lion came right up to my son and snapped its jaws and scared him a bit, but he recovered. There were several opportunities for the audience to join into the dancing.
Then we went to the Habu Show (happens every 45 minutes or so throughout the day) and watched the snake handler play with the Habu which was in a glass box next to its nemesis – the mongoose. I get the impression they used to have fights between the two, but are no longer allowed due to those pesky animal rights laws – thank goodness! But there is a computer animated video of what that fight might be like. At the end of the show, you are invited to swallow a mouthful of “ground up Habu” that is supposed to give you energy – and then of course given the chance to buy the powder to take home with you…. hmmm…
At several places throughout the park you have the chance to participate in the local crafts. You can buy a ticket to paint Shisa dogs, try your hand at bingata or pottery, learn the dances or to play various instruments (the prices start at 800¥).
We had a chance to see many parts of traditional life in Okinawa and rewarded ourselves at the end with Okinawan donuts and coconut milk (there was also a restaurant where you buy the ticket corresponding to what you want to eat). There is a lot for sale – the typical souvenirs as well as locally produced sea salt and brown sugar.
Ryukyu Mura is located north of Kadena in Onna Village. Take the 58 north past the turns for Torii until you see a digital TV type of thing on the left that says Ryukyu Mura with an arrow to the Left. Turn left and follow the signs for a little ways. You'll see the parking on the right side of the road and the entrance on the left. They open at 8:30 and last entry is at 5:30pm. If you buy tickets from ITT they are 770¥ for adults, 700¥ for students 16-18kj & 390¥ for kids 3-15. Tickets are about 50¥ more at the door. Phone: 098-965-1234
I enjoyed this place. Great stop when you have visitors. One stop wonder. A whole day of events and food and sweets and men drumming. I love when these men drum. LOVE.
Little embarassed to ask this since I wrote the original post, but has anyone ever done crafts here? Did you reserve a time before hand or upon entry?
Seems I’ve heard of somewhere else on island to do traditional crafts — anyone know?
My sister is coming next week and my dad who has been here before said there was a park that you could dress up as geisha’s and warriors and have your picture taken (like the old time photos in the states) Anyways he said he was pretty sure it was at Ryukyu Mura, anyone know if this is true or not? I dont’ care if it is or not but now my sister is pretty interested in doing this. I know you can do it down town but it’s a bit expensive. If anyone knows please let me know.
I’m wanting to know this too.
I don’t know if that is true at Ryukyu Mura, but they do the photos at Shuri Castle right in front of the big Torii gate.
Yes, you can dress up at Ryukyu Mura and get your pic taken.
I was wondering if anyone knows if they have a wide variety of foods to eat at Ryukyu Mura and Okinawa World. We are planning on going to both this with and with three picky eaters in the family I am not always sure about the food. Also does anyone know if you can bring your own food in like sandwhiches and such?
thanks so much.
You may try on a beautiful Ryukyuan Dress of the ancient Rukyus and take your OWN picture. Only “ryukyu Koban” coins can be accepeted for payment. You may exchange Y500 for a Ryukyu Koban coin.
I am sorry your son was scared a bit by the lion’s jaws, but if it’s any consolation I’ve heard that’s done for good luck? I know the ones in Japan do it, too.
Is Ryukyu Mura and Okinawa World the same thing?
No, Okinawa World is way down south — Ryukyu mura is near to the Yomitan area. They are similar though — both have Habu areas, Eisa Dancers, local crafts…
Loved it! Lots of cultural things to do & see. We stopped to watch several things, but there was one lady sitting quietly by herself playing the Shamisen (see photos on Wikipedia). We stood there for several minutes watching and taking photos. She invited my Mother-in-law to sit down. She let her (attempt to) play the instrument while posing for photos for me.
For the most part, they are stroller friendly. I recommend a larger one like Grayco over an umbrella stroller. The larger wheels do better on the rocks.
Most of the on-site food is Japanese. One of the vendors had corn dogs. They were done in the microwave, so it’s not like going to the State Fair of Texas or anything, but it worked great for my 1 year old & 2 year old.
Can anyone give better directions. We road around for 1 1/2 and still didn’t find this place. The only signs we saw was on the right hand side of the road when we were headed back toward Kadena that told us to make a U turn. Once you make the U turn you do see a digital sign, but there is nothing else about Ryuku after that. We did turn down the next busy road past the digital sign, but it took us to some deserted area.
Take the left at the large digital jumbotron. The road veers to the left. The road will twist and turn some, then on the straightaway, you’ll see Ryukyu Mura to the left and parking to the right. Crosswalk attendants will hand wand at the ready to guide you.
Can anyone give me an estimate of how long it should take to get there from Kadena Gate 1? We are still new here and tend to get lost very easily. Is the parade daily?
Just an FYI as far as digital TV/jumbotron wise… Do NOT associate it with the Pachinko’s digital TV/jumbotron (like I did lol) once you see that on your left keep going and you’ll see it BIG as DAY lol probably in 2-3mins of driving (if that)… For those that get lost easily – like me lol..
Gate 1 Kadena took me about 35-40mins that’s with moderate traffic…
Hi, I go by LaLa on here too! Guess it’s time for a new Okinawa Hai name for me
Do they have the parade and everything daily or just on weekends?