The long history of Okinawa is showcased at Ryukyu Mura, where the island’s traditions and customs are on display amid a large park. Discover historic buildings, try on delicate locally made kimonos, watch lively performances and observe master craftsmen creating pottery, textiles and instruments the way their ancestors have done for centuries.
Learn about the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. Historic buildings from across Okinawa Island were brought here and carefully reconstructed. See many different architectural features including classic thatched and red-tiled roofs.
Inside the 200-year-old buildings, meet master craftsmen as they show off their traditional techniques. Watch a weaver make the local hanaui fabrics, a potter mold traditional pottery and a craftsman make a sanshin,a classical three-stringed banjo-like instrument. Regular workshops allow visitors to try creating their own samples of Okinawan crafts.
Explore the sugar cane factory, where famous Okinawa brown sugar is milled in time-honored fashion using strong water buffalo to power the press. Discover the intricacies and elegance of the kimono dress and pose for a photo wearing one of the beautiful and brightly colored outfits. Staff at the park wear customary dress from around the island and throughout the ages, so be sure to stop them and ask to take a photograph of their elaborate costumes.
Enjoy one of the many performances that take place throughout Ryukyu Mura Park. These performances range from traditional eisa dances to karate demonstrations and sanshin concerts. Plan your visit to coincide with one of the numerous festivals held here throughout the year.
Don’t leave without taking a tour of the Habu Snake Center. Find out about Okinawa’s three species of indigenous poisonous snakes and meet those being rehabilitated in the center.
Find Ryukyu Mura in the village of On'na, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the Naha airport. Public buses heading toward Nago stop in front of the grounds. The park is open year-round and has an entry fee for visitors age 6 and over.
