If you do not have a car, it is easiest to get to Ryukyu Mura 琉球村 沖縄 by joining a tour, as it is located north of Naha via route 58 in Onna Village, north of Kadena in Okinawa. However, it is a pleasure to visit, because there is a wealth of activities to experience the entertainment and culture of Okinawa appropriate for the whole family.
Not only is there a reconstruction of a Ryukyu village with various houses and stores, including a mill with a live water buffalo grinding sugar cane, but there are traditional folk crafts and other activities to participate in.
Ryukyu Mura Map
Try your hand at painting shisa lions, dress up in traditional costumes and have your photo taken, do some pottery or dye fabric, or try your hand at one of the Okinawan dances. Hands-on activities have a range of prices starting at 800 yen.
Ryukyu Mura lions
There are multiple shows such as eisa dancing and drumming, which happens at 9 am and 1 pm. There are performances of habu snake handling every 45 minutes. The parades at 10 am and 4 pm are not to be missed. They combine performances of 8 traditional festivals, including karate demonstrations, eisa, and lion dances, providing an excellent introduction to the Ryukyu culture.
Ryukyu Mura building
Ryukyu Mura is appropriate for all ages, and strollers can navigate most of the area without difficulty. There is a restaurant with Okinawan food and a gift shop packed with local souvenirs, including many wonderful foods. Ryukyu Mura is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is 820 yen for adults, 750 yen for students 16 to 18 years old, or 340 yen for children 3 to 15 years old. Advance tickets through ITT cost 50 less. The official website has limited information in English: http://www.ryukyumura.co.jp/
Ryukyu Mura Performance
Ryukyu Mura Eisa procession
Ryukyu Mura pond
Ryukyu Mura Lion Dance
Ryukyu Mura Okinawan Musical Performance
Ryukyu Mura roof with lions
Ryukyu Mura Eisa enclosed area
