Okinawa Museum

Feeling the need for some culture? Check out the prefectural museum.

When you drive down the main street of Omoromachi in Naha City, there is a stand out white building which reminds you of “Gusuku” (the remains of castles in Okinawa). That is the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum.

Okinawans built close relations with Asia and the Pacific region in the past, these connections went on to provide a wealth of cultural influences. Okinawa has had so many experience of changing cultures especially between China and Japan. Even though Okinawa has undergone a lot of change, Okinawans have also remained close to nature.

The Museum has permanent exhibitions as well as visiting exhibitions. They have plenty of exhibits, so you can learn about Okinawan history, archaeology, arts and crafts, nature, and ethnology. You can tour the museum in chronological order, giving a feeling of passing through Okinawa’s history.

In the general exhibition area, you will see how people lived from the prehistoric age to present day Okinawa. The exhibition of the Ryukyu Kingdom was the most memorable part for me.

You can borrow an iPod for guidance in various foreign languages and in the touch and experience room, there are activities where you can pick up items to observe and learn. It’s a great way for kids to learn about Okinawa. It’s a great place to visit early on during your stay as it will provide you with a depth of knowledge when you visit other areas of Okinawa.

Hours 9:00am ~ 6:00pm (Admission until 5:30) Closed Every Monday

Fees: ¥260 (High School/College) ¥530 (Adults) ¥150 (Elementary & Junior high school free)