Surrounded by the sea of coral reefs and subtropical islands, Okinawa has more than 600 solutional cave sites.
The largest limestone cave is Gyokusendo Cave. Created over 300,000 years, Gyokusendo Cave is one of the largest in Japan with a total length of 5,000 meters and over 1 million Speleothems. (Open to the public is 890 m)
In the modern age of civilization, every place on earth seems to have become a daily space for mankind, but the extraordinary space is spreading in our feet, the underground world. Various underground rivers flowing through Speleothem and caves, the sound of dripping water. Please experience the underground time that has been going on for tens of thousands of years and now.

Attractions

"Okinawa Cave Week 2021" was held for eight days from November 21 to 28, 2021, with the aim of making citizens familiar with the nature and culture of the caves and karst areas of Okinawa. At two venues, Okinawa World and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, there were many events that were too deep by cave specialists.

In Okinawa, which is located in the subtropical zone, many rare fruits that are not seen in other prefectures are cultivated.
The subtropical fruit is very unique. Flowers bloom directly on the trunk of the tree, and the fruit grows on the thick trunk. The shape of the fruit, the shape of the flower, and the aroma of the fruit are completely different from the fruit imaged by Japanese people.
From relatively well-known fruits such as pineapple, mango, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit, star fruit, lychee, kegaki and jaboticaba ... About 50 kinds of tropical fruit trees are grown in Tropical Orchaeds. Enjoy the rare flowers, fruits and sweet scents of each season up close.

Fruit introduction

※The season of flowers and fruits varies depending on the weather. Thank you for your understanding.

Okinawa, which flourished through trade with other countries during the Kingdom of ryukyu era, has developed its own traditional crafts under the influence of various overseas cultures. Traditional Okinawan crafts have been nurtured as unique crafts by incorporating the crafts and techniques of each country, adapting them to the climate and climate of the region. Items designated as traditional crafts of the country and prefecture are one of the leading in Japan. It can be said that it is characterized by new patterns and designs that combine patterns and designs from China, Southeast Asia, Japan, etc. with unique motifs, a broad and bright color sense unique to the southern country, and a bold and somewhat simple form.

Studio introduction

Ryukyu glass

Ryukyu glass started after the war as a reuse of empty bottles of cokes brought in by Americans. It has a warm, bright, tropical atmosphere. You can enjoy the process of making various products by craftsmen using glass melted at high temperatures.

Bingata Dyeing

Traditional dyeing of Okinawa with a history of 500 years. It is said that "red" refers to the whole color, and "type" refers to various patterns. Influenced by Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, we have incorporated Okinawa's natural and climate and developed it as a colorful dye.

Pottery

It is said that Pottery's technology was introduced in trade with China and Southeast Asia around the 14th and 16th centuries. In the 17th century, pottery was also manufactured in Okinawa, and its own manufacturing method was developed. There are many works that have a thick and somewhat simple texture, with patterns of natural motifs such as arabesque and fish.

Weaving

Okinawa is said to be a treasure trove of textiles, and various textiles are transmitted to various parts of the small island. At the workshop, you can see new weaving that has been arranged in a modern style while using Shuri's traditional techniques such as Kaori, Lawton, and Hand Kaori.

To the list of experiences

Okinawa was once an independent country called Kingdom of ryukyu. People have traded with countries across the sea, and have nurtured their own culture while incorporating various cultures. Here, Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town is a space like a time slip back at that time. old folk house is lined with beautiful red tiles, people wearing gorgeous Ryukyu costumes come across, and tropical flowers are coloring the streets. old folk house and Fu-ru Piggery, which have been registered as Tangible Cultural Property for more than 100 years, Kami Ashagi, which was once the site of Shinto ritual in the village, and masonry using Okinawa's unique technique around old folk house. Please enjoy a relaxing time and space trip.

Look for it, roof shisa

Red tiles were manufactured from around the 18th century, but at that time "red" was considered a noble color, and it was only after entering Meiji period that ordinary people could use it. In Okinawa, where there are many typhoons, the seams of tiles are painted firmly in plaster to prevent them from being blown off by strong winds. It is said that Shisa on the red tile roof, which is seen in Okinawa, was made of plasterclay roof tile craftsmen and red tiles.

Ryuso was allowed only to be worn by royal and samurai during the Kingdom of ryukyu period.
It is said that it developed under the influence of Chinese clothes and Japanese kimono. The gorgeousness of the Bingata Dyeing pattern is also attractive.
You can also enjoy a stroll in Ryuso in Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town.

The large eaves block the light of the sun, the wind blowing through comfortably, and the nostalgic scenery seen from the open door. In old folk house, "Yonna-yo (slowly relaxed)". Please enjoy Okinawa time.

Ryukyu dog "Sora-chan" lives in Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town. She looks dignified, but she is a shy girl.♪
<Ryukyuuine (Ryukyuuine)>
A natural monument in Okinawa Prefecture. Unlike native Japanese dogs, it is thought that they may retain the bloodline of dogs of the southern Jomon period.

There is no doubt that thymdondon (the chest is high)! "Super Eisa" is a popular performance that boldly arranges Okinawan traditional performing art "Eisa". A breathtaking dance, hitting the large Wadaiko, and jumping while rotating is the coolness of gooseskin. In addition to Eisa, you can enjoy a variety of Okinawan performing arts at once, such as a lively lion dance as if you are alive, Ann Gama of comical Yaeyama performing arts, Yotsutake bamboo for women in Ryu costume dancing, Sanshin and folk song. The end of the show is "Kachasey". It is a dance of Okinawa dialect which means "stirling". Let's dance together with the performers and the audience.

What is Eisa

Eisa is the Buddhist prayer dance that sends ancestors to the world on the last day of the old calendar Obon (Okinawa Obon is 3 days from July 13 to 15, old calendar). old calendar July 13th is called “Unke” in the Okinawa dialect. We prepare a offering on the Buddhist altar and set a candle at the gate of the house in the evening to welcome the spirits of our ancestors. old calendar July 14th is called "Nakabi" and visits relatives' houses with Buddhist altars. old calendar On July 15th, it is called "Ukui", and we will send off our ancestors with a dinner, offering and a treat. At the same time, Eisa, called "Dojune" will be shown in each village. Although the number of municipalities performing traditional events has been reduced and simplified, men and women danced through the Eisa, paraded around the villages, praying for the safety and prosperity of each family, and praying for the safety and prosperity of their sound health and the family. Now, thanks to the succession problem of Eisa and the development of creative Eisa, Eisa can now be enjoyed at local festivals and events.

Instruments of Eisa

Big drum
large Wadaiko decorates the head of the brave Eisa. The skin material is mainly made of buffalo and cow skin. It weighs 5-8kg, Don! And a powerful sound resounds. There are also types of taiko drumming, and the expression method is also a sight.

Tight drum
Unlike large Wadaiko, it weighs 2-3kg. The taiko drum can be used to react with the weight of the drum and express the whole body. The rhythm and dynamic movement are outstanding, and it is a masterpiece when you look at it. In the area around Okinawa City, you can see the main Eisa with drums.

Sanshin
It can be said that the three lines with expensive serpent skin have been a symbol of richness since ancient times. It originated from the Chinese string (San Shen), and is a major instrument that is said to have one in the family, such as being decorated in tokonoma in Okinawa. ※In Okinawa, events are held in various parts of the prefecture as "Sanshin Day" with March 4 as a talk.

Sanba
An instrument made of three boards tied with a string. It is used like castanet or tambourine.
※In Okinawa, March 8th is "Samba Day".

The legendary entertainment "Habu Snake Show" that once dominated the world, is still doing it! (It's not a duel!)
Okinawa's strongest poisonous snake "Habu Snake"!　"Mangoose" with sharp teeth! "Sea Snake" belonging to the Cobra Department! And it's the poisonous tongue master "human"!
Their unrighteous battle to determine the strongest is ... It is still being held today.

◎The duel is no longer possible due to the revision of the Animal Protection Act of 2000. It is also a story on the TV variety program location (Are you doing?) It has become a popular “competition”. Please enjoy it♪

Every year Habu Snake bites occur in Okinawa! Observe the mouth, fangs and poison of Habu Snake. Can you withstand the strongest level of poison stimulation that kills human life?

When does Habu Snake feel and attack? That speed is a moment of time! Don't look at it, look at it.

Mangoose with a cute expression and Sea Snake with more poison than Habu Snake. A serious one-on-one victory every time! Which one do you support?

 

Habu Museum Park was founded more than 40 years ago by a research facility in Habu Snake with the desire to reduce damage to Habu Snake in Okinawa. It has also become a venue for international conferences where poisonous snake researchers from various countries gather, which are attracting worldwide attention. It has not changed since then, and the exhibits related to Habu Snake are inferior to anywhere. It is not only scary, but also a facility where you can learn about the unexpected side of Habu Snake. And not just Habu Snake! A large gathering of unique friends such as Mangoose, Sea Snake, Coconut crab and Okinawa tree lizard. Please be healed by the strange charming creatures.

Pleasant companions