Okinawa World
Okinawa World, A Culture Park In Southern Okinawa Built Around Gyokusendo, A Limestone Cave Of About 5 Km Of Which About 890 M Can Be Walked, With A Very Large Number Of Stalactites, A Village Of Old Houses, Crafts And Habu Snake Shows. · Nanjo, Okinawa
Okinawa World is a culture park in Nanjo, in the south of the main island, built around Gyokusendo, a limestone cave of about 5 km of which roughly 890 m can be walked. The walk passes a very large number of stalactites and stalagmites, a cave stream and lit passages, and takes about 30 to 40 minutes at a slow pace. Above ground, a village of old Okinawan houses holds craft workshops, such as shisa clay lion painting, and eisa drum and dance shows on set times. There is a snake museum and a snake show, an awamori distillery with tastings, and shops and food stalls. The park suits families and rainy days, and it is touristy and busy with coach groups, so go early. Most visitors need two to three hours, and the cave floor is wet and slippery. It is a reasonable half-day from Naha and not worth the journey if you have seen show caves elsewhere. The inside of the cave is cool in summer, which helps.
1336 Tamagusuku Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa, in the south of the main island, reached by bus or car from Naha, Nanjo, Okinawa, Japan
The park usually opens from about 9:00 to late afternoon, around 17:30, with the last entry to the cave and shows earlier, and it is open most days of the year - confirm current hours. Tickets are bought at the gate, with separate fees for the cave, the village or a combination; confirm what each covers. Eisa and other shows run on set times through the day. From Naha it is roughly 1 hour by bus or car; a direct bus runs from the city, but frequency is low - confirm the timetable. IC cards may not cover local buses in full, so carry cash. Arrive at opening to beat the groups.