10 Must-Visit Museums in Okinawa! Plus, Hands-On Spots Kids Will Love

10 Must-Visit Museums in Okinawa
We also feature hands-on attractions that kids will enjoy

In this column, we’ll explore places you’ll want to visit while sightseeing in Okinawa10 Must-See Museumsto introduce you to the following.

From places where you can learn about history and culture to spots where kids can have funHands-on facilitiesWe've compiled a wide range of information on this topic.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Okinawa

The Appeal of Visiting Museums While Sightseeing in Okinawa

Okinawa is home to numerous museums where visitors can experience its history, nature, and culture firsthand.

WeatherproofThe fact that it's fun is a major draw, too.

Here are some recommended tours you can enjoy even on rainy days ▼

【Departure from Naha/Hitatan / Northern Sightseeing】 Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour with Churaumi Aquarium Ticket (Course C)★Churaumi Aquarium→Kouri Island→Gokashi-Goden→Manzamo→Hitatan American Village 《Only benefit for this site: Okinawa sweets included》（No.180）.開始時間8:35 / 9:05 / 9:45
*Varies depending on the boarding location.所要時間Approx. 11 hours7,480 yen

Onna Village, Okinawa/2.5 hours] Same-day reservation OK! Blue Cave Boat Snorkeling Tour with Feeding Experience (No.3)開始時間9:00-11:30 / 11:00-13:30 / 13:00-15:30 / 15:00-17:30所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours4,000 yen

Yanbaru Walking / 2 hours] Rainy Day OK! World Heritage Forest Walking Course with commentary by a qualified guide♪0-80 years old OK to participate (No.239)開始時間9:30-11:30 / 14:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours5,000 yen

A place where you can delve deeply into history and culture

Okinawa, dating back to the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom,A region that has cultivated its own unique cultureIt is.

At the museum, you can learn about the background of Okinawa—such as Ryukyu culture and the history of the war—which is often overlooked by tourists.

Why not experience the deeper side of Okinawa—something you can’t find just at the beaches and resorts?

Click here for recommended tours where you can learn about history and culture ▼

Okinawa/South Okinawa/1 Day] World Heritage Site "Saiba Gogoku" and Island of God "Hisakajima" Tour of Mysterious Power Spots ★Guided Tour《Free Time & Transportation》（No.193）.開始時間7:30-18:00 (varies)所要時間Approx. 7~10 hours12,900 yen

Okinawa/South Okinawa/One-Day Tour of Kukojima Island + Nanjo City Roadside Stations + Spectacular Chinen Cape Tour★Guided Tour with Free Time & Pick-up & Drop-off (No.195)開始時間7:30-18:00 (varies)所要時間Approx. 7~10 hours10,600 yen

Okinawa/Kunigashira Village/2 hours] To the World Heritage Yanbaru Forest☆Completely private tour Qualified by the Japan Mountain Guides Association for your peace of mind... (No.133)開始時間10:00 / 13:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours5,500 yen

You can enjoy it with peace of mind, even on rainy days

It's not uncommon to get caught in a sudden rain shower while traveling in Okinawa.

The museum isIndoor FacilitiesThat's why it's great that you can enjoy sightseeing without worrying about the weather.

If you include this in your itinerary, it’ll make for a plan that’s less affected by the weather.

Click here for recommended indoor tours ▼

Okinawa/Kouri Island/2 hours] Rainy day OK! 1 minute drive across the Kouri Ohashi Bridge☆Lampshade making experience using marine plastic (No.130)開始時間10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00所要時間Approx. 90 to 150 min.6,000 yen

Naha/2.5 hours] Sushi making experience using local fish directly from the market☆Includes a tour of the Makishi Public Market! You can eat the sushi you made on the spot♪ ＜No need to bring anything on a rainy day＞(No.738)開始時間: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.所要時間Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes10,000 yen

Naha/1.5 hours] Excellent access on Kokusai-dori Avenue☆One-of-a-kind candle de Shisa making experience 《No cancellation fee until the day before》（No.756開始時間: 10:00–11:30 / 11:00–12:30 / 12:00–13:30 / 13:00–14:30 / 14:00–15:30 / 15:00–16:30 / 16:00–17:30所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours4,300 yen

10 Must-Visit Museums in Okinawa

Here, we’ll introduce 10 recommended museums and archives for your Okinawa trip.

From the Naha area to the northern part of the island,Carefully Selected from a Wide Range of AreasI did.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Okinawa

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

A comprehensive way to learn about Okinawa's nature, history, and cultureOne of the Largest in the PrefectureIt is a museum.

The exterior, which resembles a gusuku (castle), is another highlight.

There is also an art museum on the premises, so it's highly recommended for those who want to take their time and enjoy the experience.

Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum

This museum, which conveys the true nature of the Battle of Okinawa, is located within Itoman City’s Peace Memorial Park.

The exhibition features records of the war and historical materials from that era, providing an opportunity to reflect on peace.

School TripIt is also known as a popular destination for visitors.

Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum

It is a museum in Itoman City that documents the tragedy of the Himeyuri Student Corps.

The exhibition features testimonies and photographic materials from that time, and the content leaves a deep impression on visitors.

Many people visit for the purpose of learning about historyIt's a spot.

Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum

This museum, located in Naha City, documents the tragedy of the "Tsushima Maru," a ship used to evacuate schoolchildren.

The exhibition features records of children who lost their lives during the war.

Easily accessible from downtown Nahais also attractive.

Sakima Art Museum

An art museum in Ginowan City is currently exhibiting works on the theme of the Battle of Okinawa.

From the rooftop,Futenma Air StationAnother highlight is the one-of-a-kind view that takes in the entire area.

This is recommended for anyone who wants to experience Okinawa's history through art.

Nago Museum

This is a community-based museum located in Nago City, in the northern part of Okinawa Island.

It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the nature and way of life in the Yanbaru region through models and exhibits.

A spot that's easy to stop by while sightseeing in the northern regionIt is.

Tsuboya Pottery Museum

Located near Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha City, this shop specializes in Okinawan traditional pottery, “49th of the sexagenary cycle (in onmyou-dou)" is a museum that showcases .

Not only can you learn about the history and production process of pottery, but there are also pottery studios and workshops scattered throughout the surrounding area.

Another attraction is its convenient location, making it easy to visit while sightseeing on Kokusai Street.

Okinawa World Kingdom Village

This is a theme park in Nanjo City that recreates the streetscape of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

A hands-on traditional crafts area, andEisa ShowIt's also popular with families.

Another appealing feature is that you can enjoy it together with the “Gyokusen-do” limestone cave.

Click here for recommended tours that include Okinawa World ▼

Okinawa/South Okinawa/1 Day] World Heritage Site "Saiba Gogoku" and "Gangara no Tani" Tour of Mysterious Power Spots☆In addition, an entrance ticket to Okinawa World and lunch are included! (No.194)開始時間7:30-18:00 (varies)所要時間Approx. 7~10 hours12,500 yen

One-Day Bus Tour D Course☆Okinawa World & Shurijo Park/Senaga Island Umikazi Terrace《Including entrance fee to Okinawa World, with automatic voice guidance》（No.720）開始時間8:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 to 9 hours6,000 yen

Naha / South] Choose from two popular spots! Mysterious "Gangara no tani" or "Okinawa World" Sightseeing Tour 《Including admission ticket》（No.743)開始時間1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 4.5 hours5,600 yen

Ryukyu Village

This theme park, located in Onna Village, recreates a traditional Okinawan village.

Sanshin Workshops and Shisa PaintingThere are plenty of hands-on activities where you can experience Okinawan culture firsthand.

It's also gaining popularity as a spot that looks great in photos.

Marine Culture Museum (Ocean Expo Park)

Located within Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town, this facility is dedicated to the marine culture of the Pacific Ocean.

planetariumThere's also an observatory on site, so it's highly recommended for anyone who enjoys stargazing.

Another great thing is that it’s easy to visit along with the Churaumi Aquarium.

Click here for recommended tours around the Marine Culture Museum ▼

Naha/Northern Sightseeing] 1-Day Bus Tour A Course☆Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Manzamo Island, Nago Pineapple Park《with admission ticket & red potato tart benefit》（No.721開始時間8:15~18:15所要時間Approx. 10~11 hours7,000 yen

1 Day Bus Tour B-1 Course☆Churaumi Aquarium, Tropical Dream Center, Manzamo, Bise Fukugi Namiki, and American Village Sightseeing Tour（Including admission fee and one sightseeing car ticket）（No.722開始時間8:10-19:10所要時間Approx. 10-11 hours8,400 yen

Naha/Northern Sightseeing] 1-Day Bus Tour B-2 Course☆Churaumi Aquarium & Tropical Dream Center & Manzamo & Bise Fukugi Namiki & American Village Sightseeing Tour《Including Okinawa soba lunch and admission fee》（No.723開始時間8:10-19:10所要時間Approx. 10-11 hours8,900 yen

Fun for the whole family
How to Choose a Hands-On Museum

If you're traveling with small children,We recommend choosing a facility that offers hands-on activities.It is.

Here, we'll introduce some tips for choosing.

Click here for tours recommended for families with children ▼

Onna Village, Okinawa/One hour】Adults 0 years old and up are welcome to join!開始時間8:00-9:30 / 10:00-11:30 / 12:00-13:30 / 14:00-15:30 / 16:00-17:30所要時間Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.10,000 yen →directional marker or indicator9,000suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Okinawa/Kouri Island/2 hours] Rainy day OK! 1 minute drive across the Kouri Ohashi Bridge☆Initial key chain making experience using marine plastic (No.131)開始時間10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours4,500 yen

Summer Special SALE [Okinawa Nakijin/90min] Explore the unexplored ocean near Jungleia! Clear kayak experience & beach hopping in a sea turtle paradise ★《with photo data》（No.275）.開始時間9:55 / 11:55 / 13:55 / 15:55所要時間Approx. 90 min.12,000 yen →directional marker or indicator10,000suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

Check if there is a hands-on area

Facilities that offer hands-on craft activities and shows keep kids entertained and prevent them from getting bored.

Just like Okinawa World and Ryukyu Village,You can do more than just watch—you can participateChoosing the right facility will lead to greater satisfaction.

It's a good idea to check the details of the experience and whether a reservation is required in advance.

Click here for tours recommended for families with children ▼

Naha/60 min/Dressing Experience] Original Kyoto Yukata Plan 《Men's and Kids' Yukata Plan》 (No.750)開始時間10:00/11:00/12:00/13:00/14:00/15:00/16:00所要時間Approx. 1 hour5,280 yen

Naha/60min/Dressing Experience]Ryukyusoku Simple Plan☆Women's hair set and hair ornament included♪《Men's/Kids's version available）(No.746)開始時間10:00/11:00/12:00/13:00/14:00/15:00/16:00所要時間Approx. 1 hour4,950 yen

Naha/2.5 hours] Sushi making experience using local fish directly from the market☆Includes a tour of the Makishi Public Market! You can eat the sushi you made on the spot♪ ＜No need to bring anything on a rainy day＞(No.738)開始時間: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.所要時間Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes10,000 yen

Choose by Estimated Time

Museum-type facilities tend to be places that can be toured in a relatively short amount of time.

On the other hand, the theme park-style model isAbout half a daySince this can happen, the key is to choose one that fits your itinerary.

Be sure to plan your itinerary with other tourist attractions in mind.

Click here for our recommended half-day tours ▼

Onna Village, Okinawa/1.5 hours] Sea turtle encounter rate 90% ongoing☆Beach snorkeling tour to swim with sea turtles of your dreams Beginners are welcome♪ (No.156)開始時間8:00-9:30 / 10:00-11:30 / 12:00-13:30 / 14:00-15:30 / 16:00-17:30所要時間Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.9,000 yen

Onna Village, Okinawa/2.5 hours] Same-day reservation OK! Blue Cave Boat Snorkeling Tour with Feeding Experience (No.3)開始時間9:00-11:30 / 11:00-13:30 / 13:00-15:30 / 15:00-17:30所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours4,000 yen

Blue Cave & Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour☆Okinawa's unique and precious experience! You are sure to be impressed (No.82)開始時間8:00-12:00 / 10:00-14:00 (only from November to March) / 12:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 4 hours11,800 yen

About Visiting Museums in Okinawa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

summary

In Okinawa, there are museums where you can learn about history, from...A wide variety of museums, including interactive facilities the whole family can enjoyThere are

Another major appeal is that you can enjoy it regardless of the weather.

Depending on the purpose of your trip and who you're traveling with, be sure to visit any museums that catch your interest.

▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this one.

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