Enjoy Okinawa's museums! Information on admission fees, opening hours, etc. in one place!

Let's learn about Okinawa's history! Recommended Museums

 

Did you know that Okinawa has many museums where you can learn about history, nature, and culture?

There are many museums, archives, and aquariums that are unique to Okinawa, which has a unique history and environment even within Japan, where visitors can have experiences that are difficult to find in everyday life.

Shopping and beaches are great, of course, but in between, take a peek at the many famous spots, including a museum that is a great place to learn about Okinawa!

 

Features of Museums in Okinawa

 

The characteristic feature of museums in Okinawa is that many of them allow visitors to enjoy and directly interact with Okinawa's unique nature, culture, history, and art at the same time.

In particular, there are many materials introducing the history of the Ryukyu Dynasty and Gusuku period, as well as Naha during and after the war in Okinawa. In the museum, visitors can see photographic materials, crafts, kimono, and other items from that period.

Some of them also display national treasures as items related to the king of the Ryukyu Dynasty, which must be a valuable visit experience.

In addition, there are some museums that use fewer cases in their exhibits to create a more realistic impression, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the lifestyle and culture of the time.

In this way, you can see all kinds of exhibits including valuable materials, artifacts, and exhibits about Okinawa's unique creatures at the Okinawa Museum.

 

Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum

 

The Himeyuri Peace Museum was established to convey to the people of today the reality of the Battle of Okinawa as testified by the students and teachers of the women's student corps (Himeyuri Students) who were part of the nursing training conducted by the Japanese Army in Okinawa in 1944.

By viewing photos and video testimonies of girls aged 15-19 at the time who were mobilized to the army hospital to support the Japanese army, visitors can learn about the Battle of Okinawa and learn about the history of the fierce war and the preciousness of peace.

In addition, Himeyuri Pagoda, which stands by the Peace Memorial Museum, is widely known as a memorial to the victims of war among the Himeyuri Students, and is a well-known spot in the country.

 

Basic Information

Admission: Adults 450 yen (group 400 yen), High school students 250 yen (group 200 yen), Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen (group 110 yen)

Business hours: Open all year round, 9:00 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.

Address: 671-1 Aza Ibara, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan

 

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

 

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is one of the few facilities in Japan that also has an art museum attached to the museum.

The museum was formerly the Okinawa Civil Administration Higashi Onna Museum, established in 1946, shortly after the Battle of Okinawa, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2016.

The museum exhibits materials related to biology, geology, humanity, archaeology, history, folklore, arts and crafts, etc., and regularly holds events related to these fields.

The exhibition uses models and large images as well as documents to convey the history and culture nurtured by nature and Okinawa's unique climate of the sea and islands, peace, and abundance.

In addition, visitors to the museum will be able to see works of art, mainly oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, photographs, prints, and videos, focusing on art and modern and contemporary art that have been nurtured in the Okinawan climate.

When you visit here, be sure to tour both facilities and experience the comprehensive culture and history of Okinawa.

 

Basic Information

Admission: Adults 500 yen (group 400 yen), High school and university students 300 yen (group 240 yen), Free for elementary and junior high school students

Business hours: Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Address: 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa

 

Okinawa History and Folklore Museum

The Okinawa History and Folklore Museum exhibits creative dolls and Okinawan pottery (yachimun) modeled after traditional Okinawan events and historical figures who lived during the Ryukyu Dynasty.

In particular, the dolls reproducing the clothes and ornaments of King Shotaikyu, the first king of the Ryukyu Dynasty, and the queen, are very finely made and will give visitors a more realistic impression of the people who built the traditional culture and history of Okinawa, which has continued since ancient times.

The museum also displays historical timelines and history-related materials, so if you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Okinawa, especially the Ryukyu Kingdom, why not stop by?

 

Basic Information

Admission: General 500 yen (group 400 yen), children (4-15 years old) 300 yen (group 250 yen)

Business hours: Open all year round, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Address: 1024-1 Nakayama, Nago City, Okinawa, Japan Located inside the Gokashi-Goden Nago Store.

 

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

 

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, well known both inside and outside of Okinawa Prefecture, is located in a national park established under the theme of the sun, flowers, and the sea.

Surrounded by nature and the sea, the park features the Churaumi Aquarium as its main attraction, as well as a planetarium, botanical garden, beach, and other facilities, making it a place not only for learning but also for sightseeing throughout the day.

Chura" means "beautiful" in Okinawan, and as the name implies, you can see the beautiful sea and the many natural creatures that inhabit it.

In addition, the aquarium's main attractions are whale sharks, southern blue rays, and more than 700 species of coral and marine life swimming in a giant tank that is said to be one of the largest in the world.

The whale sharks swimming in the giant tank are especially large and powerful!

Here, you will be able to observe the ecology of the world's largest species of such creatures up close.

 

Basic Information

Admission 600 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior and senior high school students, 400 yen for elementary school students *There is a separate experience fee.

Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (open all year round); closing time for admission is 17:30

Address: 1020-1, Aza Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa

 

Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum

 

The Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum was established to mourn the souls of the victims of the Battle of Okinawa and to pass on to future generations the lessons we can learn from history, including the tragedy of war and the importance of peace.

The permanent exhibition room is located on the second floor, where actual materials and photo panels are displayed according to five themes based on the philosophy of the Battle of Okinawa as captured by local residents during the war.

In the exhibition room, visitors will not only see materials, but also learn about the realities of the Battle of Okinawa at that time through the written testimonies of 145 people who experienced the Battle of Okinawa, as well as video testimonies of many others.

It also has a children's information library designed to foster a peaceful future, an exhibition room, a Peace Memorial Hall (231 seats) for projection shows and lectures, and a conference room.

 

Basic Information

Admission: Adults 300 yen (group 240 yen), children 150 yen (group 150 yen)

Business hours: Open all year round, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*The museum is closed during the year-end and New Year's holidays from December 28 to January 3.

Address: 614-1 Aza-Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan

 

A rental car is recommended for an efficient way to visit museums in Okinawa!

 

Renting a car is a more convenient way to explore the many museums in Okinawa.

For example, if you try to visit several museums and aquariums in one day, it may take more than an hour just to get around, so having a car is definitely more efficient than using public transportation.

It is also possible to visit the royal road, stopping at museums along the way or driving from northern spots to southern spots.

If you want to visit museums in Okinawa or just want to stop by on the way to other sightseeing spots, please use our convenient rental car service!

 

Okinawa Main Island Car Rental

 

summary

 

In this column, I have introduced a number of museums that are full of Okinawa's history and local people's passion for peace.

Surrounded by the clear blue ocean and forests of subtropical plants, the rich natural environment of Okinawa offers not only spectacular views, but also many places to learn about the unique Ryukyuan culture and history, making it a fascinating place to learn.

A visit to a museum, aquarium, or historical archive experienced in an unusual atmosphere and warm climate must be less formal than usual and allow you to learn about history more easily.

When you travel to Okinawa, why not stop by a spot where you can experience history and culture in addition to the standard tourist attractions because it is a popular resort island?

You will surely discover something new and interesting about Okinawa and its deep charms not found in guidebooks!

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.