Okinawa World, in Nanjo in southern Okinawa, is a large cultural theme park that showcases the nature, crafts and traditions of the Ryukyu Islands, built around one of Japan’s most impressive limestone caves. Its centrepiece is Gyokusendo Cave, an enormous, ancient cavern where a roughly 890-metre walkway winds past a dazzling forest of stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools, dramatically illuminated — one of the largest and most beautiful show caves in the country. Above ground, the park recreates a traditional Ryukyuan village with old wooden houses, where you can watch and try crafts such as bingata dyeing, glass-blowing, pottery and paper-making, and sample local foods. Other attractions include lively Eisa drum-dance performances, the Habu snake museum with its (in)famous snake shows, and shops selling awamori and souvenirs. Combining a world-class cave with hands-on culture and entertainment, Okinawa World makes an enjoyable, all-in-one family day out in the south.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nanjo, southern Okinawa |
| Hours | ~9:00–17:30 (last entry earlier) |
| Admission | Paid (combo tickets) |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to See
- The spectacular illuminated Gyokusendo Cave.
- A traditional Ryukyu village with hands-on crafts.
- Lively Eisa drum-dance performances.
- The Habu snake museum and craft workshops.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Sefa-utaki sacred site nearby.
- Pair with the Himeyuri memorial in the south.
- Read our Okinawa overview .
Getting There
- By car: about 30–40 minutes southeast of Naha.
- By bus: to Okinawa World / Gyokusendo.
Tips
Allow 2–3 hours to see the cave, the craft village and a show, and buy a combo ticket if you want access to all the main areas. Wear shoes with grip as the cave walkway can be wet, check the Eisa performance times, try a hands-on craft like bingata or glass-blowing, and combine it with nearby Sefa-utaki.
