We spent a few hours here as one of our first stops in Okinawa and had a great time! We didn’t buy the tickets in advance, it was quite easy to buy them at a ticket machine. There’s also a huge parking lot with free parking.
The famous limestone caves offered unique views that we were glad to experience. It is fairly damp in the caves and I often felt drips of water land on my head. Even after seeing the caves there’s a lot more to do. There’s quite a few food options including some really good ice cream. The snake museum is fun to walk around but it was a bit creepy seeing so many snakes and especially the bats. I really liked seeing all the turtles, especially the two giant turtles!
So much to do! We got to walk through the cave which was about a 25 minute walk. We got to some arts and crafts. We got to take some cool pictures with the white snake. We got to see a lot of different animals like the habu snake, turtles, and bats. Should definitely bring more money to buy ice cream, smoothies, snacks or pay for additional experiences inside!
It’s a very cool place. We spend about 3.5 hours here. The caves are really impressive and take about 35 minutes to walk through. There is an interesting snake museum and a theatre with 2 different shows. We watched a Taiko performance and enjoyed it. It was 30 minutes long. There are also some animals but their cages were small and I felt sorry for them and that’s why this is 4 stars. Lots of places to eat. There is a garden of fruit trees and and an old Okinawa style courtyard or traditional houses. The layout is a bit confusing. You don’t know if you’re coming or going. For ¥2000/person I thought it was a great value.
The cave is a must visit! The sights are amazing and it's quite big compared to the ones I've visited overseas like in Jeju.
I quite enjoyed the cultural section as well. Take some time to stroll through and see people doing their crafts. I'm not an artsy person but I still thoroughly enjoyed it
Visiting Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave in Nanjo City was a fantastic experience, offering a mix of natural beauty, culture, and history. Located not far from Naha, this attraction had so much to see and explore.
The highlight of the visit was Gyokusendo Cave, a stunning underground limestone cave stretching for about five kilometers, with a well-maintained walking path making it easy to explore. The rock formations, illuminated by soft lighting, created an almost magical atmosphere. Stalactites and stalagmites formed intricate shapes over thousands of years, making every turn a breathtaking sight. The cool air inside the cave was a refreshing break from Okinawa’s heat.
Beyond the cave, Okinawa World had even more to offer. The traditional Ryukyu village was fascinating, with an old-style house and beautifully kept gardens that provided a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. The fruit orchard was also interesting, showcasing tropical produce grown in the region.
Although I didn’t attend the live performances, such as the Eisa drum show, there was still plenty to do. The shopping area had a great selection of souvenirs, from Okinawan crafts to local snacks. The gift store was well-stocked, offering everything from shisa dog figurines to beni imo (purple sweet potato) treats.
Overall, Okinawa World is a great place to visit, whether you’re interested in nature, history, or shopping. The mix of stunning natural scenery and cultural exhibits makes it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
