Okinawa World — Attraction in Nanjo

Looks like my review will be going against the grain a bit, but I'll try to explain as best as I can..

First off, the entrance price is definitely on the more pricey side compared to other parks and attractions on the island, so the expectations are set higher too.

We got here fairly early on a Saturday, maybe an hour after they opened. There was still plenty of parking space, no traffic or line to purchase tickets. Upon entering the park, it's recommended you go through the cave first, as it tunnels underneath the park. You exit in the back and then make your way to the front.

I will say that the cave itself is gorgeous. Here and there, they have also put in some colorful lighting to make the experience more magical. The annoying part is that busloads of people were rushing through, making a lot of noise the entire time. I've visited many cave parks before, and there's usually always staff to tell people to be quiet. Sadly was not the case here, and the echoing noise is so disruptive to the experience.

When you exit the cave, you walk through the gardens where you can see a lot of plants bearing fruits, which is nice. Then however, you start your walk through what feels is one gigantic souvenir shop. It's just one thing spot after another. Here and there, you'll find a small museum of some kind (of which most of the signs are in Japanese), but for the most part it's just shops. Even the "traditional Okinawa village" has every house except one occupied by a craft station/shop.

We did attend the Eisa Show. Weirdly, you are not allowed to take any pictures or video. No other park or any eisa festival on the island has such a policy; so this was very disappointing, especially for my mom visiting from Europe. The show itself was very nice though, and the lady playing the drums was top notch.

The habu show was interesting as well. They showcased multiple native snakes. 99% of the explanation was in Japanese, but every now and again an English word was thrown in like "heat sensor" or "poison" lol. They also have a segment where a snake and mongoose do a swimming contest. Sadly the mongoose was not interested in it at all, and was holding on for dear life after she pulled the plastic bottom from under his feet.

Lastly, we went to the habu museum, which has some really huge snake skeletons of pythons and some informative signs as well. They also have snakes on display, some small and some big. Sadly their enclosures are all pretty small and bare. Same goes for the animals outdoors (bats, tortoises, mongoose). Their enclosures are very small, some animals were smothering each other, tiny ponds, metal wite bottom cages etc. Kind of sad to see them like that..

So yeah, these are my thoughts on the place..

Here are my alternatives if you want to do similar things as what they offer here: Ryukyu mura for traditional village and drum show, Glass Village for glasswork, Yomitan Pottery Village for pottery work, botanical gardens for animal interactions and plants, murasaki mura for crafts like shisa painting or seashell artworks, Okinawa cave for a smaller more affordable cave option with...

I wouldnt really call this a theme park, but there are some cool things to see here! Make sure when you buy your tickets you get the package with the cave and habu snake show. They speak great english at the counter and they take card as well. Plan your day according to the schedule for the drum show and the habu show. The caves are always open to explore and you can always loop back to see them at any point. The habu show is about 30 or so minutes and they teach you about the snake and demonstrate his strike with a little show and then they race a mongoose with the water snake to see who wins. At the end dont, dont leave when it's over because they will let you take a free picture with a big Burmese python! It is very gentle and docile but they still have a rubber band around it's mouth so don't worry about getting bit. I didn't like how the animals there were caged up with basically nothing, and most of the snakes all have mites on them and the lizards are so hungry that they jump into the glass and have bruised mouths because of it. Being a reptile lover, that made me frown pretty hard but it was still cool to see the animals they have, including the bats! They have a few food places and lots of icecream or smoothies to choose from so it will be a refreshing break. I got my smoothie right before the drum show which was a lot longer than the habu snake show, but you sit under a shaded tent. No photography allowed during this performance unfortunately and they don't stay to pose for pictures either but it was really neat to watch. They don't have translators for the drum show so just try to follow along with the visual aspect of their stories. The habu snake show has a small radio that plays the english version of all the facts they explain, however, it doesnt translate any of the stage conversation or jokes that everyone else laughs at so still expect a little bit of the language barrier. Between the caves, habu show and drum show, they have some cool stores and small street shops that are interesting to see. We spent about 3 or 4 hours here looking at every little thing and...

Okinawa World stands out as a captivating journey through the island's traditional charm and cultural splendor. This theme park is a celebration of Okinawa's rich heritage, featuring a spectacular limestone cave that offers a refreshing retreat and a glimpse into the island's natural beauty. The stalactites and stalagmites within this extensive cave system are a geological marvel, making it a must-see section of the park.

Beyond its natural wonders, Okinawa World is alive with vibrant cultural experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in various shows that showcase the island's arts—glass making demonstrations fuse creativity with skill, while the snake show offers a thrill with a glimpse into Okinawan fauna. However, it's the traditional Okinawan dance performances that truly capture the spirit of the island, with their rhythmic movements and colorful attire providing a feast for the senses.

Culinary delights are not forgotten, with three eateries scattered throughout the park. Each spot offers its own unique taste of the island: succulent beef paired with locally brewed beer, a fruit stall boasting fresh picks for a refreshing treat, and a venue dedicated to authentic Okinawan dishes that tantalize the palate with flavors unique to the region.

To fully savor the Okinawa World experience, it's recommended to allocate at least two hours. This allows ample time to explore the cave, enjoy the shows, and indulge in the local cuisine without rush. It's an enchanting slice of Okinawan culture that promises both education and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

In my opinion, Okinawa World serves as a wonderful introduction to the island's culture, providing a blend of education, entertainment, and gastronomy that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place where the past and present coalesce, offering a rich experience that leaves a lasting impression on...