Guided in Japanese: Highlights of Okinawa

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Ryukyu Mura Cultural Village
Experience what ordinary Ryukyu lives were like with a journey to Ryukyu Mura, a charming reproduction of an ancient Okinawan village. Original architecture from all over the region is on display, and Okinawan cuisine is featured in food stands and restaurants. Visit "living exhibits" showcasing traditional festivals, cuisine and crafts and watch villagers create traditional bingata stencil-dyed fabrics. You can even try your hand at activities like indigo dying, pottery, painting and playing the sanshin guitar.

Shikinaen Gardens
Originally built in 1799 for Ryukyu royalty, the restored gardens feature simple wooden buildings and pavilions with tile roofs that are artfully situated among traditionally landscaped grounds, connected by manicured paths, small forests, a central pond and the Rokkaku-do Pavilion, built in a classic Chinese style. A blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and flora, the gardens have been acclaimed as "uniquely Ryukyuan" by UNESCO.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The Shikinaen Gardens abound with lovely photo subjects-a 984-foot-long circular path that leads to a forested area and pond, and two stone bridges, and ponds.

SHOPPING
There are opportunities to purchase souvenirs such as locally produced brown sugar and sea salt while visiting Ryukyu Mura Cultural Village.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
It's an approximate one-hour ride to Ryukyu Mura, which allows you to gaze out the motorcoach window at bustling thoroughfares and verdant countryside.

Special Notes:

The garden is closed on Wednesdays.
The guests need to walk over unstable stairs and grounds and it is not wheelchair accessible at Shikinaen-garden.
Trial class is available if there are vacancy at Rykyu Mura (additional costs on the spot)