OVERVIEW
Discover the Ryukyu Folk Village where you can experience traditional Okinawan culture, and Naha, former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdoms. Drive to Shuri Castle, the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu royal family for over 400 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. Due to the fire on October 31st, 2019, Shurijo Castle was burned to the ground, and more than 400 precious arts and crafts are estimated to be lost. You will now be entering the Shuri Castle’s paid admission area and Seiden main hall. Also, reopening is a section in the Seiden where visitors can see the underground ruins of the original castle structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There will also be a chance to take a photo of the ornate Shurei Gate known as the Gate of Courtesy, it typifies Okinawan architecture and serves as a symbol of modern day Okinawa.Head to the Ryuku Folk Village, where several old homes gathered from around the Ryukyu Islands help preserve the ancient Okinawan culture. At the village, see artifacts and displays that detail the customs and lifestyle of traditional Okinawa. Observe demonstrations of pottery making, weaving and bingata, the time-honored Okinawan style of fabric dyeing (demonstrations dependent upon activity schedule at Ryukyu Folk Village).
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
