Nestled amid the lush landscapes of Onna Village in Okinawa, Ryukyu Mura (琉球村) is a cultural theme park that brings the rich heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) to life. Featuring restored traditional homes with red-tiled roofs and stone walls built to withstand typhoons, along with lively performances and interactive workshops, the park offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the daily life and vibrant culture of traditional Okinawa.
History of Ryukyu Mura
Covering an area of about 10 hectares (24.7 acres), the theme park was established on October 23, 1982, to showcase and preserve the traditional culture and historical heritage of Okinawa.
In April 1995, Ryukyu Mura was selected as one of the 100 Scenic Spots of Okinawa by the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Okinawa Postal Administration.
Several of the traditional houses in Ryukyu Mura are over 200 years old. In May 2007, seven buildings in the park were officially designated as registered tangible cultural properties of Japan in recognition of their historical and cultural significance.
The wooden houses in Okinawa’s Ryukyu Mura
At Ryukyu Mura, the traditional wooden houses offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural wisdom of old Okinawa. While many assume that wooden structures are vulnerable to typhoons, these homes were thoughtfully designed to withstand the region’s harsh weather.
Watch the video below to see more fascinating images of Ryukyu Mura in Okinawa.
Red-tiled roofs help shield the interiors from strong winds and heavy rain, while stone walls made from Ryukyu limestone surround the houses for added protection. In fact, Garcinia spicata trees — also known as the happiness tree or Fukugi tree — are strategically planted around homes in Ryukyu to serve as natural windbreaks. Together, these features reflect the Ryukyuan people’s deep understanding of their environment and their ability to build resilient, functional homes using natural materials.
Highlights of Ryukyu Mura
Ryukyu Mura offers programs that allow visitors to experience nearly 70 unique Okinawan traditions and cultural practices, all set within the authentic homes of the ancient Ryukyu people.
One of the standout experiences at Ryukyu Mura is witnessing authentic Ryukyuan performances. Multiple times a day, the village comes to life with vibrant Eisa drum dances (太鼓舞蹈), lion dances, and traditional folk songs played on the sanshin, a three-stringed Okinawan instrument.
A key highlight among these is the royal court-style parade, which captures the elegance and grandeur of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Performed in colorful traditional costumes, these dynamic shows are both entertaining and vital to preserving Okinawa’s rich performing arts heritage.
In addition to the performances, visitors can observe a traditional demonstration of brown sugar making. Using a water buffalo-powered sugarcane press, staff recreate the age-old method of extracting juice and boiling it down to produce unrefined brown sugar — offering a flavorful glimpse into the island’s agricultural past.
Ryukyu Mura is a popular filming location for both movies and television dramas, thanks to its authentic recreation of traditional Okinawan life. It served as the backdrop for The Tempest, a Japanese film and TV series set in the late 18th-century Ryukyu Kingdom. The village has also attracted international productions, including films from Taiwan, Korea, and China.
DIY experience of Ryukyu Mura
Beyond the visual and auditory experiences, visitors to Ryukyu Mura can engage in a variety of hands-on cultural workshops, including coaster weaving, pottery painting, sanshin playing (a traditional Okinawan instrument similar to a guitar), and crafting miniature Shisa (シーサー風獅爺) statues.
Among these, painting Shisa statues is especially popular, because Shisa are traditional Ryukyuan guardian figures inspired by Chinese guardian lions, and are commonly used as cultural symbols and protective decorations.
Participants can freely choose their own colors and designs to create a unique, one-of-a-kind guardian figure. It’s an enjoyable activity for both children and adults, and since they can take their finished piece home the same day, it makes for a perfect travel souvenir and lasting memory of your visit.
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