Ryukyu Mura

Shisa dogs surrounding Ryukyu Mura sign

After a few months of just working and sleeping, we were finally able to explore something new on this island on Sunday!  I was so excited, yet a little worried, because I had heard some bad reviews about the little village we were about to visit.  I am so glad I didn't listen to those reviews, I loved this little Okinawan Village.

Ryukyu Mura is a little town that is set up to display what Okinawa used to be like through out the years.  Each of the little houses were from different eras and had different meanings to them.

This place is also where we can go to find out the different types of crafts that are done around the island and also taste some of the fruits and see how they used to make sugar before the factories moved in.

I know that this place got reviews that were lower, because on the southern part of the island there is another place called Okinawa World, that does pretty much the same thing.  Both places have areas where you can try your hand at arts and crafts, try the fruits, have dance/drum shows, and all that jazz.  I think I prefer Ryukyu Mura because it is less commercialized.  Okinawa world is awesome, not gonna lie, I will make a post about that later on, and maybe you can make your choice!

Anyway, back to Ryukyu Mura!  The first part after walking in the doors and paying 840 Yen, you run into a nice little trail with the little Kijimuna who you find all over the village.
These little creatures have a story of their own, which I will gladly share in another post :).

So keep following the trail and you will come to your first little huddle of buildings of the village.

 The picture on the right shows the first building you see containing the worlds largest tug of war rope.   This first building, as well as the rest of the village contains different aspects of Okinawan culture and the different festivals that go on through out the year.  Justin and I went to this year's largest tug of war festival, and it was an amazing time!  

Guarding the Largest tug of war rope is a large Shisa. Shisa are seen all through out Okinawa and other surrounding Asian countries.  They are seen all through out the island, mostly on top of roofs protecting the families inside.  Again, there is a long magical story about these dogs and I will write a post about them!   I swear I will get to all of this!   Starting so late in our time here, I have LOTS to cover. I'm sorry if it is getting annoying with all of the "later I will post about."

ANYWHO, I have gone off the original subject yet again....

Tea house serving Okinawan Fruit desserts/drinks

Walking around Ryukyu Mura, you will see little homes that have been refurnished from their original purpose to showcase different crafts.  There is also an amazing tea house that is set a bit apart from the rest of the village.  It is set up where you dine in Japanese style, sitting upon the floor.   Sadly, we were not hungry and the prices were a little steep when we were already wanting to purchase some ceramics from a shop down the street.



One of my favorite things about this island are the many places where you can find original pottery that is made in the same area that you buy it.  So if you get a present from me, I probably got pottery from one of my favorite shops.  Here at Ryukyu Mura I have found another place to find some great selections.  We actually bought a few things while we were visiting here.  I will add pictures later!

While we were there their was a performance from Eisa dancers and Okinawan singers.  You could hear them around the village while you were exploring.  We didn't stay for the performance this time, we have seen a show before, and it was also incredibly hot, as is usual for the summer! Nothing like sweating just for strolling around.

During the day there is a parade that occurs that represents all of the different festivals through out the year on Okinawa.  We did not get to see this parade, we didn't visit at the correct time, or stay long enough really.  I'm a little sad we missed it, but that is just a good reason to visit again later! :)

Well, I guess that concludes our short visit to Ryukyu Mura.  So if you ever want to visit a place that is not too commercial where you can still try your hand on painting shisa, dying fabric, or trying on old Okinawan dress, then go on over to Ryukyu Mura!   :)

The best Shisa I have seen on a roof top.  Probably made at the pottery studio on the grounds.

Summer!

Looking back to a year ago, it is very hard to remember what we did and when.  What I really remember is living in a small hotel room for a month.  Luckily the Px and the little "movie theatre" was a short walk away.  Sadly, we moved here at the beginning of June and that means the very, very high humidity rate was starting to get swingin'.   So, by the time we made it over to where we needed, we were nice and sweaty.  

Our little island - Okinawa, JP

You probably think that I am being dramatic about the humidity here, but you would believe me if you visited.  Nothing like living on a subtropical island during the summer months!    Speaking of weather, we also arrived at the very beginning of Typhoon season.    Which runs from June 1 - November 30.   During our first typhoon season, we had quite a few typhoons, more than the usual amount or so I have been told.   This might sound scary having typhoons coming through a small, 70 mile (112 km) long and 7 mile (11 km) wide (the width changes a lot) island.   Don't worry, the buildings on this island have been built to withstand super strong winds.   After being here a while, we now get excited to have typhoons come through, because for us, that means a day off from work!  It's like a snow day for kids in the states.  I know, I know, this sounds really horrible, but I'm not here to lie to you, I'm going to tell you what I really think about some things.  

Well, while typing this out, I found out that there is actually a Typhoon on its way towards us!  We are now in TCCOR 3, which means that strong winds may occur within the next 48 hours.   Justin and I did a nice cleanup of our porch by storing all of our furniture and bikes into our storage!   Let the storm begin!  :)   I will keep you all up to date on what occurs during this time!    If the typhoon does end up coming, then I will hopefully fill you in on some of the activities of the past year!   

Royal Gardens on a rainy day

For the past year we have done a lot of discovering, so I may just randomly fill you in on those things here and there when they come to mind!  Sorry, if it gets really confusing, but I am not a writer, this is just for me to remember and share with others my experience!    Also, I type pretty fast and do not reread my posts for mistakes, so if you find something weird, I'm sorry.  My husband will more and likely point them out to me after I have already posted it.  I apparently have a mistake in my first post already, you all probably have noticed it as well!   

Well, this post has just gone on and on with no real exciting point, my next ones will be more interesting and filled with awesome Okinawan information!!    


I added a sneak peak picture! :)   Putting something rainy to match our current weather!.

Okinawa, JP - A New Home

Welcome to Okinawa, Japan!

My husband and I have been living on a small little island in between the great Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.   We have already been here about a year and have two more to go.   I know, I know, starting a little late on the whole blog thing. ( I blame my computer issues, my recently retired computer would just make me cry rather than upload a simple web page : / )    Better late than never though!!

We have already had so many AMAZING adventures out here, and I plan to rehash each of those between the new adventures.   I will hopefully be caught up...eventually.   :)  

The new adventures, I am going to try and give good details of where we visit, in case anyone is wanting to visit/live here in the future!   For the past, I will try and remember or look up all the details I can!

Well, I am off for now, it has been a long weekend, and have to get ready for the work week!!  I will try and post very, very soon!

Nice to meet you all!
Miss Em

P.S.  If you want any more details, or have suggestions of where we should visit and report on, let me know!!   I am always up to talking and trying out new things! :)