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.