Sight guide · Okinawa · Japan
Visiting Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
This cultural theme park is built around Gyokusendo, a limestone cave about 5 km long, of which roughly 890 m is open on a walkway through stalactite halls and underground pools.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astron, Public domain
Quick answer
Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave is a theme park in Nanjo and the south, Okinawa. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Theme park
- Area
- Nanjo and the south
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, rainy day and nature
- Best months
- April and October–November
About Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
This cultural theme park is built around Gyokusendo, a limestone cave about 5 km long, of which roughly 890 m is open on a walkway through stalactite halls and underground pools. Above ground are a recreated Ryukyu village with craft workshops, Eisa drum performances and a habu snake museum.
Tip: Do the cave first while you are fresh; it is cool and humid inside, a good choice on a rainy day.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Nanjo and the south, cliff-top cafés, sacred sites and war memorials south-east of Naha.
Best time to visit Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Okinawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Shuri Castle.
- No. 9 of the 18 sights in our Okinawa things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in okinawa on a rainy day.
- A family favourite in Okinawa with kids.
Near Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
Also in Nanjo and the south, so you can walk between them:
- Sefa-utaki — 1 hour, low cost
- Himeyuri Peace Museum — 1 hour, low cost
- Okinawa Peace Memorial Park — 2 hours, free
If you like Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — Motobu Peninsula, Half a day with the park
Staying near Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave
Stay in Nanjo and the south ($$) to walk here: cliff-top cafés, sacred sites and war memorials south-east of Naha. All areas to stay in Okinawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Sefa-utaki nearby, it fits a half-day in Nanjo and the south.
+Is Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave?
April and October–November for the most comfortable weather. Do the cave first while you are fresh; it is cool and humid inside, a good choice on a rainy day.
+Do I need to book Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Okinawa. Okinawa is one of Japan's top family destinations: calm, netted beaches, a world-class aquarium, caves and short drives.