Native Okinawa Village of Ocean Expo Park

Located in the north of Okinawa, on the Motobu Peninsula, the Native Okinawa Village is a peaceful place rich in history. Situated in the heart of the vast Ocean Expo Park, this reconstructed village offers visitors an authentic immersion into the daily life of ancient Okinawa, particularly between the 17th and 19th centuries, during the period of the Ryūkyū Kingdom (琉球王国).

Traditional Okinawan wooden house with red tile roof at Native Okinawa Village

Traditional bamboo and thatch house with volcanic stone wall

What you will discover at the Native Okinawa Village

The Native Okinawa Village is a meticulous reconstruction of traditional villages (sonrakku / 村落), allowing visitors to observe different types of dwellings and community spaces of the past:

The villagers’ houses (Minka / 民家), with tiled or thatched roofs
The traditional community spaces (Asagi / アサギ), used for gatherings
The sacred sanctuaries (Utaki / 御嶽), considered places of worship and prayer
The residence of the priestess or spiritual figure (Noro / ノロ), responsible for religious rituals
The residence of the local ch i ef (Jitōdai / 地頭代), representing the administrative authority

There are also additional structures such as stables or storage areas. Each element was designed to faithfully recreate the lifestyle, spiritual practices, and social bonds that shaped life in the ancient villages of Okinawa.

Two traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs in Okinawa

Traditional thatched houses surrounded by trees at Native Okinawa Village

Cultural and historical context of Okinawa

This village illustrates the richness of the civilization of the Ryūkyū Kingdom (琉球王国), a period marked by a unique social organization, refined craftsmanship, and an omnipresent spirituality. The figure of the noro (ノロ), the official priestess, played an essential role in communication with the deities, purification, and the conduct of community rituals.

In the immediate vicinity, visitors can also explore the Omoro Botanical Garden (オモロ植物園), an arboretum gathering native plants mentioned in the Omoro Sōshi (おもろさうし), an ancient anthology of poems and songs from Okinawa. This garden highlights the intimate connection between nature, beliefs, and cultural traditions.

Wooden roof structure tied with traditional ropes at Native Okinawa Village

Interior of an Okinawan house with wooden sliding doors

Practical information for planning the visit

Opening hours
The Native Okinawa Village is part of the attractions of Ocean Expo Park. Open all year round, the opening hours vary depending on the season and the tourist period. It is therefore recommended to check the official website before the visit.

Access
The village is located about ten minutes on foot from the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the park’s iconic sites, and is easily accessible thanks to internal shuttles.

Admission fees
Access to the Native Okinawa Village is completely free. In addition, the entire Ocean Expo Park, its arboretum, and its parking lots are open without charge, allowing for a pleasant and accessible visit for everyone.

How are Japanese houses built? Visit a traditional Japanese house

Click to visit “Native Okinawa Village” in video

A pleasant and enriching experience

Historical immersion

Walking through its tree-lined paths allows visitors to discover traditional architecture, the materials used (wood, thatch, reeds), and community spaces.

Spiritual culture

Sanctuaries, sacred sites, and the residence of the noro illustrate the essential place of nature and ancestral beliefs in daily life.

Nature and botany

Thanks to the proximity of the Omoro Arboretum, visitors enjoy a living landscape where birdsong, the breath of the wind, and native flora recall the symbiosis between humans and their environment.

Relaxation and discovery

The site combines tranquility and educational value, ideal for history enthusiasts, ethnology lovers, or simply for a contemplative walk.

Traditional thatched storehouses at the entrance of Native Okinawa Village

Traditional raised wooden granary with thatched roof in Okinawa

Why this visit is a must for me

The true goal of a successful vacation is to immerse yourself in the local environment, to enrich yourself through discovery, and to return with memorable souvenirs. Ocean Expo Park is not limited to its famous Churaumi Aquarium and its majestic whale shark. It also offers unique cultural experiences, such as visiting the Native Okinawa Village. So take advantage of it! Everything is accessible on site.

This reconstructed village is a rare opportunity, as not every country has such a living testimony of its own heritage, let alone one freely accessible without entrance fees. It is both a visual and cultural discovery, enriching the visit and allowing for a better understanding of Okinawa’s deep roots.

Exceptional craftsmanship

I would like to emphasize, on a very personal note, the admiration inspired by the remarkable constructions of the houses in the Native Okinawa Village. Their reconstruction required extensive research to faithfully reproduce ancient techniques. It also highlights the exceptional know-how of today’s artisans, capable of reproducing very old houses built only from natural materials.

Some are made of plants tied only with ropes, yet strong enough to withstand typhoons, while others, inspired by the Japanese style, are built exclusively from wood. Each piece of wood is cut and shaped with such precision that they fit perfectly together without the use of nails or glue.

Interior of a traditional bamboo house with woven floor

Interior room of an Okinawan house with tatami flooring

Discover the Native Okinawa Village on video

My video dedicated to the Native Okinawa Village and published on my YouTube channel offers an overview of the site and highlights the architecture of its houses. It shows some examples of the finesse of the constructions; from bamboo floors, sometimes fragile but typical of modest homes, to the more refined tatami of prestige rooms, … as well as roofs made of beams simply tied with ropes, to ceilings arranged with carved wood, where each element fits together in harmony.

Traditional Japanese wooden house with shoji doors opening onto a garden in Okinawa, Japan.

Click to watch the video dedicated to the Native Okinawa Village

As mentioned earlier in this article, the Native Okinawa Village is an integral part of Ocean Expo Park, which is a vast cultural and scientific theme park located in the north of Okinawa. On this blog you will find a detailed article dedicated to the entire park, accompanied by a subtitled video showcasing its main attractions.

Ocean Expo Park also houses a remarkable tropical garden, the Tropical Dream Center, which brings together nearly 2,000 species of orchids and a rich variety of exotic plants. A dedicated article about this exceptional place is available, enhanced with a video filmed during the blooming of the spectacular “corpse flower,” a rare and fascinating event.

Tropical garden in Okinawa Japan with palm trees, bright green plants and a clear blue ocean in the background, featuring a Japan Okinawa banner and a YouTube channel tag.

Click to access the video dedicated to Ocean Expo Park

Click to watch the video filmed at the Tropical Dream Center of Ocean Expo Park

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