September in Okinawa is the season when everyone thinks of typhoons.
At the same time, it's a popular travel season, especially for students on summer vacation.

The slightly lower travel prices after the peak season are certainly appealing, but typhoons? Who cares about that!
There are tons of events, as if to say, "Let's have fun!" There are also ways to enjoy September that you can't miss♪

So, this time, I'd like to introduce some "sightseeing spots that families and groups can enjoy together," focusing specifically on those on Okinawa Island.

<Table of Contents>
~If you want to fully experience Okinawa, this is the place!~
1. Gala Blue Sea
2. Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura
3. Busena Marine Park
4. Okinawa September Event Information
Final thoughts

~If you want to fully experience Okinawa, this is the place!~

1. Gala Blue Sea

Located in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa Island, "Gala Aoi Umi" is popular for its location overlooking the vast, quintessential Okinawan blue ocean!

This tourist facility is popular with people of all ages because it offers a place to enjoy all three things: "seeing," "creating," and "eating."

Among the experiences I would recommend is "salt making." Salt is made using charcoal and a stone pot.

The experience of making salt by simmering Okinawan seawater, which has had impurities removed at a factory, is truly invaluable.
This means you can create your own "original salt"!

Traditional methods are simple, but it's amazing how they simultaneously teach us about the importance and value of food.

As you boil down the seawater, salt crystals will gradually rise to the surface, and that process is sure to be fun if you do it with friends!
Add a little bit of feeling to that... and voilà! Salt is ready♪

You can sample the freshly made salt, and you can take home any leftover salt in a cute little jar that same day!

In addition, there are plenty of other experience programs, such as glass art workshops including "blown glass and lampwork bead accessory making," pottery workshops, and a "coral seedling cultivation experience (reservations required)" where you can learn coral farming techniques. There are so many activities that you won't have enough time to enjoy them all in one day!

There's a restaurant on the premises where you can enjoy creative Okinawan cuisine, so you don't have to worry about lunch or dinner.
Why not enjoy as many experiences as possible at Gala Aoi Umi!

<Facility Information: Gala Aoi Umi>
Address: 915 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Telephone number: 098-958-3940
No regular holiday
Opening hours: Shops 9:00 AM - 20:00 PM, other facilities 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM
Price: Varies depending on the experience. Please check the official website for details.
Official site:http://www.gala-aoiumi.com

2. Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura

Yomitan Village's "Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura" is located about a 5-minute drive from Gala Aoi Umi, which I mentioned earlier.
If you want to make the most of your time there, it's a great idea to hop between several highly satisfying experiences in conveniently located nearby areas.

And actually, this facility was originally an open studio for the NHK historical drama "Ryukyu no Kaze" (Wind of Ryukyu), which aired in 5.

However, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry stepped up with the question, "How can we make good use of this space?" and through their hard work, they created an "experience facility" with over 30 workshops.

At Murasaki Mura, you can experience Ryukyu culture, and overnight stays are also available.
From all those experiences, I've selected some that I highly recommend!

2-1. Hana-ui (flower weaving) experience

At the Hanaori Workshop, you can experience "Hanaori" weaving, and create "Yomitan Hanaori," which boasts a history of 600 years.

It is said that this textile has been woven since the early 15th century during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and is characterized by its vibrant colors and unique patterns.
Weaving them together without any gaps is actually quite difficult.

But don't worry! Professionals in this field will guide you carefully. You can choose from bookmarks, coasters, and more, so pick what you like.
It makes a great souvenir!

2-2. Sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) lessons and kankara sanshin making

The "kankara" in "kankara sanshin" comes from the fact that it was made using the cans of canned food that were distributed to prisoners of war in prisoner-of-war camps after the war.

— "The sanshin might be a bit intimidating!"

If you were thinking that, don't worry!

The facility provides all the materials, and there are instructors who will fully support you in making your sanshin, so you don't have to worry if it's your first time touching one! Can you do it? They will guide you all the way to completion.

Also, while making them is fun, if you'd like to try playing them, a sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) lesson is highly recommended.
You can learn how to produce that unique sound and experience Okinawa through its music!

It's a wonderful experience that allows you to learn about the historical background and Okinawan culture at the same time, so please do try it!
かなりオススメです。

2-3. Ryukyu Samurai Residence Janatei

And if you're visiting Murasaki Mura, I highly recommend you stop by the Ryukyu Samurai Residence, Shana-tei.
This is said to be a reproduction of the house of the Sanshikan "Janaoyakata" (a minister at the time), which was located in the town below Shuri Castle.

The building boasts a charming, traditional Japanese architectural style, complemented by the iconic red tiled roof of Okinawa.
Currently, this space operates as a restaurant where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine and live performances featuring the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument).

Murasaki Mura, which can be enjoyed even at night, will surely leave a lasting impression on your memories of Okinawa!
Please be sure to visit.

<Facility Information: Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura>
Address: 1020-1 Takashibo, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Telephone number: 098-958-1111
Closed days: Open every day
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Admission fees: Adults 600 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 500 yen, Elementary School Students 400 yen
Official website URL:http://murasakimura.com/

[Check these out too]
I went to "Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura"! Here's a report on my various experiences.

3. Busena Marine Park

Located in Nago City, "Cape Busena" boasts exceptionally clear waters, even on the west coast of Okinawa Island.
Located on that cape is Busena Marine Park. This underwater observation deck offers 360-degree panoramic views of Okinawa's landscape, and you can even descend all the way to the bottom of the sea.

Because it's entirely made of glass, it feels like you're taking a walk underwater.
The clownfish, a popular marine creature, is a regular visitor and you're almost guaranteed to see it!

If the sea conditions are good, you can also take a stroll on the ocean in a whale-shaped glass-bottom boat, so why not try that as well?
Experience the stunning blue of Okinawa and the beauty of its coral reefs.

<Facility Information: Busena Marine Park>
Address: 1744-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone number: 0980-52-3379
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Regular holiday: No holidays
Prices: Underwater observation tower 1,030 yen, glass-bottom boat 1,540 yen, set 2,060 yen
Access: Bus stop: Get off at Busena Resort bus stop and walk for 10 minutes.
Official website URL:http://www.busena-marinepark.com/

4. Okinawa September Event Information

From August to September, Okinawa is bustling with Eisa festivals, which are held throughout the island.
While festivals are often associated with summer, there are other events I'd like you to know about, so I'd like to introduce some of them.

★Shuri Castle Park "Mid-Autumn Festival"

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is said to be the origin of the "Seven Banquets of Investiture" held during the Ryukyu Kingdom era to welcome envoys from the Chinese emperor.
One of those banquets was recreated by a Living National Treasure.

You can watch top-tier classical dance and Kumiodori (Okinawan traditional dance-drama) for free.

It's definitely worth watching, as you'll get to witness other important events, such as the selection of this year's king and queen.
This is an event I would recommend you see at least once.

<Event details>
Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Period: June 2017th (Sat) -July 9th (Sun), 30
Time: 18:30-21:00
Price: Viewing is free
Inquiries: 098-886-2020
Official site:http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/event/181

★Itoman Tug-of-War, 29

From September to October, Okinawa's events shift from Eisa dance to tug-of-war.

The Itoman Great Tug-of-War is a festival where participants divide into north and south teams and celebrate the harvest by joining their ropes, praying for a bountiful harvest, a good catch of fish, family safety, and good health.
Anyone can participate, so why not join the citizens in pulling the rope and "experience" the festival for yourself?

<Event details>
Address: 1-2 Shuri Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
Event period: Thursday, October 4, 2017
Location: Between Itoman Rotary (Itoman Elementary School) and Shiroganedo (National Route 331)
Price: Viewing is free
For inquiries: 098-840-8135 (Commerce and Tourism Division)
Official site:http://www.city.itoman.lg.jp/kankou-navi/docs-kankou/2013072500031/

★Okinawa World: Exploring the Caves of a Southern Island

This event, held annually at Gyokusendo Cave in Okinawa World, is an exploration of places not normally accessible to the public, led by instructors.

Beyond simply walking along designated paths, you can witness firsthand the profound accumulation of time and history.
It's only available during the summer, so if your travel dates align, be sure to participate!

<Event details>
Address: 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Event period: October 2017th to November 7th, 15
Opening hours: [September 1st - 30th] Monday - Friday 10:00, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 10:00 and 13:00
Venue: Okinawa World ~Gyokusendo Cave, Cultural Kingdom~, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Price: 3,000 yen flat rate *Explorer outfit set available for rent (advance reservation required)
Eligibility: Ages 6 and up (children in 4th grade or younger must be accompanied by a guardian)
Inquiries: 098-949-7421
Official site:http://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/okinawacave/exploration.html

Final thoughts

How did you like the Okinawa tourist spots recommended by the author for September?

I've introduced some spots that are relatively unaffected by wind and rain, but there are many other places where you can have similar experiences.
These are all rare and unique experiences, so I think it's a great opportunity to experience Okinawa with all your senses!

And when you experience festivals and other events, the entire community comes together, and once you feel that energy, you're sure to love Okinawa even more. That's because there are unforgettable moments to be found here.

Plan well and enjoy September in Okinawa to the fullest!

[Check these out too]
We'll answer your questions about traveling to Okinawa during Silver Week!
How about a relaxing island getaway? Recommendations, events, and weather for your August trip to Okinawa.
Is autumn actually the best season?! Enjoy your Okinawa trip in October!
・Things to know before you go to Okinawa: Typhoon season!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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