Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum
4
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
It is unusual to find a facility that contains both a museum of culture, history, and science (hereinafter referred to as “museum”) and an art museum. A facility which contains a “museum” (hakubutsukan) and an “art museum” (bijutsukan) is rare. One of its predecessors was the Higashi Onna Museum , established in 1946 immediately following the Battle of Okinawa, and therefore, 2016 marked the facility’s 70th anniversary. The museum exhibits materials and information related to the fields of geology, biology, anthropology, archeology, history, folklore, and arts and crafts, and it holds various relevant events. The art museum shows mainly, but is not limited to, modern and contemporary works of art that were nurtured by Okinawan culture, including oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and videos. Take your time exploring the nature, history, culture, and art of Okinawa at both museums.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.0
716 reviews
Excellent
272
Very good
336
Average
100
Poor
5
Terrible
3
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,728 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
It is a spectacular structure from the outside close to the San-A Main Place shopping center. The museum building, constructed largely of local Okinawan limestone, was designed with the imagery of Okinawa's gusuku (castles) in mind.
A nice museum with lots to show highlighting natural history sections a lot. Be prepared that there is no English translation on the info cards, so you may get lost a little if you do not read Japanese or use translation applications.
A nice museum with lots to show highlighting natural history sections a lot. Be prepared that there is no English translation on the info cards, so you may get lost a little if you do not read Japanese or use translation applications.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thato M
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan38 contributions
Nov 2021
A nice museum with lots to show. I specifically liked the natural history sections a lot. In some sections, there is no English translation on the info cards, so you may get lost a little if you do not read Japanese. The library also does not have a wide selection of non-japanese books/articles.
They don't accept payments on cards (which I thought wouldn't be a problem seeing as how this is such a big place, which may attract lots of tourists?). But, there is a lawson right across the street to withdraw your money from.
They don't accept payments on cards (which I thought wouldn't be a problem seeing as how this is such a big place, which may attract lots of tourists?). But, there is a lawson right across the street to withdraw your money from.
Written 7 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Payangan 1969
Brisbane, Australia2,282 contributions
Dec 2020
I had a wonderful time walking through the museum. I was especially happy to see their exhibits of the past. Also they have a wonderful shop which for me has the best collection of post cards.
free parking also. wear your mask
free parking also. wear your mask
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wandering Mel
Kolkata (Calcutta), India476 contributions
Nov 2020
I really enjoyed exploring this facility. There are so many different topics covered in the various rooms. I spent nearly five hours in the facility and enjoyed every aspect of it. The big rock exhibition was really fascinating but had less English explanation, while the permanent exhibition had a lot of information available in English. I also liked the information available via the app.
Written 12 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sm0508
Singapore85 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I didn't go with much expectation however at the end of the visit, i was truly enlightened and provided great insight into the history of Okinawa - you wouldn't know what this cluster of islands have gone thru if not for the documented artifacts. Truly worth a visit. The audio guides were excellent informational resource. The admission fee was 410yen
Written 12 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iva H
Naha, Japan3 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
The quality of your visit will depend greatly on your timing. Why?
First, the facility actually houses three separate exhibit halls. Even on the worst day here, you can see and learn more about Okinawa by going thru the Okinawa Exhibit than you can walking thru Naha. This Permanent Exhibit is almost never crowded because it's so well ignored. Just be patient but walk fast thru the first two sections which cover pre-history, geotech, botany, flora and fauna. (Yawn) The only interesting thing item is the discovery of the Minatogawa Primitive Man, the world's oldest human remains -- much older than in established centers of civilization. Now, once you hit the Ryukyu Kingdom era section, then take your time. The colors are shocking and bright, more Chinese than Japanese. While there's not a lot of English commentary, the simple enough layout can help you follow the history. Next, the 50's and 60's memorabilia from the early modern hall, the American Era, is kind cute.
Secondly, the Facility hosts world-class exhibits every so often. E.g., Egyptian Mummies from the Netherlands troves, Dinosaurs Deluxe, and most recently, a fabulous retrospective of the entire Impressionist movement. Timing? Go early because if you go mid-day, then = crowds, crowds, and heat.
OTHER: (a) The Museum shop has quality items at not so low prices. For something special, shop here. (b) Walk across the street to the Sanei Mall for treats, eats, or to meander thru Tokyo Hands and/or the electronics shop.
First, the facility actually houses three separate exhibit halls. Even on the worst day here, you can see and learn more about Okinawa by going thru the Okinawa Exhibit than you can walking thru Naha. This Permanent Exhibit is almost never crowded because it's so well ignored. Just be patient but walk fast thru the first two sections which cover pre-history, geotech, botany, flora and fauna. (Yawn) The only interesting thing item is the discovery of the Minatogawa Primitive Man, the world's oldest human remains -- much older than in established centers of civilization. Now, once you hit the Ryukyu Kingdom era section, then take your time. The colors are shocking and bright, more Chinese than Japanese. While there's not a lot of English commentary, the simple enough layout can help you follow the history. Next, the 50's and 60's memorabilia from the early modern hall, the American Era, is kind cute.
Secondly, the Facility hosts world-class exhibits every so often. E.g., Egyptian Mummies from the Netherlands troves, Dinosaurs Deluxe, and most recently, a fabulous retrospective of the entire Impressionist movement. Timing? Go early because if you go mid-day, then = crowds, crowds, and heat.
OTHER: (a) The Museum shop has quality items at not so low prices. For something special, shop here. (b) Walk across the street to the Sanei Mall for treats, eats, or to meander thru Tokyo Hands and/or the electronics shop.
Written 24 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Australia84
Osaka, Japan4 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
We weren't planning to come to this museum but had a day to pass (and were not havign such a great time) in Naha and took the chance. We were not disappointed. We only visited the standard exhibit but I wouldn't want anything more. I travel in Japan a lot but this was my first time in Ryuku. We learnt so much from this museum that enriched the rest of our time in this amazing area, even when we left for other islands!
The museums extensive coverage of the early evolutionary history of the peoples of the region all the way through to the cultural distinctiveness of Ryuku kingdoms in the context of the rest of mainland Japan. Not just in human culture but in the plants and animals of the region as well. I was particularly enamoured with the museums strong stance on honestly documenting and espousing the importance of political resistance to occupation (both via the areas integration as a state of 'Japan' and to US military occupation).
Beautiful collection, English friendly, amazing curation and the building is a work of art in itself. I can't speak for the 'art' side of the museum but the anthropological and natural history collection is phenomenal.
The museums extensive coverage of the early evolutionary history of the peoples of the region all the way through to the cultural distinctiveness of Ryuku kingdoms in the context of the rest of mainland Japan. Not just in human culture but in the plants and animals of the region as well. I was particularly enamoured with the museums strong stance on honestly documenting and espousing the importance of political resistance to occupation (both via the areas integration as a state of 'Japan' and to US military occupation).
Beautiful collection, English friendly, amazing curation and the building is a work of art in itself. I can't speak for the 'art' side of the museum but the anthropological and natural history collection is phenomenal.
Written 14 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinVH1
Izumi, Japan7 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Ik had a couple hours to spend before I could check into my hotel. Went on Tripadvisor and found that this was close by. I enjoy museums a lot and thought I would give this a shot. It is truly a great museum if you are interested in the local history. It goes through the entire evolution period of life on the islands and covers everything with emphasis on the Royal period and the WWII period. Great to spend several hours.
Written 11 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Umeshu20
Tokyo, Japan17 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
When weather is poor, this is worth a visit. Tickets for the history museum are sold separately from the art museum. I went to both, and the history one was much more interesting. The art was all modern art, and the collection was small. Excellent chocolate cake and local tea in the cafe, and nice selection of gifts in the shop (higher quality than Kokusai dori).
Written 26 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alvin L
Singapore, Singapore81 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
From afar, the museum resembles a type of cemented modern fortress structure with holes dotting its facade. It's really huge and impressive. I can see the entire permanent gallery on entering it, my initial thought was that the hall looks small. Luckily, the comprehensiveness and content makes up for the size. Its topic on Okinawa range from its history, ecology, archaeology, arts, politics, etc.
Being a history buff and knowing how some museums carry a political agenda, I felt museum covered some sensitive topics in a balanced way like its China connection, Japanese Satsuma invasion, Japanese assimilation policies, Japanese conversion of the kingdom to become a province of Japan, WWII battles, American occupation and even hints of Okinawa independence.
The English info on each display maybe quite limited (usually just the name of what the item is but no description) but the audio guides make up for that.
Go for this to get a better idea of Okinawa!
Being a history buff and knowing how some museums carry a political agenda, I felt museum covered some sensitive topics in a balanced way like its China connection, Japanese Satsuma invasion, Japanese assimilation policies, Japanese conversion of the kingdom to become a province of Japan, WWII battles, American occupation and even hints of Okinawa independence.
The English info on each display maybe quite limited (usually just the name of what the item is but no description) but the audio guides make up for that.
Go for this to get a better idea of Okinawa!
Written 26 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What special exhibits will be on the week of October 25th? And what will be the admission fee for them?
Written 23 September 2016
First, before the direct answer, I tried to provide the url for the museum but that fails to comply with TripAdvisor security guidelines. Please reach the site through your own efforts.
Secondly,
Commencing 25 Oct: Giants of Art featuring Nikkei from Argentina held in conjunction with the Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival (Entry is free)
Also, the Heart in Photo Art in the Art Museum (Entry is free)
on 26th: The 4th Samisen Concert from 1400 - 1600 (Entry is free)
on 29th: Children's Hands On Workshops (fee for materials)
Written 24 September 2016
博物館には学芸員がおります。
できれば、ムシの実物、採集した場所の様子、時期、天気などの情報を添えて、博物館に送ってみてもらうのが一番だと思いますが、送付する前に、メールに写真などを添付して、情報を送っておくと、不審物と間違えられずに、調べてもらえます。
私が勤務しているところでは、お電話、メール等の問い合わせのほか、小さな施設ですので、直接、実物を持参して、質問にこられるかたが、おります。
生き物ですので、わかる範囲でしか回答できませんが、研究者なら、何の仲間か、までは、わかると思いますし、思わぬ面白いお話しがでてくると思いますが、
皆さん、お忙しいので、必ず、前もっての連絡だけはしてください。
Written 17 June 2016
How do I get there using public transportation?
Written 17 July 2015
Naha has city busses and an excellent Monorail system which stops walking distance from most attractions. The cabs are also very reasonable.
Written 17 July 2015
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