The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum

The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum

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The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 44.002	E 128 11.427

The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum, Kunigami Village

On November 2, 2013, a very small art museum debuted in Hentona of Kunigami Village. This is no ordinary museum, however. Here, you can play with the artwork. It is the Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum and the artwork, of course, are the toys...all made from natural wood. The theme...introducing nature using a language that all children can understand; the language of 'play'.

All the toys are made of wood from trees found here in Japan. Since the museum is in Okinawa however, some toys are composed of wood from the Ryukyu Pine, trees native to the Okinawa islands.(1)(2)(3) The Ryukyu Pine is also Okinawa's prefectural tree, thereby making the pine very special. Hence, the material used for these toys only come from damaged trees, such as those destroyed during typhoons.(1,2,4) The museum is quite small, only occupying about 144 square meters (1600 square feet), and perhaps for good reason; any larger, you may find yourself out breath as you try to keep up with your children bouncing from one end to the other. To get a video preview inside the museum, click here. 

The museum is sponsored and organized by the Good Toy Association, a non-profit organization based in Mainland, Japan. They direct other natural toy museums throughout country. Their website is www.goodtoy.org (click here for the sublink to the Okinawan museum).

Sai On Matsu, a Link to the Past. In Japanese, the Ryukyu Pine is pronounced as Ryukyu Matsu; matsu (松) meaning pine. Some Okinawans, however, may use the term shima matsu (island pine) to describe this type of tree. There is another name that is seldom used these days. It is the term Sai On Matsu (蔡温松).(5)  Sai On is actually a name belonging to a very famous political figure and scholar (1682-1763) during the reign of King Sho Kei (1713-1751).(6) In fact, he was one of the members belonging to the Council of Three (Sanshinkan, 三司官) that served as regents for the royal crown.(7) Sai On made many contributions with academic and scholarly writings ranging from personal conduct and behavior to policies governing land management. His writings and studies on forestry conservation would form the bulk of an 8 volume publication, Rinsei Hassho, (Eight Writings on Forestry Management) which was published posthumously in 1885, almost a century later.(6)(i) To many, he is considered the father of Okinawa's forestry conservation movement. The museum in many ways is a continuation of Sai On's work.

The term Sai On Matsu does not seem to describe just one pine tree, but a group of trees planted in a methodical or densely populated fashion; for example, trees planted along side a major road or on a tiny pocket of land such as a small forest.(ii) In Hedo of Kunigami Village, near the Tomb of King Gihon, there is a forest area named the Sai On Pine Tree Preservation Park, a name which gives tribute to the highly acclaimed scholar. 

The Kunigami Forest Park. The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum is part of the Kunigami Forest Park. There you will find a network of trails and view points that highlight the beauty of the Kunigami forest.

Recommendations (Please Read Before You Go!). Because the toy museum is rather small (144 square meters), you may not want to make this your primary destination if you live 2 hours away. If you are however, in the neighborhood and looking for a 30 minute timeout with the kids or plan on staying at the Okuma Recreational Facility then this may be a good option for you. Please avoid if your children are sick or have a cold.

Name (English). The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum
Name (Japanese). Yanbaru Mori Omocha Bijyutsukan (やんばる森おもちゃ美術館)
Entrance Fee. Free till April 2014. Prices have not been determine yet.
Hours. 10am-4pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Phone Number. 098 041 5421
Sponsor. The Good Toy Association
Sponsor Website. Goodtoy.org
Video. A Map It! Okinawa Video Short

References.

1. Good Toy Organization (Sponsor)
2. Blog Article - Wall Street Journal 
3. Native Okinawan Village and Omoro Arboretum (Ryukyu Pine)
4. Okinawa's Prefectural Website
5. Ryukyu Cultural Archives Website, Sai On Matsu (Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education)
6. Sai On reference. Ryukyu: Bibliographical Guide to Okinawan Studies, Dr. Shunzo Sakamaki, University Hawaii Press 1963 Pg 49.
7. Sanshinkan meaning. Okinawa: History of an Island People, George Kerr, Revised Edition 2000, Tuttle Publishing, pg 123

Notes.
i. Sai On originally wrote 7 volumes regarding forestry and conservation. An 8^th publication, the Onsashizu Hikae (Copy of Instructions), was added in 1885, by the prefectural government. (6)

ii. A Okinawan view of the word forest may be different of that of a western viewpoint. Mui is the Okinwan word for forest and it could be a small pocket of densely populated trees and not necessarily acres and acres of land.  

Directions. Take Highway 58 north into Kunigami Village. You will continue on Highway 58 passing the turn-off that takes you to Hiji Falls. Look for a highway sign that says Forest Park just before you reach the Hentona Tunnel. There you will make a right turn (if heading north on Highway 58). As soon as you make the right turn immediately look for a wooden sign directing you to the Kunigami Forest Park. At the sign, make a left and continue to follow that road directly in the forest park. LandMark images have been added to the map.

The Kouri Ocean Tower

The Kouri Ocean Tower

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Kouri Ocean Tower

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 42.004	E 128 01.462

The Kouri Ocean Tower, Kouri-jima

On November 23, 2013, Kouri-jima debuted its new attraction, the Kouri Ocean Tower.(1) It sits prominently high overlooking the oceanfront and from up-top, you can see the very visible Kouri Bridge, the longest toll-free bridge in Japan – stretching to 1,960 meters.(2,3,4) There are other attractions within the tower compound to make your visit more enjoyable. Please see information below for more details.

Hours: 9am-6pm, Daily (Restaurant Hours, 10am-6pm)
Phone Number: 098 056 1616
Website: www.kouri-oceantower.com
Entrance Fee: Adults: 800 ¥, Junior and High School: 600 ¥, Elementary School Students: 300 ¥, Between Ages 0 and Elementary School Students: FREE. 15% Off for Group Rates (20 people minimum). Price subject to change.
Currency. Yen Only

English Language. Currently, there are no guide pamphlets in English. However, it appears in the near future they will have publications in the English, Chinese, and the Korean languages. There is a 5 minute audio-guided tour in English on the golf cart ride to the main entrance, as well as some signs translated in English inside the Shell Museum.

Entering The Facility (Please Read!). After you purchase your ticket you have two options to enter the main facility. You can either ride a golf cart (automated) that seats four people or walk on a circular ramp. Both will take you up to the Shell Museum. The golf cart ride offers a 5 minute audio-guided tour in English (also in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese). Here you will learn a little about the island's history and of the facility itself. For those using wheel chairs or plan on bringing baby strollers, you can waive the cart ride and use the walk-ramp instead.

The Shell Museum. Inside the exhibit, there are approximately 1,500 kinds of seashells with over 10,000 on display.(5) You will find both the Japanese and Latin names displayed next to each shell. There are some explanation signs along the walls that are written in English, Japanese, Korean, and in Chinese.

Cake Factory. Here you will find an assortment of locally-made pastry products, and are more than welcome to take food samples to your liking. In the corner, there is a viewing window to the factory where you can watch staff members work as they prepare pastry items for that day.

The Ocean Blue Restaurant. The compound does have a two-story restaurant with an outdoor patio where you can dine and enjoy the ocean view. Their feature menu items include Green Curry and their own in-house pizza. Price Range: Main course meals: 700-2300 ¥  per meal. Sweets: 350-420 ¥ per item. Drinks/Coffee: 420-525 ¥ per drink. *Prices subject to change. Hours: 10am-6pm.

The Ocean Tower. The main attraction is the tower. The top floor sits 36 meters (118 ft) above ground and 82 meters (269 ft) above sea level.(5) You will notice that the white tower is designed much like a sail belonging to a boat. Its designers wanted to represent the island in such a way combining the beauty of the Okinawan ocean and the scenic landscape. Few places on Okinawa can rival the scenic panoramic view from this location.

Amenities/Parking. Parking is free. Restrooms available. An elevator is available to access parts of the tower.

References.
1. Official Website. www.kouri-oceantower.com
2. Okinawa2Go, Kouri-jima Bridge, website (English)
3. Okinawa Story (Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau, OCVB), Kouri-jima Bridge, website (English)
4. Nakijin Village Official Website (Kouri-jima Bridge), Japanese Only
5. Audio Tour Guide produced by the Kouri Ocean Tower staff

Related Articles. Mike's Ryukyu Gallery: The Kouri Island Ocean Tower.

Direction. Kouri-jima is part of Nakijin Village. Take Highway 58 north to Highway 110. Highway 110 takes you across two islands, Oi-jima and Yagaji-jima. You will see signs directing you to Kouri-jima. At some point you will cross the Kouri Bridge to get to Kouri Island. The large white tower will be very visible from the bridge. As soon as you cross the bridge make the very first right. This will happen almost immediately. From there you will be able to easily navigate your way to the tower.

"The Old Higashionna Village Museum"

Doorway to the Past, the Higashionna Village Museum

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Higashionna Village Museum

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 24.529	E 127 49.783

The Old Higashionna Village Museum

The aftermath of the 'Great Okinawan War' left many Okinawans distraught about the future of their homeland. It also left behind pieces of their heritage scattered throughout the rumble and carnage of the 82-Day campaign. Pages torn and wiped clean from the history books at an instant. Some lost forever. Putting it back together would be a major task. At the forefront in helping the Okinawans repair and preserve part of their history were two Naval Officers, Lt. Cmdr. Willard A. Hannah* and Lt. Cmdr. James T. Watkins. On August 30th 1945, they opened a museum in a small house in Higashionna of Ishikawa, now Uruma City. It was first dubbed the Okinawa Exhibition Hall and was later changed to the 'Higashionna Village Museum' shortly after 24 April 1946 when ownership of the museum changed hands to the Okinawan Civil Government. The efforts of both men would lead to a bigger push to help the Okinawans preserve what was left of their culture and history, a process that would take decades. Cultural assets were transferred from one museum location to another, from Higahshionna to Shuri and then to its present day resting place in Omoromachi, Naha City. On November 1st 2007, a new and much larger complex was opened to the public and was given the official name, 'The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum'.

Present Day. The old 'Higashionna Village Museum building still stands today. At first glance, you would think it was just any old house in the neighborhood. For all intents and purposes, it is. It remains on private property to this day. And because it is on private land, the owner, Mr. Taira, has the lone responsibility as caretaker of the 100+ year old building. Mr. Taira, an elderly man, is very proud of this historical monument, but has expressed concern of its future. All responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance now falls on his shoulders, a task perhaps too great for one person. Is there help on the way? It is uncertain at the moment. Nevertheless, Mr. Taira takes on his duty proudly and understands the importance of this historical building. It was the centerpiece for putting the pieces of Okinawa history back together.

The Mystery of Enkakuji Bells. According to the Prefectural Museum's website (source 1), Capt Hanna played an important role on retrieving the 'Enkakuji Bell' from the Philippines. On the same website they show Mr. and Mrs. Hanna in 1990 standing next to a large bell similar to one that is seen in the garden at the Higashionna Museum in the 1940's. These images (image1, image2) courtesy of Donn Cuson, www.rememberingokinawa.com, do show two bells, both different in size that once stood at the Higashionna Village Museum. There was also a third Enkakuji Bell, though it is not certain if it was also at the museum. According to the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, three bells had existed at the Enkakuji Temple (source 3), but it is not exactly certain how the temple bell that Capt Hanna helped retrieve got to the Philippines in the first place. Efforts are now being made to verify the location of all three bells, two of which are believed to be in the Prefectural Museum (pending verification). Sources have said the other bell is under the care of another historical organization. Nevertheless, at the old Higashionna Village Museum you can still see where the two bells once stood many, many years ago. Two of the bells hung on each side of a small wall near the main entrance. Okinawans call this type of wall, a 'hinpun', which was used to keep out evil spirits from entering the premises. The 'hinpuns' are rarely seen now, with the exception at old residential areas.

The Well and the Garden Pond. Other items of historical interest that can still be seen on the old museum grounds include a large concrete well and the old garden pond which is said to be shaped like a human heart. images3 and images4 were photos taken between 2012-2013. Images5 and images6 were taken over 5 decades ago (courtesy of Donn Cuson, www.rememberingokinawa.com).

Online Historical Document. To see more on the Higashionna Village Museum please refer to this PDF (16.9MB) document at rememberingokinawa.com. You will also find a wealth of historical images of Okinawa on the website.

Visitation. Because the Higashionna Village Museum sits on private property, it can only be viewed from the outside unless given expressed permission by the owner to enter. The owner, Mr. Taira, is a very nice Okinawan man, but may not be on the actual premises when you visit. If he happens to be outside doing some yard work, you can ask permission for a closer look. In front of the old museum, you will a explanation sign translated into English, by the Uruma City Board of Education.

Directions. Take Highway 329 into Ishikawa of Uruma City (not the Highway 329 By-pass). You will see a LandMark Sign (big pointing arrow, now painted white). Turn east on this street and it will be the second street on the right. The old museum will be on the left. You will able to tell by the red tiled roof. 

Notes.
* Uruma City Board of Education does have the rank as Lt. Cmdr Hannan. However, the Museum Prefectural Website refers to Mr. Hanna as a Navy Captain. 

Source of Information.
1. http://www.museums.pref.okinawa.jp/english/museum/history/index.html
2. http://www.rememberingokinawa.com/page/docs/RESEARCH_DOCUMENTS_1
3. http://rca.open.ed.jp/web_e/history/story/epoch2/kakuritu_up/up08.html

"The Katana and the Ginoza Museum"

A traditional Katana on display at the Ginoza Village Museum

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The Katana & the Ginoza Museum

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 28.964	E 127 58.364

The Katana and the Ginoza Museum

Most town museums in Okinawa display an assortment of historical and cultural relics from that particular district. However, the Ginoza Museum has a couple distinctions that is separate from most museums here in Okinawa. On display are 7 authentic Japanese Katana's or 'samurai swords' dating back four periods of Japanese History (Kamakura through Meiji, 1192-1912). Additionally there are two other bladed weapons on display: the 'Tsurugi' (broad sword type) and the 'Naginata' (extended pole blade, similar to the Chinese Kwan Doa). The Katana is a prestigious weapon associated with members of the samurai class or similar nobility from Mainland Japan. Seeing them in Okinawa is somewhat unusual since weapons of this nature were banned in Okinawa since the Satsuma Invasion in 1609 (source). The question then becomes...why are these swords here on display?

Right after World War II, the Allied Forces had directed the Japanese police to confiscate any and all arms (many of which were swords) from the Japanese. This was to prevent any possible armed up-rise with the occupying force. Thousands were collected. But in 1947, at the request of the Japanese Government, the weapons were returned due to their historical and national value to the people of Japan. However, of the thousands that were collected 4,576 swords could not be traced to the original owners or families and were later preserved at the Tokyo National Museum. Seven were given back to their rightful owners. The remaining 4,569 swords were donated to each Prefecture in Japan, to include Okinawa. Okinawa Prefectural was given 33 swords. According to information provided by the Ginoza Museum, two other museums, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and the Uruma City/Ishikawa Museum, were given the honor of holding these valuable national treasures. Although not a surprise that the Prefectural Museum should have such an honor, it is not clear why either Ginoza Village or Uruma City were given such a task.

Weenuatai Ohaka. The other distinction in the Ginoza Museum is the display replica of the 'Weenuatai Ohaka'. An 'ohaka' or tomb are common structures seen throughout Okinawa. Many are made of stone. The original Weenuatai Ohaka however was made out of wood dating back to 1350 AD which predates the more familiar Turtle-Back tombs by several centuries (18th Century). The Weenuatai Ohaka was rebuilt with both the original and new pieces of wood and is found at a small forest park in Ginoza Village (See article: Kanna's Yoriage Forest and the Weenuatai Ohaka).

To see other items in the Ginoza Museum please click here or go to the photo album above.

Recommendation. Explanation leaflets and labels at the Ginoza Museum are mostly in Japanese. To get the most out of this experience recommend bringing a friend fluent in Japanese both in speaking and in writing. There are information leaflets in Japanese that you can take with you.

Hours of Operation. 9am-5pm (430pm last admission). Closed on June 23rd (Irei no hi 慰霊の日/Memorial Day), December 29-January 3rd, and other National Holidays.

Cost. 100 Yen per adult, 50 Yen per college student, children Free.

Phone Number. 098 968 4378.

Website. http://www.vill.ginoza.okinawa.jp/facilities/museum

Related Articles/Places of interest nearby. Kanna's Yoriage Forest, Weenuatai Ohaka.

Directions. The turn-off to the Ginoza Village Museum is off Highway 329, just 25 meters north of the Okinawa Expressway entrance-way (Entrance/Exit 9). See map above. If you are heading north on Highway 329, the turn-off will be on the left-hand side just before the JA-SS Gas Station. As you proceed from the turn-off you will see a tower structure at the center of a circle intersection. Past the tower you will see a grey building with large Kanji written on it as shown in this photo. This is the Ginoza Village Museum.

Source of information. Leaflets provided by the Ginoza Village Museum (Japanese), Martial Arts of the World Vol. 1 edited by Thomas A. Green, 2001, Pg 240 (Satsuma Invasion), Visions of Ryukyu: Identity and Ideology in Early-Modern Thoughts and Politics, Gregory Smits, 1999, Pg 83 (Turtle-back Tombs). Kamakura Period (Encyclopedia Britannica, Online), Meiji Period (Encyclopedia Britannica, Online).

"The Minzoku Shiryokan Museum of Nago City"

Inside the Minzoku Shiryokan

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Minzoku Shiryokan (Natural History & Folklore Museum)

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 36.792	E 128 00.778

The Minzoku Shiryokan of Nago City

There may not be another museum like this on the island. It is perhaps one of few museums on Okinawa that is privately own – and for its size, it is extremely well organized. This is the Minzoku Shiryokan of Nago City. The owner and curator, Mr. Makabi, has been collecting historical items for years and has a phenomenal collection of antiques and modern-day artifacts. Much of the collection are items from the last century – everything from vinyl records to vintage cameras. Please see photo album above or click here to see the entire collection. The term 'minzoku shiryokan' translates to natural history and folklore museum. The museum is housed in three main areas (two on the first floor, one on the second floor), with several antique items outside to include an old fire truck. Collocated with the museum is a small restaurant, and  inside it is a small room filled with a collection of 'zippo' style cigarette lighters.

Because most of the collection is from the last century, it is not hard to understand what you will be seeing. But to get the most out this experience, it is best if you bring a friend or someone who is fluent in Japanese should you have any questions. There are no explanation signs in English. The family-run staff is extremely friendly however, and this gives you an opportunity to practice your Japanese.

Hours. 9am-5pm (advertised 6pm on their website)
Open. Daily
Telephone Number. 098 058 3355
Website (Japanese only). http://www.mco.ne.jp/~sawanoya
Entrance Fee. Adults 500 Yen (400 Yen for groups of 10 or more), Children 200 Yen (100 Yen for groups of 10 or more)

Directions. The museum is located in the northern part of Nago City. The Google Map in this area is blurred out. However, the museum is very close to Highway 58. Look for a JASS Gas Station (see map landmark above) at the 'Taira' traffic intersection as the landmark to turnoff. Once you make the turn, on the first major '4-way' paved intersection (300m from Highway 58) make a left. The museum will be about another 250m on your right. Look for this entrance way (click here).

Other related articles. See Mikes Ryukyu Gallery.

Other museums in Okinawa. Nago Museum, The Higashi Museum (Higashi Village), Tsushima Maru Museum (Naha City), Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center (Kunigami Village)

Other places of interest nearby. Fukugawa Falls, Golden Forest Utaki, Makiya Dam, River Trekking to a Nameless Waterfall

"The Tsushima Maru Museum"

Inside the Tsushima Maru Museum

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Tsushima Maru Museum

      GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 13.206	E 127 40.366

The Tsushima Maru Museum - Naha City

On August 22, 1944 at 10:12pm, a tragic incident happen off the coast of Akuseki-jima, Kagoshima. An 'unmarked' passenger-cargo ship named Tsushima Maru carrying 1661 people from Okinawa to Japan was torpedoed by an American submarine USS Bowfin. It wouldn't be twenty years after the war that the crew of the USS Bowfin would learn that of the 1418 who perished on that dreadful night, 767 were children. They didn't know it was a ship of fleeing civilians.

It was around this time that war was rapidly approaching on Okinawa soil and residents were advised to leave Okinawa to escape the inevitable confrontation. On August 21, 1944, students, teachers, and other civilians boarded Tsushima Maru from Naha Port hoping to escape the bloodshed. The Tsushima Maru was among 4 other ships in a convoy, two which were classified as gun ships and the two possibly as cargo ships. Of the 826 children who were on that ship, only 59 had survived. Part of the reason why no one knew it was a civilian passenger ship afterwards, was perhaps that the survivors were warned not to speak of the incident by their officials. But after 60 years later, their stories are now being told.

The Tsushima Maru Museum is not about taking sides. Like all war memorials, whether it be on Pearl Harbor or on Okinawa, they all have messages of promoting peace, and for some, the message is to help find inner peace. Tsushima Maru Museum is to give tribute to the innocent lives and dreams that were lost on that dreadful day. And to remind us that war does not always discriminate against its victims; The good, the bad, and the innocent...all get grouped together. The museum is a monument itself spreading the message of world peace. 

Further information. For more information in English about the Tsushima Maru Incident, you can visit the museum website at http://www.tsushimamaru.or.jp/e_index.html. There, you will find personal interviews translated in English of some of the survivors. You can also visit the USS Bowfin Museum at: http://www.bowfin.org/submarine/36/132-tsushima-maru which has other information of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

English Translation at the Museum. There is no side-by-side English translation next to each station at the museum. However, they do offer a English handout that talks about the background and some of the stations you will see. So please ask for one.

Hours/Entrance Fee. For update information on their Hours and Entrance Fees please go to their website at: http://www.tsushimamaru.or.jp/eng/guide/guide1.html

Handicap Accessibility. The main entrance is on the 2nd floor, however, those who are physically disabled can enter on the first floor exit door.

Parking. There is a pay meter for parking next to the museum.

Phone Number: 098 941 3515
Website: http://www.tsushimamaru.or.jp/

Directions. If you are going into Naha using Highway 58 from the north. You will see signs posted that say 'Tsushimamaru Museum'. However, If you are familiar with Kumoji Crossing in Naha (the center point of the Naha Tug-of-War). I recommend you make the right-turn at the Kumoji Crossing intersection (if you are traveling south on the 58). As soon as you pass the Fukushuen Chinese Garden (on the left) make a left turn at the next traffic light. As soon as you make that left you will make the first right (about 100m). Look for signs that point to the museum. The museum will be on your left and is right next to the Naminoue Shrine. The route is highlight in blue above.

Source of information. The Tsushima Maru Museum Website, The USS Bowfin Museum Website, Museum Handout translated in English. 

"The Higashi Museum"

Inside the Higashi Museum

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The Higashi Museum

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 38.469	E 128 10.029

The Higashi Museum

Probably one of many least known museums here on Okinawa, the Higashi Museum, for its size, is neatly crafted and well organized. If you are into birding or wildlife here on Okinawa, then it might be worthwhile to see their collection of 'stuffed' birds and other wildlife that are professionally on display. They even have a few live snakes in a glass case on display, to include the notorious and much feared, Habu. Much of the museums covers the agricultural history and the lifestyle of Higashi people of the past. Though nothing is translated in English, you do get a sense how life was like many years ago for the Higashi villagers. If you have a friend that can read Japanese and speak English, then recommend you bring him or her along to help you decipher some of the history surrounding this beautiful part of the Yanbaru Forest. Higashi and many villages further north on the eastern side of Okinawa contain many hidden cultural and natural 'gems' that even many Okinawans may not know about. A large part of it has to do with its location, with the north eastern side of Okinawa being less frequented by transients. The museum sits next to the Fukuji River and next to the museum is a small park and a view of the Higashi Mountains.

Fukuji Dam Back Entrance. If you were to pass the museum and continue on you will run into the back entrance of the Fukuji Dam (Yellow route above). Vehicles are not permitted at a certain point but you can walk inside and see what was once a family gathering area along the river bed. It is a very similar set up to that of the Haneji Dam Family Picnic Area in Nago where kids and parents can splash and have fun in the water. The staff had mention that it is being renovated (road construction) and hopefully some time this year it will accessible for vehicles.

Directions. The turn-off is something you wouldn't expect to lead you to a museum. Study the landmarks carefully. There are two posted. One is a 'vending area' for tourist and the other is the 'Y-Fork' in the road where you turn into. At the 'Y-Fork' turn-off you will see a radio antennae looking structure to the left. There will also be signs posted on the ground in Japanese. Click here to see what it looks like.

Note: They had at one time offered a brochure in English about Higashi and its cultural assets. Lack of English speaking visitors might have contributed to the temporarily halt of this publication. However, with more and more English speaking visitors arriving, it may re-ignite enthusiasm to providing more and more multilingual material for visitors.

Closed: Mondays, If holiday falls on Monday – closed on Tuesday. Closed on national holidays, Okinawa War Memorial Day (June 23rd), December 29-January 3rd.
Hours: 10am-6pm (Last admission 5:30pm)
Fee: Adults/College Students 200 Yen ( 160 Yen/ 15 or more). Elementary to Highschool Students 100 Yen (80 Yen/ 15 or more)
Phone Number: 098-051-2828
Website: http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~yamamizu/
Taking Pictures: Allowed inside

Other places of interest nearby. The Sakishima Sappanwood Tree, Meoto Falls, The Azalea Festival (March Only).

"The Nago Museum"

Inside the Nago Museum 

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The Nago Museum

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 35.166	E 127 59.211

The Nago Museum

The Nago Museum is one of your more English friendly museums on Okinawa. Though not every museum item has an English explanation next to it, they do provide some labels in English and they do have a very nice brochure both in Japanese and English giving a general explanation of a particular museum section. Make sure you get one of these brochures before you enter the museum so as to understand what you are seeing as you are touring the area. The brochure may also be a handy source of information if you have children doing a research report on 'Okinawan Culture'. 

The two story museum covers mainly the life of the Nago people, mainly post war era to present. It is well set up with various exhibits of farm life, food processing, worship and ceremonies, and whaling. Everything is neatly arranged (See Photo Album). The Cetacean or whale exhibit is pretty impressive for the size of the museum. There is also Special Exhibition room on the first floor that covers featured topics of Okinawa culture. Price for entry is very inexpensive. See Admission rates and other pertinent information below. 

Admission: Adults 150 Yen (Group Rates 20 or more, 100 Yen), College/Univ Students: 100 Yen (Group Rates 20 or more, 70 Yen), Elementary/Junior High/High School: 50 Yen (Group Rates 20 or more. 30 Yen).

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm.
Closed: Mondays, New Year's, 4th Thursday of the month, National Holidays, Scheduled Maintenance.
Phone number: 098 053 1342.
Email: Hakubutsukan@city.nago.okinawa.jp

Pictures. Taking pictures is allowed.
Parking. Please click on the Green Thumbtacks for specific instructions details.

Other places of interest nearby:  Ato no Utaki (Kyoda), Giant Shisas (Kyoda), Water From Hands (Kyoda), Todoroki Waterfall, The Nangusuku Castle Ruins, Nago Green Bridge & The Lower Creek Park.

To see other photos inside the museum, please also see Mike's Ryukyu Gallery.

"The Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center"

The Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center in Kunigami

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Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 43.700	E 128 10.753

The Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center in Kunigami

This is the Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center. It's not too far away from Highway 58 and the Okuma Recreational Facility. In fact, as you leave the 58 and head towards Hiji Falls the turn-off to the center is about 500m facing north (See Map). Most foreigners may not be aware of the center cause there is no English on the large blue street sign near the turn-off. Hopefully this will change soon, since the Center's purpose is to raise awareness. This is another good spot to visit with kids if you are staying at Okuma for a few days, and it happens to be a rainy day.

There is not much translated in English, however, they have a brochure written in English explaining some of the different stations inside the center. Nevertheless, it is the images of nature that tell the story; that awareness is instrumental in preserving the surrounding wildlife in Okinawa. If more and more foreign visitors attend the center then it may give cause to have more translated explanations in various languages at each sub-station inside the center.

There are no animals kept at this location. Most of it is visual presentation (See Photo Album). They do have a station where you can hear the various sounds found in nature.

Admission: Free
Hours: 10-1630. Closed on Mondays, New Years, and some National Holidays
Phone Number: 098 050 1025
Website: http://www.ufugi-yambaru.com

Other places of interest nearby: River Stream in Ura, Small Cave Spring in Kunigami, Iji Shrine and The Cherry Blossom Hill.