Step ashore from your cruise ship
into a world filled with the remnants
and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom
We invite you on a journey to explore
the unique culture of “Okinawa”,
which developed out of the fusion of various
Asian cultures including Japan and China.
History
Okinawa, Japan was originally an independent country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, which prospered as a focal point for trade with Asia.
Traces of Asian culture, primarily originating from Japan and China, can still be felt and seen in Okinawa today.
Cruise ships call at Kume, which used to be the trading center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and may be described as the start point of Okinawan culture.
Naminouegu Shrine
Experience making a visit to this historical shrine with a wonderful view
One of the “Eight Shrines of Ryukyu”, this venerable shrine is recognized as one of the highest ranking Ichinomiya shrines (the most important provincial shrines) in Japan by the Zenkoku Ichinomiya Kai association. Traders would offer prayers and express thanks for safe voyages at this shrine.
Kuninda Terrace
This interactive corner is packed with the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Kume
Here, you can learn about the role and history of Kuninda in the Ryukyu Kingdom and the impacts that trade imparted on politics, economy, learning, and culture by means of miniature models, videos and projection technology that recreates scenes from those times.
Kume Shiseibyo and
Ryuso experience
Sense Okinawan and Chinese styles by seeing and wearing
Kume Shiseibyo was built during the Ryukyu Kingdom period to commemorate the deeds of Confucius (the founder of Confucianism). The site also contains the Meirindo, which was built as Okinawa’s first public school during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and you can also try wearing traditional Ryuso (Traditional Okinawa Dress) clothes.
History
Ryukyu Bingata, which is the method used to dye Ryuso clothes, is a representative traditional craft of Okinawa, and Bingata patterns evoking images of Okinawa are still used today.
Fukushuen and
photo time
Experience taking a walk wearing traditional Okinawan dressA wonderful photo opportunity
These beautiful Fuzhou-style gardens have been faithfully recreated to demonstrate Naha’s friendly relations with China.Here, you can stroll around the gardens and take pictures wearing traditional Ryuso clothes.
Ryukyu cuisine
and Ryukyu dance
Ryukyu cuisine - Taste the hospitality offered to state guests of the Ryukyu Kingdom with all five senses
This long-established restaurant with 41 years of history belongs to the Ryukyu Cuisine Preservation Association. Here,in Kume, which was an important location for welcoming envoys and other guests of state from China, you can enjoy Ryukyu cuisine together with Ryukyu dancing.
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