Okinawa Prefectural Museum

This museum is a four-story building with one basement level, constructed from local limestone and housing extensive exhibition areas. The collections document the history, nature, and culture of the Ryukyu Islands through artifacts and media installations spread throughout the spaces.

This institution began as the Ryukyu Governmental Museum in 1946 and was restructured in 1972 when Okinawa returned from American administration to Japanese control. The reorganization reflected the changed political and cultural context of the postwar period.

The permanent exhibition 'Sea and Island Life' displays traditional crafts and everyday objects that show how island communities adapted to their environment over time. Visitors can see fishing tools, woven textiles, and household items that reflect the practical skills passed down through generations.

The building is well signposted and exhibition labels are provided in multiple languages to help you navigate easily. Audio guides in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish are available for the permanent exhibitions.

The entrance features a glass-floored walkway designed to mimic walking over coral, leading to exhibits about the geological formation of the archipelago. This transition area connects you to the island environment from the moment you enter the building.