Murasaki Mura

In 1992 NHK (Japans largest TV network) made a series of historical TV movie dramas set in the Ryukyu Islands during the 16th and 17th centuries called “Ryukyu no Kaze” (the wind of the Ryukyus.) After the series was finished filming, the replica village built for the movies was left standing and turned into a theme park named “Murasaki Mura.” This cultural theme park in Yomitan Okinawa is a very good rendition of what life looked like long ago in the ancient the Ryukyu kingdom now know as Okinawa Japan.

The cultural theme park offering a slice of Okinawa History gives visitors an opportunity to try their hand at as many as 65 different crafts in 18 of the villages replica factories. Some of the crafts available are; seashell and coral wind chime (¥1,200), Hanaori and Minsaori weaving (¥700 - ¥1,500), Bingatta (¥500), Shikui shisa (¥1,000), mini-shisa (¥1,500), candle art (¥1,000), Okinawan cooking (¥800+), include brown sugar (¥800), Ryukyu glass (¥1,800), Yachimun pottery (¥1,500 - ¥2,000), indigo dyeing (¥1,200), Can-Can Sanshin (¥3,000), and sanshin lessons (¥1,500),.Lessons on the different crafts and skills generally take 30 min. – 1 hr so get to the village early and allow your self plenty of time to try a few of the different experiences available

If crafts are not your thing then just taking a walk around the very photogenic Murasaki Mura is a rather worthy option so remember to bring a camera. When you need a break from the day’s activities you can stop by the parks small restaurant that features a lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 980 yen and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. for 1,680 yen.

For the little ones or the young at heart there is a small petting zoo with many different animals. During your tour of the traditional Okinawa village you will also see other animals running around everywhere in the such as hens, roosters, and rabbits. Horse back rides are also available ¥500 for about 5 minutes

If you didn’t get enough souvenirs form the craft activities don’t worry as Murasaki Mura has a gift shop you can hit on the way out to stock up on Okinawa items such as shisa, awamori, pottery, brown sugar, sea salt and so on.

Directions: From Naha, take Highway 58 north towards Nago. Head left through Kadena Circle and continue for approximately 3 Km. Turn left at Lawson. Continue on past Torii Station and make a left at Family Mart. Take the first left and continue on until you see Murasaki Mura on the left. Parking is located across the street.

FromNaha Airport: Approx. 70 min by car (via highway)
From Okinawa Expressway Kitanakagusuku I.C: Approx. 40 min by car (via highway)
FromNearest bus stop: Ufudo, Approx. 20 min on foot
(Stop for line : 28, 62, 228)

Admission: Adults 500yen, Elementary atudents: 300 yen, Junior & Senior High school student 400 yen
Open Hours: 9:00-18:00
Closing Day: None
Address: 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Okinawa 904-0323
Phone: 098-958-1111