Experience Okinawa’s Nature, History, Culture, and Art in One Place — Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum “OkiMu”

One of the few cultural complexes in Japan that combines a museum and an art museum

Located in Omoromachi, Naha City, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is one of the few cultural complexes in Japan that integrates both a museum and an art museum. Designed to resemble a traditional Okinawan castle (gusuku), the building offers visitors the opportunity to experience Okinawa’s nature, history, culture, and art all in one place.

Diverse Permanent Exhibitions and Special Exhibitions

The museum traces its roots to the Okinawa Civil Government’s Higashionna Museum, established shortly after World War II, and today it presents materials spanning geology, biology, anthropology, archaeology, folklore, history, and arts and crafts.
In the art museum, visitors can enjoy modern and contemporary art influenced by Okinawa’s unique climate and culture, including oil and watercolor paintings, sculpture, photography, and video works. Both permanent and special exhibitions are held regularly, showcasing Okinawa’s identity across time and artistic forms.

Interactive Experiences and Well-Equipped Facilities

• The Hands-on Experience Room allows visitors, especially children, to explore the “mechanisms of nature” and the “wisdom of ancestors” through interactive kits.

• At the Museum Café “Kame Kame Kitchen,” you can take a relaxing break while enjoying original dishes made with Okinawan ingredients.

• The Museum Shop “Yuimui” offers traditional crafts, exhibition catalogues, and original goods, making it a popular spot for souvenirs and mementos of your visit.

• The Media Library provides a wide range of resources on Okinawa’s nature, history, and art, allowing for deeper exploration.

Together, these facilities make it easy for families and travelers alike to stop by, not only to enjoy the exhibitions but also to enrich the time before and after their museum visit.

Convenient Access and Opening Hours

The museum is open Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 (last admission 17:30), and on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00 (last admission 19:30), allowing visitors to enjoy the museum even in the evening.

It is conveniently accessible: approximately 19 minutes by monorail from Naha Airport to Omoromachi Station, followed by a 10–15 minute walk.

Why It Feels Welcoming Anytime

• A comprehensive cultural facility that goes beyond the boundaries of a “museum” or “art museum,” offering spaces to see, touch, and enjoy.

• Exhibitions and displays that provide a deep encounter with Okinawa’s nature, history, culture, and art.

• Visitor-friendly facilities such as cafés and shops that make it easy to drop in at any time.

Practical Information for Visitors

To preserve and protect valuable artifacts and artworks for future generations, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following:

• Please refrain from eating or drinking except in designated areas.

• Only pencils are permitted for taking notes inside the galleries.

• Please enjoy the exhibitions quietly, with consideration for other visitors.

• Photography is generally prohibited.

• Smoking is not allowed in the museum.

• Do not touch the exhibits.

• Please use the umbrella stands for umbrellas.

• Large bags should be stored in the locker room.

• Pets are not allowed inside the museum.

• Please refrain from using mobile phones inside the exhibition rooms.

• Fresh flowers may not be brought into the museum.

A Final Invitation

If you stop by during your trip, you’ll find a place where Okinawa’s nature, history, culture, and art can all be experienced as one. On your next visit to Okinawa, be sure to add “OkiMu” – the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum – to your journey.

For more information, please visit the official website.