Okinawa World Gyokusendo Cave
Explore a million stalactites in the vast Gyokusendo Cave and immerse yourself in Okinawan culture at Okinawa World.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Okinawa World Gyokusendo Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a million stalactites in the vast Gyokusendo Cave and immerse yourself in Okinawan culture at Okinawa World.
"A must-visit for its stunning natural cave and rich cultural experiences."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave trail can be wet and uneven. Sneakers are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While the cave is cool, Okinawa's heat outside is significant. Bring water, especially if exploring the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gyokusendo Cave
Okinawa World
Vast limestone cave with over a million stalactites and crystal-clear pools. A journey through geological time.
Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town
Okinawa World
Step back in time in this recreated traditional Okinawan village with relocated historic houses.
Habu Snake Show
Okinawa World
A unique and thrilling performance featuring Okinawa's native venomous snakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Plan for a Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave trail can be wet and uneven. Sneakers are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While the cave is cool, Okinawa's heat outside is significant. Bring water, especially if exploring the park.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Plan for 3-4 hours to fully experience the cave and other attractions.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance from travel apps or websites.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave trail can be wet and uneven. Sneakers are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While the cave is cool, Okinawa's heat outside is significant. Bring water, especially if exploring the park.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Plan for 3-4 hours to fully experience the cave and other attractions.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance from travel apps or websites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring Gyokusendo Cave for its natural beauty and cool temperatures, offering a refreshing escape. The surrounding Okinawa World park, with its cultural village and snake show, adds significant value, making it a worthwhile half-day or full-day excursion for many.
"For sure worth its ticket price (2000 yen adults, kids for free). You will get all-in-one: cave walk (ideal temperature 21C inside for warm days), kind of botanical garden with fruit trees, kind of village with handcrafted art and gifts. End at the and performance with snakes (every 2h) and mini zoo. We have spend almost 4h there."
Krzysztof Mirowski
"The cave is located in a park with different animals/ reptiles and historical exhibitions. Convenient to be reached by driving with short walking distance from the carpark. I'd recommend to buy online tickets from travel apps or sites to save time (also slightly cheaper). The cave was bigger than I thought, a lot of natural stones in different shapes and forms. There are detail explanations of how they were formed throguhotu the trail. You can experience the beauty of nature inside. We spent around 1 hour walking through the cave. The temperature felt like around 25 degrees inside, not too cool not too hot. Please wear sneakers since the trail was wet. Definitely worth a visit if you are around."
Cindy Lam
"Gyokuseku Cave at Okinawa World is a long, cool walk through twisting underground tunnels filled with stalactites and dripping water. The dim lights and low ceiling made me feel like a bat moving through its home. It’s a little damp, but the air feels fresh compared to the Okinawan heat outside. The rock formations are interesting, and there’s plenty to see without feeling rushed. The sound of water dripping in the background makes the whole place feel alive. It’s not fancy or overdone just a pretty good chance to explore a huge cave and get a break from the Okinawan sun. Carried a stroller the entire way."
Nhoj “Bams” Serev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Okinawa World is best reached by car, with convenient parking available. Public bus routes also serve the area, though they may take longer. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, several bus routes from Naha City stop near Okinawa World. It's advisable to check the latest bus timetables as they can vary.
The park is quite spread out. Walking is the primary way to get around, but comfortable shoes are essential, especially for the cave.
Some tour operators offer shuttle services or package deals that include transportation to Okinawa World. It's worth checking with local tour providers.
Okinawa World is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Naha Airport, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Gyokusendo Cave is part of the Okinawa World ticket package. Adult tickets are around 2000 yen, with children often receiving free admission.
No, tickets for Gyokusendo Cave are included in the general admission for Okinawa World, which also grants access to the castle town and other attractions.
Yes, purchasing tickets online through travel apps or websites can sometimes offer slight discounts and save you time at the entrance.
Okinawa World typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes in the late afternoon. The cave follows the park's operating hours. It's best to check their official website for the most current times.
No, the cave is an integral part of the Okinawa World theme park, and admission to the park is required to access the cave.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The cave maintains a consistently cool temperature, typically around 21-25°C (70-77°F), offering a welcome respite from Okinawa's heat. +1
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the accessible parts of the cave, taking in the formations and atmosphere. +1
The trail is generally well-maintained, level, and safe with good lighting. However, it can be damp, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended. +1
Okinawa World features a Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, a craft village with artisan workshops, a museum of traditional crafts, and a popular Habu snake show.
Yes, the cave offers dramatic natural formations that are very photogenic. The lighting is designed to highlight the stalactites and stalagmites. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Okinawa World has several dining options, including restaurants and cafes offering local Okinawan cuisine and snacks.
Generally, outside food and drinks are allowed in designated areas, but it's always best to check the park's specific policies upon arrival.
You can find a variety of Okinawan specialties, such as goya champuru, Okinawa soba, and local sweets, as well as more standard fare.
While Okinawan cuisine often features pork, many restaurants offer vegetable dishes. It's advisable to inquire about specific dietary needs.
No, there are no food or drink facilities directly inside the Gyokusendo Cave itself to preserve its natural environment. Dining options are located within the main park area.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Gyokusendo Cave. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography, which can damage formations over time.
Look for areas with dramatic stalactite formations, clear water pools, and unique rock structures. The interplay of light and shadow creates stunning visuals.
A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of space. Experiment with wider apertures and longer exposure times to capture the cave's atmosphere.
Drones are typically not permitted within theme parks like Okinawa World for safety and privacy reasons. Always check the park's official regulations.
Photography is usually allowed during the Habu Snake Show, but it's best to confirm with the performers or staff on-site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of walking involved, especially within the cave. The park also has other attractions like a mini-zoo and fruit gardens, ensuring there's something to keep younger visitors entertained. Consider purchasing tickets online to streamline your entry and maximize your time for fun.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Beyond the cave, the craft village and castle town offer opportunities to delve into Okinawan culture, perhaps picking up a unique souvenir or enjoying a local snack. The Habu Snake Show adds an element of excitement. It's a great place to spend a half-day, offering diverse experiences without feeling overly commercialized.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
To maximize your budget, consider purchasing tickets online in advance, as this can sometimes offer a slight discount. Pack your own water and snacks to save on in-park purchases, though there are affordable dining options available if needed. Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid peak season pricing if applicable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gyokusendo Cave
The pathway through the cave is well-maintained, illuminated, and relatively level, making it accessible for most visitors. As you walk, you'll encounter stunning formations, crystal-clear pools, and the constant, soothing sound of dripping water. The sheer scale and intricate details of the cave are awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature. Many visitors describe feeling like they've entered another world, a subterranean kingdom carved by time.
While the cave itself is a geological marvel, remember that it's part of a larger park. The journey through Gyokusendo is a significant part of the Okinawa World experience, and its cool, damp air is a welcome contrast to the tropical climate outside. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as the ground can be wet.
Beyond the Cave: Okinawa World's Cultural Immersion
The park also boasts a vibrant craft village where you can witness traditional crafts being made, such as pottery, glass blowing, and textile dyeing. Many of these crafts are available for purchase, offering unique souvenirs. For a truly unique Okinawan encounter, don't miss the Habu Snake Show, a thrilling performance that educates visitors about the island's native venomous snakes.
These cultural elements, combined with the natural wonder of the cave, make Okinawa World a well-rounded destination. It provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Okinawan history, art, and nature, making it a worthwhile visit for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit