Yuntanza Museum, Adjacent to the World Heritage Site Zakimi Castle Ruins

sekai isan zakimi jo ato yuntanza museum

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Located next to the World Heritage site, Zakimi Castle ruins, this museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Yomitan Village.

Overview

The Yuntanza Museum, located right next to the World Heritage-listed Zakimi Castle ruins, is a fantastic place to learn about the history and culture of Yomitan Village. The first-floor exhibit hall explores the architectural techniques and history of Zakimi Castle itself. Built in the early 15th century, during the height of the Ryukyu Kingdom's prosperity through trade with Japan, China, and Southeast Asian countries, the castle is said to have been constructed by Yontan Yamasu Anji Gosamaru, a master builder. Situated on a hilltop over 120 meters above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of almost the entire village. The castle walls, composed of two enclosures, feature arched stone gates, creating a heavy yet beautiful curve. Used as a "natural theater," it hosts various performances and events. The second-floor exhibit hall covers archaeology, folklore, nature, and the Battle of Okinawa, offering detailed insights through dioramas of gama (cave dwellings) and kimekombo (turtle-shell-shaped tombs). Gama were dwellings carved into caves and cliffs, providing shelter for many Okinawan residents during the Battle of Okinawa. Kimekombo are unique Okinawan tombs shaped like turtle shells. The Yuntanza Museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Okinawan history and culture. With exhibits and interactive areas designed for children, it's a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Visit the Yuntanza Museum and immerse yourselves in the rich history and culture of Yomitan Village!

Historic Sites
Cultural Assets

Basic Information

Address: 708-6 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Okinawa

Access: Take the Yomitan Line bus #29 from Naha Bus Terminal and get off at the Zakimi bus stop. It's about a 15-minute walk from there. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Entrance until 5:30 PM)

Cld.Days: Wednesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28th to January 4th of the following year), temporary closure days for exhibition changes, fumigation, etc., and the day after a national holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

Fee: Infant: Free Elementary & Junior High School Students (Village residents): Free, (Outside village): ¥300 High School Students and above (Village residents): ¥200, (Outside village): ¥500 65 years old and above (Village residents): ¥160, (Outside village): ¥400 Groups (20 or more people) (Village residents): ¥160, (Outside village): ¥400 *Free admission for individuals presenting a disability certificate (disability, developmental disability, or mental disability certificate) and one accompanying caregiver.

INFO: The YunTanza Museum will be closed during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 28th to January 4th), but Zakimi Castle Ruins will be open as usual. Regarding watching the first sunrise: On January 1st, Zakimi Castle Ruins will be very crowded with people coming to see the first sunrise. Please be aware that the castle walls are high and lack railings. In previous years, we've seen visitors enter restricted areas and attempt to climb the walls in crowded conditions. Safety is the responsibility of each visitor. Please refrain from any dangerous behavior.