I actually came this time entirely for Gyokusendo Cave. I originally thought I could leave after seeing the limestone cave and checking out some traditional Okinawan buildings, but once I went in, I realized the layout of Okinawa World is incredibly well designed. There's basically no way to pick and choose only what you want to see.
The route through the park starts with Gyokusendo Cave. After exiting the cave, it naturally leads to the tropical fruit garden, traditional craft experiences, the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, shops, performance areas, and other facilities, one after another. You basically follow the route through the entire park. I thought three hours would be enough, but everything flowed so smoothly that I ended up staying for the performance too. I arrived a little after 1 p.m., and by the time I left, it was almost closing time.
That said, Gyokusendo Cave itself is definitely worth making a special trip for. The cave is about 5 kilometers long, with around 890 meters currently open to visitors, and it contains over one million stalactites. Walking through it is truly spectacular. Along the way, you can see the many different forms created by the stalactites, and even small stalagmites slowly forming where water has been dripping near the walkway for years.
I really liked the lighting inside. It illuminates the cave clearly without giving it that cheap tourist-attraction feel from excessive lighting. Instead, it beautifully brings out the layers and shapes of the different stalactites. There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting, though. The cave has plenty of ups and downs, and the ground can get wet. Some stalactites hang so low over the walkway that protective padding has been installed. Taller visitors really need to watch their heads, because if you hit one, people might be more worried about the stalactite than your head.
Also, Gyokusendo Cave is not wheelchair accessible, and the public route is nearly 900 meters long. If you're traveling with seniors or children, or if you have difficulty with stairs and wet, slippery surfaces, it's best to consider your stamina beforehand.
Overall, the admission isn't exactly cheap, but the scale and scenery of Gyokusendo Cave are impressive. Along with the traditional Ryukyu buildings, craft experiences, tropical plants, and live performances afterward, I still recommend setting aside half a day if it's your first time in Okinawa. The overall atmosphere really doesn't feel like Japan.
Okinawa World | Review by Holly
Other Reviews by Holly
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AEON MALL Okayama
This large shopping mall opened in 2014 and spans multiple levels from Basement 2 up to the seventh floor above ground. Located in the center of Okayama City, it is a rare urban-style mall for AEON MALL, which more often operates suburban locations.
永旺夢樂城岡山真的非常大，如果有特別想逛的品牌，建議進去前先查一下樓層和位置，不然很容易在裡面走到心累。不過大也有大的好處，就是品牌非常齊全。像大創、3COINS、JINS、無印良品這類台灣旅客熟悉的品牌都能一次逛到，我尤其覺得這裡的無印良品規模很大。
比起在大阪、東京為了不同品牌分散跑好幾區，在這裡幾乎可以一次把生活雜貨、服飾、眼鏡、藥妝和伴手禮處理完，很適合安排成集中採買的一站。且對海外旅客最友善的一點是，很多專門店都能免稅，且官方網站都標示哪些店家有提供，不用在去該品牌官網確認，減少不少麻煩，加分。
店內分布上也建議先逛各家門店，最後再去1樓超市採買，因為超市營業到 23:00，比商場內其他門市21:00 關門晚很多，把超市放在最後再去除了時間上的限制外，其次是超商買了一堆食物，提著一堆食物逛街會蠻累的。
傍晚開始的熟食折扣也很熱門，我自己接近晚上八點去時還是有東西可以買，只是熱門品項已經少很多。因為賣場本身夠大，通常不至於完全被掃空，但如果有特別想吃的東西，還是不要拖到太晚。
另外，台灣虎航抵達岡山後，進到市區時很多觀光景點差不多已經結束營業，這時來 AEON MALL 反而很適合；最後一天也可以直接把它當成集中採買點。對我來說，永旺夢樂城岡山最大的優點就「一次買齊，品牌夠完整、超市又能逛到比較晚，購物方便程度甚至勝過不少一線城市。 -
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SOU-SOU Isemomen
SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.
When I visited Kyoto before the pandemic, I happened to wander near the SOU・SOU Kyoto store. It wasn't open yet, but the brightly colored, distinctive patterns in the window made my friend and me stop and look for a long time. I later learned that SOU・SOU is one of Kyoto's most iconic design brands.
This time, I mainly came to restock on their “tabi socks,” or split-toe socks. I especially recommend them for women with larger feet—not because the women's socks come in especially large sizes, but because their men's socks are just as colorful as the women's, with lots of patterns to choose from. So even if you need men's sizes, you aren't limited to black, gray, and blue. They're also made in Japan, aren't as expensive as you might expect, and have a split-toe design. After buying a pair myself, I became a loyal customer.
Another unique thing about SOU・SOU is that different stores carry different items. When I visited the Tokyo location before, I searched the men's section for a long time but couldn't find any women's clothing. I thought it had sold out, but when I finally asked a staff member, I learned that the women's store was across the street, not where I was. Kyoto has a similar setup. The stores are concentrated in the same area, but clothing, tabi, and different collections are sold separately. So if you can't find what you want, the quickest thing to do is ask a staff member. It may not actually be out of stock—you may just be in the wrong store.
There was also a funny little incident this time. When I was passing through the area the next day, some international travelers suddenly stopped me to ask for directions. I was wondering what to do because my English isn't very good, but it turned out they were looking for SOU・SOU. I immediately realized, I know this one! I could open the map without a translation app and take them to an easy-to-recognize intersection so they could walk there. It was a sweet little travel moment. -
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Naha City Tourist Information
Inside the center, you’ll find a wide range of pamphlets, guidebooks, and event flyers featuring sightseeing spots not only in Naha City but across Okinawa Prefecture. At the information counter, travelers can get up-to-date recommendations on local restaurants serving Okinawan gourmet and traditional cuisine, souvenir shops, and the latest event information.
When I travel on my own, I usually stop by tourist information centers to pick up materials. They’re useful for my current trip, and I often find inspiration for my next one too. The Okinawa Tourist Information Center at Asahibashi is in a great location, right above the Naha Bus Terminal. It’s easy to get to from either Asahibashi Station or the bus terminal. I went by scooter, though, so it was a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Hoshino Coffee is right next door, so you can grab something to eat if you’re hungry.
I was honestly surprised when I arrived. This is one of the largest tourist information centers I’ve visited in Japan, and it has a very comprehensive selection of materials covering not only Naha City but also attractions, transportation, and events throughout Okinawa’s main island. The counter offers multilingual assistance. While I was resting inside, I happened to hear the staff helping travelers directly in Chinese and Japanese.
In addition to travel information, you can purchase some transportation tickets and sightseeing products. Luggage storage is also available, currently for JPY 500 per item per day, with same-day pickup required. They also offer luggage delivery, which is really thoughtful. There are also some Okinawan cultural exhibits inside. The space is roomy and comfortably air-conditioned, making it a good place to rest and look through materials while waiting for a bus or during a break in your itinerary. -
