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2024 summer vacation experience special feature! Five Okinawa Sightseeing Spots for families
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- OkinawaTraveler editorial department
Speaking of sightseeing in Okinawa in summer, "After all the blue sea!" I think there are many people who think "Marine Activity!", But how about an experience that is perfect for a non-marine experience and the theme of free research during summer vacation? This time, we will introduce 5 recommended spots for families with small children and elementary school students. Please refer to how to spend your summer vacation in Okinawa!
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1.[Ishigaki-shi] Why don't you observe the starry sky in the "Treasure House of Starry Sky"? "South Island Star Festival 2024"
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Ishigaki-jima Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. Ishigaki-jima Island, which is rich in nature, was recognized by Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park as Japan's first starry sky protected area in 2018. This year, from August 3rd (Saturday) will be held on August 3rd, including the Ishigaki-jima Island Observatory, located at the summit of Maesedake, off the city of Ishigaki.
You may find themes that are perfect for your children's free study, such as "Astronomical Observation", "Space Theater Experience", and "Atronomical Observatory Facility Tour".
Also, on August 10 (Tanabata, July 7, old calendar), there will be a free evening cool evening event, so try to experience the full starry sky unique to the southern country this summer.
Recommended points
[Event Name] Star Festival on Southern Island 2024 Night Cooling Live & Watching Party
Date and time: 10 days from August 3 (Sat) to 12 (Mon), 2024 (old calendar July 7, Tanabata, August 10)
[Program 1] "Evening Cooling Live" August 10, 2024 (Sat) Opening 17:30, performance 18:10
・Location: Minaminuhama-cho Ryokuchi Park, Ishigaki-shi
・Fees: Free admission
・Appearing artists: Rimi Natsukawa, Skoop On Somebody, Rio Higashisato
[Program 2] August 3, 4, 9-11, 12, 2024, 20:00-20:45 ※August 8th and 9th will be an astronomical observatory for Ishigaki citizens.
・Location: Ishigaki-jima Island Observatory
・Fees: 500 yen (general) / 300 yen (elementary, junior and senior high school students) / Free (preschool children)
※There are many other programs
[Contact] The Southern Island Star Festival Executive Committee (in Ishigaki City Tourism and Culture Division)
TEL: 0980-82-1535
2.[Naha City] There are plenty of programs that parents and children can enjoy! "Summer Vacation Experience Event 2024"
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Here are some recommended events for summer vacation crafts and free research. "Summer Vacation Experience Event 2024" is held at Shurijo Castle Park, a famous spot for Okinawa sightseeing. From August 2nd (Fri) to August 25th (Sun), "Making! Look at it! Eat! We are planning eight programs under the theme of this program.
Among them, one of the highlights of the children's opening ceremony, the Children's Opening Ceremony, is a program where elementary and junior high school students inside and outside the prefecture can challenge the opening ceremony! Performing at a strict ritual wearing a historical costume should be remembered for a lifetime. ※Pre-registration is required for this program. Please check the official website for details such as application deadlines.
In addition, various programs are prepared depending on the day, such as "Men Lion / Men Dragon Making Experience", "Ryukyu Music Concert", and "Ryukyu Confectionery Kunpan Making Experience", so be sure to try out an interesting experience!
※There are programs that require advance reservations, so please check the official website for details.
In addition, the "Shurijo Park Free Research Book" will be distributed free of charge from July 20 (Sat) to August 25 (Sun). ※The number of distributions is limited. Distribution will end as soon as it is gone.
Recommended points
[Event Name] Summer vacation experience event 2024
Date and time: From August 2 (Fri) to August 25 (Sun), 2024
[Place] Shurijo Castle Park (Naha City)
[Price] It is different for each program. Please note that there is a program needing advance reservations.
[Parking lot] Paid P available
[Contact] Shurijo Castle Park Management Center TEL: 098-886-2020 (Reception: 9: 00-18:00)
※For the latest information, please check the official website.
3.[Nanjo City] Let's go on an adventure this summer! "Exploring the Cave of the South Island"
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Why don't you explore the undisclosed area of Gyokusendo, one of the largest in Japan? About 30 minutes by car from Naha, the "South Island Cave Exploration" held at Gyokusen Cave, the Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom in the southern part of Okinawa Island (Nanjo City), is a summer-only adventure tour that goes on with only the headlamps. Giant stalactites and beautiful stalactites hang around everywhere, and you can enjoy the powerful scenery unique to subtropical limestone cave. The water temperature is about 18 degrees Celsius compared to the ground. It's not too cold! That's right.
Children over 6 years old to adults can enjoy it. It seems that there are also customers who have participated in all three generations. Why don't you join us in making summer memories?
Recommended points
[Event Name] Exploring the caves of the Southern Island
Date and time: July 20 (Sat) - September 30 (Mon), 2024
From July to August 1 10:00 2 14:00, 14:00
September Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 1 10:00, September, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 1 10:00 21:00 2 14:00
[Place] Gyokusendo, Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom (Nanjo City)
[Target Age] 6 years old or older ※Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian.
[Price] 5,000 yen (including rental clothes) ※Uniform rates for adults and children
※Guide fee, shower room use, rental (connection, water shoes, face towel, work gloves, helmet, headlamps), insurance premium
[Parking lot] 400 units (free of charge)
[Contact] Okinawa World TEL: 098-949-7421
※For more information, please check the official website.
4.[Okinawa City] A lot of fun all day! “Summer Vacation Exciting Adventure School 2024”
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"Summer Vacation Exciting Adventure School 2024" will be held at the Southeast Botanical Garden in central Okinawa Island (Okinawa City). This year, from Saturday, July 13 to September 29 (Sun), there are plenty of programs that can be enjoyed all day from morning to night.
"Sekai no Insect Exhibition", where popular beetles and stag beetles gather, "Insect Night Safari" (limited to Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) where you can observe the world of insects at night, "Huge Air Pool" and "Bird Performance Show" held twice a day (only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays * Training shows on weekdays), customers will be excited to fly.
In addition, please enjoy the new area and animal contact forest "Animaru", which will appear from July 13 (Saturday).
Recommended points
[Event Name] Exciting summer vacation adventure school 2024
Date and time: From July 13 (Sat) to September 29 (Sun), 2024 ※September is held only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Weekdays: 9:30-18:00 (final reception 17:30), Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9:30 to 21:00 (final reception 20:30)
※Weekdays from August 13 to 8/16 period until 21:00
[Place] Southeast Botanical Paradise (Okinawa City)
[Admission Fee] Adults (18 years old and over) 1,650 yen, middle person (13-17 years old) 1,200 yen, child (4-12 years old) 700 yen
※Free for children under 3 years old
[Event Ticket] Tickets can be purchased from the website.
[Parking lot] 350 units (free of charge)
[Contact] For more information, please check the official website.
5.[Nago City] Cute animal! There are plenty of learning elements! "Summer Vacation of Fluffy Animals"
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Neo Park Okinawa is located in Nago City, which is designed so that customers can see animals and plants as close as possible to nature. This is an open animal and plant park that uses one of the largest flying gauge system in Japan, allowing visitors to see, touch, and enjoy the animals that move freely in the park.
During the period from July 20th to September 23, there are various exhibitions and photo exhibitions where you can enjoy the state of capybara. In addition, "Night Animal Exploration in Neo Park Okinawa" (complete reservation system) allows you to observe animals that can only be seen in dark nights. In the "Veterinary Room Backyard Tour" (complete reservation system) , Guides you to the veterinary rooms that you can not enter with. It will surely be a valuable experience for veterinarians in the future.
Recommended points
[Event Name] Summer vacation fluffy animal research
[Date] July 20 (Sat) - September 23 (Mon), 2024
[Starting Time] 9:30-17:30 (final admission 17:00)
[Place] Neo Park Okinawa (Nago City)
[Admission Fee] Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,600 yen, children (4 years old to elementary school students) 1,000 yen
[Parking lot] 533 units (free of charge)
[Contact] Neo Park Okinawa TEL: 0980-52-6348
※For more information, please check the official website.
How was it? Please make a plan to make your family trip during the summer vacation a meaningful and important memory.
August is the best season in the middle of summer. Don't forget to take measures against sunburn and heat stroke even if you go out for a little during the day!