(Photo courtesy of Okinawa Zoo & Museum)
With Golden Week, a series of spring holidays arriving on the island, the festival season is heating up in Okinawa.
From May 2 through 6, the Okinawa & Zoo and Museum near Kadena Air Base will host “Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni Festival” with special activities for visitors to enjoy.
Feed some of the zoo residents like guinea pigs, anteaters, goats, an indigenous horse and more. Kids can also hitch a ride on a Yonaguni Uma, a small indigenous horse from Yonaguni Island.
At the Wonder Museum, you’ll have a chance to learn about cooking Agarasaa, an Okinawan steamed bread, or enjoy a science show. There will be live entertainment, including a Japanese hero show featuring Space Sheriff Gavan, Kamen Rider and Pretty Cure.
The fun day doesn’t end even after the sun goes down. Night Zoo allows visitors to meet the animals even at night. At Fire Park, grill marshmallows, bacon, and sausage while enjoying draught beer, if you are an adult. Then, wrap up a great day and evening at the zoo by launching a sky lantern.
Visitors 15 years old and below get free admission, so there’s no excuse to head to the zoo and celebrate the Golden Week together.
Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni Festival
Date: May 2 – 6 (Sat. – Wed.)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (last admission at 8 p.m.)
Admission fee: 1,000 yen (approx. $6.25) for those 16 years old and above. Free admission for those 15 years old and below.
*Feeding animals costs 300 to 500 yen per person.
*Horseback riding costs 500 – 1,000 yen per person.
*Sky lanterns will be available at the site for 3,800 yen until 3 p.m. The launch event starts at 8:15 p.m. Sign up between 7:30 and 8 p.m. to participate.
*For more info, check out Okinawa Zoo & Museum’s website at (https://www.okzm.jp/information-en/)
AloJapan.com