Tourist Attractions in Okinawa

In the "Ryukyumura" park, there is a show held several times daily on a stage called "Habu (Snake) Centre".

The explanation is about the highly poisonous Habu snake, the medicinal properties of the snake, and how its overpopulation in years past led to the introduction of the mongoose as pest control.

There are also some moments designed to arouse sensational emotions, such as wagging a live snake close to the audience, etc.

The photo you see is an acrylic box with a partition containing a live, languid Habu snake on one side and highly strung mongoose on the other.

It was explained on stage that until 3 years ago part of the show was to actually lift the partition wall and let nature take its course.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Animal rights groups were successful in raising their objections, the live show was discontinued, and now a rather cheesy 3-D computer graphics movie re-enacts the natural events.

After the show, the audience is encouraged to sample various snake medicinal and cosmetic products after having been explained the benefits, and the way leads to.....

a shop selling said products...

Enough said.

Unique Suggestions: Ryukyumura Park itself outside of this particular theatre has activities and old-style architecture to walk around.

Nago Pineapple Park in Nago City.
Tel: 098-858-9000

There is a large pineapple cultivation and ornamental garden which may be toured on foot or by a pineapple-shaped vehicle used primarily in golf courses, and a large souvenier shopping centre, and the omnipresent Pineapple Man watching over you.

Unique Suggestions: In the shopping area, you are first led to the wine tasting - dry and sweet pineapple wines. Drink up, so you'll be liberal with the contents of your wallet from now.
Then the way leads to the next section which sells a vast assortment of pineapple dishes, drinks, fresh fruit, ornamental plants, pineapple-shaped jewellry etc. Oh, and don't forget bottles of pineapple wines, too.
At the end, there is a huge mulitple checkout aisle like a supersize supermarket. Shipping goods and various payment plans are available.

Fun Alternatives: Actually not a bad place to visit as a rest stop mid-way in your journey, or if pineapples, related gardens and/or pineapple-containing goods are your thing, but there are many other places you'll encounter in your journey which will also sell such items, so probably not necessary to go out of your way to visit.