Okinawa Karate Kaikan

What to know

Okinawa Karate Kaikan (沖縄空手会館) is a complex south of Naha on Okinawa Island. Opened in 2017, the complex is dedicated to karate and contains various facilities, including multiple dojos and a museum, where visitors can learn more about the Okinawan martial art.

Karate has a long history in Okinawa, dating back to the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom when the martial art was practiced in order to defend the king. Like today, the martial art was practiced in promotion of peace and taught discipline and mental as well as physical strength. Karate became popular throughout Japan in the early 20th century before spreading around the world and becoming the most practiced martial art in the world. The Karate Kaikan was established to promote and preserve the essence of one of Okinawa's biggest exports.

The Karate Kaikan's museum recounts the history of karate through various documents in addition to artifacts like uniforms and weapons. There is also an area with interactive exhibits, in which visitors can experience karate training techniques such as fast punching and lifting weights to strengthen the wrists and legs. Availability of English explanations is very good. Outside the museum there is a small shop and cafe.

The main dojo and training room are open for the public to use (advance reservations and usage fees required). Standing apart from the main building, a special dojo with a red tiled roof is a beautiful example of a traditional dojo and is reserved for special events.

Take bus number 446 from the Naha Bus Terminal to Tomigusukukōen-mae (豊見城公園前, around 10 minutes, 300 yen, 1-2 buses/hour), from where the Okinawa Karate Kaikan is a 5-10 minute walk. Alternatively, the Karate Kaikan is a ten minute drive from downtown Naha.

Note that the Former Navy Underground Headquarters are located only about a ten minute walk away from the Karate Kaikan. How to get to and around Naha Okinawa Karate Kaikan Hours 9:00 to 21:00 (dojo); museum until 18:00 (entry until 17:30) Closed Wednesdays (or nearest weekday if Wed is a national holiday or June 23) December 30 to January 3 Admission 400 yen (museum) Typical Visit Duration 15-30 minutes (museum) Questions? Ask in our forum .