🎨 I Went to the Okinawa Art Exhibition 2026

On our way back from shopping, my mom said she wanted to go, so we made a detour.

🏟️ The venue was ANA Arena Urasoe

The Okinawa Art Exhibition is a large exhibition that brings together Okinawan artworks under one roof.

Since it’s being held at **ANA ARENA Urasoe (Urasoe City Gymnasium)**, which is close to our home,

I decided to take my mom there on our way back from shopping.

Every time we pass by the sports park,

my mom asks, “What’s the Okinawa Art Exhibition?”

but she always seems to forget by the time we get home.

I figured it would be quicker to just take her there once, so we decided to go today.

🚗 The Parking Lot Was Full Even on a Weekday

I thought it would be empty since it was a weekday, but

surprisingly, the parking lot was full.

Just as we arrived, a car pulled out, so we were lucky enough to find a spot.

It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the gymnasium, and there’s a slope, so

I took my mother’s hand and we walked slowly toward the venue.

🎫 Admission Fee and Check-in

We checked in at the entrance, and the admission fee was **1,200 yen per person**.

There was a discount for elementary school students, but no senior discount.

At the reception desk, we were given a ballot,

and told, “Please write down the number of your favorite piece to vote.”

It seems there will be a drawing later to win a prize.

🖼️ No Photography Inside the Venue

The entire gymnasium was filled with artwork,

and staff were stationed in each section to enforce the no-photography rule.

If caught, visitors were warned and asked to delete any photos.

The exhibition featured a wide variety of works, including:

– Painting

– Graphic Design

– Printmaking

– Fashion (kimono and obi)

– Sculpture

– Ceramics

– Glasswork

– Calligraphy

and a wide variety of other works were on display.

🪑 Taking Our Time to View the Art with Mom

There were benches scattered throughout the venue,

and Mom took her time viewing the art, stopping to rest about four or five times.

“This is top-notch!”

“I have no idea what this is…”

She seemed to be enjoying the works in her own way.

After seeing everything through to the end, we decided to stop by the restroom before heading home.

It seemed there were workshops being held in a separate building,

but she looked tired today, so we went home without checking them out.

💤 Slept soundly after getting home

Since we went to the Okinawa Exhibition after shopping and eating,

I fell asleep right in my chair after getting home.

I guess I was tired from all the walking.

I hope she sleeps soundly tonight too,

but you never know until it happens.

📝 Things I learned from the visit (Notes for next year)

– There are many benches for resting inside the venue, making it easy for seniors to view the exhibits

– The restrooms are right by the entrance, so it’s a good idea to go there first for peace of mind

– Wheelchairs are available for rent (several people were using them)

– Since it’s a long walk from the parking lot to the venue, those with mobility concerns will need to plan accordingly

– It’s also a good idea to inquire about wheelchair availability in advance

✨ Summary

– My mother said she wanted to go, so we stopped by the Okinawa Exhibition on our way home from shopping

– The parking lot was crowded even on a weekday

– Photography is prohibited inside the venue, but the wide variety of works makes it well worth seeing

– The environment allows for leisurely viewing with plenty of opportunities to rest

– For seniors, it’s important to check the restrooms, walking distance, and wheelchair availability

– This content serves as a “seasonal asset article” that can be linked to next year’s Okinawa Exhibition coverage