The forest-covered northern part of Okinawa Island
The forested northern coast as seen from Daisekirinzan Park.
The Yanbaru region (ŽRŒ´) makes up the northern part of the Okinawa Main Island. Compared to the urbanized, southern part of the island, Yanbaru is significantly less developed and more rural. The region contains an abundance of subtropical forested hills and endemic wildlife. In 2016, the Yanbaru National Park was established here as the 33rd national park in Japan.
Several endangered species of wildlife exist in the region. Among them is the Yanbaru Kuina (also known as the "Okinawa Rail"), which is a small, nearly-flightless bird only found in the Yanbaru region. Efforts are being made to preserve the species, and several kuina-related attractions have been established in the area.
A kuina bird seen at the Okinawa Rail Ecology Center
Most tourist attractions in the Yanbaru region are nature-related and include walking trails through the forest, observation points and small museums devoted to the local fauna and flora. Below is a list of some of the places of interest:
Hours: Always open Admission: free Closed: No closing days
Hedo Misaki is the northernmost point of Okinawa Honto. At the cape there is a network of walking trails leading to several statues and scenic views of the coast. On a clear day it is possible to see Yoronjima Island located 23 kilometers to the northwest which is part of neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture.
Hours: Entry from 9:00 to 16:00 (until 15:00 from Nov to Mar) Admission: 500 yen Closed: during extreme weather
Hiji Waterfall is an impressive, 26 meter tall waterfall located at the end of a 1.5 kilometer hike through the forest which takes about 40 minutes one way. The area has a tranquil atmosphere and is probably the best trail for experiencing the undisturbed nature of the Yanbaru forests. A parking lot and campground are located at the trailhead.
Daisekirinzan Park
Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (entry until 16:30) Admission: 1200 yen Closed: No closing days
Located five minutes by car from Hedo Misaki, Daisekirinzan Park is a nature reserve with hiking trails winding through a rocky, eroded limestone terrain. There are four hiking courses to experience, each with its own theme. All four trails start from the same building which is reached by shuttle bus from the parking lot.
Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest
Hours: Always open Admission: free Closed: No closing days
The Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest is the largest mangrove forest on the Okinawa Main Island. There is an observation deck and 400 meter long boardwalks through the vegetation. Canoe tours are offered by several companies.
Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center
Hours: 10:00 to 16:30 Admission: Free Closed: Mondays, national holidays (except May 4-5), June 23, New Year holidays
The Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center, not far from the trailhead to Hiji Waterfall, teaches visitors about local wildlife around the region. Built in 2009, the facility has ample information and multiple displays focusing on nature protection and the Yanbaru kuina bird.
Okinawa Rail Ecology Center
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Admission: 500 yen Closed: Wednesdays
The Okinawa Rail Ecology Center is a small facility dedicated to educating visitors about the kuina bird and focused on its preservation. It features a large cage in which a kuina bird is living and can be observed if you are able to find the bird. The center is located on the east side of the Yanbaru Region and shares a parking lot with a park golf course.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 November to February) Admission for daytime visitors: 1000 yen per person, 500 yen for parking Closed: No closed days
Okuma Beach is an attractive beach located within the Okuma Private Beach & Resort, one of only a few resorts in the far north of the island. The beach stretches over a kilometer along the coast, and many facilities and water activities are available to staying guests and daytime visitors.
Getting there and around
Public transportation in the Yanbaru Region is limited to infrequent local buses along the West coast that do not serve all destinations, while buses along the more remote East coast are even more elusive. For this reason traveling by rental car is recommended.
Condominium Felicita Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, just 3.3 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. The apartment, set in a building dating from 2017, is 1.5 km from Yachimun Street and 3.5 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate. This air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom and a bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV is featured. Off-site paid public parking is available nearby. Shuri-jo Castle is 3.7 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Condominium Felicita Naha.
In a prime location in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, The LANAI HOSTEL is located 2.1 km from Naminoue Beach, 2.4 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.4 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa. Featuring a shared lounge, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. At the hostel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. The LANAI HOSTEL offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Yachimun Street, Sakaemachi Arcade and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 8 km from The LANAI HOSTEL.
Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, La Passione is a secluded bed and breakfast in Naha. Guests can take a 10-minute walk to Naha Kokusai Dori or go to Jogaku Park, a 4-minute walk from the property. Bicycle hire is available upon reservation. All rooms have an electric kettle and a refrigerator, while some rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. A hairdryer is provided on site. Extra amenities include face tissues, cotton buds, hand soap, body soap, hair shampoo and conditioners. Guests can enjoy Western-style breakfast at La Passione. Luggage storage is available on site. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 500 meters away from La Passione, while Makishi Public Market and Yachimun Street are both a 10-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.
Well set in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street is located 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach, 3.7 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 1.6 km from Yachimun Street. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain units at the capsule hotel have a safety deposit box. At Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street rooms come with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. DFS Galleria Okinawa is 2.7 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate is 4.1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the capsule hotel.
Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya features city views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Naha, 2.5 km from Naminoue Beach. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle. An American breakfast is available daily at the aparthotel. Popular points of interest near Condominium GOLF GOLF Tsuboya include Yachimun Street, Noren Central Market and Tsuboya Pottery Museum. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 6 km from the accommodation.
Located in Naha, near Naminoue Beach, Manko Park and Okinawa Prefecture Government, ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 6 km from the apartment, while Yachimun Street is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from ”ü‚çƒK[ƒiƒnƒEƒX’Ùì.
Hotel Collective features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Naha. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, bathrobes and a desk. At the hotel every room has bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel Collective can enjoy a buffet breakfast. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna and a hot tub. Popular points of interest near Hotel Collective include Naminoue Beach, Yachimun Street and Shijo Hondori. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 6 km from the hotel.
Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku is situated in Naha, within 8 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2.3 km of Naha Air Base. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All rooms have a safety deposit box. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. Staff at Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Yachimun Street is 5 km from the accommodation, while DFS Galleria Okinawa is 7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 2.3 km from Grand Cabin Hotel Naha Oroku.
Located just a 7-minute drive from Naha Airport, Villa Coast Nishimachi houses self-contained accommodations with free WiFi connection. The apartment houses a shared lounge with drinks and snacks vending machines. Each room is fitted with a full kitchen with a microwave and a washing machine. All rooms have air conditioning, a working desk and a flat-screen TV. Featuring a bath, private bathroom comes with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. From the apartment, a convenience store is within a 2-minute walk. There are numerous local restaurants and shops within 15 minutes walking distance around the apartment. Naminoue Beach is a 10-minute walk and Asahibashi Station is a 13-minute walk away.
Well located in the Naha City Centre district of Naha, Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi is located 750 metres from Naminoue Beach, 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum and 2.4 km from Yachimun Street. The property is set 3.9 km from DFS Galleria Okinawa, 5 km from Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate and 5 km from Shuri-jo Castle. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Staff speak English, Japanese, Korean and Cantonese at the reception. Naha Air Base is 5 km from Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi, while Tsushimamaru Museum is less than 1 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the hotel.
