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), Jun 23, Dec 29 to Jan 3
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: 700 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: 1500 yen
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 western coast that do not serve all destinations, while buses along the more remote eastern coast are even more elusive. For this reason traveling by rental car is recommended.
Set in Naha, 1.9 km from Naminoue Beach, Hotel Collective offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel every room has bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel Collective can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.7 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Hotel Collective.
Ideally situated in Naha, The Kitchen Hostel Ao features a ? la carte breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.2 km from Naminoue Beach. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Speaking English and Japanese, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.7 km from the hostel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from The Kitchen Hostel Ao.
Set in Naha in the Okinawa region, with Naminoue Beach and Yachimun Street nearby, Little Island Okinawa Tomari offers accommodation with free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.7 km from the aparthotel, while Nakagusuku Castle is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Little Island Okinawa Tomari.
Well located in the centre of Naha, Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi provides buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Built in 2019, this 3-star hotel is within 1 km of Naminoue Beach and 5.1 km of Tamaudun Mausoleum. Private parking is available on site. 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. Languages spoken at the reception include English, Japanese, Korean and Cantonese. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from the accommodation, while Sefa Utaki is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from Hotel Torifito Naha Asahibashi.
Set in Naha and with Naminoue Beach reachable within 1 km, HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a balcony with a sea view. All guest rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The daily breakfast offers ? la carte, American or Asian options. Tamaudun Mausoleum is 5.6 km from HOTEL ANTEROOM NAHA, while Nakagusuku Castle is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
Ideally situated in the centre of Naha, Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji features air-conditioned rooms, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The rooms have a kettle, a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box, while some rooms are fitted with a balcony and some have city views. At the hotel rooms come with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji. Naminoue Beach is 1.4 km from the accommodation, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 3.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji.
Offering direct access from Asahibashi Monorail Station, Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa features spacious Western-style accommodations with free WiFi. Guests can ask for concierge services at the front desk. All rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, safety deposit box and fridge. Guests can make green tea using the electric kettle and wear the provided sleepwear. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toothbrush sets. Currency exchange and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. Laundry services are provided and on-site parking is available at an extra charge. The lobby is located on the 14th floor. A breakfast buffet and Western a la carte dishes are served at Dining 19, which offers beautiful sunset views from the top floor. Okinawa Gran Rihga Royal is a 10-minute walk from Kokusai Street and a 25-minute drive from Shuri Castle. Naha Airport is just a 10-minute drive or train ride away. A 24-hour convenience shop can be found next door.
Well set in Naha, Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 2-star capsule hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The rooms in the capsule hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All units at Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street are equipped with a shared bathroom and bed linen. The accommodation offers 2-star accommodation with a sauna. Naminoue Beach is 1.4 km from Y's CABIN&HOTEL Naha Kokusai Street, while Tamaudun Mausoleum is 4.3 km away. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 5 km from the capsule hotel.
Boasting a garden, a shared lounge as well as a restaurant, Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha is situated in the centre of Naha, 1.9 km from Naminoue Beach. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is set 5 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath. At Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha rooms include bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American or Asian options. Sefa Utaki is 21 km from the accommodation, while Nakagusuku Castle is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 3 km from Tokyu Stay Okinawa Naha.
Situated in the centre of Naha, Rembrandt Style Naha is set 1 km from Naminoue Beach and 5.9 km from Tamaudun Mausoleum. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The rooms in Rembrandt Style Naha are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Nakagusuku Castle is 20 km from Rembrandt Style Naha, while Sefa Utaki is 23 km from the property. The nearest airport is Naha Airport, 4 km from the hotel.
