Yanbaru Region
The forest-covered northern part of Okinawa Island
#22
of 24 most visited in Okinawa Island
The Yanbaru region (山原) 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.
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:
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.
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Okinawa Island
Top rated on Okinawa Island
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La Passione Boutique B&BView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
La Passione Boutique B&B in Naha offers a terrace and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with city views.Modern Amenities
The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, and outdoor seating area. Additional facilities include a washing machine, dishwasher, and bicycle parking.Delicious Breakfast
A variety of breakfast options are available, including continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian. Local specialities, warm dishes, pancakes, and fruits are served.Prime Location
Located 2.2 km from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport, the B&B is highly rated for its friendly host, excellent breakfast, and convenient location. -
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Best ever hotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Best ever hotel in Naha offers aparthotel-style accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a bath and shower, washing machine, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, full-day security, and a work desk. Additional amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, electric kettle, TV, and hairdryer.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the aparthotel is a 15-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Reception staff speak English and Japanese.Guest Favorites
Guests highly rate the laundry, kitchen, and convenient location, making it a preferred choice for travellers. -
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Yukureba Maejima HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yukureba Maejima Hotel in Naha offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, streaming services, and private check-in and check-out.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lounge, lift, concierge service, family rooms, and bike hire. Additional amenities include a washing machine, dining area, and work desk.Prime Location
Located in the city centre, the hotel is a 16-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room size, comfort, and bathroom amenities, the hotel ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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The Royal Park Hotel Iconic NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include a 24-hour front desk and executive lounge access.Convenient Location
Located in Naha city centre, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Naminoue Beach and 4 km from Naha Airport. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine. -
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Hotel CollectiveView on Booking.comPrime Location
Hotel Collective in Naha offers a central position with Naminoue Beach 1.8 km away and Naha Airport 5 km from the property. Guests enjoy easy access to local attractions and convenient transportation options.Exceptional Facilities
The hotel features spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, steam room, fitness room, and electric vehicle charging station.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, city views, and modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs and work desks. Executive lounge access and sofa beds enhance the stay experience.Dining Options
A family-friendly restaurant serves Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, sushi, international, European, barbecue grill, and Cantonese cuisines. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails in a traditional, modern, or romantic ambience. -
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Okinawa EXES NahaView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Okinawa EXES Naha in Naha offers spacious rooms with comfortable furnishings. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private balconies. Each room includes a private bathroom with modern amenities.Exceptional Facilities
The hotel features a fitness centre, sun terrace, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant. Additional facilities include a bar, outdoor seating area, and a 24-hour front desk.Dining Experience
The restaurant serves Chinese and local cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner in the dining area or opt for room service.Prime Location
Located 4 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is a 14-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Convention Centre. -
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Hotel GrandConsort NahaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel GrandConsort Naha in Naha offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, free toiletries, and soundproofing for a restful stay.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hot tub, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast with fruits is served daily. The hotel also provides paid on-site private parking and executive lounge access.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIERView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel NAHA-OMOROMACHI PREMIER in Naha offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, TV, electric kettle, and wardrobe.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, microwave, and carpeted floors.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast with Italian cuisine and juice is served daily.Prime Location
Located 3 km from Naminoue Beach and 7 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its room comfort, convenient location, and nearby shops. -
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Rihga Royal Gran OkinawaOffering 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.View on Booking.com -
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Southwest Grand HotelView on Booking.comElegant Accommodations
Southwest Grand Hotel in Naha offers 5-star comfort with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, balconies, and city views. Each room includes a sofa, wardrobe, and modern amenities.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, and hot tub. Additional facilities include a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and full-day security ensure a comfortable stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. A buffet breakfast is available daily.Prime Location
Located 5 km from Naha Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Naminoue Beach. Nearby attractions include Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Okinawa Shrine.
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Experiences around Okinawa Island
Top rated in Okinawa
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Onna Free Diving Experience in OkinawaGo on a free diving at the Blue Cave, one of Okinawa’s most popular spots for this exciting sportView on Klook -
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2N3D Meditation & Fasting Treatment PackageEnjoy meals with fresh vegetables made in Okinawa and it’s all Vegan.View on Klook -
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Onna Village Natural Beach and Snorkeling Experience in OkinawaEnjoy snorkeling experience at the natural beach in Onna village in OkinawaView on Klook -
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Northern/Central/Southern Okinawa One Day TripJoin a comfortable small size 4-9 people private tour to explore OkinawaView on Klook -
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Yukata and Kimono Rental in OkinawaCompletely immerse yourself in Japanese culture by dressing up with a kimono or a summer yukataView on Klook -
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Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving in OkinawaExplore the glowing wonders of the Blue Cave on a snorkeling or diving experienceView on Klook -
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Mangrove Kayaking and Fishing Experience in OkinawaGrab your paddles and head to Okinawa to try mangrove kayaking, and immerse in the calmness of the mangrovesView on Klook -
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Casual Ryuso Costume Experience & Photo Shoot (Naha)Reasonable & Easy! Experience wearing traditional Okinawan costumesView on Klook -
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Okinawa Sunset Kayak Tour with PhotosJoin the 2.5-hour river kayaking tour in OkinawaView on Klook
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