Kunigami-gun Yanbaru Forest - A natural treasure in northern Okinawa
In addition to sunshine, beaches and southern culture, Okinawa is also a great place to explore the ecology of subtropical forests.
Kunigami County, located in the northernmost part of the main island, not only has beautiful natural scenery, but is also home to a variety of endemic and endangered species. Those who want to experience the natural side of Okinawa should not miss it. The nearby Hiji-Otaki and Kijoka-no-Nanatsuragi are also great places for hiking and viewing waterfalls.
Figure 1: Ada garden hotel, a hotel that provides breakfast, dinner, laundry services and is close to a nature park.
Figure 2 and 3: Wild endemic birds: the mountain moorhen and the Okinawa woodpecker
Figures 4 and 5: Kiruka's Seven Falls
Figure 6 & 7: The forest trail. Cherry blossoms can be seen from time to time in spring.
Figure 8: Dinner provided by the hotel.
📍Address: Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
🏖️Environment/Facilities: Nature Learning Center, Forest Park, Camping Site, etc.
🕰️Business hours: All day, but most nature learning centers and parks are only open from 9 am to 5 pm daily
🗓️Itinerary: You can spend a night in Kunigami County to observe the creatures.
🚙Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, as the bus only runs once an hour. However, you can also take bus No. 67 at Nago Bus Station to Hedonai and then transfer to the Kunigami East Line to other places in Kunigami County.