Visit "Yanbaru" - a great natural environment exclusive to OkinawaExperience eco-tourism in Northern Okinawa!2012.11.

“Yanbaru”, in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, is a subtropical zone covered with forests. It is a treasure house of precious plants and animals that can be found nowhere else on earth, including special protected species such as the Noguchigera, a woodpecker unique to this area, and Yanbaru-kuina, another rare bird. If you are visiting Okinawa, why not visit Yanbaru to thoroughly immerse yourself in the mysteries and enjoyment of nature?

What is Yanbaru?

In Okinawan dialect, "Yanbaru" refers to "a region full of mountains and forests". Many of the forests in Yanbaru are evergreen forests, which are scarce even in other parts of the world. This small region, which accounts for just 0.1% of the total area of Japan, is inhabited by extremely diverse forms of life. Visitors can encounter precious plants and animals here, including nationally protected species. Yanbaru is also known as the "Galapagos of the Orient" since it is inhabited by endemic species that can only be found in this region and cannot be seen anywhere else, including plants and animals whose very existence is under threat. In Yanbaru, diverse life forms a unique ecosystem in which plants and animals coexist. This is a soothing area full of wonders and discoveries.

A unique "broccoli forest"

Yanbaru forest covers the area around Yonahadake, which at 530m above sea level is the highest peak on the main island of Okinawa. With high levels of rainfall all year round, mists gather around the peak, producing a magical atmosphere. As you walk through the constantly changing terrain and take in the surroundings, you cannot fail to recognize the truly diverse range of plants growing here in the wild. The most common plants in this area are examples of the beech family, including the Castanopsis sieboldii, Quercus miyagii, and Japanese Stone Oak. The area is also known affectionately as the "broccoli forest" due to its lumpy appearance. Other unusual plants that are peculiar to subtropical zones can also be seen here and there within the forest, including forms of moss, ferns and orchids.
The forests of Yanbaru are also home to many animals. Stop, relax and listen, and you will hear birds chirping, the movement of small animals, the voices of insects, and the buzz of bats... Here, you can closely sense the existence of small animals – an experience that is difficult to find in city life.
There are also many rare species whose existence is under threat, the most famous of which is the Okinawa Rail, a species of bird whose eyes and beak are red, with a beautiful striped breast, and yet is renowned for its small wings and almost flightless nature. Another very precious bird species is Noguchigera, a woodpecker with no similar types anywhere else in the world, which is designated as the official bird of Okinawa Prefecture. The forests of Yanbaru are also populated with endemic species such as the Namiye's Frog and the Yabaru long-armed scarab beetle, which can be found only in Yanbaru. If you look closely, you might find one of these fascinating creatures right in front of you.

Experience diverse nature with eco tours

Participation in eco tours is recommended for those who are interested in nature but slightly hesitant. Various programs are prepared by local organizations, NPOs and tour companies. Guided walking and trekking programs are perhaps the easiest to get involved with. Walks along beautiful rivers are also gaining popularity.
There are various other ways of enjoying Yanbaru, including birdwatching as well as night tours, which provide a completely different atmosphere to daytime visits. Before taking part in a tour, be sure to prepare suitable footwear such as trekking shoes, and wear hats, long-sleeve clothes and full-length trousers. Always make sure that you inquire about the essentials and make appropriate preparations prior to going on a tour.

Cruising experiences are wildly popular!

If you have come to Yanbaru, it makes sense not only to walk but also to enjoy other options, such as canoeing, sea kayaking, and refreshing cruises on lakes and rivers.
At the estuary of the Gesashi River in Higashi Village, in the Yanbaru region, is a mangrove forest that is highly valued within Japan. This is the northern limit of the distribution of a species of mangrove called Rhizophora Yaeyama, which is a nationally protected species. There are sea kayak tours from the Gesashi River to the Pacific Ocean, which provides a precious experience of the changes in environment while rowing from the river into the sea.

Inoh observation

(C)Eco Tourism Design Institute As is widely known, the seas around Okinawa contain some of the most famous and beautiful coral reefs in the world. In Okinawa, shallow seas surrounded by coral reef are referred to as "inoh". In these "inoh" parts of the ocean are pulled in by the current during the ebb of the spring tide, producing tide pools on land formed by coral reef. These small pools are in effect "miniature natural aquariums" filled with gorgeous tropical fish, multicolored starfish, sea cucumbers, coral reef, and much more.
Okinawa's natural environment provides a feast for the eyes and breathtaking experiences. Its charms are such that first-time visitors want to visit again as soon their trip is over.

Access to Yanbaru

There are three routes from Naha City to the Yanbaru region: along National Road 58 on the west coast; by the Okinawa Expressway (from Naha interchange to Kyoda interchange); and northward along the east coast from National Road 329 to 331 to Prefectural Road 70. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via the Okinawa Expressway.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

(C)Ocean Expo Park, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in the Yanbaru region is an aquarium where you can experience the seas of Okinawa. "Churaumi" means "clear, beautiful seas" in the Okinawa language. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Okinawa. Its displays are split between three zones based on themes of "coral sea", the "Kuroshio current" and "deep sea". The acrylic panel separating the tank interior from the outside is one of the largest in the world, measuring 8.2 meters high, 22.5 meters wide, and 60 centimeters thick. Many kinds of fish can be seen swimming in the huge tank behind this panel, including whale sharks 8.5 meters long and reef manta rays, which for a long time were regarded as the largest rays in the world. The feeling of being in the middle of the ocean is truly remarkable.