Moopon

Japan’s southern islands, Okinawa, is a favorite vacation spot for both Japanese and non-Japanese visitors.
 With its beautiful beaches, abundant natural beauty, an array of water sports and wildlife observation,
there are many things to be experienced here.
Among the Okinawa islands, Iriomote Island (西表島), Okinawa's second largest island is quite popular.
With nearly 90% of the island consisting of jungle and mangrove forest, visitors will have a chance to see natural beauty at its rawest stage.
 Visitors who are exceptionally lucky may be able to witness the Iriomote Yamaneko, an endangered species, which are only found on this island.
It is thought only about 100 of this nocturnal “wildcat” are still in existence. 

Iriomote has many beautiful beaches with the appropriate beach related water sports such as swimming,
snorkeling and diving.
Among these fabulous beaches, Hoshizuna no Hama is exceptionally special.
The name Hoshizuna consists of hoshi meaning star and zuna meaning sand.
 This beach has grains of sand shaped like tiny stars. In reality, the “star sand” grains are skeletons of small one-celled organisms that reside within the ocean’s plants.

Hoshizuna no Hama Beach is great for swimming and snorkeling.
With the water being shallow during low tide, it is easy to see the tropical fish swimming in and out of the coral.
 There are no public facilities at the beach other than a free parking lot.  Admission is also free.

Japan’s southernmost vacation paradise of Okinawa offers its visitors an array of different activities to make the most of the “Okinawa experience”.
One of the more touristy but fun experiences visitors can partake in is the Yubujima Suigyu Cart Ride.

Yubujima is a small island near Iriomote Island. A popular way to enter Yubujima is via water buffalo carts.
The cart rides are quite fun with the drivers explaining the island’s history and sharing interesting local gossip.
Some drivers will play the sanshin (Okinawa’s stringed instrument) to entertain the occupants of their carts.

Yubujima Suigyu Cart Ride 
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 
Closed: No closing days 
Fee:  adults (over 12 years old) 1400 yen includes entry to the island’s subtropical garden
     children (over 6 years old) 700 yen includes entry to the island’s subtropical garden
     children under 6 are free

Yubujima is a small subtropical garden island.  Within the garden, visitors can view many tropical flowers such as 30
varieties of the hibiscus in addition to fruit trees such as guava and papaya.
 Of course these plants and more can be viewed throughout the year!

Within Japan’s tropical paradise of Okinawa, visitors can enjoy water sports,
nature and wildlife that can only be observed here.
Within the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa is the 90% jungle/mangrove island of Iriomote.
And here, visitors may be able to see the endangered species of the Iriomote Yamaneko,
a type of “wild cat” which resides only on this island.

It is thought only 100 Yamaneko remain on the island. As such,
the Yamaneko Museum or Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center is both a wildlife/eco museum as well as a refugee center for Iriomote
Yamaneko that have been rescued after being injured in a traffic accident. 

Visitors to the museum are able to learn about the ecology of the animals found on the island,including the Iriomote Yamaneko.
Explanations are provided in English throughout the museum.
As far as the rescued Iriomote Yamaneko, they can only be viewed via a live video feed.

Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Okinawa served an important role in Okinawa’s history.
Though presently a district of Naha, Shuri was the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom.  
Until Okinawa became a Japanese Prefecture in 1879, Shuri Castle was both the administrative center
as well as residence for the Ryukyu kings for several centuries.

The castle was originally constructed in the late 1300s.  
Destroyed many times through war and fires, the current buildings are a result of the reconstruction efforts from 1992.
To approach the castle, located on the top of hill, visitors need to pass through many gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate.

The castle’s main hall, the Seiden was the former venue for many governmental events. A landmark of Okinawa, the Seiden’s flamboyant decoration,
architecture and vermillion color shows the difference in castle style between Okinawa and mainland Japan. 

Visitors will find the Una Plaza in front of the Seiden.
Here many ceremonies were held. The Una Plaza is enclosed by the Hokuden (North Hall), Nanden (South Hall) and the Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate).
The Hokuden and Nanden were administrative buildings which were also used as venues to welcome visitors from China and mainland Japan.

Visitors are welcomed to view the interior of these historic halls.
 The interiors of the Hokuden and Nanden are like modern museums with informative displays about Ryukyu Kingdom as well as
the Okinawa’s history with the Japanese mainland and China. Visitors can also view local historic artifact as well as cultural replicas received during foreign trade.

The Seiden has been reconstructed in its original style.
The richness and fine furnishing the Ryukyu kings were accustomed to are displayed in the Seiden.
Visitors can even view a replica of the king's throne and crown are among the exhibits.

Facility Information:
Hours: 8:30 to 19:00 (until 18:00 from December to March, until 20:00 from July to September) 
**Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: First Wednesday and Thursday of July
Admission: 820 yen
Level of English: Good

Shikinaen, located in Okinawa, was the second residence of the Ryukyu kings.
It was constructed in the 18th century.
The building were relatively simple, wooden palace buildings incorporating the Chinese red tile roofs
with a spacious Japanese garden and its a central pond.
The garden is meant to be viewed as visitors stroll around.
With both the Chinese and Japanese influence, visitors can appreciate Shikinaen’s truly unique Okinawa style.

Shikinaen was completely destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa of 1945.
However, a 20 year restoration plan began in 1975.
 In 2000, it was among the sited registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title Gusuku Sites
and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

From the forest, visitors walk along a stone-paved road, made from Ryukyu limestones to the main entrance.
From here, visitors will stroll along a 300 meter circular path to view the garden.
There are many interesting parts of the garden, not limited to…
**Ikutokusen—the spring filled with clear water.
 It is designated as a national monument as it is the birthplace of the red alga
**Stone Bridge: There are two stone bridges which connect to the palace as well a small islet in the middle of the water.
**Udun Palace:  built in the 17th century, before the garden and pond, this spacious palace has 15 rooms
**Rokkaku-do: a Chinese-style hexagonal pavilion located on a nearby island

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:30 from October to March) 
**Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday or falls on June 23) 
Admission: 400 yen

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island
There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

Sunayama Beach 
With its beautiful white sand, clear blue waters and rock formations, Sunayama Beach is one of Miyako's most beautiful beaches.
It is reached in a short walk over a sand hill from the parking lot.
Its facilities include showers and toilets.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island
There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

Yoshino Beach (Yoshino Kaigan)
It is the best beach on Miyako for snorkeling.
Schools of colorful fish surround you as soon as you enter the water.
And you will soon find the maze of a spectacular coral reef with an abundance of marine life.
Beach facilities include showers, toilets and a rental shop.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island

There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

When enjoying the beaches, beware of strong currents and poisonous creatures such as Habu,
Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, which is most prevalent from June to October. 

Maehama Beach( Yonaha-Maehama)
It stretches seven kilometers and is suited for swimming and various other water sports.
Its white sand beach in the southwestern corner of Miyako usually leads rankings of Japan's best beaches.
The beach is also known for beautiful sunsets.  There are some showers, toilets and a rental shop.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako. 

Japan southernmost group of islands, Okinawa, has many sights of interests for its visitors.
Iriomote Island(西表島) is Okinawa’s second largest island.
Being undeveloped, natural lovers will be happy to learn 90% of the island is a jungle with its own mangrove forest.

The best way to explore the island is by its rivers.
The two longest rivers of the island are the Urachigawa (Uchigawa River) and the Nakamagawa (Nakama River).
Boat cruises are available among these two rivers.
Other options include a guided Kayak tours along these two rivers as well as some of the smaller rivers.
Urauchi River Cruise is a boat tour along the Urauchi River, the larger of the two main rivers.
The hour long cruise takes its visitors along the Urauchi River to a trailhead. From here,
it is necessary to walk 45 minutes through the jungle to the two stunning waterfalls.

Japan southernmost group of islands, Okinawa, has many sights of interests for its visitors.
Iriomote Island(西表島) is Okinawa’s second largest island. Being undeveloped,
natural lovers will be happy to learn 90% of the island is a jungle with its own mangrove forest.

The best way to explore the island is by its rivers.
The two longest rivers of the island are the Urachigawa (Uchigawa River) and the Nakamagawa (Nakama River).
Boat cruises are available among these two rivers.
Other options include a guided Kayak tours along these two rivers as well as some of the smaller rivers.

Nakama River Cruise departs from Ohara, located in the southern part of the island.
The boat will travel inland to a large mangrove tree.
Here, the tour members have the option to disembark from the boat to walk around the island for a few minutes before the journey back.
 The cruise will take about 1 hour with a Japanese speaking guide providing Japanese explanations about the river and the mangrove trees.

Nago Pineapple Park is a theme park full of Southern Fruits and Colorful Plants.
Pineapples have been cultivated on Okinawa as an agricultural product for around a century.

The admission ticket to the park includes a ride on an automatic vehicle which runs through pineapple fields and a tropical garden,
and all-you-can-sample pineapple products in the adjacent souvenir shop.
It sells various products like pineapple wines, juices, cakes, chocolates, as well as dried and fresh pineapple. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 600 yen

Access Information: 
The Nago Pineapple Park is located just outside downtown Nago City on the
Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa island, about 75 km from Naha.

Via bus
 From Naha, board highway bus number 111 to Nago Bus Terminal
(90 minutes, 2100 yen from Naha Bus Center; 105 minutes, 2190 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour)
and transfer to infrequently departing bus number 70 to Meio Daigaku Iriguchi
(名桜大学入口, 20 minutes, 390 yen, 5 buses/day).

 

Nakijin Castle (今帰仁城) is a Ryukyuan castle or fortress (gusuku) located in Nakijin,
the main island of Okinawa and one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The Nakijin Castle Ruins are located on the Motobu Peninsula of northern Okinawa Island
and In contrast to other castles on Okinawa, Nakijin Castle stands in an area of low population
density with verdant forests that give the ruins with a unique atmosphere.

Nakijin Castle was constructed in the late 1200s.
During the Sanzan Period (1322-1429),
Okinawa Island was divided into three kingdoms: the Hokuzan in the north, the Chuzan in the middle and the Nanzan in the south.
Nakijin was used as the castle of the Hokuzan king until it was taken over
by the Chuzan on their way to unifying the island and forming the Ryukyu Kingdom.

In the ground, there is also History and Culture Center with a small
museum displaying items unearthed on the castle grounds, such as Chinese pottery,
coins and documents besides exhibiting about everyday life and culture of Nakijin Village.

Facility Information: 
Hours: 8:00 to 18:00 (extended hours in summer)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 400 yen (castle and museum), 150 yen (museum only)
Level of English: Minimal

Access Information:
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are located on the Motobu Peninsula in northern the main island of Okinawa,
about 90 kilometers from Naha, and about a ten minute car ride from the Ocean Expo Park.

Via Yanbaru Express Bus
The Yanbaru Express Bus directly connects the airport and city center of Naha with Nakijin Castle.
Get off at Nakijin Joseki Iriguchi (今帰仁城跡入口), from where it is a 15-20 minute walk uphill to the castle ruins.
The one way journey takes about 2.5 hours with a cost of around 2000 yen.
There are six round trips per day. In central Naha, the bus stops at the Prefectural Office (県庁北口),
Tomari Port and Furujima Station along the Yurail monorail among other locations.

Via regular buses
From Naha to Nago Bus Terminal, board highway bus number 111.
 (90 minutes, 2040 yen from Naha Bus Center; 105 minutes, 2190 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour)
and transfer to bus number 65 or 66.
Get off at Nakijin Joseki Iriguchi
(今帰仁城跡入口, 45-60 minutes, 790-1000 yen, 1-2 buses per hour),
from where it is a 15-20 minute walk uphill to the castle ruins.

 

The Ocean Expo Park, in Okinawa is fun for the whole family!!
Located on the tip of the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto,
this park was built in 1976 in commemoration of the Okinawa International Ocean Expo 1975. 

The park is quite large at about three kilometers along the coast.
Though there are walkways between the facilities, visitors have the option of using
shuttle buses which operate between the park's attractions.
 There are at least two buses per hour.
The shuttle buses are not free so visitors may choose to spend 200 yen for a one-day unlimited rides pass. 

The Churaumi Aquarium located in the Ocean Expo Park is said to be the best aquarium in Japan.
 In addition there are many fun and exciting facilities in the park! Some of the highlights include the following facilities: 

**Oceanic Culture Museum is located just beside the park's central gate.
There are displays of ship replicas as well ocean-related displays from other parts of Asia and the South Pacific.  
Visitors can see a giant replica of a Lakatoi canoe from Papua New Guinea as well as trade ship used for travel
between the Ryukyu Kingdom and other Asian countries. There is a planetarium here as well. 

**Native Okinawan Village is located next to the Oceanic Culture Museum.
 This small open air museum displays over twenty residences and other buildings from various time periods and regions of Okinawa.
There is no admission fee and visitors can freely wander between the structures.

**Tropical Dream Center is a beautiful botanical garden with an array of tropical trees and plants housed in multiple greenhouses.
The center also has a Tower of Babel--a 36 meter tall observatory tower.

**Emerald Beach is an attractive sand beach on the northern part of the park.
Emerald Beach is divided into three separate sections:  a beach for playing and swimming,
a beach for resting and a beach for viewing.
Each section is carefully maintained, keeping in mind safety and comfort and most of all, the conservation of nature.

Facility Information:
Hours: Park: 8:00 to 19:30
(until 18:00 from October to February)
Individual attractions typically open half an hour later and close half an hour earlier.
Closed: First Wednesday of December and the following day.
Admission: Entry into the park is free, but some attractions require admission:
1850 yen (Churaumi Aquarium)
690 yen (Tropical Dream Center)
170 yen (Oceanic Culture Museum)
Note:  There are some days where entry into some attractions is free.
(Tropical Dream Center/Oceanic Culture Museum is free for elementary school children
on May 5th and for those over 65 years of age on Sept 15th.
In addition there are various days throughout the year where entry into these two attractions is waived for everyone).  
For current information, please check the homepage of the park.

Access Information.
The Ocean Expo Park is located on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto,
about 90 kilometers from Naha.
**Express Bus
*By Yanbaru Express Bus: 
Board from the following locations:  Naha Airport, Prefectural Office, Tomari Port and Furujima Station.  
There are 6 round trips per day.  The journey will take a little over 2 hours with a cost of 2000 yen.
**Regular buses
1.  From Naha Bus Center, board highway bus number 111 to Nago Bus Terminal.
The journey will take 90 minutes with a cost of 2100 yen.  
From Naha Airport, board the same highway bus number 111 to Nago Bus Terminal.
The journey will take 105 minutes with a cost of 2190 yen.
2.  At Nago Bus Terminal, transfer to bus number 70 to Kinen Koen Mae (記念公園前) bus stop in front of the Ocean Expo Park.
The buses are infrequent.  The journey will take 50 minutes with a cost of 880 yen.
*Note: there are a few buses on line 65 and 66 which also can take visitors to the Ocean Expo Park.
Please check the Ocean Expo Park’s homepage for more details.
**By car
From Naha, take the Okinawa Expressway to the northern end near Nago.
The toll is 1020 yen.
 From Nago, travel along the regular roads to cross the Motobu Peninsula to Ocean Expo Park.
The journey should take about two hours one way.
During rush hour, expect a longer journey.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.

The island is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is mostly covered by sugar cane fields and a few towns, among which Hirara is the largest with a moderate range of eating place,
such as restaurants and bars. Resort hotels and pensions are found across the island.

Unlike other parts of Okinawa, there are no habu snakes in Miyako.
Miyako Island offers a small range of other attractions, including places of natural beauty and cultural interest,
and a couple of elegant bridges to neighboring islands.

Cape Higashi-Hennazaki 
The cape of Higashi-henna-zaki (東平安名岬) is a nationally-designated
Place of Scenic Beauty located at the southeasternmost point of Miyako.
At the very end of the cape is a white lighthouse which gives 320 panorama view of the ocean,
a very popular spot for sunrise viewing.

Lighthouse
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Admission: 150 yen

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers
from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.

The island is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is mostly covered by sugar cane fields and a few towns,
among which Hirara is the largest with a moderate range of eating place, such as restaurants and bars.

Resort hotels and pensions are found across the island.
Unlike other parts of Okinawa, there are no habu snakes in Miyako.
Miyako Island offers a small range of other attractions, including places of natural beauty and cultural interest,
and a couple of elegant bridges to neighboring islands.

Tropical Botanical Garden
It is a spacious park for recreation and the study of tropical plants in inland Miyako.
Several walking trails with the over 1600 types of plants that include trees,
bushes and flowers from Miyako and from Hawaii, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Admission: Free 
Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island,
measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.