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 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.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima, snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors. 

Hatenohama Beach
It is an uninhabited island ,an approximately seven kilometer long sand bar surrounded by water just east of the island,
is Kumejima's most popular attraction.
White sand of the beach can only be accessed by joining a tour. 

On the sandbar, swimming is restricted to the calmer northern beach,
and the sand is a little rougher than it seems from a distance.
The sea has a moderate variety of fish that can be observed while snorkeling.
Toilet is the only facilities available on the sandbar.

Access Information
Half day around 3500 yen; full day with lunch around 5500 yen
Some companies operate tour boats between Kumejima and Hatenohama Beach.
Half day and full day tours are offered. 


 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima,
snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Eef Beach 
Eef Beach is located beside the one of famous tourist activity on Kumejima.
Nonetheless, it does not get excessively crowded, as it stretches around two kilometers along the coast.
Its facilities include changing and toilets.
Nearby hotels and businesses offer a range of water activities.

Admission: Free
Parking Fee: Free

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima, snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Ara Beach 
The beach, about 500 meters long, offers attractive and secluded beach
atmosphere as its location is quite far from most other attractions.
It offers some good snorkeling opportunities, with a variety of sea
life around a group of coral about 200 meters from the shore and a bit difficult to find.
Beware of currents.
The beach is also good place for sunset.
Note: toilets and changing facilities are not well maintained.

Admission: Free
Parking Fee: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Kumejima has two major towns; one is located around the port.
Another is inhabited mostly by locals, while the other is a small town of hotels,
dining halls and shops catering to the tourists, located alongside 

Uezu Residence
The Uezu Residence was built in 1750 for a high ranked family.
It is built in the traditional Okinawan style with thick stone walls and red-tiled roofs.
The house cannot be entered but only viewed from the outside. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 
Closed: Opened All Year Round 
Admission: 300 yen

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.
 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Kumejima has two major towns; one is located around the port.
Another is inhabited mostly by locals, while the other is a small town of hotels,
dining halls and shops catering to the tourists, located alongside

Uegusuku Castle Ruins 
The Castle Ruins stand on the island's highest point about 300 meters above sea level.
It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Nowadays only a few small stone walls remain.

Facility Information:
Hours: Always open 
Admission: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.

Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end
of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima,
snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Pools of Tropical Fish 
Kumejima has an interesting spot along the northern cost of the island.
It is relatively large pools of water with a variety of sea life are separated from the sea during low tide.
You can observe the colorful sea life without even stepping into the water.

Facility Information:
Hours: Always open 
Admission: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.

 

Hiji Waterfall is located in the northern Yambaru area of the main island of Okinawa.
The waterfall is about 26 meters tall nestled in the forest.
The waterfall can be reached in an attractive and easy hike along a nature trail through the forest. 

The trailhead is about two kilometers inland from the main road along the island's western coast.
From the trailhead with a toll booth, the distance to the waterfall is about 1.5 kilometers,
and the hike takes around 40 minutes one way.
The trail is well maintained, and there are quite a few steep sections with stairs along the way. 

The trail comes to an end at the Hiji Waterfall, which makes an impressive sight.
The sound of the running water and the tranquil atmosphere of the forest make the waterfall
a good spot for a rest before making the return trip to the trailhead.

At the trailhead there is a campground, offering picnic tables and elevated wooden decks which tents can be set up on.
The fee is 2000 yen per tent site and night.

Because of the Yambaru area's small population there has been much less human
encroachment on the habitat of the area's wildlife than elsewhere on Okinawa main island.
Consequently, a much larger diversity of wildlife can be found in the area.
Travelers who keep alert of their surroundings will have the chance to see a number of animals unique to the area,
such as particular species of bird, turtle, lizard and snake.

Information about the Yambaru area's wildlife and hiking trails can be found at the nearby Ufugi Nature Museum.
It is located about one kilometer inland from the main road along the coastline.
The museum has illustrative maps and displays about the area's wildlife free of charge.

Hiji Waterfall is located in northern the main land of Okinawa ,
about 75 kilometers from Naha and not far from Okuma Beach.

Hiji Waterfall
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 16:00)
From November to March, the park closes at 17:30 and entry is until 15:00
Closed: During extreme weather
Admission: 500 yen

Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center
Hours: 10:00 to 16:30
Closed: Mondays, national holidays and December 29th to January 3rd 
Admission: Free
Level of English: Moderate

Access Information:
Via bus
board highway bus number 111 from Naha to Nago Bus Terminal
(名護バスターミナル; 90 minutes, 2100 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 105 minutes, 2190 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour)
and transfer to bus number 67. Get off at Okuma Beach Iriguchi
(オクマビーチ入口, 60 minutes, 1010 yen, 1-2 buses/hour)
from where the trailhead is a 20-25 minute walk inland along the road.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima,
snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Tatami Ishi Rocks 

The Tatami Ishi, a rock formation on a small island connected is connected to Kumejima by a bridge.
They are named after tatami.
Nearby there are a sea turtle museum and a public bath house. 

Facility Information
Hours: Always open 
Admission: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Torinokuchi Rock 

It is located at the southern tip of Kumejima and named after bird's beak which they are supposed to resembles.
The rock is accessible by a nice walking path that runs along the coast and the
"whale viewing hill" with nice views onto the sea. 

Facility Information
Hours: Always open 
Admission: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.