Yanbaru Mangrove Kayaking 山原 マングローブカヤック

Mangrove kayaking on Okinawa's main island is the best way to appreciate the true beauty of this rare ecosystem. In addition to kayaking, there are many places here where you can appreciate the region's unique natural beauty.

Reach Gesashi by bus or car.

Take a bus from Naha Bus Terminal headed for Nago and get off at Nago Shiyakusho mae. Walk to Hokubu Godo Chosha mae and transfer to a bus bound for Onishi and get off at Genka. Lastly, walk to Genka Iriguchi and transfer to a bus to Gesashi. The journey takes less than three hours in total.

By car, the trip takes a little under two hours. Take Route 329 north until it meets Route 331, which will take you to Gesashi.

Gesashi Mangrove Forest is the largest collection of mangroves on Okinawa 's main island , and the Japanese government designated it a national natural monument in 1972.

You can choose from a variety of kayaking courses, ranging from an hour (recommended if you have young children) to up to five hours, where you can kayak through the mangrove forest to the crystal-clear Pacific Ocean.

Mangroves are rare in Japan, but in Okinawa , the coast-hugging trees grow abundantly. Head north to Gesashi Bay for the opportunity to explore the mangrove woods at close quarters.

Once you are back on dry land, you can find out more about mangrove trees at the Higashi Village Mangrove Park. You can also look out over the mangroves from the center's observation tower.