ITINERARY
Discover the Vibrant Wildlife and Culture of Yambaru National Park
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The subtropical wonders of Yambaru National Park in Okinawa are yours to explore on a thrilling journey of three days. Discover endemic flora and fauna and learn about the lifestyles of local residents who have long cultivated a mindful and balanced relationship with the natural world.
Itinerary Highlights
- Touring the park by night for a completely different experience of its charms.
- Learning about the Okinawa rail and other endemic plants and animals.
- Staying in an Okinawan-style cottage at Okuyambaru no Sato.
- The solemn, cinematic beauty of Daisekirinzan's rocky formations.
Getting grounded and learning about conservation in the park
Arrive at Naha Airport around noon and grab a quick bite. Pick up your rental car and drive to the Yambaru Forest Visitor Center, a rest stop where you can find shops selling local bento and specialty dishes, as well as a video hall dedicated to the wildlife of the national park.
Next, make pit stops at the Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center and the Yambaru Discovery Forest for a comprehensive overview of your surroundings, including information about the park's protected species and conservation efforts. Find a spot for an early dinner around here.
Your evening will be occupied with a fascinating two-hour nature tour by night, during which you'll learn about the flora and fauna native to this area. Many of the animals in this region are nocturnal by nature, so you'll be able to see and hear some completely different creatures from the daytime. After the tour concludes, return to Yambaru Discovery Forest where you will stay for the night.
A day of discovery and nature walks
In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and begin your walk through the Yambaru Discovery Forest, where you'll get to experience nature with all five senses and discover a healing energy. Your guide will brief you on the ecological and environmental history that has given shape to the unique landscape of the park. Enjoy a bento lunch, then drive to the Okinawa Rail Learning Center to find out more about this emblematic bird and watch them from an observation booth.
Next up, pass by the Yuiyui Kunigami Roadside Station on your way to a tour of Kunigami Village Forest Park, where a guide will introduce more local animals that will awe and delight you. Your day winds down at Okuyambaru no Sato, a beautiful resort where you can stay in traditional Okinawan-style cottages and enjoy other activities in the surrounding area. All cottages come equipped with a kitchen, as well as a terrace where you can even barbecue if the mood strikes.
The spiritual origins of Yambaru
Drive to the forest of Daisekirinzan in the mid-morning for a visit to one of Okinawa's most important spiritual sites. The surrounding area called Ashimui features in Ryukyuan creation myths and is worshiped in local culture. The amazing scenery here will provide a perfect denouement for your journey through Yambaru. Have lunch at your own leisure, then head to Naha Airport in the afternoon for your return trip.