[Okinawa ]full of natural attractions "yanbaru "recommended spots

"Taisekirinzan (Mt.) "is the northernmost tropical karst in the world with huge limestone formations and a subtropical natural forest containing cycads and banyan trees. This is the only place in the world where you can see such unique natural formations, and I personally recommend that you visit this spot the most in the northern part of the Okinawa main island!

There are four walking courses in the large site, which is about 11 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. It takes about two hours to walk all four courses.

"Cape Hedo "is the northernmost point of Okinawa and is visited by many tourists. On a clear day, Yoron Island and Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture can be seen in the distance. The color of the sea is not the emerald blue typical of Okinawa, but a deep blue.

On sunny days in spring and summer, the waves are calm and the ocean is so clear that you can see through to the bottom of the ocean. In the fall and winter, the waves are rough due to strong north winds, so you cannot see the bottom of the ocean, but you can enjoy the deep blue ocean and the powerful scenery of the waves breaking against the coral rocks.

"Mutabaru Observatory "is one of the most spectacular spots on the main island of Okinawa, overlooking Shioya Bay below and the islands of Motobu Peninsula, Kouuri Island, and Iejima in the back. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the main island of Okinawa, with a view of the lush green islands and the bright blue ocean.

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"Higashi Village Fureai Hirugi Park "is located on the banks of the Gesashi River, the largest mangrove community on the main island of Okinawa. Of the four species of mangroves native to Okinawa, three can be seen here: the Ojirugi, Yaeyamahirugi, and Mehirugi, which belong to the Hirugi family.

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"Hiji Great Waterfall "is the largest waterfall on the main island of Okinawa, with a drop of approximately 26 meters.

The trekking course from the parking lot to the waterfall is a 40-minute one-way walk. The trekking course, which takes about 40 minutes one way on foot from the parking lot to the waterfall, is a walk through subtropical forests with unique flora and fauna, which makes you feel as if you are in a forest in Southeast Asia. Giant ferns can be seen here and there, and it seems as if dinosaurs could appear at any moment.

"Kayachi Banta "is a scenic spot located about 5 minutes by car from Cape Hendo. It is a secluded spot with few tourists, where you can relax and admire the scenery.

The majestic sea view can be seen from the cliffs, which are approximately 80 meters high. The color of the sea is a deep blue rather than the emerald blue characteristic of Okinawa.

Incidentally, "Banta "means "abyss or cliff "in the Okinawan dialect, and there are scenic spots named after bantas all over Okinawa.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kayachibanta
Address: Ginama, Kunigami-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-1422
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Closed: No holidays
Admission: Free
Parking: Available (free of charge)

"Saxifragaceae "is a large evergreen tree (5-15 meters) found only on Amami Oshima, Okinawa Island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island in Japan. As you can see in the photo, it is characterized by its huge plate root that draws a fluttering, thin, fold-like shape!

There are several saxifrage trees on the main island of Okinawa, but the one in Higashi Village is the largest on the main island. It is a powerful tree, measuring 18 m in height and 2.9 m in circumference at breast height.

Standing quietly in the forest, the tree itself exudes a mysterious power. Since this is a secluded spot where few tourists come, you can observe the tree at your leisure.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Saxifraga officinalis (Saxifraga officinalis)
Address: Kawada, Higashimura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-1204
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Closed: No holidays
Admission: Free
Parking: Available (free of charge)

This facility allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Yanbaru region's endemic bird "Yanbaru kuina ".

The Okinawa rail is a very rare bird found only in the Yanbaru region of Okinawa, and is designated as a national natural treasure and an endangered species. They can hardly fly, and are often seen walking across the road, so there are many road signs in the Yanbaru region warning people to "beware of crossing Yanbaru-queen ".

The Yanbaru region offers a unique and unparalleled natural environment. Many websites recommend Nago City and the Nakijin Village area as spots in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, but it is no exaggeration to say that the charms of the northern main island are packed further out in the Yanbaru region. On your next trip to Okinawa, be sure to visit "Yanbaru Region ", which is full of the charm of the mountains of Okinawa!