Discovering Okinawa’s Hidden Natural Treasure
Okinawa is best known for its turquoise seas and beaches, but the island’s northern region, Yambaru, offers a different world. This subtropical forest, recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, shelters unique wildlife such as the Okinawa rail and Noguchi woodpecker. At the heart of this area lies Yambaru Discovery Forest (Yanbaru Manabi no Mori), an eco-tourism hub inside Yanbaru National Park. It combines hiking trails, guided tours, and educational programs with accommodation and camping facilities. Visitors can hike through lush jungle, join night walks under star-filled skies, or kayak along Kuina Lake, all while learning about conservation. For travelers seeking something beyond beaches, Yambaru is Okinawa’s hidden treasure. […]