What should I do if I want to enjoy the great nature in northern Okinawa?
The more you go to the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, the wilder nature becomes. If you want to enjoy canoeing or trekking in the “Yanbaru Forest,” but are too anxious to go alone, you may need the help of a local eco-tour! If this is the case, try taking advantage of a local eco-tour!
Eco-tour pukapuka,” which knows the area inside out, is on your side.
We have been offering eco-tours since 2008 and have been spreading the wild charm of the Yanbaru forest to many people.
Point 1: Various mangrove canoeing courses
The Yanbaru Forest offers the real thrill of canoeing through vast mangrove forests.
The mangrove forests in northern Okinawa are a national natural treasure, and canoeing through these vast forests is something that cannot be experienced on the mainland. The real thrill of canoeing will be an unforgettable memory for adults and children alike.
There are also canoeing courses that can be taken with dogs, combined with cycling, or combined with sea kayaking, which allows you to experience not only the mangrove forests but also the sea of Dongmura.
All of these courses are surprisingly inexpensive, so it is worth a try.
Point 2: Trekking through mangrove forests to observe the creatures!
If you have never tried kayaking or canoeing and are a bit intimidated, how about a trekking course through a mangrove forest?
The Yanbaru Forest, which was designated as Japan’s 33rd national park in 2016, is home to many living creatures, which you can observe while trekking.
The Yanbaru forest is famous for the Yanbaru rail, but in fact, it is also a treasure trove of birds and is a Mecca for birdwatching, with rare birds such as the Ryukyu Red-crowned Night-heron and the Hongto Red-breasted Nuthatch, which cannot be seen on the mainland.
There are also many rare species such as the Namie’s frog and the Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle, and the small area is crammed with endemic species, making it an irresistible spot for fans of living creatures.
Point 3: There is also a cycling course next to a mangrove forest!
Canoeing, kayaking, and trekking are not the only activities available at Yanbaru Forest.
There is also a course for mountain biking through the mangrove forests.
The only limitation is that it is not held during the summer season and only at low tide,
However, if the conditions are right, this is a course you should try.
Cycling is not a timed race, so you can enjoy a leisurely ride while observing nature, which is a unique experience only eco-tours can offer.
