Experience activities to enjoy the great nature of Yanbaru and the mangrove ecosystem
Based in the Gesashi District of Higashi Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, Yanbaru Nature School offers mangrove canoe tours, pineapple farming experiences, jam making, and other activities that allow visitors to experience the nature of Yanbaru.
Yanbaru Nature School began in April 1999 with the “Keisaji River Mangrove Canoeing Experience” to revitalize the local community, and has now become one of Okinawa’s representative activity spots, offering 16 experience programs for both small groups and groups.
Point 1: Small-group eco-tour to experience the great nature of Yanbaru
The Keisatsugawa River watershed, with its large difference in tidal range, is home to the Keisatsugawa mangrove forest, which has been designated a national natural treasure, and is inhabited by flora and fauna unique to mangroves.
This tour is designed to experience the mysteries of nature like the Amazon River through river kayaking, sea kayaking, and trekking, even though it is located in Japan. You can fully enjoy the great nature of Yanbaru as much as you want.
During the tour, the guide will explain the history, culture, and local information of the Higashimura area, which will lead you to think about coexistence with nature. This tour is also popular as a place for nature education for children.
Point 2: A staple for school excursions and other activities! Experiential learning is where nature can be learned
As with small-group tours, this program is often used by students on school excursions, as it allows groups to experience the wilderness of Yanbaru through river kayaking, sea kayaking, trekking, and other activities.
In addition to the hands-on experience, visitors can enjoy a rich variety of programs that small-group tours do not offer, such as observing mangroves, pineapple farming, making pineapple jam, and Okinawan sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) experience. Compared to small-group tours, these tours are characterized by their emphasis on “learning.
Since it is possible to combine programs, it is also possible to take multiple programs throughout the day.
Point 3: Various ecosystems found in mangrove forests
Mangrove forests are home to unique flora and fauna. Although it is prohibited to collect living creatures and plants during the tour, you will be able to see valuable plants and animals that can only be seen here, such as Okinawa rail and Okinawa woodpecker.
Other attractions of Yanbaru Nature School’s tours are the close encounters with creatures unique to mangroves, such as the Okinawa anadromous octopus that nests between mangrove roots, the southern dwarf goby, a member of the mussel family and locally known as the tontongmy, and the southern blue crab, which has a large body.
