Northern Okinawa can be divided in two parts. While the north-west part is quite urbanized and full of tourist attractions, like in the Motobu Peninsula and around the city of Nago, the north-east part, which is also called "Yanbaru", is more wild. Here, nature is very prominent with subtropical forests, rivers, rock formations and unique wildlife. Public transportation in this area is scarce, and the best way to visit the attractions we are about to list is definitely to rent a car, hire a private taxi or a private bus. Once you have found the means of transportation that suits you the most, it will feel amazing to discover one of the most remote areas of Japan! Here are the best 5 attractions that you can find in Northern Okinawa: This park, whose name literally means "Mountain of forests and big rocks" is located in Ashimui, at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island. The nature in this area is wild, and four rocky peaks (the tallest one is 250 meters above the sea level) formed by the elevation of limestone 200 million years ago emerge from the verdant forests. Daisekirinzan was a sacred place in ancient times and still is nowadays. In the past, it was where the Royal family of Ryukyu Dinasty is said to have prayed for their prosperity, for harvest and maritime safety. With more than 40 worship places, this is still a sacred area for many people. Walking across Daisekirinzan will make you feel in contact with nature like no other place in Okinawa! Ocean Expo Park is a 70 hectares amusement park that stretches along the western coast of Motobu Peninsula. The main attraction of the Ocean Expo Park is the Churaumi Aquarium. Its bigger tank, called "Kuroshio Sea", black sea, is home to three exemplars of whale sharks, as well as many manta rays and other kind of fish. The whole aquarium is spectacular, with plenty of tanks, marine creatures, and opportunities to learn more about the ocean and how to protect it. Ocean Expo Park is without any doubt one of the best and most complete theme parks of Okinawa. With a stunning view on Ie Island, the wonderful Emerald Beach just close by, and so many museums and attractions, it is a reference point in the northern area of the island and an absolutely impossible to miss attraction. 3. Cape Hedo The northernmost tip of Okinawa Island and is a 2.5 hours drive from Naha city. Cape Hedo is where the two oceans merge: the South China Sea on the West, and the Pacific Ocean on the East. The view from the 70 meters high Cape Hedo is stunning in every season. In autumn and winter, the waves of the ocean are very strong, and crush violently on the vertical cliffs. During the winter season, it is possible to spot humpback whales emerging from the surface of the water. On clear days, it is also possible to see Kagoshima prefecture and Yoronjima appearing on the horizon. In Cape Hedo, there are several monuments, the most important one being the monument erected in 1972 to commemorate the end of US occupation and return of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty. Visiting Cape Hedo will be an excursion rich of meaning and inspiration. 4. Kouri Ocean Tower Opened in November 2003, Kouri Ocean Tower is a tourism complex that looks on the ocean from the top of Kouri Island. Its panoramic view 82 meters above the sea level on the top of the 36 meters tall tower will offer an amazing panorama on the emerald waters surrounding the famous "Love Island". The tower consists of four floors, each of them with an observation point. Visit the Shell Museum, with more than 10,000 shells from all around the world, and enjoy the traditional cuisine of Okinawa in the two restaurants inside the tower. Finally, the last floor of the tower is where visitors can admire the best view. The roof is open, for a 360 degrees panorama on the sea. It is possible to see the Kouri Bridge, that connects Kouri Island with Okinawa main Island, in its 2 km length. Kouri Ocean Tower is the terrace on Okinawa Island, definitely a must-visit! 5. Nakijin Castle Ruins Registered as World Heritage Site in 2002, the Nakijin Castle Ruins are located on the Motobu Peninsula, a one and a half hour ride of about 90 km from Naha City. The castle was built in late 1200s and was the residence of the King of the North during the Three Kingdoms era, before Ryukyu Kingdom. The walls of this castle are about 1.5 km long and can reach up to 8 m height. The most remarkable part about the Nakijin Castle is that it was built with solid rock, the Paleozoic limestone. The castle walls were built with the old construction technique called “Nozura-zumi”, a technique that takes advantage of the rocks’ natural shape to pile them up and build the wall. The castle is also particular for its wide, wavy and twisted shape, as opposed to the traditional straight line of Japanese castles. A great way to get in touch with Okinawa's greatest past. The northern part of Okinawa is a right mix between natural landscapes and more urbanized areas. We hope that this guide was an inspiration for you to visit this part of the island. Our Northern Okinawa Bus Tour brings visitors to many attractions like Kouri Island and the Churaumi Aquarium. If you are curious, you can click on the button below for more information: You might also be interested in:
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