Yambaru National Park, Rich in Biodiversity, Was Registered As a National Park in 2016

The subtropical forests of Yambaru nurture a diverse array of life, where humans live at one with nature 22 Yambaru Yambaru National Park, rich in biodiversity, was registered as a national park in 2016. In Japanese“Yambaru” means “densely forested mountainous area” and refers to the expansive National Park subtropical evergreen forest of northern Okinawa. Yambaru sits at a latitude of roughly 27 degrees north, and while other subtropical areas of the same latitude are deserts or arid regions, the subtropical marine climate of the Yambaru region makes it a rare, densely forested exception. Though the forests of Yambaru comprise less than 0.1 percent of Japan’s area, the formation process of the Ryukyu archipelago and the area’s geological history have resulted in the area being home to approximately half of the identified birds and approximately one-quarter of the identified frog species of Japan. Furthermore, the area boasts an incredibly diverse array of endemic flora and fauna, including the Okinawa rail. In addition, the marine erosion of limestone cliffs, karst formations and mangrove forests create a varied natural environment. This environment has nurtured the traditional lifestyle and human landscape that can also be found in the Yambaru region. Efforts to protect Yambaru’s natural environment for future generations include conservation activities and protections against poaching to ensure the survival of the region’s rare wildlife.

■Access

Haneda Airport

Okinawa Main Island

Naha Airport Okinawa rail, Naha Airport Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture National park area Access route

Approx.175 Approx.105 min by 55 min by 10 min Haneda min by airplane highway bus local bus by walk Airport

Approx.140 Approx.105 Yambaru Kansai min by Nago 55 min by Hentona 10 min min by airplane Naha Wildlife International highway bus Bus local bus Bus by walk 1 Airport Conservation Airport Terminal Terminal Center

Approx.110 Approx.105 2 3 Fukuoka min by 55 min by 10 min min by airplane highway bus Airport local bus by walk

Access routes are given as examples. Times indicated for each route section are approximate only. For more details, please visit the counters or websites of the transportation providers. ■Information counter

6 Please contact each provider directly.

4 5 7 8 1Iju (family: Theaceae), Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 2Hikagehego ferns, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 3Okinawa woodpecker, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 4Cape Hedo, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 5Ada Shinugu, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 6Roadkill prevention sign, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 273 7Shioya Bay (from Mutabaru Observatory), Ogimi Village, Okinawa Prefecture 8Hiji Waterfall, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture 274

アクティブアクティブ言語個人向け団体向けアクティブ伝統・文化食べる買う EN EN 言語対応可春限定夏限定秋限定冬限定 FIT GROUP 初心者向け経験者向け対応可（言語対応には事前の連絡が必要） Park02-Contents01-03 Park02-Contents04-06 Mashu Akan-

‒Recommended Activities‒ Daisetsuzan Yambaru National Park

Enjoy a guided walk along the national park's Mt. Yonaha hiking trail, Hiji Waterfall Enjoy Yambaru to the utmost with a walk along a nature trail where you can Toya Shikotsu- Activity Activity 01 promenade, Yambaru Discovery Forest and Kunigami Forest Park's therapy road. 04 observe the flora and fauna of the subtropics.

Hachimantai Towada- Kunigami Forest Therapy Guided tour of Yambaru Discovery Forest

FIT GROUP EN FIT GROUP

Fukko Sanriku The forests of Kunigami are full of life and nature’s Dive deep into the natural world of Yambaru with a energy,instantly transporting you to another guided walk through a forest where ferns, a feature world. A walk amidst Kunigami’s abundant trees of the subtropics, grow thickly. Your guide will restores is said to be great for the immune system provide easy-to-understand explanations of the ﬂ ora

Asahi Bandai- and tangibly relieves the stress and fatigue of and fauna that you see and of the life history of everyday life. Feel the power of the forest on a the forest. Along the way, you’ll cross a suspension healing walk. bridge, and come across ponds and, of course, ﬂ ora and fauna to observe in their various environments.

Nikko Season Year-round Time required 180–240 min Fee Adults (age 12 and over): 4,800 yen,children Season Year-round (ages 6 to 11): 1,200 yen Time required 120 min *An additional interpreter’s fee may be required. Fee Adults (age 12 and over): 3,080 yen, Hakone-Izu Fuji- Please inquire for details. children (age 11 and under): 2,035 yen Inquiries (General Incorporated Associations) Inquiries Yambaru Discovery Forest Kunigami Village Tourism Association Phone ０９８０－４１－７９７９

kogen Joshin’etsu Phone ０９８０－４１－２４２０ E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] URL http://atabii.jp renzan Myoko-Togakushi Activity Feed your soul with a spiritual tour of Daisekirinzan, Activity Admire the star-strewn night sky of Yambaru beyond the reach of city lights 02 located in the sacred area of Ashimui. 05 and their detrimental effects on stargazing. sangaku Chubu Discover Okinawa’s Spiritual Side Churaboshi stargazing

FIT EN FIT Shima Ise- Visit the land of the Okinawan Ryukyu Kaibyaku Marvel at the heavens through a 350-millimeter Shinwa creation myth, with stops at Daisekirinzan, telescope at Yambaru’s mountaintop astronomical an important place of worship; and locations observatory. The location of the observatory

Kumano Yoshino- mentioned in local folklore. Go beyond the allows you to see even the smallest stars. usual route, and experience prayers that have continued from old and Okinawa’s profound history of nature worship. Kaigan San'in

Season Year-round Season Year-round Time required 120 min Time required 25 min

Oki Daisen- Fee Adults (age 15 and over): 4,000 yen, Fee Adults (age 12 and over): 3,000 yen, children: 2,500 yen children (age 11 and under): 1,500 yen Inquiries Daisekirinzan Inquiries OKUMA PRIVATE BERCH&RESORT

Setonaikai Phone 0980-41-8117 Phone 0980-41-2222 E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] URL https://www.sekirinzan.com/en/ URL https://okumaresort.com/en/ Uwakai Ashizuri-

Activity Trek to Hiji Waterfall, which boasts mainland Okinawa's highest drop, and observe vegetation characteristic Activity Explore the largest mangrove forest of Okinawa's main island by canoe. The hirugi mangrove trees of of subtropical regions, including flying spider-monkey tree ferns and irukanda plants, along the way. Gesashi Bay support a wide variety of living creatures which can be observed from aboard a kayak. Kuju Aso- 03 06 Hike Hiji Waterfall Explore the largest mangrove forest of Okinawa's main island, a designated Natural Monument, by canoe

EN Amakusa Unzedn- FIT GROUP FIT GROUP EN

Hike to Hiji Waterfall for the chance to see endemic species Hop in a canoe and explore Gesashi Bay designated as Natural Monuments, including the honto-akahige , Mangrove Forest, the largest mangrove forest a variety of Ryukyu robin. From the 50-meter-long suspension on the Okinawan mainland, and see the many Kinkowan Kirishima- bridge at the hike’s midway point, admire the view over the creatures that call the forest home up-close. Hiji River. Downstream where the flow is calmer, a river-play area provides fun for the whole family. Spend the night at the

Yakushima campground, open year-round, but bring your own tent and supplies, as there is no rental equipment or food available at the camp. Cooking and eating areas and washrooms are shared, Season Year-round and coin-operated showers are available for your comfort.

Yambaru Time required 90–120 min Season Year-round Time required 90 min Fee Adults Fee Adults (age 12 and over): 5,000 yen, (age 12 and over): 500 yen, children (ages 6 to 11): 300 yen children (age 11 and under): 4,000 yen *Groups (10 people or more): adults: 450 yen, children: 270 Inquiries Higashi Village Fureai Hirugi Park shoto Kerama yen Inquiries Hiji Otaki Campground, Kunigami Village Phone 0980-51-2433 Tourist Product Center Phone 0980-41-3636 E-mail E-mail [email protected] [email protected] URL https://www.yuiyui-k.jp URL https://hirugipark.com/

For individual Tradition/ Available Available languages For groups Activity Eat EN ZH Spring only Summer only Autumn only Winter only 275 FIT travelers GROUP Culture languages EN ZH Advance notice necessary 276

FIT For individual travelers GROUP For groups Activity Tradition/ Culture Eat 言語言語対応可 EN ZH 春限定夏限定秋限定冬限定対応可 EN ZH 事前連絡が必要 Park02-Contents01-03 Park02-Contents04-06 Mashu Akan-

‒Recommended Activities‒ Daisetsuzan Yambaru National Park

Make yourself comfortable and discover Yambaru in 360 degrees at the dome Toya Shikotsu- Activity 07 theater.

Hachimantai Towada- Yambaru Forest Visitor Center dome theater

FIT GROUP EN zH KO

Fukko Sanriku Kids and adults alike will have fun learning about Yambaru with the help of Bunagaya, a forest sprite who provides commentary on the area. As this is an indoor activity, it can be enjoyed

Asahi Bandai- regardless of the weather. Nikko Season Year-round Time required 25 min Fee Adults (age 12 and over): 300 yen, Hakone-Izu Fuji- children (ages 6 to 11): 100 yen Inquiries Ogimi Village Tourism Association Phone 0980-50-5707

kogen Joshin’etsu E-mail [email protected] URL http://ogimi-kanko.com/ renzan Myoko-Togakushi sangaku Chubu Shima Ise- Kumano Yoshino- Kaigan San'in Oki Daisen- Setonaikai Uwakai Ashizuri- Kuju Aso- Amakusa Unzedn- Kinkowan Kirishima- Yakushima Yambaru shoto Kerama

For individual Tradition/ Available Available languages For groups Activity Eat EN ZH Spring only Summer only Autumn only Winter only 277 FIT travelers GROUP Culture languages EN ZH Advance notice necessary 278

FIT For individual travelers GROUP For groups Activity Tradition/ Culture Eat Mashu Akan- Sample course using the recommended activities

Daisetsuzan 1 Toya Shikotsu- Season All seasons Duration of stay Day-trip Cape Hedo Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Hachimantai Towada- Enjoy Spectacular Views of Yambaru's Coast on Fukko Sanriku a One-day Trip Asahi Bandai-

Admire the limestone coast that is one of the distinct features of Yambaru. Enjoy the natural Observe stuffed versions of creatures living in Yambaru and Notes environment and scenery of the limestone, which even in Yambaru is largely only found in one learn about the area's natural environment by viewing DVDs. Nikko area. Daisekirinzan Goku-iwa Hakone-Izu Fuji- N m Trail ap Cape Hedo

kogen Joshin’etsu Activity 02 Daisekirinzan renzan Myoko-Togakushi Kayauchi Banta Rare even within Yambaru National Park, the distribution of This is the northernmost tip of mainland Okinawa. The view from Cape Hedo is exceptional and includes limestone is limited to a small number of areas. Here, you can sangaku Chubu coastal scenery, Mt. Hedodake and Yoron Island, the southernmost point of Kyushu's Kagoshima Prefecture. enjoy the scenery and natural environment unique to limestone.

Naha or （Rental car） 120min

Shima Ise- 11:00a.m. Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center: Ufugi Nature Museum or （Rental car） 15min 45min

Kumano Yoshino- 11:55a.m. Kunigami Village Area Restaurant 1:15p.m. Activity 02 Daisekirinzan Spiritual Tour (120min) Day1 〈This is the land described in the Ryukyu creation myth. Here, you can experience Okinawa's profound nature worship.〉 Kaigan San'in or （Rental car） 10min 3:25p.m. Cape Hedo (30min)

Oki Daisen- or （Rental car） 150min 6:25p.m. Naha Setonaikai Uwakai Ashizuri-

Kuju Aso- National Road 58

Amakusa Unzedn- Kunigami Village Kinkowan Kirishima- Yakushima

Yambaru Yambaru Three Villages Tourist Information Center Okuma Private Beach and Resort Roadside Station Yui Yui Kunigami Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center: shoto Kerama Ufugi Nature Museum 1:650,000

Start 0 2.5 5km Goal From Naha→

Legend for itinerary Fixed-route bus/ Walking 279 symbols Airplane Train/JR Car (rental car) Taxi shuttle bus Boat Ropeway Bicycle rentals Photo spot 280 Mashu Akan- Sample course using the recommended activities

Daisetsuzan 2 Toya Shikotsu- Season All seasons Duration of stay 1 night, 2 days Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Okinawa Rail Learning Center Hachimantai Towada- A Short Trip to Discover the Natural Beauty of Fukko Sanriku Yambaru National Park Asahi Bandai-

Observe the Okinawa rail, a bird found only in Yambaru, and learn about its habitat. Experience Notes the natural wonders of Yambaru while surrounded by the habitat of Okinawa rails and the many Nikko other rare animals that call Yambaru home. Hakone-Izu Fuji- N Trail map Inspect taxidermy versions of Yambaru's endemic animals and learn Observe Okinawa rails and listen to commentary on the bird's life cycle kogen Joshin’etsu about the area's natural environment watching DVDs. and habitat.

Activity 07 Ogimi Yambaru no Mori Visitor Center Activity 06 Canoe Tour of the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest renzan Myoko-Togakushi

Prefectural Road 2 sangaku Chubu

Okinawa Rail Shima Ise- Learning Center

Yambaru Three Villages Tourist

Kumano Yoshino- Information Center Okuma Private Activity Beach and Resort Roadside Station Yui Yui Kunigami 04 Yambaru Wildlife

Kaigan San'in Conservation Center: Ufugi Nature Museum Day Kunigami Environmental 1 Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest Oki Daisen- Bashofu Kaikan Hall Watch videos on the nature and culture of Yambaru in the visitor Explore Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, a designated National Natural Monument, by center's dome theater. canoe. Enjoy touring the mangrove, one of the features of Yambaru National Park.

Setonaikai Day or （Rental car） 120min 2 Prefectural 10:00a.m. Naha Road 70 12:00p.m. Activity 07 Ogimi Yambaru no Mori Visitor Center (60min) 〈In the visitor center's dome theater, you can watch National Road 58 Uwakai Ashizuri- videos on the nature and culture of Yambaru.〉 or （Rental car）20min 1:30p.m. Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center: Ufugi Nature Museum (40min) Activity or （Rental car） 40min Kuju Aso- 07 Day1 2:40p.m. Okinawa Rail Learning Center (40min) Roadside Station Ogimi or （Rental car） 10min Yambaru no Mori Visitor Center Amakusa Unzedn- 3:30p.m. Kunigami Environmental Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest〈This accommodation facility is located in the middle of Yambaru National Park. Spend your stay surrounded by the natural environment of From Naha→ Start Yambaru, and even catch sight of Okinawa rails on the facility's grounds.〉 Kinkowan Kirishima- Kunigami Environmental Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest【Accommodation】 Higashi Village 6:00a.m. Activity 04 Guided tour of Yambaru Discovery Forest (120min)

Yakushima 〈Walk the boardwalk on the accommodation facility's grounds for a chance to observe animals that call Yambaru home.〉 or （Rental car） 150min 10:30a.m. Activity 06 Canoe Tour of the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest(120min) 〈 This canoe tour takes you through Yambaru Day2 the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, a designated National Natural Monument. Observe the mangrove forest, one of Activity Yambaru National Park's main features.〉 To Naha→ 06 or （Rental car） 30min shoto Kerama Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest 1:650,000 1:00p.m. Higashi Village Area Restaurant Lunch (60min) or （Rental car） 120min Gesashi Fishing Port 0 2.5 5km Goal 4:00p.m. Naha

Legend for itinerary Fixed-route bus/ Walking 281 symbols Airplane Train/JR Car (rental car) Taxi shuttle bus Boat Ropeway Bicycle rentals Photo spot 282 Mashu Akan- Sample course using the recommended activities

Daisetsuzan 3 Toya Shikotsu- Season All seasons Duration of stay 2 nights, 3 days Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Okinawa Rail Learning Center Hachimantai Towada- A 2-night, 3-day All-Encompassing Tour of the Fukko Sanriku Natural Wonders of Yambaru National Park Asahi Bandai-

Learn about the Okinawa rail, a bird only found in Yambaru, and its natural environment; tour Notes the Okinawan mainland's largest mangrove forest by canoe; and enjoy an evening of nighttime Nikko wildlife observation. Inspect stuffed versions of Yambaru's endemic animals and learn Observe Okinawa rails and enjoy commentary on the bird's life cycle about the area's natural environment watching DVDs. and habitat. Hakone-Izu Fuji- N Activity 04 Guided tour of Yambaru Discovery Forest Activity 06 Canoe Tour of the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest Trail map kogen Joshin’etsu renzan Myoko-Togakushi

Prefectural Road 2 sangaku Chubu Shima Ise- Okinawa Rail Yambaru Three Villages Learning Center Walk the boardwalk on the accommodation facility's grounds for a Explore Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, a designated National Natural Monument, by Tourist Information Activity Center Roadside Station Yui Yui Kunigami 01 chance to observe animals that call Yambaru home. canoe. Enjoy touring the mangrove, one of the main features of Yambaru National Park. Kumano Yoshino- Activity 10:00a.m. Naha or （Rental car） 120min Okuma Private Kunigami Forest Park 04 Beach and Resort 12:00p.m. Activity 07 Ogimi Yambaru no Mori Visitor Center (120min)

Kaigan San'in Yambaru Wildlife 〈Learn about the natural environment and culture of Yambaru through videos shown in the visitor center's dome theater.〉 Conservation Center: Kunigami Environmental or （Rental car） 25min Ufugi Nature Museum Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest 1:25p.m. Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center: Ufugi Nature Museum (40min)〈〈Observe the habitat of animals endemic to Yambaru and Oki Daisen- learn about Yambaru's natural environment by viewing DVDs.〉 or （Rental car） 40min Bashofu Kaikan Hall Day1 2:25p.m. Okinawa Rail Learning Center (120min)〈Observe Okinawa rails and listen to commentary on the species, including on their life cycle and habitat.〉 or （Rental car） 10min Setonaikai Day Day 3 〈This accommodation facility is located in the heart of 2 Prefectural 3:35p.m. Kunigami Environmental Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest Road 70 Yambaru National Park. During your stay, you'll have a chance to observe endemic wildlife, including Okinawa rails, while surrounded by the natural National Road 58

Uwakai Ashizuri- environment of Yambaru.〉 Kunigami Environmental Education Center: Yambaru Discovery Forest【Accommodation】 Activity Activity 04 Kuju Aso- Day 07 6:00a.m. Guided tour of Yambaru Discovery Forest (120min) 1 〈Walk the boardwalk on the accommodation facility's grounds for a chance to observe animals that call Yambaru home.〉 Roadside Station Ogimi 180min → or （Rental car） Yambaru no Mori Visitor Center Amakusa Unzedn- Activity 06 〈This canoe tour takes you through the Gesashi National Road 331 11:00a.m. Canoe Tour of the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest (120min) From Naha Bay Mangrove Forest, a designated National Natural Monument. Explore the mangrove forest, one of Yambaru National Park's main features.〉 Start Day2 or （Rental car） 30min Kinkowan Kirishima- 1:30p.m. Higashi Village Area Restaurant Lunch (60min) or （Rental car） 90min Higashi Village 4:00p.m. Okuma Private Beach and Resort (210min) 〈This is the only facility in Yambaru equipped with a private beach. Interested parties can sign

Yakushima up for a nature tour of the area around the hotel led by a guide affiliated with the hotel.〉

7:30p.m. Activity 01 Kunigami Forest Therapy (90min) Okuma Private Beach and Resort【Accommodation】 Yambaru 10:00a.m. Okuma Private Beach and Resort or （Rental car） 15min Activity 10:15a.m. Roadside Station Yui Yui Kunigami (45min)〈At the largest roadside station in Yambaru, you'll find local specialties and souvenirs you To Naha→ 06 won't find elsewhere. You'll also have a chance to examine rare taxidermy of animals designated as important cultural properties, and items used by shoto Kerama Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest Day3 1:650,000 locals in their daily lives.〉 or （Rental car） 120min Gesashi Fishing Port 0 2.5 5km Goal 1:30p.m. Naha

Legend for itinerary Fixed-route bus/ Walking 283 symbols Airplane Train/JR Car (rental car) Taxi shuttle bus Boat Ropeway Bicycle rentals Photo spot 284