Head to the northern part of Okinawa to immerse yourself in the biodiverse region of Yanbaru. Translated from the local Okinawan dialect, Yanbaru means ‘densely forested mountains.’ Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Headlined by the sprawling Yanbaru National Park, wild forests and coastal landscapes offer visitors incredible adventure opportunities.
You’ll find endangered wildlife, captivating local customs, and a striking geological history here. Meanwhile, there are world-famous aquariums, island getaways, and even acclaimed burger shops to explore. To help you plan your visit to this spectacular region, we’ve highlighted the best things to do in Northern Okinawa’s Yanbaru region.
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The best places to explore in Yanbaru
Yanbaru is bursting with nature. Discover primeval forests, endless biodiversity, and tranquil experiences perfect for rest and relaxation. Check out these celebrated spots to soak up the serenity.
Okinawa’s northern coastline is home to dozens of picturesque bays. About 70 kilometers from Naha City, Nago Bay runs alongside the charming Nago City. Beloved for its collection of relaxing beach resorts, Nago is also home to incredible history and culture. For example, the 14th-century Nago Castle features parklands that burst into life during cherry blossom season.
Many travelers to Northern Okinawa arrive from cities like Naha and Okinawa. Along the way, one of the most popular places for a snack and rest is the Kyoda Roadside Station. Set just on the outskirts of Nago City, you’ll find a stellar collection of restaurants, food stalls, souvenir shops, and convenient facilities.
The Kyoda Roadside Station is also a glorious spot to soak up the region’s superb sea views. Alongside sitting areas overlooking the water, telescopes on the rooftop offer an even better panorama. You can also buy discount tickets for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a 40-minute drive further up the coast.
• Address: 17-1 Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0024
• Contact details: +81-980-54-0880
How to get to Nago: From Naha Airport, the easiest way to reach Nago is by renting a car. Take the Okinawa Expressway and continue on National Route 58. You can also catch the No. 111 Highway Bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Nago Bus Terminal.
Nago Bay provides a stunning focal point for the adjacent city. Wrapping around the Motobu Peninsula to Busena Cape in the south, this stretch of coastline is where you’ll find numerous stunning beaches. If you’re staying near town, the most convenient spot to visit is 21st Century Forest Beach. Surrounded by sports fields on the city’s fringe, this quiet, clean beach has great facilities like BBQs, showers, and toilets.
The turquoise waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling throughout the year. If you’re willing to travel a little further, the Busena Marine Park is even more impressive. Here, you’ll find an underwater observatory with 360-degree coral reef views. Plus, glass-bottom boat rides allow you to get remarkably close to local marine life.
On the other side of the Motobu Peninsula, the Hanji Inlet is another rewarding destination in Nago. With a series of islands off the coastline, you can experience remarkable panoramic views from the Arashiyama Observatory. However, what makes this region special is how easily you can reach those islands. While there are many to explore, Kouri Island is one of the best options.
Although this tiny isle stretches just two kilometers, outstanding beaches and rock formations make your journey worthwhile. Known by locals as ‘Love Island,’ you’ll find heart-shaped rocks at Tinu Beach. Meanwhile, Kouri Beach offers excellent sunbathing, swimming, and dining, with nearby cafes and restaurants serving cold drinks and delicious food. Head along to discover Okinawa’s interconnected islands.
Japan Agricultural Cooperatives have provided locals access to fresh produce directly from farmers. Also known as JA Group, this organization provides farmers with comprehensive support. The JA Group has expanded across Japan, providing diverse communities with high-quality, affordable agricultural products.
So, what does this mean for travelers? During your journey to Okinawa, you’ll have the chance to visit farmers’ markets spread throughout many of the island’s major cities and towns.
In Nago City, JA Farmers' Market Yanbaru presents native fruits like tankan, shikuwasa lime, and island pineapple. With several more JA Group markets across Okinawa, you won’t have to travel far to find one.
• Address: 4-6-37 Miyazato, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0011
• Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to get to JA Farmers Market Yanbaru: From Naha Airport, take the No. 111 bus to the Nago bus terminal stop. You can also rent a car, heading north on Route 58 of the Okinawa Expressway and you will reach JA Farmers' Market Yanbaru.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the must-see destinations in Northern Okinawa. Recognized as one of the largest aquariums in the world, this sprawling place was reopened in 2002 after a major renovation. Set within Ocean Expo Park, it features 67 custom-made tanks spanning three levels dedicated to thrilling marine exhibits.
Your journey will start on the fourth floor, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean from the surface. Then, you’ll descend to the third floor, where a mesmerizing array of sea life awaits at the ‘The Coral Sea’ exhibition. Here, colorful tropical fish and coral species – many found in Okinawa’s shallows – light up the various tanks.
Perhaps the most famous Okinawa Churami Aquarium exhibit is ‘The Kuroshio Sea’ on the second to first floors. Set within a massive 7,500m3 tank, whale sharks, manta rays, and 60 more species glide through the space. Head into the lower-level Aqua Room to gaze through the transparent ceiling and experience an alluring perspective. You can even enjoy a snack and coffee alongside the tank at the Ocean Blue Cafe.
Finally, ‘Deep Sea World’ is a must-see exhibition on the first and lowest floor. Dedicated to species that live more than 200 meters below the ocean waves, you’ll discover how life develops in these dark and silent environments.
Like all world-class aquariums, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium focuses on research and conservation. For example, the aquarium has launched breeding programs for dolphins and manta rays. Such programs preserve these species while contributing to global conservation and marine knowledge.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium also protects local environments and marine life. If injured animals are discovered in Okinawa, the aquarium’s expert team conducts a rescue. They’ll nurse the animal back to health and return it to the wild wherever possible. Recently, the aquarium has rescued turtles and dolphins.
• Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-Cho, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa 905-0206
• Operating Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM (last admission 5:30 PM). ※Please check peak season by HP.
• Contact Details: +81-980-48-3748
How to get to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Take the Okinawa Airport Shuttle or the Yanbaru Express Bus from Naha Airport to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. If driving, take the Okinawa Expressway to Motobu Peninsula to reach Ocean Expo Park.
Surrounding Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Ocean Expo Park offers visitors even more marine adventures. From its stunning location amid the Motobu Peninsula, adults and kids relish live shows, sandy beaches, lush gardens, and delicious restaurants. Opened in 1976 to celebrate Expo ‘75, it remains a destination for fun-loving nature activities.
Get to know how primeval cultures traversed the Pacific Ocean at the Oceanic Culture Museum. Fascinating folk stories can be seen on a large screen inside the massive exhibition hall. These recount how islands such as Okinawa first became populated. Meanwhile, 750 items collected across the Pacific, including ancient canoes, remind us of our millennia-old history. Next door, a planetarium comes to life with star-gazing shows.
Step into the Tropical Dream Center to discover more than 2,000 species of orchid. Across three inviting greenhouses and a beautiful botanical garden, tropical plants overflow this stunning arboretum. The Tropical Dream Center also features a soaring structure inspired by the Tower of Babel. Ascend to the 36-meter observation deck to discover outstanding views across Ocean Expo Park. Get an English audio guide for the best experience.
Discover a tropical paradise at Emerald Beach. Between the three beachfronts, this Y-shaped shoreline has distinct sections dedicated to play, rest, and views. Regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s hard to imagine water more blue. Equipped with nearby food stalls and beach shops, don’t miss your chance to stroll along the picturesque elevated esplanade.
• Address: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu-Cho, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa 905-0206
• Operating Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (March to September) or 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (October to February)
• Contact Details: +81-980-48-2741
How to get to Ocean Expo Park: Take the Okinawa Airport Shuttle or the Yanbaru Express Bus from Naha Airport to Ocean Expo Park. If driving, take the Okinawa Expressway to Motobu Peninsula to reach Ocean Expo Park.
Located a 30-minute ferry ride from Motobu Port, Ie Island is small enough to walk across in a day. Home to attractive beaches, breathtaking hikes, and cultural events, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore this miniature isle during your trip to Northern Okinawa.
The best place to admire Ie Island’s coastal scenery is the summit of Mount Gusuku. As the highest point on the island, it rises to 172 meters above sea level. Fortunately, it takes just 15 minutes to reach the sharp peak. Known to locals as Tacchu, you’ll experience 360-degree views from this vantage point.
Soak up the quiet beauty of GI Beach. On the southern coast, this peaceful destination features a 100-meter stretch of white-sand shoreline. Although there are no facilities on the beachfront, this typically means you won’t find crowds of tourists. Instead, there’s a good chance you’ll have the entire beach and its pristine waters to yourself.
Close to GI Beach is another standout natural landmark. Niya-Thiya Cave has been a local secret for generations, with locals finding shelter inside throughout WWII. Nowadays, it provides a striking place to admire the ocean waves and engage with Okinawan history. Descend the cliffs using the staircase to enter this spiritual place.
• Address: Ie Village, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa 905-0503
How to get to Ie Island: Ferries to Ie Island depart from Motobu Port up to every hour during the peak season. Car ferries also operate, but you can rent bicycles and cars on the island.
Okinawa is famous for its cuisine. Many believe the local diet contributes to how Okinawans became some of the longest-living people on earth. However, don’t be afraid to sample a different type of cuisine at Captain Kangaroo. This beloved Japanese burger is a top spot in Northern Okinawa.
Head inside to find an awesome selection of hamburgers, fries, milkshakes, and taco rice. Legendary Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani has mentioned how much he loves Captain Kangaroo. Asked by journalists about his favorite fast food, Ohtani sings its praises over more famous American options.
• Address: 930-1 Sakimotobu, Motobu-Cho, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa 905-0225
• Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Contact Details: +81-980-43-7919
How to get to Captain Kangaroo Okinawa: From Naha Airport, renting a car is the easiest way to reach Captain Kangaroo Okinawa. Take the Okinawa Expressway, continue on National Route 58 farmers’ markets spread throughout many to Nago, then take National Route 447 to Sakimotobu.
Flights departing Tokyo International Airport take 2 hours and 45 minutes to land at Naha Airport. From Narita International Airport, flights to Naha Airport take 3 hours and 5 minutes. Once you arrive, drive the Okinawa Expressway in a rental car or catch the No. 111 Highway Bus to Nago Bus Terminal.
Yanbaru’s forested landscape and coastal charms provide countless reasons to visit Northern Okinawa. Make the most of the JAL Japan Explorer Pass from JAL to enjoy the smoothest possible journey. With affordable fares to more than 30 domestic locations, there’s no better way to see more of Japan for less.
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