Okinawa Parks and Nature

Okinawa’s landscape features a mix of Ryukyuan history and subtropical biodiversity. This collection spans from the UNESCO-listed Shikinaen Royal Garden to the mangrove-lined rivers of Iriomote Island. Key highlights include the limestone formations of Ishigaki Stalactite Cave, the expansive Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula, and the deep-sea water spas of Kume Island. Visitors can explore multi-tiered waterfalls, reconstructed historical villages, and botanical gardens showcasing thousands of tropical plant species across the archipelago.

Shikinaen Royal Garden

The gardens of Shikina-en are located on a small hill to the south of Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa.

ピナイサーラの滝

Okinawa's tallest waterfall with a 55-meter drop. Located on Iriomote Island, it is accessible via a combination of kayaking and trekking through mangrove forests.

Mariyudu Falls

A two-tiered waterfall on the Urauchi River, Iriomote Island. It is recognized as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls and is visible from a dedicated observation deck.

Ishigaki Island Stalactite Cave

A 3.2-kilometer limestone cave system formed from coral reefs. The accessible portion features illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water features.

ナーラの滝

Located deep within the Iriomote jungle along the Nakama River. The falls are often reached by kayaking tours and feature a large basin for swimming.

Banna Park

An expansive forest park on Ishigaki Island featuring bird-watching observatories, an insect museum, and panoramic views of the Taketomi and Iriomote islands.

Shurijo Castle Park

Shuri Castle is a Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Nago Pineapple Park

A themed attraction featuring pineapple fields, tropical gardens, and an automated cart tour. It includes a distillery producing pineapple wine and sweets.

Ocean Expo Park

A large coastal park established for the 1975 International Ocean Exposition. It houses the Churaumi Aquarium, a tropical arboretum, and a reconstructed 17th-century Okinawan village.

Murasakimura Historical Village

A theme park modeled after a Ryukyu Kingdom town. Originally built as a film set, it features over 30 workshops for traditional pottery, weaving, and glassblowing.

ネオパークオキナワ

A 25-hectare zoo featuring large, walk-through flying cages that replicate environments from Africa and South America. It includes a miniature narrow-gauge railway.

東南植物楽園＆おきなわスロー風楽風遊の森

A 100-acre botanical garden featuring over 1,300 plant species, including towering Alexander palms and seasonal lotus blossoms.

Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum

A research and display facility within Ocean Expo Park showcasing salt-resistant plants and tropical greenery suitable for urban environments.

Bade Haus

A spa facility on Kume Island utilizing deep-sea water pumped from 612 meters. It features a heated pool with massage jets and saunas.

カンピレー滝

Located upstream on the Urauchi River, this wide, rocky cascade stretches across the riverbed. The name translates to "where the gods sit."

Bora-Izumi Paradise Beach Park

A seaside park on Miyako Island featuring a natural spring-fed pool, limestone caves, and access to snorkeling spots along the coast.

Sea Turtle Museum

A conservation facility on Kume Island dedicated to the study of sea turtles. It features live tanks with green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles.

久米島県立自然公園

A protected area encompassing scenic coastal formations, including the hexagonal "Tatami Ishi" rocks and the 20-meter high Mifuga rock.

桃原公園

A hillside park in Okinawa City featuring a long roller slide and observation points with views of the surrounding urban landscape.

ヤジヤーガマ

An 800-meter long natural limestone cave on Kume Island. It contains historical burial urns and unique geological formations; a flashlight is required for entry.