Escape to Blue Seas, Hidden Beaches & Island Drives
📝 1. Overview
Northern Okinawa is a lush escape full of nature, traditions, and hidden beaches. With emerald forests, coastal drives, and Okinawa’s best snorkeling spots, this region feels like another world. Home to sacred sites, rare wildlife, and slow island life—Northern Okinawa is where you go to breathe deep and explore wild.
🌟 2. Highlights
🌉 Kouri Island & Heart Rock – A romantic getaway with stunning sea bridges
🌳 Yanbaru Forest – Jungle trekking and birdwatching in Okinawa’s “Amazon”
🐢 Churaumi Aquarium – Japan’s top aquarium with whale sharks & manta rays
🐠 Emerald Beach & Cape Manzamo – Iconic coastlines with clear waters
🪵 Traditional Villages – Ogimi & Nakijin for craft, spirit, and old ways
🚙 Scenic Drives – Ocean-hugging roads and jungle switchbacks
🗺️ 3. Zones in Northern Okinawa
| Zone | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Motobu & Churaumi | Aquarium, beaches, family fun |
| Nago City | Road trip hub, shopping, parks |
| Nakijin & Ogimi | Castles, rural villages, local crafts |
| Kouri Island | Ocean views, couple spots, beach cafés |
| Yanbaru (Kunigami) | Hiking, jungle, rare wildlife |
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Passes – Popular Attractions
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | ¥2,180 | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Nakijin Castle Ruins | ¥400 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Daisekirinzan Park (Yanbaru) | ¥1,200 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Kouri Ocean Tower | ¥1,000 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Neo Park Okinawa (Nago) | ¥1,200 | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
🟢 Combo passes available near Ocean Expo Park for multiple sites.
💡 5. Tips
🌿 Yanbaru is remote—bring snacks, gas up before exploring
🏖️ Many beaches are free and uncrowded—perfect for quiet swims
🕊️ Respect sacred sites like Utaki (Okinawan spiritual places)
🚗 Public transport is very limited here—car rental is a must
📸 Don’t miss Cape Hedo at the island’s northern tip for dramatic views
🍽️ 6. Must-Try Foods in Northern Okinawa
🍖 Agu Pork BBQ – Local breed known for rich flavor and tenderness
🥬 Sea Grapes (Umibudo) – Ocean caviar with a salty pop
🐟 Fresh Tuna Donburi – Straight from Motobu’s fish markets
🍠 Beni Imo Sweets – Purple sweet potato everything: pies, tarts, ice cream
🥤 Sugarcane Juice – Freshly pressed & super refreshing on hot days
🏨 7. Hotel Areas (Why Stay Here?)
Motobu / Churaumi Area
→ Near top sights like the aquarium & beach resorts
Nago City
→ Central base with restaurants, big stores & budget stays
Kouri Island
→ Romantic stays with ocean views & café culture
Yanbaru Lodges / Eco-Stays
→ Forest cabins, retreats, and jungle sounds under the stars
✳️ Northern Okinawa is ideal for nature lodges, ocean-view hotels, and hidden villas—many with local hosts.
🚗 8. Access
📍 From Airports
🛫 Naha Airport → Nago: ~90 min by car
🛫 Naha Airport → Churaumi Aquarium: ~2 hrs by car
🛫 Naha Airport → Cape Hedo: ~2.5 hrs by car
📍 Getting Around
🚗 Car rental is essential (no Yui Rail this far north)
🚌 Local buses exist but are slow and infrequent
🚙 Best to drive to explore beaches, mountains, and local roads
🌐 9. Contact / Info
🔗 Visit Okinawa – Northern Area Guide
📞 Info Line: +81-980-52-4093
📍 Visitor Centers: Nago, Motobu (Aquarium), Yanbaru Forest Center