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Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The best place to enjoy Okinawa's deep blue waters and bountiful sea life is at
Churaumi Aquarium. "Chura" in Okinawa dialect means beautiful and "umi"
means ocean. The aquarium offers a look into the deep blue at sea life unimaginable.
Visitors can view from above, below, and through the sides of the aquarium at
rare fish, crabs, turtles, predatory sharks, and whale sharks. The facility also
has an enormous theater that shows patrons educational films on ocean life. Another
part of the aquarium allows you to see close up how the professional staff takes
difficult steps in order to domestically grow coral. The most thrilling part of
the aquarium is the Shark Expert's Room. Here you will find great whites, hammerheads,
tiger sharks, and other dangerous predators. If you find yourself getting hungry,
while in the aquarium, you can sit in the Ocean Blue Room and have a bite to eat
as gigantic fish swim overhead.
424 Ishikawa, Motobu
http://www.kaiyouhaku.com/
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Nakijin Castle Ruins
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are located in the Northern mountainous part of Okinawa
and offer an overwhelming view of the East China Sea. The castle was strategically
constructed during the 13th century for the Hokubu (Northern) area lord. Climb
on the top of the 1.5-kilometer long wall, which surrounds the castle, and let
the East China Sea and the insurmountable rugged mountains give you a historical
image of how the reigning lord controlled the region. The castle's neighboring
town consists of original Okinawan style houses, beautiful landscape, and friendly
residents.
4874 Tomari, Nakijin TEL +81-(0)980-56-4400
http://www.yanbaru.ne.jp/~NAKIJIN/
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Underwater Observatory
Would you like to see first hand the overwhelming beauty of Okinawa's tropical
fish, coral reefs, and emerald green waters without even getting your feet wet?
Then the Underwater Observatory, located just beyond the Bankoku Shinryokan, is
the place for you. You and your family, or that special someone, can take a breathtaking
stroll along a 170-meter pier to an air conditioned underwater marine observatory.
The observatory is nestled 3 meters below sea level and allows a close look at
Okinawa's magnificent sea life through submarine type portholes. Watch out! Some
fish actually try to kiss you.
1744-1 Busena, Nago
TEL +81-(0)980-52-3379 |
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Higashi Eco-tourism Association
Although Okinawa has developed much of its land into hotels and tourist attractions,
it has also taken important steps to preserve its natural resources. One such
example is the Yanbaru Shizen Juku (Yanbaru Ecology Tour) located in the small
Higashi Village. Residents of this village guide visitors 1.6 kilometers up the
Gesashi River on kayaks and canoes. Visitors will learn about the importance of
both the river and its inhabitants including fish, shrimp, birds, and insects.
You will also travel through some of Okinawa's most precious mangroves. There
are 1.5-hour, 2.5-hour, and 4.5-hour courses that depend on the visitor's pace.
For those of you who are land lovers, you can learn about Okinawa's nature through
the Mountain Trekking Tour up Tamachiji Mountain. This 4.5-kilometer trip up through
an evergreen forest to a 360o panoramic view of the Fukuju Dam, Pacific Ocean,
and the Motobu Peninsula takes about 4.5 hours (shorter trips available). This
adventure will educate visitors about the birds, flowers and trees that survive
in the region. You will also learn about the importance of the mountain to the
local villagers. February and March are the best months to enjoy the beautiful
flowers, but any month will astonish you with this region's natural beauty.
809-1 Taira, Higashi
TEL +81-(0)980-43-2931 |
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Hiji Falls
Hiji Falls is one of Okinawa's natural hidden attractions. The falls are located
in the Northern part of the island and offer a different way to enjoy this tropical
island. You will still need to bring a towel and lotion because visitors will
have to hike along a strenuous trail that has natural paths and wooden stairways.
The hike requires some effort, but the beautiful waterfalls and the emerald green
body of water are well worth it. If you get tired or hot during your hike, you
can get off the trail and into the shallow river to cool off at almost any point.
A natural canopy of green forest mostly shades the trail to the falls. You'll
also come across a red suspended bridge in which you can take many great photos.
Many people like to take a refreshing dip under the falls, but caution is advised.
Yanbaru Shizenkan
7-18-28 Miyazato, Nago
TEL 0980-54-2886
Yama-Kawa-Gumi
Hentona, Kunigami TEL +81-(0)980-41-2147 |
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Kanna Taraso Okinawa
Kanna Taraso Okinawa is authentic taraso therapy, the first in Okinawa and the
largest facility in Asia. It is located in Ginoza, nestled in the small green
mountains lush with nature and framed with a beautiful ocean view. The subtle
sound of waves and cool fresh air surround you to ease your mind and body and
give you newfound energy. You can experience a new style facility that takes full
advantage of the power of nature. On the first floor of this three-story facility
is a 25-meter swimming pool. Fourteen different types of Jacuzzis and saunas are
on the second floor, and a variety of esthetic salons are on the third floor.
A reservation is necessary for the esthetic salon services. The facility is open
from 10 am to 10 pm, with last admission at 9 pm. 1817
Kanna, Ginoza
TEL +81-(0)98-983-2323
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