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2025/05/02 - 2025/05/09
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[Okinawa Driving Course] A journey to experience Okinawa's nature and history!
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Ecotourism is about learning about the nature, culture, and history of Okinawa. First, learn about the ecology of marine life at Ocean Expo Park, then receive a guided tour of nature and animals through activities in the Yanbaru forest. After experiencing the various beautiful natural scenery, you will finally learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom at the Zakimi Castle ruins.
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"Tabirai" is managed by Pam, a group specializing in Japanese tours and travel.Tabirai is a Japan tour and travel booking site established in 2003. As of now, at least 13 million users visit the site annually and at least 400,000 bookings are made every year.
Required time
Distance: 240km, Travel time: 5 hours
Transportation
Car ｜
On foot
Ecotourism to learn about Okinawa's nature and history - Even beginners can feel at ease, and get in touch with Okinawa's nature and feel refreshed -
![[Okinawa Driving Course] A journey to experience Okinawa's nature and history!](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/05/23-181254.webp)
This is a driving course where you can learn about Okinawa's nature, culture, and history while enjoying the experience. First, you will learn about the ecology of marine life at Ocean Expo Park, and then you will be guided through nature and animals through activities in the Yanbaru forest. After experiencing various beautiful natural scenery, you will finish by learning about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom at the Zakimi Castle ruins.
Driving course departing from Naha Airport
1
Naha Airport
Naha Airport is easily accessible from the center of Naha city, about 10 minutes by monorail or car.
The rental car information center is located at the arrivals gate on the first floor of the airport, and there are many other locations within a 10-minute drive. The system is to take the shuttle bus of each rental car company waiting in the airport arrivals lobby to the office, complete the procedure, and then rent a car.
Route to the next spot: National Route 58, National Route 330, National Route 449 Distance: Approximately 90 km Time required: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
2
Ocean Expo Park
This national park was established to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Expo held in Okinawa in 1975, and has a theme of the sun, flowers, and the sea.
In the Kuroshio Sea, the main spot of the aquarium, there is the Shark Doctor Room, where you can learn more about the ecology of sharks. Currently, 10 species of sharks are on display, and you can observe rare specimens.
Distance to next spot: approx. 140 meters Travel time: approx. 1 minute
3
Fukugi trees in Bise
The Fukugi tree-lined street in Bise stretches for about 1 km.
The leaves block the strong Okinawan sunlight, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant walk while feeling the glittering sunlight filtering through the trees.
In the TV drama series Chimu Dondon, the Bise Fukugi tree-lined street was used as the background for the main visual.
Route to the next spot: Prefectural Route 114, National Route 505, National Route 110, National Route 58 Distance: Approximately 59 km Time required: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
4
Yanbaru Learning Forest
The Yanbaru forest offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking (canoeing) and trekking.
On the kayak tour, you can explore the Awa Dam (Lake Rail) with a guide and observe the subtropical flora and fauna, natural waterfalls, and more.
Route to the next spot Prefectural Route 2, National Route 58, Prefectural Route 6 Distance: Approximately 85 km Time required: Approximately 1 hour 42 minutes
5
Cape Maeda
Cape Maeda is designated as part of the Okinawa Coast National Park.
There is a multi-purpose space that can be used for diving lessons and as a rest area, as well as a relaxation plaza and a gazebo, so even if you don't swim, you can enjoy the beautiful sea around Cape Maeda.
To the next spot Route: Prefectural Route 6 Distance: Approximately 6 km Time required: Approximately 12 minutes
6
Zakimi Castle Ruins
Zakimi Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site, was built in the first half of the 15th century to monitor forces opposing the king.
Because it is located on a hill, you can get a panoramic view of the central and southern part of the country, and the views get even more spectacular as you climb the castle ruins. If you visit in the evening, you can also see the beautiful sunset over the East China Sea.
Spots introduced in this itinerary
"Tabirai" is managed by Pam, a group specializing in Japanese tours and travel.Tabirai is a Japan tour and travel booking site established in 2003. As of now, at least 13 million users visit the site annually and at least 400,000 bookings are made every year.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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