The Mysteries of Okinawa's Yanbaru! Thorough explanation of the miraculous forest where endemic species live and breathe!
Table of Contents
- 1 Unspoiled Nature! What is Yanbaru?
- 2 Nature and Characteristics of Yanbaru
- 3 Yanbaru National Park
- 4 Living in Yanbaru
Precious Creatures
- 4.1 Representative Endemic Species Ecology of the Okinawa rail
- 4.2 It's not just Yanbaru kuina! Birds of Yanbaru
- 4.3 Living in Yanbaru Forest Rare mammals
- 4.4 Living in Yanbaru Forest Reptiles and Amphibians
- 4.5 Dancing in the Yanbaru Forest Precious Insects
- 4.6 Living in the clear waters of Yanbaru Freshwater Fish and Crustaceans
- 4.7 Endangered Creatures
- 5 Yanbaru Recommended Tour
- 6 Points to keep in mind when participating in Yanbaru tours
- 7 summary
Unspoiled Nature! What is Yanbaru?
Yanbaru is a place whereMiracle ForestThe area is known as "the most beautiful area in the world," and it is an area of precious nature that stretches across the northern part of the main island of Okinawa.
."Galapagos of the OrientIt is also referred to as "theendemic speciesand ... andendangered speciesIt is home to many rare plants and animals, including many rare plants and animals that have developed their own unique ecosystems.
Yanbaru, with its rich natural environment, is a special forest that is attracting worldwide attention.
◆Those who want to enjoy the nature of Okinawa
◆To learn more about the charms of Yanbaru
◆Yanbaru for convenient tours.
◆To learn more about the creatures that live in Yanbaru
Recommended Okinawa Yanbaru Tour
Nature and Characteristics of Yanbaru
The name "Yanbaru" is an Okinawan dialect word meaning "YanbaruIt is written "", meaning a mountain and a spreading wilderness.
Located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, Yanbaru is a rich natural area covering an area of over 1,000 square kilometers, with high mountains and unspoiled forests.
It has a mild climate and diverse ecosystems, with many endemic species. With many wetlands and rivers, it is a habitat for a diverse range of organisms.
Yanbaru's rich natural environment in 2021Registered as a World Natural Heritage siteThe site was recognized for its biodiversity and importance. Some endangered species live here, and conservation efforts are underway.
Yanbaru National Park
The area is home to many rare plants and animals, and is a valuable place to encounter endemic species such as the Okinawa rail.
Access: 2 hours 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport
◆Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (open year-round)
Yanbaru National Park Highlights
Yanbaru National Park is one of the richest natural areas in Japan, located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa,It is also registered as a World Natural Heritage site.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
The subtropical forest is home to rare flora and fauna, including Okinawa rail and Okinawa woodpecker, and is ideal for trekking and bird watching.
The dynamic natural scenery of Oishi Rinzan and Hichi Great Falls is also a highlight. There are also numerous driving courses and observation decks where visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the forest and ocean, allowing them to experience the pristine wilderness that only Okinawa can offer.
How to get to Yanbaru National Park and
What to watch out for
Yanbaru National Park is accessible from Naha Airport.Approximately 2 to 3 hours by caris the general access method.
Renting a car is convenient, and areas such as Kunigami Village, Ogimi Village, and Higashi Village are the entrances. Since public transportation is infrequent, tours are also recommended.
One thing to be aware of is that the nature of Yanbaru is very delicate,I don't touch plants and animals.interpoint (interword separation)not bring backIt is important to follow the rules of nature conservation, such as always taking garbage home with you. Also,Hubs and other wildlifeBe very careful to
live in Yanbaru
Precious creatures
Yanbaru forest is home to many endemic species, especially the Yanbaru rail.endangered speciesA large number of these have been identified.
These creatures are extremely precious, having evolved while adapting to Yanbaru's unique natural environment.
Here are some of the rare and precious creatures that live in Yanbaru Forest♪
Typical endemic species
Ecology of the Okinawa rail
Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae)is a bird endemic to Japan, found only in the Yanbaru region of northern Okinawa Island.
The bird is about 30 cm long and cannot fly. Its feathers are striped brown and black, and it has a red beak and legs.
It was discovered in 1978, and because of its rarity, it was calledphantom birdThe species has also been referred to as "the mongoose. In recent years, however, forest development and invasive alien species such as mongooses have reduced their numbers,endangered speciesThe name is designated in the
Currently, conservation efforts are underway,National and regional symbolsIt is also valued as a
It's not just the Okinawa rail!
Birds of Yanbaru
Yanbaru is home to four of the eleven species of birds endemic to JapanOkinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae), ,Okinawa woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii), ,person with a red beard, ,roseroot (Rhodiola rosea)These four species, plus the crow pigeon, are the five species that have been designated by the national and prefectural governments asnatural monumentThe name is designated in the
These birds live in the deep forests and wetlands of Yanbaru.
Inhabiting Yanbaru forest
Unusual mammals
The only large mammal in Yanbarucows' or pigs' offal (Conus pauperculus)and others,Ryukyu long-haired rat (Diplothrix legata)and ... andRyukyu rabbitIt is home to rare mammals such as
These animals are precious symbols of Yanbaru's nature, and conservation efforts are very important.
Breathing in the Yanbaru Forest
Reptiles & Amphibians
The reptiles and amphibians living in Yanbaru Forest include some of Japan's largestOkinawa river frog (Litoria okinawae)The large species is distributed only in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa.Namiye's frog (Limnonectes namiyei)The only inhabitants of Yanbaru areOkinawa pit viper (Ovophis okinavensis)and others.
These are important in supporting the rich ecosystem of Yanbaru.
Yanbaru is home to many reptiles and amphibians, some of which are very rare and remarkable species.
Dancing in the forests of Yanbaru
Precious Insects
Living in the clear waters of Yanbaru
Freshwater fish and crustaceans
For freshwater fish and crustaceans that live in the clear waters of Yanbaru,Okinawa biwa (or its tributaries, esp. the Oriental biwa, Okinawa biwa, Okinawa biwa)and ... andYanbaru long-armed lobster (Ibacus novemdentatus)Swimming in a schoolHawaiian ladyfish (Elops hawaiensis)is inhabited by
It is also a rareRyukyu salamander (Hynobius kimurae)and fertile.killifishThese creatures support the ecosystem in the clear waters and enrich the natural environment of Yanbaru.
Endangered Creatures
For Yanbaru,Many endangered species live here.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Particularly famous is the Okinawa rail, whose population is currently declining. The Amami rabbit and the Ryukyu wild boar, as well as other rare insects, are also facing extinction.
Their habitats are threatened by changes in the natural environment and human activities, and conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these organisms.
In order to protect the ecosystem of Yanbaru, these plants and animals must be protected and maintained in a sustainable environment.
Yanbaru Recommended Tour
Yanbaru" in the northern part of Okinawa's main island is an area of unspoiled nature with a variety oftourand ... andActivitiesYou can experience the â
There are plenty of activities to enjoy the forests, rivers, and ocean, and a wide range of activities are available for families, couples, and women's travelers.
Here are some details of popular tours in Yanbaru!
Yanbaru Night Tour
Observe nocturnal animalsNight TourAt the "Kaiyodo", you will have a chance to see rare creatures that are not visible during the daytime.
A rare experience awaits you, where you can observe up close rare animals and insects that move around in the dark.
Exploring Yanbaru by ATV and 8-wheeled tank
Explore Yanbaru in Nago City, Okinawa, by jungle baby carriage or amphibious 8-wheeled tank. You can enjoy a thrilling ATV experience in a wilderness that reminds you of the age of dinosaurs.
This activity can be enjoyed in conjunction with sightseeing spots and is a great way to enjoy Okinawa's natural beauty.
Yanbaru Tribal Photo Tour
Yanbaru Tribal Photo Tour with a guide who is very popular on SNS! You will be transformed into a tribe member deep in the mountains, and a professional photographer will capture your special moments.
This is a recommended tour that can only be experienced here, where you can learn about the rich nature of Yanbaru and also enjoy playing in the river.
Yanbaru Trekking Tour
River trekking tours where you can enjoy playing in the river at Tha Falls, a secluded area in Yanbaru, are open to participants as young as 3 years old and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Trekking to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes one way while enjoying the beautiful natural environment. Guides certified by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission will lead you.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also available, so even small children can join the tour♪
Points to keep in mind when participating in Yanbaru tours
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking a tour in Yanbaru. First, because of the rich natural environment, you should take precautions against insect bites and sunburn.Long sleeves and hats, ,insect repellent sprayPrepare the
Also, be prepared for sudden weather changes.Also carry rain gear.It is recommended to do so. For river and forest activities, we recommendSlip-resistant shoesis required.
It is also important to have good manners to protect the natural environment by obeying the guide's instructions and not touching plants and animals unnecessarily.safety firstLet's have fun with it.
summary
Yanbaru, introduced here, is a precious area in Okinawa where special nature and living creatures thrive.
In the deep forests registered as a World Heritage site, endemic and endangered species that can only be found here live quietly.
By visiting Yanbaru, you will be reminded of the charm of its rich natural environment and the importance of the connection between life and nature.
We invite you to visit and enjoy the encounter with the profound nature of Yanbaru and the animals and plants that live in it.
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