The Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum, which reopened in 2026 after renovations, is an interactive museum where visitors can experience the rich nature and culture of Yanbaru, a World Natural Heritage site, through play.
The facility features a warm and inviting atmosphere thanks to the abundant use of wood sourced from Okinawa Prefecture, and offers a variety of activities incorporating Okinawan motifs.
This time, I actually visited the facility with my 2-year-old daughter and will provide a detailed report on the renovated interior, the attractions of the play area, and the crowd situation.
List of articles about the northern part of the main island
A family trip to the Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum! Information on the renovated museum's highlights, admission fees, and discounts.
Nakijin Old House Cafe KURURU | A relaxing space created over 4 years, and hearty taco rice
Leaving the bustling tourist areas behind, we venture into the quiet settlements of Nakijin Village. Nestled in a narrow alleyway, in an area where many Fukugi trees remain, is "Kururu," the old folk house cafe we're introducing today.
This shop, enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere as if time itself had changed, is actually a special place that the young owner renovated by hand, piece by piece. The owner is very friendly and easy to talk to, and will readily share any stories about how he opened the shop and behind-the-scenes tales of the renovations.
The taco rice allows you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of their signature meat. Not only is the taco rice great, but the owner's lively stories and warm personality leave you feeling energized and positive.
We want visitors to experience the relaxed atmosphere of Nakijin Village, enjoy a chat, and savor the unique taco rice that can only be found here.
Enjoy a fruit-filled acai bowl on a terrace with a panoramic view of Kouri Bridge! [Nankuru Kitchen]
It's about a 1-hour drive from Naha Airport.
Crossing the Kouri Bridge, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking emerald-blue ocean stretching out before you from your car window. On Kouri Island, just beyond, lies "Nankuru Kitchen," a café offering spectacular views of the bridge and the sea.
Enjoy an acai bowl overflowing with fresh fruit on a terrace overlooking Kouri Bridge – perfect for a tropical vacation!
Discount information for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | Check in advance if you plan to purchase tickets on the day!
Admission tickets for Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium can be purchased at the aquarium's ticket office, as well as at convenience stores and roadside rest areas throughout the prefecture. Depending on where you purchase them, you may be able to buy them at a discounted price.
Additionally, some apps offer coupons for first-time registrations, so we'll introduce each of them in detail!
Okinawa Soba Nakijin no Mori | Enjoy a relaxing bowl of soba in a restaurant surrounded by the Yanbaru forest.
Nakijin Village is located exactly halfway between the popular tourist attractions "Churaumi Aquarium" and "Kouri Island." In this place surrounded by the primeval forests of Yanbaru, there is an Okinawan soba restaurant that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The flavor is supported by the owner's dedication. The Okinawan soba, made with a triple broth of chicken, pork, and bonito, is a bowl themed around healing and recharging.
After your meal, be sure to try our homemade, rich brown sugar pudding.
The restaurant, housed in a renovated container house, offers an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoying Okinawan soba while gazing at the nature of Yanbaru through the large windows is a truly special experience.
In Okinawa, where the strong sunshine pours down, enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee during your midday break to soothe your fatigue.
I took a leisurely bike ride to Warumi in Bise, a power spot!
Bise no Warumi, also known as Warumi Banta.
Warumi means crevice and Banta means cliff, and as the name suggests, a narrow path emerges from a crevice in the sheer cliff face, leading to the blue sea and sky.
In the past, information about Warumi was scarce, and the entrance was very difficult to find, so many people would give up halfway through without being able to reach it.
Furthermore, at high tide, the waves reach the crevices of the cliffs, making it impossible to enter, and some people have to turn back in disappointment.
Because it is so inaccessible to people, it is still known as a "hidden paradise that only those who are called can reach."
This time, we set out on a leisurely adventure by rental bicycle, aiming for the secluded "Bise no Warumi."
*Regarding the visit to Bise no Warumi* (Added June 2026)
Since July 14, 2017, access to Bise no Warumi from the land side had been restricted due to reasons such as illegal dumping of garbage, trespassing on private property, and illegal parking, but it is now accessible again.
Those considering a visit should keep in mind the reasons why access restrictions were imposed in the past and observe proper tourist manners and etiquette.
*This text is based on information from a visit in the past (2015), and there may be changes since then.
[2026 Edition] Okinawa's Charms Galore! We'll Tell You About the Highlights and How to Enjoy Ocean Expo Park!
Photo courtesy of Ocean Expo Park
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which boasts the number one tourist attraction in Okinawa Prefecture, is actually located within the grounds of Ocean Expo Park. It has become an essential spot for any trip to Okinawa, but did you know that there's more to enjoy than just the aquarium? The park is packed with other attractions that would be a shame to miss if you only visited the aquarium!
This time, I'd like to introduce Ocean Expo Park, a place that can be enjoyed all year round. What kind of place is it, and what kind of activities can you do there? I'd like to explore the charms of Ocean Expo Park, including how to get there if you don't have a car!
Heart Rock (Kouri Island, Tinu Beach): How to Get There and Complete Parking Guide
Heart Rock (Tinu Beach) on Kouri Island is a classic tourist spot in Okinawa. The rock has been eroded by waves to form a heart shape, and it is a popular spot for tourists seeking love. It is also famous as the filming location for a certain idol's commercial.
Heart Rock (Tinu Beach) is actually a place where surprisingly many people have trouble setting it as a destination on their car navigation system.
This article explains how to get to Heart Rock and the parking situation in the surrounding area, based on the author's actual visit to the site and investigation of the route and parking situation.
Reading this will surely help you access Heart Rock smoothly.
・How to get to Heart Rock (overview)
┗If you are having trouble setting up your car navigation system
┗Landmark just before Heart Rock
・Parking near Heart Rock
┗① Tokaihara Parking Lot
┗② Parking Chura
┗③ GREAT EGRET COFFEE Parking
┗④ Parking lot above GREAT EGRET COFFEE
・The route from the parking lot to Heart Rock
┗Find the four heart patterns.
・Let's also take a trip to the neighboring Tokeihama beach.
Show all table of contents
How to get to Heart Rock (overview)
The beach where Heart Rock is located, Teenu Beach, is on the north side of Kouri Island, on the opposite side of the island when viewed from Kouri Bridge.
It's about a 5-minute drive from Kouri Bridge.
The address of Tinu Beach is "2610 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture," but it may not be displayed precisely on car navigation systems.
If you are having trouble setting up your car navigation system
If you are unable to set your destination using your car's navigation system, try using a map code.
The map code for the area near Tinu Beach is:"485 722 842*83".
Alternatively, the author's recommended parking lotYou could also set "Tokaihara Parking Lot (2525 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture)" as your destination..
Tokaihara Parking is the only parking lot near Heart Rock that can be accessed from the island's ring road, making it very convenient to park.
Landmark just before Heart Rock
Once you get to Kouri Island, the journey from there to Heart Rock isn't too complicated.
After crossing the Kouri Island Bridge, turn left and proceed clockwise around the island on the ring road.
Look for the arrow signs along the ring road and the sign that says "5910 sa-ta-café".
Parking near Heart Rock
When I visited, there were four parking lots operating around Heart Rock.
① Tokaihara Parking Lot
Parking fee: 300 yen per day.
One of the advantages of the Tokaihara parking lot is that you can enter and exit from both the ring road and the side road. The entrance on the ring road side is located beyond the arrow sign mentioned earlier.
The parking lot has restrooms, a foot-washing area, and shops, and parking is free if you spend 1,100 yen or more at the shops.
② Parking Chura
Parking fee: 300 yen per day.
The closest parking lot to Heart Rock is "Parking Chura".
In addition to regular cars, there are separate fares for motorcycles (200 yen), medium-sized buses (500 yen), and large buses (1,000 yen), and payment is required in advance.
Located along the path leading down to the beach, this parking lot is the closest to Heart Rock, but there are other parking lots almost adjacent, so there isn't much difference.
③ GREAT EGRET COFFEE Parking
Parking fee: 200 yen per day
The parking lot at "GREAT EGRET COFFEE," located next to the east side of the Tokaihara parking lot, can also be used for sightseeing at Heart Rock.
④ Parking lot above GREAT EGRET COFFEE
Parking fee: 200 yen per day
There is also a parking lot further up the hill from the "GREAT EGRET COFFEE" parking lot.
This is a cheap parking lot that only those in the know are aware of.
The route from the parking lot to Heart Rock
The narrow path leading to Heart Rock, located next to the Chura parking lot, is about 200 meters long and takes approximately 5 minutes on foot. The walking time is roughly the same regardless of which parking lot you start from.
There are signs in the parking lot directing you to Teenu Beach, so just follow them.
It's not difficult to find your way, but the narrow path is a steep slope covered in sand, making it slippery and difficult to walk without your feet sliding. You'll almost fall if you don't hold onto the handrail.
Also, the sand at Tinu Beach was deep, and I kept losing my footing, which was quite exhausting.
Be careful if you're going in flip-flops or similar footwear.
Find the four heart patterns.
At Heart Rock, you can see four different heart shapes.
① First, the rock on the left alone forms a heart shape.
② Next, stack the two rocks to form a heart. If you look at Heart Rock from the left diagonally, they will overlap perfectly.
③ If you look at Heart Rock from a slightly more leftward angle, the cavity formed by the two rocks will look like an inverted heart.
④ When viewed from the right at an angle, the hollow space looks like an inverted heart.
Let's also take a trip to the neighboring Tokeihama beach.
While swimming is not permitted at Teenu Beach, where Heart Rock is located, you can enjoy playing in the sea at the neighboring Tokei Beach, which is an 8-minute walk away.
There is also a free parking lot (capacity of 7 cars) near Tokeihama Beach.
Tokei Beach is surrounded by two large rocks, giving you the luxurious feeling of having the sea all to yourself.
The entrance to Tokei Beach is narrow and the ground is uneven, so please proceed with caution.
There is a beach hut nearby with paid showers, but it is a natural beach with no lifeguards, so please be sure to take full responsibility for your own safety while you are there.
Masuei
A web writer and blogger born and raised in Okinawa. Although she lived in Fukuoka for her studies, she returned to Okinawa because of her love for the place. Having left Okinawa once, she now understands its wonderful qualities and shares them with others. She helps you make the most of your Okinawa trip.
Official blog:"Romgreat," a blog about laptop peripherals.
Shirokuma Tours offers affordable Okinawa package tours. A wide variety of options are available, including tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands.
For local experiences and optional tours such as snorkeling and sightseeing bus tours, choose Tabi Plus One.
For diving in Okinawa, from license acquisition and fun dives to introductory experiences, choose Oceans Dive Tour.
Let's go to the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival, packed with events featuring cherry blossoms and a World Heritage Site!
Winter is still in full swing across the Japanese archipelago. Everyone is eagerly awaiting spring, aren't they?
Meanwhile, in the southern island of Okinawa, cherry blossom season has already begun. The mountains are adorned with cherry blossoms of a deeper pink color, slightly different from those on the main island of Honshu.
So, this time, I'd like to introduce a cherry blossom event in Nakijin Village, one of the famous cherry blossom viewing spots on Okinawa Island.
Why not take a trip to Okinawa to experience an early taste of spring?
Experience time travel in the Yanbaru Subtropical Forest, a forest where you can meet dinosaurs!
"There's a place in Okinawa where you can see dinosaurs"—that's how we ended up at "DINO Dinosaur Park Yanbaru Subtropical Forest."
I can't really picture dinosaurs in Okinawa...
Apparently, you can observe dinosaurs while strolling through a park that resembles a jungle. I have to check this out!
Step inside, and you're transported to a world of dinosaurs. We've taken a deep dive into another side of Okinawa's charm, a stark contrast to the image of "blue seas"!
THE SINMAY offers a "raw brown sugar latte" where chunks of brown sugar are sliced and topped right in front of you.
"THE SINMAY" is a take-out only cafe located in Nakijin Village, in the northern part of Okinawa Island.
The most popular signature item on the menu is the "Raw Brown Sugar Latte," which is generously topped with shaved brown sugar from Okinawa Prefecture.
This latte, based on fragrant coffee roasted over a wood fire, is topped with a large block of brown sugar sliced right in front of you. The sight of the brown sugar shavings piling up is delightful, and its natural sweetness is a perfect match for the coffee!
Jangria Okinawa Gourmet! Enjoy Jangria through food! Here's a look at what I actually ate.
Eating while strolling is one of the ways to enjoy Janglia! Let us introduce you to the gourmet scene in Janglia.
I used to think that amusement park food was just expensive and not tasty, but Janglia had a lot of novel and elaborate dishes, which left a very good impression. Personally, I felt that while the prices weren't cheap, they weren't as high as I expected.
Useful Information for Jangria Okinawa | Tourist Hacks You Should Know for Your First Jangria Visit
Here's some advice for families with children and first-time tourists visiting the popular spot, "Janglia Okinawa" (hereinafter referred to as "Janglia")! While you'll see a variety of reviews, both positive and negative, personally, I thought it was a worthwhile experience overall.
We've compiled helpful information based on on-site reports, including crowd conditions, whether you should buy a premium pass, and tips for dealing with the heat. If you want to ride as many attractions as possible, preparation is essential. We highly recommend this to anyone planning a visit to Janglia.
It exceeded expectations! 11 must-buy souvenirs at Janglia Okinawa
"Jangria Okinawa," which opened in Yanbaru, boasts an impressive souvenir section! Even classic Okinawan souvenirs are tastefully arranged, making the souvenir shop a place that sparks curiosity and excitement, with items that make you think, "Wow, they've really gathered a lot of Okinawan products!" and "What is this?!" In this article, we'll introduce some of our recommended souvenirs that caught our eye!
[Jangria Okinawa] A complete guide to getting there, ticket types, and more | Okinawa's highly anticipated large-scale theme park opening in July 2025
The much-talked-about theme park "JUNGLIA OKINAWA" (hereinafter referred to as "Junglia Okinawa") is finally opening on July 25, 2025. With the concept of "Power Vacance!!", it offers a wide variety of exciting attractions and shows, including thrilling rides, a water-soaked festival, and fireworks that light up the night sky. In this article, we will introduce all the information you need to know to enjoy Junglia Okinawa, such as how to get there, ticket information, and the main attractions!
TWIN-LINE HOTEL YANBARU OKINAWA JAPAN ANNEX Building Accommodation Blog
TWIN-LINE HOTEL YANBARU OKINAWA JAPAN in Nago, Okinawa, is a lifestyle hotel where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea and forest. The ANNEX building "GREEN WAVE," which opened in July 2024, features an indoor balcony with a jacuzzi in every room, allowing you to relax while feeling the presence of the Yanbaru forest.
One of the hotel's attractions is its four lounges, which guests can use free of charge. Guests can enjoy free drinks such as beer and awamori (Okinawan liquor) while participating in a variety of activities including billiards, darts, and craft workshops.
This time, I stayed in the newly built annex building. I'll be reporting on my stay, which was full of extraordinary experiences, such as relaxing in the jacuzzi and enjoying board games with a drink in hand in the free lounge!
How to enjoy "Asumui Haiku," a hike that lets you experience Ryukyu mythology and the magnificent nature of Yanbaru. How many can you identify? Difficult rock formations to interpret
The "Asumui Hike" allows you to walk through the forest that spreads across the middle of the four-mountain range known as "Asumui" in the northernmost part of Okinawa Island, with audio guide navigation. The forest is densely covered with subtropical plants, and many sharp, oddly shaped rocks peek out, creating a unique landscape.
Asumui is described in "Chuzan Seikan," Okinawa's first historical record, as the sacred site first created by Amamiku, a god in Ryukyuan mythology. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, the royal family prayed here for abundant harvests and the prosperity of the nation. Since the Meiji era, it has spread as an object of popular faith, and even today, it remains a sacred place with over 60 places of worship scattered throughout.
This time, we'll introduce how to enjoy Asumui Haikusu, one of Okinawa's most unique tourist spots. You're sure to be overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature and the mystical space of faith, and even more so by the incredibly inexplicable interpretations of the bizarre rock formations!
Yanbaru Art Festival | I went to Okinawa's leading art festival!
The Yanbaru Art Festival, which will be held for the eighth time in 2025, is an art festival where visitors can experience and enjoy contemporary art and traditional crafts alongside the pristine landscape of Yanbaru, the northern part of Okinawa Island, which is registered as a World Natural Heritage site. With the former Shioya Elementary School in Ogimi Village as the main venue, visitors can enjoy works by various artists at a total of 11 venues.
Attracting significant attention from overseas, the event has attracted approximately 35 visitors to date, including Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese, and Korean tourists. It is a leading art event in Okinawa Prefecture. This time, we will introduce some of the artworks and atmosphere from other venues, focusing on the main venue, the former Shioya Elementary School.
[be family] Monitor Report! Here's what happened on the day!
A special moment for two families to forge new family bonds during a resort wedding in Okinawa. ❝be family❞
Here is the report from the monitor group that conducted the trial on January 27, 2025!
Monitor Report
This time, Ms. N participated. She attended with the bride's parents!
Unfortunately, the weather was bad on the day and the harley race could not be held, but participants were able to experience yoga and karate programs indoors.
◆ Yoga session
First, try imitating the instructor's poses and doing stretches to lengthen your body.
Relax and feel your body stretching.
After that, we tried partner yoga! We worked together to complete the poses.
This requires a high level of physical flexibility, which significantly increases the difficulty level.
Being able to strike a pose brings a sense of joy and unity!
Once you've gotten comfortable with partner yoga, try challenging yourself with even more difficult poses!
The N family can handle all of it, as expected!!
Finally, take a commemorative photo with the instructor!
Thank you everyone for your hard work!
◆Karate practice
Next, we tried Ryukyu karate. We changed into our gis and got started!
First, we receive instructions from the instructor and then assume karate poses.
You will hone your skills while experiencing practical movements.
In karate, "kata" (forms) are an important element for learning basic techniques, so we strive to master them.
Originally, the karate session was held on the beach, but due to strong winds, it was moved indoors this time.
But since we're here, let's take our final commemorative photo on the beach!!
Thank you very much!
Luncheon social gathering
After the program ends, enjoy a luncheon and get-together while taking in the Okinawan scenery!
I enjoyed a lunch featuring local ingredients at ILE DE RÉ, owned and run by Hiroyuki Sakai, famous as an "Iron Chef."
Enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful scenery of Okinawa, reflect on your experiences, and share your thoughts and impressions.
After the meal, the facilitator conducted interviews to gather opinions and feedback on the program.
Additionally, a "Family Bonding Certificate" will be presented using a photo taken after the program ends!
I'll finish it by adding a message and my signature.
Finally, say pose for a commemorative photo!
Thank you for participating!!
I hope this experience will deepen your family bonds, and that you will all come to Okinawa again someday.
Click here for the tour.
Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort | Winner of the Japan Travel Awards, Luxury Experience Category
Treeful Tree House Sustainable Resort, located in the Yanbaru forest of Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, has won the Luxury Experience category at the Japan Travel Awards 2025.
An experience where both families can bond through sports: Beach Yoga
What does "be family" mean?
Introducing a new concept for Okinawa resort weddings: Family Building, a way to deepen family bonds! Set against the backdrop of Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture, this is a precious time for both families to strengthen their bonds through sports and begin their journey together as one family. Let's create family memories filled with smiles and emotion while communicating through Okinawan-style sports activities!
An experience where both families can bond through sports: Karate
What does "be family" mean?
Introducing a new concept for Okinawa resort weddings: Family Building, a way to deepen family bonds! Set against the backdrop of Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture, this is a precious time for both families to strengthen their bonds through sports and begin their journey together as one family. Let's create family memories filled with smiles and emotion while communicating through Okinawan-style sports activities!
An experience where both families can bond through sports [be family] Harley
What does "be family" mean?
Introducing a new concept for Okinawa resort weddings: Family Building, a celebration that strengthens family bonds! Set against the backdrop of Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture, this is a precious time for both families to deepen their bonds through sports and begin their journey together as one family. Let's create family memories filled with smiles and emotion while communicating through Okinawan-style sports activities!
[be family] Bridal business monitor report!
Set against the backdrop of Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture, "be family" is an experience where families from both sides deepen their bonds through sports! We conducted a trial run for bridal businesses on December 26, 2024! Here's a report on the event!
Sightseeing in Okinawa without a car | Let's go from American Village (Chatan Town) to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu Town)!
When it comes to sightseeing in Okinawa, renting a car is a must! But what if you're not so confident in your driving skills...? And yet, you still want to fully enjoy Okinawa's popular spots! Many people feel this way, right? In such cases, buses and day-trip bus tours are convenient. However, aren't you a little disappointed that the routes are limited and the places you can visit are restricted?
The solution to those problems is the "Chatan Direct Express - Churaumi Line" that we're introducing today! For a limited time, a direct service has appeared from American Village (Chatan Town) to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu Town)! Now you can enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa more easily ✨
Free trial participants wanted! Strengthen the bond between families through sports! A new proposal for Okinawa resort weddings: "be family"
Strengthen the bond between families through sports! A new proposal for Okinawa resort weddings: "be family ~Family Building~" - Free monitor recruitment!
We are hosting a free trial of "be family," an experience where families from both sides deepen their bonds through sports, set against the backdrop of Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture! If you value interaction between the two families or want to strengthen family ties, please join us!
This program offers a new take on resort weddings, providing a special time to deepen bonds through sports that utilize Okinawa's rich nature and culture. The trial period runs until January 31, 2025 (Friday), and participation is free. In addition, it comes with five luxurious perks, including a certificate commemorating the deepening of the bond between the two families and professionally taken photos.
Secret Pool Villa Seji Okinawa Bise: A hotel with stunning views of the Bise Fukugi tree-lined street.
The view from the living room is like a large painting.
The view from the windows of "Secret Pool Villa Seji Okinawa Bise (hereinafter referred to as Seji)," a private villa located amidst the Fukugi tree-lined streets of Bise in northern Okinawa Prefecture, is a breathtaking sight that only guests can enjoy.
Enjoy the luxury of having the Okinawan sea all to yourself, as it changes with the time of day—morning, noon, evening, and night.
27 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Northern Okinawa – From Classic Attractions to Rain-Friendly Indoor Facilities – Model Itineraries Included!
The northern part of Okinawa Island is particularly appealing for its abundant natural beauty. With numerous scenic spots and tourist facilities, it's an area that attracts many visitors. This time, we'll introduce tourist spots and suggested itineraries in northern Okinawa Island, categorized by theme.
"Bottle Palm Garden" - Enjoy a meal on a pleasant garden terrace overlooking the sea of Sesoko Island.
Bottle Palm Garden is a seaside cafe located on Sesoko Island. The terrace, surrounded by lush greenery, exudes a relaxing atmosphere.
Enjoying a meal on the terrace while taking in the sea and sky of Sesoko Island is a truly blissful experience that satisfies both your stomach and your soul.
This article will cover Bottle Palm Garden's terrace, menu, popular food items, and basic information!
Chimagu~ | A restaurant run by mothers in Okinawa, which was the setting for the popular drama "Kodoku no Gourmet" (Solitary Gourmet).
Chimagu is a restaurant in Nakijin Village where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine. Despite being off the main street and nestled in the mountains, it's a hidden gem that attracts both locals and tourists.
The restaurant has the atmosphere of a classic Okinawan diner, creating a nostalgic feeling that makes you think, "There aren't many places like this around anymore." As the name suggests, the restaurant's signature dish is a pork dish called "chimagu."
Furthermore, while the restaurant's interior and food are certainly appealing, the reason why Chimagoo attracts so many fans is the personalities of its staff. Led by the owner, Ms. Nakasone, the five cheerful sisters create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the restaurant.
It was also featured in the popular TV program "Kodoku no Gourmet 2023 New Year's Eve Special," which aired in 2023. In this article, I'll share my experience of actually visiting "Chimagu"!
