Top 10 Recommended Tourist Spots & Events in Nago [Family-Friendly!]

When people think of Okinawa, most probably picture the beautiful, emerald-green sea.

Spending time on an Okinawan beach, enjoying the sea breeze under a beach umbrella and chair, is the ultimate luxury. However, if you're traveling to Okinawa with family, especially with young children, you can't spend the whole day on the beach.

Okinawa Island, especially the northern Nago area, offers a variety of tourist spots that even young children can enjoy. Here are some of the facilities where families can fully enjoy Okinawa!

<Table of Contents>
1. 8 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Nago
Part 1: Neo Park Okinawa
Part 2: OKINAWA Fruit Land
Part 3: Nago Pineapple Park
Part 4: Yanbaru Relaxation Forest
Part 5: The Glass Museum in the Forest
Part 6: Kouri Island and Kouri Bridge
Part 7: Yagaji Island
Part 8: Busena Marine Park
2. Two events you should attend in Nago
Part 1: Nago Cherry Blossom Festival
Part 2: Kanucha Stardust Fantasia
3. Access to Nago
Part 1: In the case of a rental car
Part 2: Using the bus
4. Summary

1. 8 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Nago

Part 1: Neo Park Okinawa

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Did you know that Nago has a surprising zoo that defies all expectations? When you think of a zoo, you usually imagine animals in cages, viewing them from outside. But at this zoo, the common sense of tourists from mainland Japan doesn't apply. It's truly an Okinawan-style zoo.

First, the moment you open the transparent glass door to enter the park, hundreds of birds will rush right in front of you to greet you.

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All the birds in the bird area are free-roaming, and if you buy bird food, you'll be surrounded by so many birds looking for it that you won't be able to move. Seeing the large birds up close is quite an impressive sight.

After the bird area, you'll find a petting zoo where you can interact with giant tortoises, goats, ponies, and more. Amazingly, you can even ride on the backs of giant tortoises! While there aren't many zoos where you can touch giant tortoises, it's even rarer to find a place where you can ride on their backs and be carried by them. You'll be surprised at how strong giant tortoises are; they can easily walk around with an adult on their back!

Further on, you'll find wallabies and peacocks roaming freely, and if you're lucky, you might even get to interact with them.

Also, although not widely known, this zoo also keeps a very dangerous bird called the cassowary. Even though this zoo mainly allows free-roaming animals, this bird has tremendous kicking power so it is kept in a cage. However, it is a rare bird that is not often seen on Honshu, so although it is kept in a place that is a little hard to find, please try to find it.

We also have the Okinawa Rail, a national natural monument!

Part 2: OKINAWA Fruit Land

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OKINAWA Fruit Land is a facility where a wide variety of tropical plants are cultivated. As soon as you step inside, the sweet scent of various fruits such as mangoes and bananas fills the air. There are many plants and fruit trees that you've never seen before, such as dragon fruit and star fruit, and a world that feels like you're not in Japan unfolds before your eyes.

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OKINAWA Fruit Land has an event called "Tropical Adventure" where visitors can explore the park while solving mysteries, so even children can enjoy quizzes and go around the park in a stamp rally format.

Also, the facility keeps large butterflies called Great Mormon butterflies, and lots of beautiful butterflies are flying around, sometimes even landing all over your body. When I applied coconut-scented sunscreen oil, the butterflies seemed attracted by the scent and gathered all over my body, which made my child very excited.

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And the best thing about the park is the bird feeding area. The colorful birds that perch on your hand to eat are so cute, and their soft, fluffy fur is addictive.

Part 3: Nago Pineapple Park

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If you're talking about pineapples in Okinawa, you absolutely can't miss Nago Pineapple Park. It's a facility that sells a wide variety of pineapple-related products, and half of the park is comprised of pineapple fields and tropical botanical gardens, so you can explore the grounds on foot or by taking a cart called the Pineapple Train.

You probably don't often get the chance to see actual pineapples growing, but you can learn about how pineapples grow and the many different varieties that exist.

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Furthermore, the facility sells a wide variety of pineapple-based products, including pineapples, pineapple juice, and castella cake, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. The extensive sampling program is a major draw, allowing you to try the products before purchasing. Just be careful not to overindulge in the samples!

I recommend the pineapple castella cake. The subtle aroma of pineapple and the refreshing taste of pineapple when you eat it are simply irresistible.

Part 4: Yanbaru Relaxation Forest

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This tourist facility allows visitors to stroll through a primeval forest of giant tree ferns called Cyathea spinulosa, which have been inhabiting the area for over 100 million years.

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The lush, overgrown vegetation gives you the impression of having traveled back in time to an ancient world. Surrounded by the clean air and negative ions of nature, your mind and body are sure to be healed.

Yanbaru Relaxation Forest is the only pristine forest of tree ferns in Okinawa, making it a very valuable place.

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A landmark for this facility is that there is a confectionery shop called Okashi Goten, famous in Okinawa Prefecture for producing purple sweet potato tarts, located just before the entrance. You will need to pass through the Okashi Goten facility before entering the entrance to Yanbaru Relaxation Forest. You can also buy souvenirs here, killing two birds with one stone.

Part 5: The Glass Museum in the Forest

(Photo by (c)Tomo.Yun) URL(http://www.yunphoto.net)
You can enjoy various experiences using Ryukyu glass, such as making your own Ryukyu glass or creating a photo frame decorated with Ryukyu glass.

Making your own original photo frame or Ryukyu glass cup will create a one-of-a-kind item, perfect for displaying at home after your trip and keeping a wonderful memory forever. Professional craftsmen will guide you every step of the way, so anyone can easily create their own piece.

The shop also sells various products, including Ryukyu glassware, so you can not only experience making glass yourself but also purchase items made by professional artisans. The experience only takes about 30 minutes, so it's a great place to stop by for a break during your travels.

Part 6: Kouri Island and Kouri Bridge

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Kouri Island, located on the main island of Okinawa, is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists because it still retains its pristine natural environment.

Kouri Island used to be only accessible by boat, but the Kouri Bridge was built to connect Kouri Island to the Nago area by land. Driving across the Kouri Bridge in a rental car, you'll feel like you've entered another world as you gaze upon the beautiful sea and countless coral reefs stretching out below the bridge.

And when driving across Kouri Bridge, I recommend going on a sunny day during the daytime. When the sunlight is strong, the sea shines with an emerald green color unlike anything you've ever seen.

There are very few places on Okinawa Island where the sea sparkles like this. It's an absolute must-see spot on a driving route in the Nago area!

Take a look at this article too
[The Perfect Guide to Kouri Island, Okinawa: A Trip You'll Want to Take with Your Lover!]

*Editor's note: Kouri Island is located in Nakijin Village, but we have included it here as a nearby spot connected to Yagaji Island in Nago. Please be aware of this beforehand.

Part 7: Yagaji Island

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Yagaji Island is impressive for its vast tidal flats and the countless mangroves that inhabit them.

The islands are connected by countless bridges, and renting a car and driving through them allows you to fully enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. The roads run at sea level, giving you a close-up view of the ocean, and driving while observing the animals that inhabit the tidal flats is a unique Okinawan experience.

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And if you're going to drive around Yagaji Island, I highly recommend going at low tide. At low tide, the sea shines with an emerald green color, and the whole area looks like it's sparkling with jewels.

The emerald green color of the water fades at high tide, so it's best to check the high and low tide times before you go. There are also beaches on the island, so if you have time, you can enjoy swimming at beautiful beaches like " Yagaji Beach ."

Part 8: Busena Marine Park

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Right next to the Busena Terrace, the venue for the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit held from July 21st to 23rd, 2000, is an underwater observation tower. This facility allows you to enter the underwater world from inside the observation tower without getting wet, and view the underwater scenery of the Busena Marine Park.

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The water is incredibly clear with minimal turbidity, allowing you to fully enjoy the sight of coral reefs, clownfish hiding among them, and countless large fish and other tropical marine life. Here, even those who aren't strong swimmers can observe tropical fish without any worries or time constraints.

In addition to the observation tower, glass-bottom boats are also available, so if you want to see more of the coral reefs, we recommend taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
Also, the Bankoku Shinryokan, which was the venue for the Okinawa Summit, is nearby, so if you have time, I recommend visiting it as well.

Bankoku Shinryokan ©OCVB

2. Two events you should attend in Nago

Part 1: Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

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Okinawa is one of the places in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom earliest, and the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year as an event to celebrate the arrival of spring as early as possible.
The area around Nago Castle Ruins is also well-known as a spot for Kanhizakura cherry blossoms (a type of cherry blossom that grows in warm climates and blooms early, from January to February), and many tourists visit during the season.

The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival in 2018 is scheduled to take place from January 27th to January 28th.
During the festival, events such as street dance and street performances will be held mainly in places like Nago Central Park, Nago Crossroads Avenue, and Nago Fishing Port.

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Enjoying the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan with your own eyes would be a wonderful experience, wouldn't it? Also, while it's difficult to swim in the sea in Okinawa at this time of year, the weather is very pleasant and it's a great place to visit for sightseeing.

For more detailed information, please visit the Nago Tourism Association website .

Part 2: Kanucha Stardust Fantasia

This is a festival of light, video, and music, using illuminations, projection mapping, and more, held at the Kanucha Bay Hotel, one of the top luxury hotels in Okinawa Prefecture.

The event runs from November to February of the following year, but the activities change according to each season, including Japan's earliest Christmas, as well as Christmas Eve, New Year's, and Valentine's Day.
Staying at the Kanucha Bay Hotel and experiencing this event will undoubtedly guarantee you an unforgettable and wonderful evening.

Admission fee (for events held from November 2017 to February 2018)
Advance ticket: 1,000 yen (tax included)
Same-day admission ticket: 1,500 yen (tax included)
(Note: Hotel guests and customers using restaurants and other facilities do not need to purchase admission tickets.)

Some travel agencies offer travel packages specifically for Kanucha Stardust Fantasia, so if you're interested, I recommend checking them out.

For inquiries and reservations, please click here.
Kanucha Bay Hotel & Villas
Address: 156-2 Abe, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Reservation Center (09:00-18:00): 0980-55-8484

3. Access from Naha to Nago

Part 1: In the case of a rental car

If you're traveling from Naha to Nago by rental car, the fastest way to get there is by taking the expressway. Enter the expressway at the Naha Interchange, head north, and exit at the Kyoda exit. The journey takes about an hour from there. The expressway toll from the Naha entrance to Kyoda is 1,020 yen.

Part 2: Using the bus

If you're traveling by bus, the fastest way to get to Nago is by express bus. You can board the express bus at bus stop number 111, located right outside the domestic terminal exit of Naha Airport. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The one-way fare from Naha Airport to Nago Bus Terminal is 2,190 yen.

4. Summary

Okinawa, and especially Nago which we introduced this time, is full of facilities where families can create many memories! There are also many facilities that you can only see and experience in Okinawa, so we highly recommend that the whole family participate together and create unforgettable memories!