KUTA Guided Tour Programs
We provide guided walk and nature tour programs to explore the wonderful subtropical nature in "Yambaru" Kunigami village.
Our nature guide staffs well trained and live in Kunigami village, they are very knowledgeable about history and culture of Kunigami village.
Please come to explore the nature of Yambaru.
A. Canoeing in Subtropical Jungle
After short hike in the forest, you will ride canoe and paddle across the Aha dam to the upstream of the dam.
When river gets narrower, you will start to see large ferns growing over the stream.
It is exciting to be in the middle of Jungle!
At upstream you park the canoe to the rivershore and play in river. Swimming, snorkeling, how about taking a nap? You can enjoy nature in your way!
This is a tour you cannot participate anywhere else!
B. Refreshing walk to Hiji waterfall
Hiji waterfall is a popular hiking and camping destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
During 1.5km long trail to the waterfall, you are able to see the various subtropical plants and small streams, you can surely enjoy the scenic of Yambaru at this course.
You can enjoy watching the seasonal changes in the forest plants and trees as well as bird watching.
C. Birdwatching in Yambaru
Forest of Yambaru is a special habitat to endemic species like Prayer's Woodpecker and Okinawa Rail as well as many other birds.
You will enjoy watching birds and scenery that are only seen in this area.
Okinawa as a birds habitat
There are approximately 440 bird species recorded in Okinawa, and 90% of them are migrating birds.
Because Ryukyu Islands consists of many small islands positioned in line,
and warm climate in winter, it is very convenient for migrating birds to rest on the long way to their destination in Southeast.
Why Yambaru is important.
There are currently 12 endemic bird species you can observe in Japan, and 4 of them - Prayer's Woodpecker, Okinawa Rail, Ryukyu Robin, and Amami Woodcock
are found in forest of Yambaru in Kunigami village. You may still able to observe those birds.
Birds might be seen in Yambaru
- Resident Birds
- Forest area: Okinawa Rail, Prayer's Woodpecker, Ryukyu Robin, Japanese Wood Pegion,
Ryukyu-Sanshoukui, Shijukara, Yamagara, etc.
Waterside, field area: Ryukyu-Yoshigoi, Shiroharakuina, Ban, Sekka, etc.
- Birds might be seen in summer
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Forest area: Akashoubin, Sankouchou, etc.
Coastal area: Beniajisashi, Eriguroajisashi, etc.
- Birds might be seen in winter
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Akaharadaka(only from Sep. to beginning of Oct.), Sashiba, Chogenbou, Yatugashira(March to beginning of April),
Akahara, Shirohara, Munaguro, Kochidori, Seitakashigi, Isoshigi
D. Exploring Ino (Tide Pool)
In this tour, you will go to coastal area during "Ooshio", spring tide, and explore tide pools. This tour is ideal for children and those who are new to explore the Ocean.
Okinawa is well known for its coral reefs. People come from all over the world to dive in Okinawa. But diving is not an only way to explore the Ocean. You will amaze how much things you discover at tide pools.
There are several lagoons of coral reefs that developed around the coastal area of Kunigami Village.
These coastal areas are great places to go exploring tide pools.
Coral Tide Pool (Ino)
Exploring tide pools are one of the best ways to study the environment of oceans and coastlines. When tide is down during "Ooshio", spring tide period, level of ocean gets to its lowest and coral reefs appear near the oceans surface and create tide pools of different sizes. These tide pools are like an aquarium in nature. Large fish eat crustaceans and even the coral itself, it is said that their waste creates white sand. Starfish, crabs, and shrimp eat dead creatures are often called "the cleaner of the ocean". There are many creatures that feed on coral, but in a natural eco system, corals can regenerate and are never destroyed without outside influences.
E. Snorkeling in Kunigami Ocean
Let's snorkel and explore underwater!
Experienced interpreter will guide you to the wonderful ocean in Kunigami.
In this tour you can enjoy snorkeling and observe tropical fishes, corals and underwater scenic.
You will enter the ocean from the shallow water and snorkel towards the little deeper area to see the different underwater habitat and geographic features.
This tour is ideal for children and those who are new to explore the Ocean.
F. Kayaking in Coral forest
Paddling around and find your favorite spot to observe!
In this tour you will ride kayak and go along the reef edge.
You can enjoy the scenery that is surely different from what you see from shore, and observe the coral reefs from the surface.
KUTA guide will teach you how to ride kayak and paddle and explain about ocean creatures and corals.
G. Relaxing Walk in Oku Community
Oku community is where you can find traditional lifestyle of Okinawa still remains.
KUTA staff introduce you about traditional Red-clay-roofed Okinawan house, and village structure,
and show you around the history museum.
Lodging facility is available for long staying in Oku.
About Oku Community in Kunigami
Okinawa's first community store was built in Oku
Oku community store was the first community owned store in Okinawa, and it was built in 1906. There are many "Kyoudou-Baiten",
community stores are found at small towns in Okinawa.
The local community or village usually manages a store. You can find variety of items from groceries to farmer's hardware,
tools at a community store. And community stores are where local people enjoy gatherings.
"Traditional Okinawa" still remains in Oku
Oku community is very cultural and historic place, surrounded by great nature.
There are traditional Okinawan houses, Sesa, statue of guardian dog, ditch made with stones, etc.
It is exciting to see how people in old days made their living convenient.
Come feel the traditional Okinawa in Oku.
Nations earliest harvesting field of tea
Not very many people know that there are tea field in Okinawa.
In fact, there are tea fields spread in between the forest. Occasional tea harvesting workshop is available.
H. Yambaru Forest Walk
Would you like to plan your own nature tour?
KUTA would create a nature tour program with your interest, physical ability, knowledge, and time.
You can choose from Mt. Yonaha, Okinawa mainland's highest peak, Mt.Ibu, Forest area in Mt. Nishime,
Ookuni forest road, and many more destinations. You can also enjoy night watching in the forest.
You would surely enjoy what your own nature tour. Contact us to start planning your tour today!
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