Mangrove Park in Higashi

People in Okinawa often go to the Mangrove park in Higashi village on school trips and so on. It is difficult to go there. That park is far away from our university. It takes 20 minutes or more.

The first time, we drove route 58 and then, there was nothing around the road. Along the way, we drove down a very narrow alley. That road was surrounded by a lot of forest. Finally, we arrived at that park. 

This park is an obscure sightseeing spot and one of the national all parks in Okinawa. You can ride a canoe with a coach. The mangrove root is very different compared to other plants. The mangrove live in brackish water place that mixes fresh water and sea water.

The mangrove grows in the tropics and subtropics. There are 2000 remaining mangrove forest areas of the world, spanning 118 countries and territories. (53.190 square miles or 137.760 sq km).

There are many different creatures. For example, birds, insects, shells, crabs, shrimp and fish. We saw unusual creatures there. We were surprised about a crab. It was smaller than a hand. It was only male. They pursue females with their big arms.

A statue of the crab.

The Mangrove plants.

There isn’t any building, but a small local store is near the national park. Many elders were gathering in a lodge in the park. They looked happy.

The mangrove is a unique plant that helps clean sea water. So it gets more attention from all over the world. But, the mangrove forests are decreasing because they are cut down to use as material for charcoal and farm animals. So, most mangroves are planted by people. For example, Manko Park in Naha City. The Mangrove functions as a brake water. Because Japan has a high possibility of Tsunamis caused by earthquakes, we thought that we should make the most of the mangrove.

Access

From Nago, go north on Route 58. Turn right at Route 14. Go straight on Route 14, till you meet Route 331. There are the park on your left.

Address: 188 Gesash, Higashi village, Okinawa