Nago Agri Park

Nago Agri Park

Do you know Nago Agri Park? We will introduce a great park in Nago. Agri Park is loved by families and many elderly people. We can go there by car. There is a lot of fun in this park. You can eat delicious bread, play on the lawn, see hydroponics and beautiful flowers, and buy cheap fresh vegetables and gifts.

There are various types of vegetables. They are made in Yanbaru or the whole island of Okinawa. Most vegetables are really cheap. For example, cabbage is about 50 yen. Moreover, those vegetables taste really good and healthy because most vegetables are made without any use of pesticides.

A greenhouse which consists of 3 houses can be seen, and there is space which can be experienced, and a gardening classroom and construction classroom which can be enjoyed. Parents and children can take photos with herb and shimano rape, a plant with beautiful leaves.

We ate delicious red bread. The bread is made from red koji. It is rare. 

In conclusion, Nago Agri park has various facilities and gives people health, beauty and a long life. In addition, Nago Agri Park contributes to revitalization because they serve goods that are made of local things. We believe it’s worth visiting.

Access

4607-1 Aza Nago, Nago city Okinawa, Japan.

0980-43-6010 (TEL)

Nakijin-Jo

We went to the Ruins of Nakijin-jo. What is Nakijin-jo? Nakijin castle is a world heritage site which is placed in the north area. Its history started in the 13th century. It was built before Ryukyu kingdom appeared. Now there is no castle but we can see the beautiful scenery. We can also learn history and look at a lot of heritage in this place. Many Japanese and foreign tourists visit here. If you like magnificent scenery, we recommend this place to you. So, let's start our introduction.

Ruins

The ruins were certified as a World Heritage Site. Amazingly you can enter there by paying just 400 yen. 

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

We look so happy lol.

                                            

                        

Cultural Center

You can learn about the history and culture of Nakijin. Also, you can see some artifacts unearthed at the ruins. It may interest you.

Souvenir Shop

There are some souvenirs. Particularly you can drink the sugar cane juice (Satokibi)! Its amazing taste may interest you. Of course, you can eat lunch there.

Festival

“Nakijin-gusuku-festival” is an annual event held in Nakijin-jo. This festival is held in Spring, so you can enjoy it at a World Heritage Site blooming with a lot of cherry blossoms. During this festival, the structures and cherry blossoms are illuminated so the atmosphere makes you feel romantic. Why don’t you visit there with your partner at night? In addition, you can see traditional local performances held on a special stage.

Also, elderly people can walk more easily because there are walking sticks available to use. But we advise you to wear a casual outfit and comfortable shoes due to a lot of activity.

You are brought to another world by magnificent scenery.

We went to Nakijni-jo by car. It took 30 minutes from Meio University. There are some signs on the way, so you can arrive at Nakijin-jo easily.

Kin Cave

Kin cave

Do you know that caves are used for purposes other than sightseeing? Kin cave is Japan’s first old Sake brewery utilizing the natural environment. We are looking at how the cave in Kin is being used. We are talking about how to get there, what to do there, admission fees and what things we can buy.

How to get there

A limestone cave is in Kin near King Tacos. It takes only 3 minutes to get to the limestone cave from King tacos. After arriving at the limestone cave, you need to pay an admission fee at first. Next a clerk tells you how to get to the cave. However, it is a little difficult to get there so we’re going to introduce how to get there. It takes about 5 minutes on foot. First, go straight in front of the shop for 3 minutes and then you can see a monument on your left. After that, turn left at this monument. There are stairs. You go down the stairs. Finally, you will see the cave.

What to do there

The cave also acts as a storage place for Touhuyou Tatsu Awamori, a local brand. Within the cave, witness several stainless steel vats used for aging awamori sake. Additionally, there are many racks of bottles which are ceremonially placed. The oldest Awamori in that place is from the first year of the Heisei era. These are usually purchased on special occasions such as the birth of a child. The bottles are then kept in the cave until the child turns 20, at which time the bottle is removed and a celebration held.

Admission fee

The admission fee for adult is 400 yen, for junior high school students it is 300 yen, for elementary school students it is 200 yen, under 6 years old is free. If you have a printed coupon from the website, the admission fee will be half.

What we can buy

A few minutes walk from the cave there is a shop related to Tatsu. You can buy Awamori, original tea and Okinawan souvenirs at that place.

Impressions

It was first time for us to go to Kin cave. When we entered the cave, it was very cool even though outside was 30 degrees. The inside of the cave is kept at about 18 degrees. There was a guide so we could easy understand about the cave. We were surprised when we heard that more than half of the customers are from outside of Okinawa. We recommend this beautiful underground storehouse!!!!!!

Tropical Dream Center

              There are three greenhouses that exhibit over 2,000 orchids at all times at Ocean Expo Park’s Tropical Dream Center in Okinawa which invites its visitors to another world. In addition to Orchids, the greenhouse has tropical and subtropical flowers blooming and tropical fruits growing. Enjoy a relaxing time in a dreamlike space surrounded by the scent of Orchids.

What we did there?

              We looked at a lot of flowers and we felt like we were abroad. There was a huge western style building which was used as an observation tower by people. And we could see Ie island, the blue sky and the beautiful sea from this tower. The Tropical Dream Center was very wide and there were plenty of rare plants. So we were able to walk around without getting bored.

              We could see a lot of beautiful flowers which are from many countries. The place is very large and there is a Tropical Fruits Cafe. We ate and drank ice cream, tropical smoothies and fruits soda.

How to get to tropical dream center from Meio University?

We can get there by car, bus and so on. It is 14km from Meio University to the Tropical Dream Center. If we use a car, transit time is about 23 minutes. There is a free parking lot. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the Tropical Dream Center are about 10 minutes away from each other.

How much is the Admission fee?

              A combo discount ticket for “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium + Tropical Dream Center” is now on sale! So, if you have a Churaumi aquarium ticket, admission fee is half the price!

Adult: 690 yen , 6～12 year-old : 350 yen

0~6 year-old is free!!

Address

🏣905-0206

424Ishikawa, Motobu-cho,Kunigami-Gun

By Natsuki, Maya, Sayuri, Natsumi

Daisekirinzan

Have you ever joined nature? Yanbaru has good places to feel nature. Daisekirinzan is one of them. We are going to tell you how beautiful and wonderful it is! First, here is the basic information about Daisekirinzan.

About Daisekirinzan
It is part of the national park in Kunigami, Okinawa. It has remained from about 200 million years ago, and is covered by rocks and trees. There are 4 routes to walk around. These routes are designed for men and women of all ages and disabled people. Each has a different kind of scenery, so you should go on every route if you have time.

Now, we are going to introduce some sights you should visit!

1. Gokuu Rocky Hill

It is said that this is the most spiritual area in Daisekirinzan. The name “Gokuu” came from “Journey to the West.” Gokuu is the main character in this story. We were overwhelmed by its impressive figure.

2. Animal-Shaped Rocks

There are some animal shaped rocks. For example, gorilla, cat, owl, alligator, etc. You can enjoy seeing them.

3. The Rock of Marriage

According to a rumor, if a girl and a boy who are in a relationship pass between these two rocks, their relationship is going to be better than it used to.

A gorilla-shaped rock

The Rock of Marriage

4.  Churaumi Observation Deck

You can see Yoron Island and a beautiful view from the deck if the weather is sunny!

A view from the observation deck

5. The biggest banyan tree in Japan
The banyan tree is characterized by growing its branches sideways. This banyan tree that we saw has the largest branches in Japan. According to a rumor of Okinawa, a fairy who is called “Kijimuna” lives in the banyan tree.

You can visit Daisekirinzan for hiking, exploring, and relaxing any time you want! There is real nature that you have never seen and felt before. Don’t finish your travel only buying stuff or visiting cities. We are sure that you would have a special memory in Yanbaru. We hope you have a good time at Daisekirinzan!

http://www.sekirinzan.com/en/guide

How to get there

Daisekirinzan is located near Cape Hedo.

●    Nago → about 1h

●　JAL Private Resort Okuma
     → about 25min

●　Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
    → about 1h 15min

Admission fee

●　Individual
     → adult ¥820 / child ¥520

●　Party (over 15 members)
     → adult ¥740 / child ¥470

●　Disabled Person
     → adult ¥410 / child ¥260

• Address: 1241 Ginama, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
• TEL: 0980-41-8117
• FAX: 0980-41-8276

Go Sightseeing on Sesoko Island

You can see the very beautiful sea in Okinawa. If you come to northern Okinawa prefecture, you should go to Sesoko Island.

Sesoko Island has 3 great things.

1. Air is clean
2. Beautiful view
3. People are kind

Air is clean

The island is full of nature. When we went to the island, it was so humid. But the forest is very cool. Sesoko island’s air can’t be experienced in a big city. Okinawa’s air is cleaner than Mainland Japan, but especially the island’s air is clearer. You should go there and feel for yourself.

Beautiful view

Speaking of islands, people might imagine that beautiful sea. Of course, the island has a very beautiful sea. From May to June, Okinawa still has bad weather, what people call the “rainy season.” Unfortunately, when we visited there, the weather was bad and we couldn’t see the beautiful sights. And we looked for some places where we needn’t pay money but we couldn’t find it. In most beaches, we needed to pay a parking fee because Sesoko island’s beaches are popular with tourists. But out of season for beaches, you don’t have to pay a parking fee. And if the weather is fine, you can enjoy beautiful views.

People are kind

During our sightseeing, we lost our way. Then, we found a few people and asked them how to get to the destination. When we asked, they seemed to not know where the place we asked about was. But, they thought eagerly and told us how to go there. Furthermore, they gave us some recommended places. We felt they were helpful and kind.

Sesoko Island is the best place in the northern part of Okinawa, so you should go there!

Sesoko Island is located in Motobu village. How to access from Meio:

It's easy to get there. Driving go along with route449 and turn at Sesoko Kohashi, you will arrive. It takes about 25 minutes.

We recommend visiting Sesoko Island when the weather is fine, because you can enjoy wonderful driving and also you can see good sights from Sesoko Oohashi.  

Denku no Eki in Motobu

If you want to enjoy petting animals, looking at flowers, eating local food, and farm working, please come here. 

You can enjoy looking at many animals. For example, there are Ryukyu dogs, water buffalos, kittens, goats, a pony, and so on. And you can enjoy petting them too. When you pet ryukyu dogs, please be careful. They might try to bite you. But they are so cute! And goat feed is sold there. It's cheap so you can enjoy feeding easily.

You can observe fields of flowers. The color of the flowers is so beautiful. Countless sunflowers and cosmos are planted. You might not be able to take pictures with sunflowers because they are so tall. But if you take pictures of sunflowers, you can enjoy the harmony with the sky.

In Denkuu no eki, there is a gift shop. You can buy souvenirs and local vegetables. Local vegetables are so fresh. Why don't you enjoy looking at flowers and eating fresh vegetables?  

There is a power spot, called Hupuka. It's a spring. The village people believe that it protects their lives as a precious water resource.

There is a denkuu restaurant. You can enjoy goat soup, fresh salad and acerola juice. The acerola are harvested from Motobu city. They taste sweet and sour. When you go there, please check it out. But it can be drunk only on Sunday. Be careful.

You can experience farm work. For example rice planting, making black sugar, making miso, growing vegetables and so on. In Motobu, mountains make the characteristic farmland. People there have peculiar farming methods. You can do it if you go to the park. But you have to make a reservation before you’ll come here. If you have concerns, it is no problem! There are instructors always available. They will help.

Address: Okinawa, Kunigami, Motobu town, Gusiken 1334