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Why Okinawa?
Deep Forest
In the forests of Okinawa, primitive stands of trees untouched by time still remain to this day and serve as the habitat of some of the rarest flora and fauna in the world. This unmatched natural environment derives from when Okinawa geographically separated from a single land mass with China and the Japanese archipelago. Animals and plants became completely isolated from the rest of the world and evolved independently along with the environment of Okinawa over many years. The forests in Okinawa continue to be a unique ecosystem. It is said that hidden secrets of Mother Nature still remain in the forests of Okinawa.
Forests
The forests of Okinawa are symbolized by Iriomote Island and “Yanbaru” which is a forest of the Northern Main Island. Yanbaru has dense stands of the subtropical evergreen broadleaf "Itajii" trees (evergreen oak) and is the natural home to as many as 1250 species of plant including many endangered plants. Japan’s largest mangrove forests can be found on Iriomote Island and indigenous species such as “Iriomote-gaya” (Chikusichloa brachyanthera) can be seen here. Okinawa is and always has been a paradise filled with plants since ancient times.
Rare Animals
Yanbaru and Iriomote Island are treasure troves of rare animals. The Yanbaru kuina (Okinawan Rail), a flightless bird, Japan’s largest beetle the Yanbaru-tenaga-kogane (Gold beetle), and the “Iriomote Yamaneko”(Iriomote cat)”, etc. are well known protected species that were, surprisingly, only discovered recently. Even today, Okinawa is recognized by the world for the biological miracles that may still lie hidden on its islands.
Yanbaru
YanbaruThe Northern part of Okinawa is a mountainous district where mountains of 300- 500m adove sea level range in the middle of the area. The locals call the area "Yanbaru". There is a treasure trove of natural greenery. The semitropical old growth forest extends almost to the coastline while the thick evergreen broadleaf forest is home to a unique tropical ecosystem. Precious and rare animals such as the Yanbaru kuina (Okinawan Rail) and the Noguchi-gera (Okinawan woodpecker), which are protected by the national government, are native to Yanbaru. Eco-tours, where the freshness of nature can be felt, such as canoeing at Gesashi Bay as well as trekking and sea kayaking to Hiji Falls, are popular activities. Visiting Yanbaru is truly a great way to experience the magnificence of the jungle.
Iriomote Island
Almost 90% of Iriomote Island is covered by subtropical old-growth forest. Vast mangrove forests grow thick, and the island is known as the "Galapagos of the East". Recently, new species of wildlife have been discovered, and the island has been attracting attention around the world as an island of hidden biological miracles.
