SUI TAXI · YANBARU NORTH
ASMUI Spiritual Hikes Walking the sacred forest of Asumui.
UNESCO World Natural Heritage ｜ Yanbaru ｜ Formerly Daisekirinzan
The sacred land of Asumui — a new chapter began in 2024.
The Yanbaru forest long known as "Daisekirinzan" was reborn in December 2024 as "ASMUI Spiritual Hikes." The new name comes from Asumui (Asumori) — the sacred mountain where, according to Ryukyuan creation myth, the goddess Amamiku first descended to earth. Limestone outcroppings, formed by the uplift of coral reefs over 200 million years ago, rise dramatically from the subtropical forest, all within the core zone of the Yanbaru National Park, registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
After the renewal, visitors now experience the site through an audio-narrated walk. Two routes are offered: the Regular Course (about 60 minutes) and the Short Course (about 30 minutes). Including the shuttle to the trailhead (about 30 minutes), a lounge break, and the descent on foot or by shuttle (about 30 minutes), the full experience runs roughly 90 to 150 minutes. Centuries-old banyan trees forming green tunnels, towering limestone formations, and Yanbaru-endemic ferns such as Hekoge are introduced through audio narration alongside the legends of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
From the highest point and viewing decks, you can look out over the sheer cliffs of Cape Hedo — the northernmost tip of Okinawa's main island — with panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. On clear days, Yoron Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) may be visible in the distance. Sacred utaki (traditional Ryukyuan shrines), revered by local people for generations, still remain on the grounds, and the spiritual atmosphere is deeply present.
Limestone formations sculpted by 200 million years of geological change. Audio narration tells the story of this sacred land.
Highlights of Asumui and the Yanbaru area
About 10–15 minutes by car from ASMUI Spiritual Hikes, Cape Hedo (Hedo Misaki) sits at the very northern tip of the main island — a dramatic cliff cape. The views of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea from the approximately 50-meter cliffs, combined with the raw beauty of crashing waves against the rocks, are truly spectacular. On clear days, the "Peace Monument" on Yoron Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) can be seen across from the "Reversion Movement Monument," evoking Okinawa's deep historical legacy.
In the Yanbaru area, it is also possible to spot the Okinawa Rail (Yanbaru kuina), an endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center (Kuina no Mori) in Kunigami Village offers free exhibits on the Okinawa Rail's conservation and ecology. Driving slowly through forest roads in the early morning can occasionally result in encounters with wild Okinawa Rails, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Cape Hedo — the northernmost point of the main island. Stunning scenery where cliffs meet the crashing sea.
A green tunnel formed by centuries-old banyan trees. A mystical and unforgettable space.
Visiting ASMUI Spiritual Hikes by taxi
From Naha, ASMUI Spiritual Hikes is approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes via expressway (Naha IC to Kyoda IC). Cape Hedo is a further 30 minutes. For a day trip from Naha, an early departure (7–8 AM) is strongly recommended. In SUI TAXI's Alphard, even long-distance drives remain comfortable and relaxing.
A charter from Naha covering ASMUI Spiritual Hikes and Cape Hedo (10-hour course) starts from ¥70,000. The "Complete Northern Course (10 hours)" adding Churaumi Aquarium and Nakijin Castle starts from ¥70,000 (expressway tolls and admission fees separate). To return to Naha before sunset, plan to leave Cape Hedo by 2 PM at the latest.
— Early departure is essential: ASMUI Spiritual Hikes runs about 90–150 minutes including the audio-narrated walk. Combined with Cape Hedo, the round-trip from Naha alone takes 4–5 hours. A 7–8 AM departure allows you to arrive around 10 AM, leaving the early afternoon for Cape Hedo and a comfortable return before sunset.
Fares for Charters to the Yanbaru Area
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip charter from Naha to ASMUI Spiritual Hikes (10 hours) | ¥70,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥14,000 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| ASMUI Spiritual Hikes and Cape Hedo (10 hours) | ¥70,000〜 | Both fit inside the same 10 hours. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Naha Airport → hotels in Yanbaru (Kunigami) (transfer) | ¥38,500〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥7,700 per person. Expressway tolls included |
| hotels in Yanbaru (Kunigami) → Naha Airport (transfer) | ¥38,500〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥7,700 per person. Expressway tolls included |
Charter fares are time-based at ¥7,000 per hour (¥3,500 per additional 30 minutes booked in advance). Extensions made after departure are ¥4,200 per 30 minutes. Admission, expressway tolls and parking are charged at cost. For charters of 6 hours or more we take a 30% deposit when you book, and the balance is paid on the day. Minimum booking times depend on where you start: from 3 hours in the south and central area, 4 hours in Onna Village and 6 hours in the north, and 8 hours for trips that cross between the south and the north. Where a long transfer is involved, the transfer fare for that stretch is the floor for the price.
Address
1241 Giinama, Kunigami Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Hours
9:30–17:30 (last entry 16:00)
Admission
Adults ¥2,500 / Children ¥1,000 (entry, shuttle, audio narration & lounge included)
From Naha
Approx. 2 hrs–2 hrs 20 min by expressway
Access Information
| Address | 1241 Giinama, Kunigami Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa |
| Hours | 9:30–17:30 (last entry 16:00 · open year-round) |
| Admission | Adults ¥2,500 / Children ¥1,000 (entry, shuttle, audio narration & lounge included) |
| Courses | Regular (approx. 60 min) / Short (approx. 30 min) — 2 options |
| To Cape Hedo | Approx. 10–15 min by car from ASMUI Spiritual Hikes |
| From Naha | Approx. 2 hrs–2 hrs 20 min by expressway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Naha to ASMUI (Daisekirinzan)?
A round-trip charter from Naha (10 hours) costs from ¥70,000, and continuing to Cape Hedo fits inside the same 10 hours. That is the fare for one Alphard carrying up to 5 guests. Expressway tolls, parking and admission are charged separately. Any charter going north of Ogimi starts at 10 hours, wherever you set off from.
How many hours of charter do I need?
It is a 2 hour to 2 hour 20 minute drive each way from Naha, so around 4.5 hours of driving. With time to walk the grounds and Cape Hedo added, 10 hours is the figure. Any charter going north of Ogimi starts at 10 hours, wherever you set off from.
Can we include Cape Hedo as well?
Cape Hedo is about 30 minutes from ASMUI, so a 10-hour course covers both comfortably. It takes you to the northernmost point of Okinawa's main island.
What time should we leave?
For a day trip from Naha we suggest leaving between 7 and 8 in the morning. It is a long drive, and a later start cuts into your time on the trails.
Will the taxi wait while we walk the grounds?
Yes. Waiting time is included in the charter fare and your driver stays in the car park, so you can take your time.
Ready to book?
