SUI TAXI · WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE
Yanbaru Into the Pristine Subtropical Forest.
World Natural Heritage 2021 | ASMUI Spiritual Hikes (formerly Daisekirinzan) | Cape Hedo
Designated a Global Treasure in 2021. A Miraculous Evergreen Forest.
Yanbaru is a vast subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest area spanning the villages of Kunigami, Ogimi, and Higashi in northern Okinawa Main Island. In July 2021, it was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site as part of "Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, Northern Part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island." The approximately 7,700-hectare untouched primeval forest is home to numerous endemic and rare species, making it a place of global value from a biodiversity perspective.
The iconic creature of Yanbaru is the Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail). This flightless bird, found only in northern Okinawa Main Island, was described as a new species in 1981. Currently designated as an endangered species, conservation efforts continue for its habitat. While it is rare for travelers to spot a Yanbaru Kuina in the wild, you can observe them up close at the "Kuina no Mori" (Yanbaru Kuina Ecology Exhibition and Learning Facility) in Kunigami Village.
Major spots in Yanbaru include "ASMUI Spiritual Hikes," a trekking spot with mystical giant rock formations and spectacular views; "Cape Hedo," the northernmost cliff of Okinawa Main Island; and "Hiji Waterfall," where waterfalls and streams are scattered throughout. Since it takes 2.5 to 3 hours from Naha to Cape Hedo even via expressway, this is a remote area nearly impossible to access by public transportation. With a private charter, you can spend a full day thoroughly enjoying Yanbaru.
Vibrant subtropical evergreen forest. The pristine landscape remains untouched by human hands.
Highlights of Yanbaru
ASMUI Spiritual Hikes is a trekking spot in Kunigami Village where strange rock formations and huge boulders rise from a limestone plateau. The "World Natural Heritage Forest Course" lets you walk through the old-growth forest inside the World Heritage area, with unusual plant life and glimpses of the sea visible between the rocks. Admission is ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,000 for children, and the walk takes around 60 to 90 minutes.
Cape Hedo is the cliff-edge cape at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Main Island. From the top of the cliffs you can look out over the open sea where the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet, and on a clear day Yoron Island is visible in the distance. A monument commemorating Okinawa's reversion to Japan also stands here, making it a place that carries postwar history as well. Further inland, Hiji Waterfall is the largest waterfall on Okinawa Main Island, with a drop of around 26 metres, reached after a roughly one-hour walk along a jungle trail.
Cape Hedo. Where the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean meet at Okinawa's northernmost cliffs.
ASMUI Spiritual Hikes. A mystical World Heritage trekking course with towering limestone formations.
Getting to Yanbaru by Taxi
The "Yanbaru Full-Day Course (10 hours)" covering Naha to Yanbaru (ASMUI Spiritual Hikes, Cape Hedo, Hiji Waterfall) starts from ¥70,000 (tax included, expressway tolls separate). Any charter going north of Ogimi starts at 10 hours, wherever you set off from. The "Northern Deluxe Course (full day)" combined with Churaumi Aquarium is also from ¥70,000. Since Yanbaru is a mountainous and primeval forest area with extremely limited public transportation, a private taxi is the ideal way to visit.
With an early morning departure from Naha at 6:30-7:00 AM, you can arrive at ASMUI Spiritual Hikes by 9:30-10:00 AM. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kunigami Village featuring Yanbaru pork or wild boar dishes, then visit Cape Hedo and Hiji Waterfall in the afternoon before returning to Naha by evening. The car and driver stay with you for the whole day, so schedule changes can be flexibly accommodated.
— Early morning departure recommended: Yanbaru is 2.5 to 3 hours one way from Naha. Depart early at 6:30-7:00 AM to maximize your time on site. Early morning departures are available (advance booking by the day before is required).
Yanbaru Tour Fares
| Plan | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yanbaru day course from Naha (10 hours: ASMUI Spiritual Hikes, Cape Hedo, Hiji Falls) | ¥70,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥14,000 per person. Expressway tolls, parking and admission charged separately |
| Northern highlights course (10 hours, adding Churaumi Aquarium) | ¥70,000〜 | Up to 5 guests per vehicle. From ¥14,000 per person. 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.
Area
Kunigami, Ogimi, and Higashi Villages, Kunigami District
Year Registered
2021 (World Natural Heritage)
Endemic Species
Yanbaru Kuina, Noguchi Woodpecker, etc.
From Naha
Approx. 2.5-3 hours to Cape Hedo
Access Information
| Area | Kunigami, Ogimi, and Higashi Villages, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Heritage Registration | July 2021 (World Natural Heritage) |
| ASMUI Spiritual Hikes (formerly Daisekirinzan) | 9:30 - 17:30 (last entry 16:00) / Adults ¥2,500, Children ¥1,000 |
| From Naha | Approx. 2.5-3 hours to Cape Hedo via expressway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Naha to Yanbaru cost?
The 10-hour Yanbaru day course starts from ¥70,000. That is the price for one Alphard carrying up to five guests, so with five people it works out from ¥14,000 each. Any charter going north of Ogimi starts at 10 hours, wherever you set off from. The northern highlights course with Churaumi Aquarium also starts from ¥70,000. Expressway tolls, parking and admission are charged at cost.
How many hours do we need to book?
Naha to Cape Hedo is two and a half to three hours each way, so the driving alone is close to six hours. With time to look around, 9 to 10 hours is realistic. Staying the night in Nago or Motobu brings it down to a 6-hour charter.
Will we see a Yanbaru kuina?
Seeing a wild one is a matter of luck. They sometimes come onto the road at dawn and dusk, so we slow down at those hours. If you want a certain sighting, we can include the observation centre in Kunigami.
How much walking is there at ASMUI Spiritual Hikes?
About an hour and a half on the trails between the rock formations. Last admission is 4pm and entry is ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,000 for children. Wear shoes you can walk in.
Can you collect us from a hotel in the north?
Yes. Charters going north of Ogimi are from 10 hours, from ¥70,000, even when they start in the north. Transfers between Naha Airport and hotels in Kunigami start from ¥38,500 one way, expressway tolls included.
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Recommended Combination Courses
ASMUI Spiritual Hikes
Audio-guided spiritual hike through the sacred forest of Asumui in Yanbaru UNESCO World Heritage.
Stay 90 min+
Cape Hedo
The northernmost cape on Okinawa Island. From the cliffs of Kunigami you look out over both the East China Sea and the Pacific.
Stay 30–60 min
Ta Falls
A waterfall in Ogimi reached by wading about 30 minutes up the stream. Shoes you can get wet are required.
Stay 60 min+
Gesashi River Mangroves
Explore the Yanbaru mangrove forest by canoe — a true nature experience.
Stay 90 min+