What are the opening hours of Wansaka Oura Park?

The park operates with varying hours throughout the week. Opening times are Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturday 10am-6pm. The facility is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Can I bring my dog to Wansaka Oura Park?

No, pets are not permitted within the park. This policy applies to all areas including the boardwalk, farmers market, and restaurant.

How much do the kayak tours cost and do I need to book in advance?

Glass-bottom boat tours cost ¥1,500 for adults. Kayak tour prices vary by operator and package. Tours last approximately 2 hours and accept participants from age 3 and up. Advanced booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Is the mangrove boardwalk wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the 726-meter boardwalk is wheelchair accessible with gentle slopes and handrails. The wooden surface may become slippery when wet.

What's the best time to visit the mangroves?

Visit during high tide when water fills the channels for better wildlife viewing. Low tide exposes mudflats with less visual appeal. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and optimal conditions for birdwatching.

Wansaka Oura Park in Okinawa: Highlights, Access & Tips

Wansaka Oura Park sits on the eastern coast of Nago City in northern Okinawa, serving as a gateway to one of the most ecologically significant mangrove forests remaining on the island. The park reopened in April 2024 as a direct sales center operated cooperatively by 10 local villages, combining local commerce with environmental conservation. Oura Township was founded sometime in the 1600s during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, and historical artifacts from that period, including stone-built artesian wells, can still be found in the surrounding village.

The centerpiece of the park is the Oura Mangrove Forest, designated as a natural monument by Nago City. This ecosystem represents one of the largest and best-preserved mangrove areas in Okinawa, thriving where the Oura River meets Oura Bay in a mix of fresh and saltwater. The east coast of Okinawa used to be lined with mangroves, but because of coastal development, few areas remain, making this site particularly valuable for conservation and education. The forest supports biodiversity, with 262 of the 5,806 species of living creatures inhabiting the bay being endangered.

A 726-meter boardwalk winds through the mangrove forest, offering visitors close observation of subtropical plants and wildlife including crabs, mudskippers, and diverse bird species. The wheelchair-accessible wooden path takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete and features sections with handrails on sloped areas.

Visitors can also participate in guided kayak tours through the mangrove channels and opt for glass boat excursions to view Oura Bay's marine life, including the world's largest known blue coral colony measuring 13 meters high, 30 meters wide, and 50 meters long. The park complex includes a direct sales market featuring locally grown produce, crafts, and regional specialties, alongside a restaurant serving Okinawan cuisine and a children's playground.

The park is accessible from Route 331, approximately 18 minutes from Ginoza IC or 15 minutes from Kyoda IC on the Okinawa Expressway. From Naha, the drive takes roughly 90 minutes heading north, while the park sits about 50 minutes south of the Churaumi Aquarium. Note that pets and bicycles are not permitted within the park. Admission to the mangrove boardwalk costs ¥360 for adults and ¥210 for elementary and middle school students, with free entry for preschool children.

What other travelers are saying about Wansaka Oura Park

Great store with different local products, such as fresh fruit and vegatables, okinawan salt, teas, sweets and some traditional stuff. We got here everything we were looking for. Some employees spoke english and they were able to tell us about the products.

Ella Rihova

Feb 22, 2026

Had a very nice steak on a sizing hotplate. Great view. Even better on a sunny day! And sweet staff. Great stop on my bike tour of Okinawa.

It's an ok rest stop with a large kid's play area. Not busy at all when I visited on a weekday. There is a restaurant here, as well as a convenience store area. If you need a rest break while traveling, this will do.

Wow 500 yen Okinawa Soba. Now don't let the picture fool you. They pack a lot of charsiu and for 500 yen you get a small Okinawan donut for dessert. Great place for lunch and a great views while eating. I'd totally recommend it here if you're in the area.

A roadside station located further north of Henoko. The scenery would be nice if it was sunny. I didn't use it or there were many meal menus in the restaurant.