Yanbaru Learning Forest

The Yanbaru Learning Forest is an educational nature facility located in the northern region of Okinawa's main island, within the Yanbaru National Park established in 2016. This area represents one of Japan's most important subtropical forest ecosystems and serves as a gateway for visitors to understand the unique biodiversity of the Yanbaru region, which covers approximately 13,622 hectares of protected forestland.

The Yanbaru forests are recognized for their exceptional natural value, containing numerous endemic species found nowhere else on earth. The region is home to the Okinawa rail (Yanbaru kuina), a flightless bird discovered in 1981, along with the Okinawa woodpecker and Ryukyu long-haired rat. The dense subtropical laurel forests here have remained relatively untouched for millions of years, creating a living laboratory of evolutionary biology. In 2021, the Yanbaru region was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island" in recognition of its global ecological importance.

Visitors to the Yanbaru Learning Forest can explore marked nature trails that wind through the primary forest, offering opportunities to observe native flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The facility provides guided walking tours led by certified nature guides who explain the forest ecosystem and help identify rare species.

An indoor education center features exhibits about the region's biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the cultural relationship between local communities and the forest. Night tours are particularly popular for observing nocturnal wildlife. The facility also offers programs focused on sustainable forest management and environmental education suitable for families and school groups.

The Yanbaru Learning Forest is located in Kunigami Village in northern Okinawa, approximately 100 kilometers north of Naha. Access is most practical by rental car, with the drive from Naha taking roughly two hours via the Okinawa Expressway and National Route 58. No direct public transportation serves the facility, though some tour operators in Naha offer day trips that include transportation. Admission to the basic facilities and trails is free, though guided tour programs require advance reservation and fees ranging from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 depending on the program duration and content.