Published on Feb, 2020
This really is a full day tour, in this case from 8 am to 8 pm, depending on traffic. Just one comfort stop en route to Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa. Twenty minutes at the cape to appreciate the limestone cliffs and coastal vegetation, then it's a short drive to Daisekirinzan in Yambaru national park. This range of hills is studded with weird and wonderful karst formations, with cycads growing on the rocky slopes. A fairly easy loop trail (45 minutes) takes you through the rocks, with ocean views as well. After that an easy 30 minute walk brings you back to the park entrance through more cycads and banyan trees.
Then you head south to Yuiyui Kunigami service area for lunch (not included), which is surprisingly good. A row of stalls offer freshly cooked meals for ¥500 to ¥600, cheap and tasty.
The final stop is Churaumi Aquarium. This is magnificent. Starting at the top you descend past the coral reef tank with many windows onto its reef to view its denizens, big and small, brilliant and drab, all active and engaging.
Next stop down is the huge tank showcasing the marine life of the Kuroshio Sea, big enough for two whale sharks to swim around, plus large manta-type rays and many others. If you time it right you can see the whale sharks being fed.
Further down is the deep sea tank, holding animals from the dark zone below 200 meters, not as spectacular as the other two, but interesting. Finally the 'planetarium' shows off the luminescent creatures of the sea.
Outside there are open air tanks for marine mammals and turtles. The dolphin show takes place here. Four bottlenose dolphins and two false killer whales perform their tricks with their trainers to a large audience. I have mixed feelings here. I enjoy the grace and agility of these creatures and admire the combination of dolphin intelligence and trainer skill that produces these displays. But I also feel uncomfortable that these intelligent charismatic animals are reduced to performing pointless tricks for a reward of fish, just for our entertainment. Three hours is allotted to the aquarium visit, and then it's back to Naha. Tour over.
Our cheerful tour guide Koko shepherded us to the attractions but then left us to see them at our own pace. For a nature lover this is a great introduction to the Okinawa outside of Naha city.
