The World Natural Heritage Site, Yambaru, occupies only 0.1% of the Japanese land, but 1/4 of the entire species in Japan inhabit!
Most of them are endemic species that adapted to the unique subtropical environment isolated from the Eurasia continent and mainland Japan.
By trekking in the forest with a nature guide who has an experience as a local science teacher, you can notice the unique features of the forest that you can't realize when walking on your own!
Yuiyui Kunigami or Yambaru manabi no mori
Confirm important rules and clean the bottom of the shoes
Walk a trail or a forestry road to observe unique flora and fauna
Learn about the present situation of Yambaru forest
Yuiyui Kunigami or Yambaru manabi no mori
Guide fee
Transportation fee (you and guide), Entrance fee
In addition to day trips, I can also be your guide for several days in Okinawa and other parts of Japan. If you are interested, please let me know via message.
By eco-trekking with a knowledgeable nature guide, you can notice the unique features of Yambaru forest, such as vegetation, small animals, and traces of endemic animals. If you are lucky, you can see endangered species, Yambaru kuina.
Entrance Fee: Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center ¥0, Kuina's Forest ¥700,
Yambaru is a semi-tropical humid forest, and the floor is slippery. Therefore you need to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed toe/heel shoes (not sandals).
Plenty amount of drinking water is essential.
You cannot take anything (animals, plants, rocks, soil, and so on) away from Yambaru.
Also you cannot leave anything (trash, leftover, waste, and so on) behind at Yambaru.
You have to clean the bottom of the shoes before visiting Yambaru because the most serious threat for the precious forest is an intrusion of invasive species.
Harry is an exceptional guide. he showed us around for 2 days. In those 2 days he took us to places that we had requested and also to some he felt was important for us to see. Hopefully we will get back to Okinawa and if we do we will be sure to call on Harry as our guide. Thank you, Harry! Claudia and Pepe
Thank you very much for your kind comment!! I am glad to hear that you had a good time in Okinawa. How was the mainland Japan? Did everything go smoothly? I would love to see you two again soon! Harry
I had a one day tour with Harry on a very hot and humid day. Harry was so kind and thoughtful and adjusted the schedule to accommodate the heat on the spot. He was very knowledgeable about the history and cultural relevance of all the places we went to. I learned so much about Okinawa's history just in one day and as someone who practices and teaches history for a living, I really appreciated the time and care that Harry takes in creating a meaningful experience. I was in Okinawa to conduct research and Harry even had suggestions for me that proved to be very helpful. I can't recommend Harry enough and when I return, am looking forward to another tour with him. Please do yourself a favor and book your tour with Harry! Thank you so much, Harry!
Thank you very much for your review, Christine-san. It was definitely a hot and humid day so we could feel the effectiveness of Okinawan-style "Zenzai!" I hope your research in Okinawa went well and you could acquire enough information to write your book. If there is something I can help with your project from here in Okinawa, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to seeing you again!
If you are looking for somebody who can help you understand the rich culture, history and ecology of Okinawa, then you need look no further than Harry. Harry is fluent in English, knowledgeable and willing to discuss openly the issues faced by the citizens of Okinawa since the end of WW2. My original trip had to be modified as the day progressed because of the weather but the outcome was still enjoyable and so interesting. I thoroughly recommend Harry.
Although there was an unexpected closure of Nakagusuku Castle due to weather conditions, your strong curiosity and keen insight made the modified tour very "edutaining". Thank you very much! I hope our tour helped you understand the next day's tour of the Battle of Okinawa deeper! Next time you come to Okinawa, please let me introduce you to Nakagusuku Castle and Katsuren Castle!
My tour with Harry was one of the best things I've experienced in Okinawa, and this is my sixth visit (I practice Okinawan karate). He is knowledgeable, articulate (excellent English!) and personable, He is a trained teacher, and it really shows in his fluent ability to help someone understand the subtleties of Okinawan culture and traditions. I recommend him without reservation. I hope to return next year with my wife, and I will book him in advance to make sure my trip is a success and I can continue to learn about and enjoy this beautiful place and its people.
I’m really grateful and appreciate you taking the time to post your review! As a Karate lover as same as you, I learned a lot with you and from you by exploring Okinawa together. I am looking forward to seeing you and your wife again next year! Please have a wonderful rest of your stay in Okinawa! Harry