Discover Yambaru’s rich natural environment, history, culture, and the best ways to enjoy your time here.
About “Yambaru”
The name Yambaru is written as 山原, two characters literally meaning "mountain" and "field." It was named for the landscape of continuous mountain ranges covered with forests. In the broadest sense, Yambaru refers to the area north of Onna Village, but on this website, it is used more specifically for the three villages of Kunigami, Ogimi, and Higashi, where extensive natural forests remain.
Life in Yambaru, Surrounded by Mountains and the Sea
How have the people of Yambaru's villages, nestled between the mountains and the sea, lived throughout the centuries? The history and culture of the Yambaru region are reflected in its living traditions, many of which continue to this day.
The Three Villages of Yambaru
Yambaru National Park
Yambaru National Park was established on September 15, 2016, making it one of the newest of Japan’s 35 national parks. Occupying 21,022 hectares at the north end of Okinawa Island, the park features heavily forested mountains, rugged cliffs and porous karst topography near Cape Hedo, and a mangrove forest at the mouth of the Gesashi River.
The Nature of Yambaru
Yambaru is characterized by steep terrain extending inland from the coast. Rivers descend over steep gradients within a short distance, forming swift mountain streams in their upper reaches. Mangrove forests also develop at some river mouths.
In the mountainous areas, evergreen broadleaved forests dominated by Itajii chinkapin (Castanopsis sieboldii) extend over a wide area.
Cloud forests develop near the summits of the central mountain range. In some areas, limestone bedrock gives rise to karst landscapes.
Cloud Forests
Cloud forests develop near mountain summits, where clouds frequently form and humidity remains high. Mosses, ferns, and epiphytic plants grow abundantly.
Mountain Streams
Found in the upper reaches of rivers, mountain streams support distinctive plants adapted to repeated fluctuations in water levels caused by rainfall.
Limestone Karst
Limestone karst is a landscape formed when limestone is gradually dissolved by rainwater and other natural processes. It is characterized by sharp limestone pinnacles and cone-shaped hills.
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests occur in estuaries and other coastal areas in tropical and subtropical regions affected by seawater. They are home to salt-tolerant trees, including members of the Rhizophoraceae family.
Wildlife
"Yambaru is home to an exceptionally diverse array of wildlife, including many endemic species found only in the Ryukyu Islands or the Yambaru region.
Distinctive species can be found in every major group, including birds and mammals."
Rules and Manners
- Leave all plants and animals undisturbed.
- Do not share location information for wildlife habitats, as it may lead to illegal collecting.
- Avoid startling animals with bright lights or loud noises.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Stay on the trail.
- Do not harm marine creatures (ex: corals, sea turtles, etc)
- Drive carefully to avoid causing roadkill, including that of smaller species.
- Do not build open campfires outside of permitted areas such as campsites.
- Do not litter cigarette butts.
- Do not bring in or abandon plants or animals from outside the area.
- Do not abandon pets or let them roam freely.
- Take any trash home with you.