Four Tourist Spots in Kunigami Village, Located at the Northern Tip of Okinawa Island Where the Yanbaru Rail Forest Spreads

Kunigami Village is located at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island, with about 80% of its area covered by forest. It boasts some of the most beautiful seas in Okinawa, allowing visitors to enjoy both the Pacific Ocean to the east and the East China Sea to the west. The area also offers plenty of forest-based activities.
Kunigami Village is home to unique species such as the “Yanbaru Rail,” which cannot be found anywhere else, offering many opportunities to learn from nature. The atmosphere here is distinctly different from Naha, with a relaxing flow of time that soothes visitors. In recent years, Mount Daisekirinzan has gained popularity as a power spot, and the number of people captivated by Kunigami Village—known for its pure water and air—has been increasing year by year.
Local specialties include green tea, “Kumisukuchin tea,” “Yanbaru medicinal miso,” seafood products, and charcoal. Every August, the Kunigami Village Festival is held, drawing large crowds. Here are some of the village’s must-visit tourist attractions.

1. “Okuma Beach” Overflowing with a Private Resort Feel

Among Okinawa’s many beaches, Okuma Beach is especially known for its beauty. It’s a spot you must visit when coming to Kunigami Village. Managed by JAL Private Resort Okuma, an entrance fee is required, but it’s worth it for the tranquil, adult-oriented atmosphere. The entrance fee is 750 yen for adults and 520 yen for children. Guests staying at the resort can borrow parasols and towels for free. If you’re planning to stay in Kunigami, this hotel is a great choice.
Maintained with the ambiance of an overseas resort, the beach is always clean and beautiful. Pets are allowed, and many visitors bring their dogs. The white sandy beach stretches about 1 km, and when the weather is fine, you can enjoy marine activities. The sunset viewed from the beach is stunning—the combination of the sun setting over the East China Sea and the view of Ie Island is breathtaking.

2. The Symbolic Mountain of Kunigami Village “Mount Daisekirinzan”

Located in the northern part of Kunigami Village, Mount Daisekirinzan is a famous power spot. Once you approach, you’ll be amazed by the lush, jungle-like nature. It has long been considered a sacred place. Although the exterior appears rugged, inside it’s full of subtropical vegetation, making it feel like a hidden paradise. The area is maintained as a trekking course, making it safe for families. There are four routes to choose from based on distance, time, and interests.

■Churaumi Observatory Course
Boasts a magnificent view of the open sea, and on clear days, you can see as far as Yoronjima. Duration: about 30 minutes.

■Subtropical Natural Forest Course
Famous for its giant banyan trees and jungle scenery. Visitors can enjoy a forest of over 60,000 sago palms and experience the mystical atmosphere. Duration: about 30 minutes.

■Rock Excitement Course
Features tropical karst formations formed about 200 million years ago. You’ll encounter fascinating rock formations like “Himiko Rock,” “Daruma Rock,” and “Camel Rock.” Duration: about 35 minutes.

■Barrier-Free Course
A wooden deck course that allows visitors to see the mysterious Nabe Pond. Duration: about 20 minutes.

3. Roadside Station “Yui Yui Kunigami”

Located in Kunigami Village, the roadside station “Yui Yui Kunigami” offers a spacious shopping area. The lineup of teas, one of the village’s specialties, is impressive, including varieties rarely found in other stations. The shop is also famous for its wide range of Yanbaru Rail-themed souvenirs.
During summer, Yui Yui Kunigami sells “snack pineapples,” a type of pineapple with little acidity and a sweet, addictive taste. These are quite rare on Japan’s main island, so be sure to try one when you visit Kunigami. Depending on the size, they cost between 1,000 and 3,000 yen.

4. “Hiji Great Waterfall Campground” Visited by 32,000 People a Year

Attracting about 32,000 campers annually, the “Hiji Great Waterfall Campground” allows visitors to fully enjoy the nature of Kunigami Village. Walking trails are well maintained, so camping can be enjoyed without difficulty. From the management building, there’s a trekking course that takes about 40 minutes one way, perfect for hiking. Along the trail, you’ll come across a large red bridge, and continuing onward leads you to the 25-meter-high Hiji Great Waterfall, where you can truly feel the grandeur of Yanbaru’s nature.
An admission fee is required. For village residents, it’s 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for children; for non-residents, 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Additional camping fees apply—1,000 yen for residents and 2,000 yen for non-residents. Note that camping may not be possible depending on weather conditions, so be sure to check the forecast beforehand.

◎Summary

Kunigami Village is a wonderful place where you can fully enjoy Okinawa’s unique natural environment. It offers many attractions that stand apart from other parts of Okinawa. There are plenty more sightseeing spots worth exploring, so take your time and enjoy. Facilities such as the Yanbaru Rail Ecological Learning Center, observation decks, and Oku hamlet—famous for its tea—offer rare and memorable experiences.