Ganagala no Tani at Okianwa World

Gangala no Tani is one of Okinawa World’s newest attractions. Opened on August 8th 2008 this wonderful place is sure to grow in popularity as more people begin to discover it’s natural and slightly mystical beauty.

To explore Gangala no Tani guided tours must be booked. The 120 minute tours start in a massive cave that also features a small open air cafe that is ran out charming little make shift camper truck.

 

cave cafe okinawa world
Cave Cafe		 Gangalanotani Okinawa World
Entrance Cave		 Okinawan Banyan Tree
Banyan Tree
 
After the tour group assemble in the cave at the scheduled time the experience begins with an orientation and mini lecture on what to expect and the importance of what you’re about to see on the ensuing journey.
 
Following the orientation the tour guide will lead the group up a small set of stairs at the back of the cave and into a totally different world that appears time may have forgot. A well laid out nature trail winds through what appears to be an ancient forest filled with babbling brooks, hanging banyan trees, and woodland creatures.
 
The tour continues with the guide explaining about the growth of the jungle as you pass ancient Okinawa tombs and explore caves with massive phalace shaped stalactite worshiped by some Okinawans as symbols of fertility.
 
After trekking up a steep staircase to an observation deck that seems to look over the entire Southern Okinawan coast comes the main highlight of the tour, the grave of Minatogawa jin
 

phalace Stalactite
Phalace Stalactite

 Minatogawajin Grave
Minatogawajin Grave		 Jungle Reclaims Fast
The Jungle Reclaims Fast
 
Minatogawa jin is a recent archeological find still being unearthed and features the remains of an 18,000 year old cave man. Researchers theorize this grave could be the roots of the Japanese people but research is still ongoing. In 2008 when this discovery took place it was very big news in the Japanese and international media.
 
The tours through Gangala no Tani is not strenuous and is suitable for people of almost any age. Unfortunatialy they don’t currently offer the tours in English but the experience can still be enjoyed regardless of the language barrier.
 
Tour TImes
10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
 
Tours should be booked 1 day in advance but sometimes there are open spots
 
Cave Café Info
Open 10:00-18:00
 
Even if you don’t join this amazing tour you can enjoy the Cave Café.
 
More Okinawa World Attractions:

South Okinawa Tours
 JTB Okinawa Japan TOurs Southern Okinawa Bus Tour (Morning)
See the historic sites of Southern Okinawa. Tours are facilitated by a portable audio device in English, Chinese & Korean. Lunch included
  >> Details
JTB Okinawa Japan TOurs Southern Okinawa Bus Tour (Aftternoon)
See the historic sites of Southern Okinawa. Tours are facilitated by a portable audio device in English, Chinese & Korean. Lunch included
  >> Details
JTB Okinawa Japan TOurs Okinawa Walking Tour (Half Day:2 persons)
Visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, Shurijo Castle, Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Heiwa Shopping Street and Makishi Public by public transportation with English speaking guide.
  >> Details
JTB Okinawa Japan TOurs Okinawa Walking Tour (Half Day:3 persons)
Visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, Shurijo Castle, Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Heiwa Shopping Street and Makishi Public by public transportation with English speaking guide.
  >> Details
JTB Okinawa Japan TOurs Okinawa Walking Tour (Half Day:4 persons)
Visit Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, Shurijo Castle, Tsuboya Yachimun Street, Heiwa Shopping Street and Makishi Public by public transportation with English speaking guide.
  >> Details