Kenmin no mori Forest park

This large forest park totals a massive 181 hectors of land area and is designed to be a beautiful multiple use facility combining sports and nature and is maintained by the prefecture government. Kenmin no mori forest park is a popular place in the spring for cherry blossom (sakura) viewing when many of the trees explode into pink clouds. The rest of the year the hiking trails supporting small hills and babbling steams making for a nice few hours of walking in the woods. For the children this park in central Okinawa has a small nature museum where kids can learn about the local bugs, trees, and other indigenous ecology. Camping is another option for nature lovers and a campsite can be rented for 500 yen per night or 250 yen to pitch a tent for the day. Reservations for the campground have to be made 3 days in advance.

For sports enthusiasts Kenmin no mori forest park offers a variety of activates to help you work up a sweat. The parks tennis courts can be rented for the low price of 300 yen per hour with 2 rackets plus 2 balls for an extra 100 yen per hour. If hiking is not your thing then a tour of this Okinawa park can be done on a rented bicycle for 310 per hour or try your luck at grass skiing for 520 per hour. If none of these sports appeal to you and you just feel like tossing around a ball or Frisbee that’s ok too.

From Naha Airport: Approx: 80 min. by car (via Highway)
Parking: 383 spots (free)

Admission: free
Closing day: Monday
Open hours: April-August 9:00-18:30 Sept – March 9:00 – 17:30 (no camping)
Phone: 098-967-8092 Campsite booking

Directions: take Highway 58 north toward Nago and follow the signs to Kenmin no Mori