The ruins of Nakijin Castle are located on the Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan. The castle was built in the 13th century during the Sanzan, or three kingdoms, period. During this time, the island of Okinawa was divided into northern, central, and southern kingdoms, each of which was controlled by a different ruler. Nakijin Castle was the seat of the northern kingdom (known as Hokuzan) until the three kingdoms were unified by Sho Hashi in 1429.
The word Yanbaru means "mountains and trees". This word is used to describe the area of northern Okinawa where the rolling hills and covered with dense forests of trees. Between these mountains lay farmland that remains preserved far out of the eye of modern day Okinawa. Beautiful vistas can be seen all throughout Okinawa's northern Yanbaru.
Bise is a small area in northern Okinawa best known for it's Fukugi trees that line sandy paths through a village that is hundreds of years old. These trees serve as protection from strong typhoon winds.
Nago is the largest city on the northern portion of Okinawa. Located just to the south and east of Motobu Peninsula, it is home to several small museums, a brewery, and many ecological attractions.
Manza-mo (Cape Manza) is an upheaved outcropping of fossilized coral that overlooks the East China Sea. Located in Onna Village, the cape is particularly known for a distinctive formation that resulted from wave erosion and that resembles an elephant's trunk.
Located on the northern portion of the island, Hiji Falls is a popular attraction on Okinawa, Japan. The falls are located about halfway down the Hiji River, in the dense foliage of Yanbaru, and are the largest falls in Okinawa. Hiji Falls is a national park and a wonderful destination for those searching for a beautiful, tropical atmosphere practically year round. The path leading from the parking area and base camp to the falls is only about two miles long, though hikers should be prepared to ascend a number of staircases, some of which are very steep. The trail is well maintained and features a scenic wooden bridge, other smaller bridges, and several small creeks.
Churaumi Aquarium is located in Ocean Expo Park on the northern portion of Okinawa, Japan. Churaumi currently ranks as the largest aquarium in Japan and one of the five largest in the world. The exhibits at the Churaumi Aquarium have been developed to give visitors a glimpse into the wonderful sea life that Japan has to offer. Starting from the beach and delving into the deep sea inhabitants, the aquarium offers a view of sea life like none other in the world.
Founded in 1957 as Okinawa Breweries, Orion Breweries came to being while Okinawa was under American occupation. For years, the small company struggled to compete with its Japanese counterparts, but fortune changed in 1959 when the company garnered support from the Government of the Ryukyu Islands and the U.S. Civil Administration, who were developing strategies to help local businesses and thus boost the island's economy. In the same year, the company changed its name from Okinawa Breweries to Orion (pronounced or-ee-on as opposed to or-eye-on) Breweries, after the starry constellation of a Greek hunter. Additionally, Orion changed its recipe to an American type of beer from a German style.
Hedo Point (also known as Hedo Misaki) is located at the tip of Cape Hedo, the northernmost point on the Japanese island of Okinawa. One of the most astounding natural attractions on the northern portion of Okinawa Honto, Hedo Point is famous for its beautiful scenery, dramatic seascapes, and jagged cliffs. On clear days, visitors can see Yoron Island to the north.
The Motobu Peninsula is located in northern Okinawa and, generally speaking, encompasses Bise, Nakijin, and Motobu townships, as well as the northern portion of Nago City. Motobu Peninsula is characterized by a lower population density than the southern portion of the island, as well as by an abundance of small towns surrounded by dense foliage. The name "Motobu" comes from a prince chosen to govern the area in the mid-1600s.
Standard text messaging rates may apply from your carrier.
Recent Japan News
Japan NewsKaleidoscope of the Heart: Having no boyfriend better than dating a dominatorWednesday, 17 December 2008I had a talk with the National Women's Shelter Net's Director Tomoko Endo about violence on dates. The Law on the Prevention of Spousal Violence covers married and common law couples, so violence...
Japan NewsInfluenza spreading at fast pace in JapanWednesday, 17 December 2008The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced Wednesday that the number of influenza patients had surpassed the threshold for the start of a nationwide spread of infections.
Institute...
Japan NewsNobel laureate Maskawa jokes he will bury prizeWednesday, 17 December 2008When Nobel Prize winner Toshihide Maskawa was asked about his new medal at a press conference upon his return to Japan on Monday, he joked with the assembled reporters that he would "dig a hole and...
Japan 
The word Yanbaru means "mountains and trees". This word is used to describe the area of northern Okinawa where the rolling hills and covered with dense forests of trees. Between these mountains lay farmland that remains preserved far out of the eye of modern day Okinawa. Beautiful vistas can be seen all throughout Okinawa's northern Yanbaru.
Bise is a small area in northern Okinawa best known for it's Fukugi trees that line sandy paths through a village that is hundreds of years old. These trees serve as protection from strong typhoon winds.
Nago is the largest city on the northern portion of Okinawa. Located just to the south and east of Motobu Peninsula, it is home to several small museums, a brewery, and many ecological attractions. 
