2 1 4 Home to one of the largest subtropical rainforests and an array of unique flora and fauna, North Okinawa Island provides cruise guests with a chance to explore a pristine natural environment AS I A: REPORT An untouched island paradise Okinawa Island, the smallest of the five main islands of Japan, lies around 400 miles to the south of the rest of the country. Just one of the almost 160 islands that make up the archipelago Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa is surrounded by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The island’s subtropical climate means that it remains comfortably warm throughout the year, making it an attractive holiday destination for travellers from both Japan and around the world. The capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, is in the southern part of the island, which has been significantly developed and urbanised. The north of the island, however, is dotted with small towns and villages, and is home to the Yambaru National Park. Known as Yambaru in the native Okinawan language, it is the location of one of the largest tracts of surviving subtropical rainforests in Asia, containing a vast array of unique flora and fauna that do not exist anywhere else in the world. Largely pristine and untouched by humans, the region was recognised as being of outstanding global value when it was added to the Unesco World Natural Heritage List in 2021, along with the nearby Iriomote Island, Tokunoshima island and Amami Oshima. For cruise lines, Northern Okinawa Island offers the perfect destination for guests looking to explore the untouched natural world. Motobu Port provides cruise ships with the best access to the northern half of Okinawa, while the Motobu Peninsula offers several attractions for visitors itself, including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the ruins of Nakijin Castle, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Yambaru National Park can be reached either by rental car or bus service from Motobu Port. Once in the area, guests can participate in a range of activities that will allow them to explore all that the region has to offer. River canoeing and kayaking lets visitors view the mangrove forests, which teem with fish, birds and other organisms that are endemic to the environment. Navigating the small river systems of the island while canyoning or river trekking provides a chance to discover some of the hidden locations deep in the forest. One option for beginners is the 15-metrehigh Ta Waterfall, to which there is no maintained trail. With a low difficulty of traversal, even children can enjoy the Yambaru National Park is home to one of the largest surviving rainforests in Asia
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