Okinawa Island Bike tour

Welcome to Naha, the vibrant capital of Okinawa Prefecture, renowned for its rich history, Ryukyu heritage, and subtropical charm. Spend your day exploring key highlights like Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street, and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.

In the evening, we meet for a bike fitting and trip briefing, followed by a relaxing dinner to kick off the cycling in Okinawa!

Your adventure begins at Naminoue Shrine, a sacred site where you can pray for the safety of your 6-day journey. Pedal through the historic city of Naha and visit the magnificent Shuri Castle, a World Cultural Heritage site showcasing the brilliant fusion of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles and the ingenuity of ancient Okinawan culture.

Next, cycle to Chatan, a vibrant area where the post-war U.S. influence is still palpable, offering a unique blend of American and Japanese atmospheres. Discover "Yachimun-no-sato," a pottery village with charming red-tiled kilns, where you can explore a stunning array of colorful ceramics and find your favorite handcrafted pieces.

Heading further north, enjoy an exhilarating ride along Okinawa's largest coastal resort area, where breathtaking ocean views await. This day promises an exciting mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Okinawa as you walk through the lush green tunnels of Fukugi trees, planted around houses as natural windbreaks. Visit picturesque villages adorned with traditional red-tiled Okinawan houses, where the soothing melodies of the sanshin, a traditional stringed instrument, fill the air.

Venture beyond the village to discover Hanejinaikai, a tranquil bay dotted with small islets and frequented by rare seasonal migratory birds. Enjoy a relaxing and breathtaking ride along the Kouri Big Bridge, spanning approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) and leading to the serene Kouri Island, offering the sensation of gliding over the ocean.

Spend your day immersed in the rich culture of traditional settlements from the Ryukyu Dynasty, and marvel at the stunning contrasts of the azure sea, vibrant blue sky, and sparkling coral reefs intertwined with a chain of idyllic islands.

Your journey culminates at the breathtaking World Natural Heritage Yanbaru Forest, a lush sanctuary nourished by the Kuroshio Current. Unlike other regions at the same latitude of 27 degrees north, which are deserts, this miraculous forest thrives in harmony with local communities who have lovingly restored and maintained its natural beauty.

Continuing onward, you'll reach Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa. Here, from the sheer cliffs formed by rising coral reefs, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, with the Japanese mainland visible in the distance beyond the expansive ocean. The coastline transitions from the linear west coast to the bay-rich east coast, offering a scenic route with varied terrain through the ancient forest teeming with rare species.

At your accommodation, nestled right next to the World Heritage Area, you might even spot the elusive Yanbaru-kuina, a flightless bird found only in this region, during the tranquil early morning hours.

Continuing your bike ride through the forest, you'll emerge to a breathtaking view of the Oura River, a tributary of Yanbaru Forest, home to one of Okinawa's largest mangrove forests. Here, where subtropical forest meets the ocean, witness teeming crabs at low tide and vibrant fish at high tide, offering a glimpse into Okinawa's distinctive wildlife. Explore the Kayo Formation's layered cliffs, a geological marvel spanning millennia, revealing trace fossils that tell the island's ancient story. Unwind at your accommodation with a dip in Okinawa's unique natural spring water, sourced from deep underground ancient seawater, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

Today set out on a journey through history to Katsuren Castle, a formidable stronghold perched on a natural cliff, where defiant local lords resisted the Ryukyu Dynasty until the end. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it blends fortress strength with spiritual significance as an "Utaki" sanctuary, revered in Okinawan nature worship. Experience the enchanting ride across the "Kaichu Road" to Hamahiga Island, legendary home of Ryukyu's founder, Amamikyo. Here, the sacred site of Shirumichu beckons, where ancestral spirits of the Ryukyu Kingdom imbue the landscape with timeless energy, attracting pilgrims year-round.

Explore the breathtaking Chinen Cape, nestled near the UNESCO World Heritage site Sefa Utaki, offering panoramic views of Kudaka Island, revered as the sacred birthplace of Amamikyo, Okinawa's ancestral Kami who introduced the art of agriculture. Pause next at the Peace Memorial Park, honoring Okinawa's poignant history during World War II.

In Itoman, a historic seaside town steeped in maritime tradition, immerse yourself in local culture. Witness the exhilarating Itoman Hare festival, celebrating boat paddling in the lunar fifth month, and admire the traditional sabani boats once vital for fishing and transport. Finally, return to Naha, completing your unforgettable cycling tour across Okinawa's main island.

Depart as per your onward travel plans.