Yanbaru National Park
The ancient subtropical rainforest covering northern Okinawa — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the last refuge of species found nowhere else on Earth. The Okinawa Rail (Yambaru Kuina), the Okinawa woodpecker, and the Okinawa spiny rat all evolved here in isolation. The forest is dense, dark, and extraordinarily alive.
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This is the only habitat of the Okinawa Rail (yanbaru kuina), a flightless endemic bird. Drive slowly on forest roads at dawn or dusk — you may spot one crossing the road. Bring insect repellent; the subtropical jungle is dense and humid.
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