Daisekirinzan — Attraction in Kunigami

Couple a visit to this place with Cape Hedo and you'll have a beautiful day with lots of breathtaking scenery and healthy walks. Daisekirinzan is a limestone plateau eroded over millions of years by water, and believed by geologists to be the oldest part of the island, the part that first rose up out of the sea to create the island of Okinawa. The locals also believe that it is a power spot, to cleanse, refresh and rejuvenate one’s mind and soul.

Plenty of free car park, once you enter the building and buy your tickets, there is a shuttle bus that will drive you up the steep hill to the start of the hiking trails (there are a few which you can choose from). There is a wheelchair/stroller accessible trail and a few other trails for the more agile folks, you should combine at least 2 trails for your visit, if not more/all.

There are many places to stop, sit down on a bench and rest, so the trails are easy to conquer. Funny enough, there are also umbrella stands along the way to umbrellas for you to use if it rains? There are also signages along the way to point out the area of interest and the meaning behind various rock formations. We could see rock formations which resembled a cat, an alien, a pelvis (which was a power spot), etc, it kept the kids entertained as they trekked through the area. We also spotted various butterflies, a blue-tailed lizard and golden beetles flying around. Beautiful flora and fauna, the view of Cape Hedo in the distance on the Churaumi Observation Deck was spectacular.

Not a very crowded place, we didn't see anyone as we trekked along, except for a couple who walked out of the trails about 5 minutes after we had finished it. But as we left, a small group of tourists were coming in, even then, it's not a typical large busload of tourists, I don't think Daisekirinzan ranks high in the list of must-sees for the typical tour groups!

There is a small souvenir shop, a restaurant on level 2 of the first building that we arrived at and a small cafe selling drinks and ice cream on level 1. There is also a museum exhibiting the history of the place and the rocks, plus a rock playground for the kids.

A really enjoyable place to be with nature, away from the typical touristy spots, highly highly recommended! Just remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, insect repellent, a hat and a bottle of water and...

Asmui Spiritual Hikes begins with an introductory video while you wait for the shuttle bus to take you to the trail's starting point. Upon arrival, a guide will explain the hiking course. While the primary explanation is in Japanese, a basic English overview is also provided. Wi-Fi is available in the explanation room, and I recommend downloading the Pocket Curator app for a richer hiking experience. This app functions like an audio guide in a museum, offering information about various points of interest along the forest trail.

The hike itself is very enjoyable and relatively easy. Immersed in the symphony of rustling leaves and the ever-shifting dance of light and shadow, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in nature. The vantage point offers a good view of Cape Hedo and the coastline. Free beverages are also provided at the rest house after completing the first hiking course. The Ugangajumaru, the largest banyan tree in Asmui and located near the end of the hike, is a truly magnificent sight and should not be missed. Overall, this sacred forest truly evokes serenity and calm.

The 2500¥ entrance fee is more than worth it in my opinion. There is also free parking available with plenty of lots. In addition to the hike, Asmui also offers free entry to a small stone museum. For a rejuvenating journey through a sacred forest, complete with breathtaking views, this place is an...

Came on the last day of my 6-day tour at Okinawa. Didn't do any research on this place before coming so I was not prepared. Actually, you do not need to be. This is a very good place for family hike. On arrival, you get a simple briefing by a local staff, in Japanese of course. It has 3-4 routes to offer. All range from 30-60 minutes walk. As I was not prepared, I chose the easy route for my family. The forest greeted us with lush green vegetation and plants. The air was as fresh as you can get and the temperature was just welcoming in early November. The trail was very tidy with sufficient resting areas along tje route. You could find heart-warming services at the little lodge at the trail camp that offers umbrella (shaded or transparent) and walking sticks for the unprepared. The lodge offered detailed maps and handouts for you to navigate the trails. You should not worry about getting lost in the woods because you would find small green ropes on both sides of the trail to guide you. We finished the walk with ease and completed the 30-minute trail in about 20 minutes. Nice place to go for a relaxing and leisurely walk. ...