Region
Kyushu
Island
Ryukyu Islands
Largest City
Naha
Population
1,318,281

Uwaga Jungle Night Trekking at Okinawa World

Take a walk on the wild side.

Immerse yourself in untamed nature and experience a completely different side of Okinawa with a guided night hike through a tropical jungle.

The trek is organized by Okinawa World, a popular theme park just south of the capital city of Naha. It takes place in the Uwaga Jungle, a wild expanse of limestone hills, secluded valleys, hidden caves and flowing creeks. And as you might expect, it’s inhabited by equally wild and interesting creatures, including bats, flying foxes, tree lizards, snakes, turtles and land snails.

Uwaga Jungle Night Trekking at Okinawa World flying fox

Keep your eyes peeled for flying foxes, also known as the fruit bat, in the Uwaga Jungle.

In order to show people the beauty of the forest and educate visitors about its value, a portion of this ancient jungle has now been opened to the public for nighttime guided tours only. Experienced staff will lead you through the woodland by torchlight, highlighting the interesting features you pass and helping you to safely get the most out of your journey.

Due to variations in season and weather, no two trips are identical, and there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Beginners are welcome, and no experience is required – just remember to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!

The Uwaga Jungle trek

The trekking experience starts at a training area called Thiradaki Hill, where you can learn how to safely hike through the jungle in the dark without losing your footing. After that, the real adventure begins!

Uwaga Jungle Okinawa World night trekking map

The trekking map.

Flashlight in hand, hikers enter the jungle and follow the route through the rugged Limestone Trail, before crossing a small wooden bridge over Shrimp Stream. In the depths of Uwaga Valley, you will eventually reach the Secret Cave, home to a colony of bats. From here the path swings back beneath the Sky Hole, which gives you a stunning view of the starry night sky – plus the chance to see some flying foxes, also known as the fruit bat, in the Uwaga Jungle.

After passing under a canopy of enormous leaves known as Tubers Tunnel, you’ll catch sight of the Cliff Tree. This giant banyan growing out of the rock face indicates that you’re on the home stretch, with just a short jeep ride between you and civilization!

Protecting the environment

Uwaga Jungle is home to many different animal and plant species. Visitors should keep to the designated trail and take care to be respectful during their visit.

For more information see the Uwaga Jungle Night Trekking official pamphlet and check out the video below!

This article was sponsored by Okinawa World.

Things To Know

Reservations

Advanced reservations are required to participate in the jungle night trekking. These can be made online or by phone on 098-948-4489 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) up until 5 p.m. on the day.

Hours

Departure times vary with the season, but will be after 7 p.m. Participants should arrive at the Okinawa World Visitors Cabin 15-30 minutes before the start time. Tours last around 80 minutes.

Price

¥3,000 for adults; ¥1,500 for children aged 4-14 (tax excluded). Children must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment rental, such as boots and flashlights, is included in the price.

How To Get There

Address

Maekawa 1-3-3-6 Tamagusuku, Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture 901-1400, Japan

By bus

From Naha bus terminal (located next to Asahibashi monorail station), take bus 54 (Maekawa line) or bus 83 (Gyokusendo line) and get off at the Gyokusendo-mae bus stop. The journey takes around one hour and costs ¥580.

By car

Okinawa World is located in the south-east of Okinawa’s main island and is about a 30-minute drive from Naha Airport.


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