The observatory of Nago Castle Park in northern Okinawa! A hidden spot for enjoyment

Experience Okinawa's vast natural scenery and history. This is also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Okinawa. Nago Castle Park is located in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is a prefectural park where both adults and children can enjoy Okinawa's vast nature and history. In January, about 20,000 Hihako cherry trees are in full bloom, and it is known as the number one cherry blossom viewing spot in Okinawa. In this article, we will introduce the characteristics and recommended attractions of each area of ​​Nago Castle Park.



View from Nago Castle Park

Nago Castle Park is a spacious park covering the Nagoyama area of ​​Nago City, including amusement areas, rest areas, observatories, and even a castle. From the observatory near the top, you can see Nago City and the beautiful East China Sea. The park is free and open all day, so you don't have to worry about time and can enjoy it to your heart's content. Also, although the entire park is large, there are many parking lots, and they are conveniently distributed in various areas. Address: Nago 5511, Nago, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture Management: Nago Central Park Management Joint Venture TEL: 0980-52-7434 Business hours: Open all day (Visitor Center 10:00-17:00)



4 recommended areas of Nago Castle Park

Nago Castle Park is divided into six major areas, and you can also walk through the park along the stairs and mountain paths. The park is large and there are parking lots in each area, so if you have a car, we recommend that you drive to your desired location. This time we will introduce four areas that we particularly recommend.



Nago Castle Park Walking Trail

The historical and natural area of ​​Nago Castle Park includes the Nago Castle Ruins and Nago Shrine, both of which are designated as buried cultural assets. Climbing the long stairs and passing through the torii gate, you will reach the Nago Shrine grounds. Behind the red-tiled shrine is the main shrine and the shrine approach, and at the top of the walking trail is the Nago Castle Ruins. The view from the shrine is also beautiful. In addition, Mount Nago retains rich natural scenery, and there are walking trails where you can observe rare wild birds and plants.

"Visitor Center" Open for Free

The Visitor Center "Subaco" is located in a vantage point overlooking Nago City. Since it is a public facility, it can be used as a rest area for free. You can bring your own food to take a break, but there is also a cafe on site that sells sweets and bread purchased from local shops. There is also a popular library on the second floor where you can freely read books and enjoy a relaxing time. Subaco is also open to the public as a weekday facility, and if you order a drink, you can use it for two hours.

Leisure Plaza, a playground for the whole family

The leisure plaza is divided into three areas: "Umak Plaza" with many track and field activities, "Ijobar Plaza" where you can play in the stream and has a basketball court, and "Noppoyashi Plaza" where picnics and leisure are recommended. This is a very popular play area with children, with amusement facilities such as a long roller slide, a spacious area for the whole family to play together, and you can play with water on hot days, so you can play to your heart's content. There is also an observation space, so it is the best place for a picnic on a sunny day.

"Waterside/Experience Zone" where you can play with water to your heart's content

In the waterside/experience zone, there are waterfalls and gurgling streams that use sewage purified at the top of the plaza, and the Koji River flows from the bottom, so you can mainly enjoy playing with water. There are also lawns, toilets, and parking lots here, so it is recommended to play with water on hot days. You can also start a walk in the park from here.

Recommended attractions around Nago Castle Park

Next, I will introduce recommended attractions around Nago Castle Park. There are many Tourist attractions in the Nago area, so why not visit them together? Here we introduce "Neo Park Okinawa" where you can see more than 100 kinds of animals, and "Nago Pineapple Park" which is irresistible for pineapple lovers.

Okinawa Neo Park

Neo Park Okinawa is located in a vast area that is about five times the size of Tokyo Dome, and reproduces the environment of tropical regions around the world such as Amazon, Africa and Oceania. The park has Japan's largest flight cage system with nets, which can get close to animals, as well as underwater tunnels and pet areas. You can stay there all day without getting bored. It is also a replica of the locomotive that used to run in Okinawa, and it runs as a guide locomotive for park tours. There is a 1.2-kilometer-long trail, and you can go around the park in about 20 minutes every week. Address: 4607-41 Nago, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture Phone number: 0980-52-6348 Opening hours: 9:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:00) Open all year round Admission: Adults, children 900 yen (4 years old ~ elementary school students) 500 yen Others with coupons Parking: 533 free

Nago Pineapple Garden

Nago Pineapple Garden is a popular tourist attraction where you can eat pineapples, learn about pineapples, and enjoy pineapples. You can learn about the history of Okinawa pineapples and get up close to pineapple fields, colorful flowers, and jungle-like tropical plants. There are slow-rotating self-driving cars in the garden, and the whole family can enjoy riding leisurely. You can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods in the pineapple food area "ANANAS KITCHEN". The cafe sells rice burgers, pizza, and pineapple parfaits made with pineapples. At the souvenir shop, you can buy original desserts made with the delicious taste of carefully selected fresh pineapples. This is a place where you can fully enjoy pineapples. Address: 1195 Tamamata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture Phone number: 0980-53-3659 Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry: 16:30) Shortened admission fee: Adults (over 16 years old) 1,000 yen Children (4-15 years old) 600 yen Free for children under 4 years old Parking spaces: 200 Free

Transportation to Nago Castle Park

Finally, let me introduce how to get to Nago Castle Park. You can get there by public transportation from the airport or Naha City or each hotel.

By public transportation

From Naha Airport: Take bus No. 111 from in front of the domestic passenger terminal (terminal/international flights) and get off at Seifukei (1 hour 36 minutes), then transfer to Seifukei (bound for Nago Bus Terminal) Take bus No. 77 and get off at Nago Castle Entrance (4 minutes) After arriving at the Visitor Center, take bus No. 111 from Naha Airport.

Transportation from Okinawa Oriental Hotel to Nago Castle Park

Public transportation 8 minutes walk from the hotel, take bus No. 120 from Imbu (bound for Nago City), get off at Nago Castle Entrance (17 minutes) 36 minutes walk to the Visitor Center By car Transportation: National Highway 58 to the north → Prefectural Road 71 (about 25 minutes)