Yonehara Yaeyama Palm Grove (米原のヤエヤマヤシ群落)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Near the village of Yonehara, at the foot of Mt. Omoto (於茂登岳), Okinawa Prefecture's highest peak, lies a grove of palms designated a national natural monument. Yaeyama palms are a monotypic endemic species found growing wild nowhere in the world except Ishigaki and Iriomote islands, and their trunks rise straight toward the sky to an impressive height. A promenade is maintained here, and after walking a short jungle-like path lined with ferns and subtropical trees, you find yourself enveloped in a majestic palm forest. Tropical fruits and juices available at the shop by the entrance are another pleasure of the walk. Conveniently located along the route from Kabira Bay to the city center, it's an easy spot to experience a subtropical forest firsthand.

Tips

The promenade is mostly shaded, but the ground can be damp in places, so non-slip shoes are recommended. There are a lot of mosquitoes, so don't forget insect repellent. The walk itself is a quick 20 to 30 minutes round trip, but for the sake of wildlife and your footing, stay on the promenade.

Best time to visit

About 40 minutes. A morning walk, when dappled sunlight filters into the jungle, feels especially refreshing

Access & map

〒907-0451 沖縄県石垣市桴海