Bios Hill! A park where you can explore the Okinawa subtropical forest!
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CONTENTS
On Ishikawa plateau in Okinawa, there is a place called Bios Hill or Hill of Bios, where you can get a close look at the plants and animals in the subtropical forest of Okinawa.
What can you experience in the park?
Like canoe, sea paddle, rope swing and swing, traditional activities, and even a walk in the nature.
Tour boat ride, buffalo carriage ride, canoe with tour guide, toys and souvenirs making, train ride in the park.
There are different kinds of animals, insects, flowers and plants living in the park.
In 1879, Ryukyu Kingdom became Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. Therefore, you can find a different kind of culture in Okinawa.
Access Information: http://www.bios-hill.co.jp.e.vr.hp.transer.com/access/
*By your own car
From Naha Airport: About 60 minutes (45 km)
From Ryukyu Village: About 15 minutes (8 km)
From Cape Manzamo beach: About 25 minutes (14 km)
*By bus
From Naha Airport bus terminal
Take Nago West Line (#20) or (#120) and get off at Nakadomari (takes about 70 minutes), then use the taxi business association of central Okinawa (098-929-1818) (about 10 minutes)
*By taxi
From Naha Airport taxi stand (about 41.4km) 13,330 yen
From Kokusai Dori street (about 37.2km) 11,980 yen
Does it look like a dragon to you? Actually you can try two activities on this dragon-shaped river.
Tour boat ride and Canoe!
01. Canoe
You can go anyway as you like on the river. Kids can also try this with an adult.
Information
Fees: 1,500 yen (adult), 800 yen (Children 4 years or above)
Entrance ticket is required
Duration: About 25 minutes
Hours: 09:30 – 17:15
Location: Ayafune Square (Pier) 綾舟場 (10-mins walk and 200m from main entrance)
Reminder
Elementary school students or under have to ride with an adult
A simple briefing will be given before getting into the canoe
Raincoat is provided when it rains
Maximum 40 persons at the same time (for group over 20 persons, please make reservation in advance, and group price will be charged.)
02. Tour Boat Ride
You can also get on the tour boat ride and enjoy the natural landscape and colorful orchids at Hill of Bios.
Information
Fees: 800 yen (Adults), 500 yen (Children)
Entrance ticket is required
Time: About 25 minutes
Hours: 09:30 – 17:00
Location: Ayafune Square (Pier) 綾舟場 (10-mins walk and 200m from main entrance)
Reminder
Tickets are not required for children under 4 years old and do not occupy seat
Departs in every 30 minutes
Reservation is required for group of 20 or above
Maximum 40 persons per ride
Buffalo Carriage Ride and Train Ride
01. Train Ride
This small red train will take you to the farms and look at some Okinawa's fruit and crops!!
Information
Fees: 600 yen (Adult), 400 yen (Children)
Entrance ticket is required
Duration: About 20 minutes
Hours: 09:30 – 17:00
Location: Azumacho shop (東町屋), 200m from entrance (10-minute walk)
Reminder
Get you ticket at Azumacho shop (東町屋)
Maximum 20 persons per ride
02. Buffalo Carriage Ride
Here in Hills of Bios, you can get on the buffalo carriage ride to enjoy the park slowly.
Information
Fees: 900 yen (Adults), 600 yen (From 4 years old to elementary school)
Entrance ticket is required
Time: About 20-25 minutes
Hours: 09:45 – 17:15
Location: Azumacho shop (東町屋), 200m from entrance (10-minute walk)
Reminder
Tickets can be purchased in Azumacho shop (東町屋)
Tickets are not required for children under 4 years old and do not occupy seat
Departs in every 30 minutes
Maximum 20 persons per ride
Not only ladies' costumes are available, even men and kids can also find their sizes and experience the traditional Ryukyu costumes!
Information
Fees: 1,080 yen
Duration: About 15 minutes
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: Irimachiya (西町屋)
Reminder
Available on rainy days too.
2 large sizes photos included.
Enjoy your time in the nature
01. Animals Time
Under the beautiful Okinawa sky, enjoy your time with the cute animals like goats, pigs, or chicken. You can also try to feed them!
Information
Fees: Free
Entrance ticket is required
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Ashibiuna (遊御庭)
Reminder
Snacks for animals can be bought in the shop
02. Big Swing
Dare to try this 5 feet tall big swing? Views are amazing when you swing higher!!
Information
Fees: Free
Entrance ticket is required
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Location: 思御庭・謡御庭・踊御庭area, 200m from entrance (10-minute walk)
Reminder
Adults please take care of children
5 big swings can be found in 思御庭・謡御庭・踊御庭area
Your Okinawa Memory
Come to Hill of Bios where you can explore the Okinawa subtropical forest and learn about the nature!!
Hill of Bios
Address: 961-30 Ishikawakadekaru, Uruma-shi, Okinawa
Map Code: 206 005 263
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
Tel.: 098-965-3400
Homepage: http://www.bios-hill.co.jp.e.vr.hp.transer.com/
More Details: JAPANKURU BLOGGER
Other JAPANKURU's Okinawa blogs!
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Wanna get more and share your Japanese stories with us? Please join us on Google+ too!!
See ya there!
Details
NAME:Hill of Bios
MAP
961-30 Ishikawakadekaru, Uruma-shi, Okinawa
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NARA
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Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
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OSAKA
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Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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