This is a condensed article based on an article published on Visit Okinawa Japan.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Top Page<\/a><\/li>
- Traveling Safely in Okinawa in the Age of Coronavirus<\/a><\/li>
- Post Pandemic Retreats in Northern Okinawa<\/a><\/li>
- How Responsible Travelers Can Contribute to Sustainable Islands<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
In 2007, Okinawa drafted Japan’s first Barrier-Free declaration<\/strong> with the aim to welcome all tourists, regardless of their physical limitations<\/strong>, disabilities, or age. Today, the prefecture is making good on that promise to Okinawa visitors starting from your arrival at Naha Airport, where you’ll find the Barrier-Free Tour Center<\/a> and its friendly staff ready to serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The staff of the Okinawa Barrier-Free Tour Center at Naha Airport help visitors with accommodations, transportation, and activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Okinawa is focusing on improving accessible tourism and continues to add to its growing list of attractions, establishments, and activities that can be enjoyed by those with physical limitations<\/strong>. The Barrier-Free Tour Center’s website contains several itineraries made for those with disabilities having many of the same activities found in standard itineraries, including participating in watersports, exploring nature, visiting historical sites, and of course, enjoying the local cuisine. Here are a few highlights of the itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chura Sun Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the largest of Okinawa’s beaches is also the most accessible. Just a 15-minute drive from Naha airport, it is possible to rent a beach-friendly “chair boat,”<\/strong> which is equally steady in the water as it is on land due to its oversized inflatable tires. Whether lounging on the warm beach or floating gently in the clear blue waters, it’s the perfect introduction to a relaxing stay in Okinawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>With a “chair boat” visitors can enjoy the sand and surf of Chura Sun Beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Yanbaru Learning Forest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This northern area of the main island has a barrier-free educational center<\/strong>, with a wooden path making it accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility restrictions. Local guides explain the ecology of the forest and its relationship to the local people of Okinawa<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Yanbaru Learning Forest has barrier-free activities and accommodations.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n There are camping facilities and accommodations<\/strong> here suitable for guests of all abilities, perfect for those who wish to observe the forest’s wildlife’s nocturnal activities or be left breathless by the number of stars visible in Okinawa’s dark skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYaima Village<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking scenic Nagura Bay on Ishigaki Island, this theme park<\/strong> features reconstructed century-old houses set up as a historic local village<\/strong>. The entire park is barrier-free, and visitors of all abilities can enjoy learning to play local instruments, Shisa (the legendary Okinawan Lion-Dog) painting, weaving<\/strong>, and even feeding the friendly squirrel monkeys that live in the zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Learning to play local Okinawan instruments at Yaima Village.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Additionally, if you are visiting Naha City<\/strong><\/a>, which is conveniently accessible from Naha Airport, you can use the monorail to visit Kokusai Dori Street<\/strong> (Naha’s main shopping area), Shurijo Castle Park<\/a><\/strong>, and local museums and other attractions at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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