Discover the Heart of Okinawa’s Natural Legacy
Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the lush, untamed landscapes of Ogimi Village, located in the northern reaches of Okinawa. Perched with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it offers a rare blend of serene mountain vistas and coastal beauty. More than a rest stop, this destination celebrates the region’s rich biodiversity, deep-rooted traditions, and renowned longevity.
Visitors can explore local specialties such as bitter orange (shikuwasa) products, sample fresh Okinawan cuisine at the on-site café, and browse a curated selection of regional crafts and agricultural goods. The information center provides real-time travel insights, making it a practical hub for exploring the Yambaru wilderness. Whether you're seeking tranquility, culture, or authentic flavor, this roadside station offers an immersive gateway into Okinawa’s natural and cultural soul.
Why Visit
Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering panoramic views of the East China Sea from its elevated lookout, framed by lush tropical forests and the distant silhouette of Mount Yonaha. Here, visitors can taste the area’s famed seikuwa-sa (bitter orange) in its purest forms—freshly pressed juice, handmade marmalade, and a unique seikuwa-sa sorbet made from locally grown fruit. It’s the only place where you can sample these distinctive flavors while overlooking the sea and the village known for its exceptional longevity.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center roadside station.
Café & Bakery
パーラー
Specialty
Freshly baked pastries and light meals
A cozy café offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and beverages in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a quick break or a leisurely coffee with views of the surrounding nature.
Shopping Highlights
Discover authentic regional treasures at Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center roadside station.
Local Specialty Market
物産品販売施設
A retail space featuring a wide range of local products from Ogimi Village, including agricultural goods, crafts, and regional delicacies.
Products
Must-Try Item
Yuzu Honey
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like shikuwasa and longevity-inspired treats from Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center roadside station.
Yuzu Honey
シークヮーサー蜂蜜
Premium honey infused with the natural flavor of yuzu, known for its refreshing citrus aroma and smooth texture.
Ogimi Village Craft Set
大宜味村工芸セット
A curated collection of handmade crafts from local artisans, showcasing traditional Okinawan craftsmanship and natural materials.
Dried Seaweed Snacks
乾燥海苔スナック
Crunchy, naturally dried seaweed snacks with a savory umami flavor, perfect as a healthy snack or side.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking and accessible restrooms at Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center roadside station.
Parking Lot
Provides parking for 138 vehicles, including 9 large vehicles, 106 regular vehicles, 3 disabled-accessible spaces, and 20 two-wheeler spaces.
At the roadside station
Restroom
Male toilets with 8 fixtures (4 large, 4 small), female toilets with 7 fixtures (24-hour access). Additional male toilets with 7 fixtures (3 large, 4 small), and female toilets with 6 fixtures.
At the roadside station
Disabled Access Restroom
Two disabled-accessible toilets, both available 24 hours a day.
At the roadside station
Wireless LAN
Free wireless LAN is available throughout the roadside station.
At the roadside station
Information Counter
Offers tourism information from 9:00 to 17:00. Provides access to road conditions, highway travel times, parking information, traffic updates, tourism guides, medical information (including contact for the Oogimi Village Clinic), weather updates, and public transportation details via information terminals.
At the roadside station
Cafe & Restaurant
A café with a takeout counter open daily from 11:00 to 17:00. The takeout counter operates from 11:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and 11:00 to 16:00 on weekends and holidays.
At the roadside station
Local Products Sales Facility
Sells local specialty products from Oogimi Village. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 9:30 to 18:30 on weekends and holidays.
At the roadside station
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit with practical insights and local knowledge from Ogimi Yambaru Forest Visitor Center roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the bakery counter before the fresh-baked milk bread sells out by 11:00 AM
- Hidden Gems: Look for the limited-edition seasonal honey jam at the specialty goods counter—available only during the citrus harvest months of November to January
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to try the fresh Ogimi-style sweet potato curry bowl, served only during weekend lunch hours
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the western-facing viewing platform at 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the golden-hour sea view with minimal crowds
- Must-Try Local Product: Pick up the "Yambaru Forest Blend" coffee at the retail counter—it’s roasted using beans from local farmers and only stocked in the roadside station’s main shop
- Free Internet Access: Use the free Wi-Fi at the information corner to download the official Ogimi Village tourism app, which includes offline maps and real-time bus schedules
- Timing for Services: Arrive by 4:30 PM on weekdays to use the restroom and information terminal before the facility closes at 5:00 PM, as the restrooms are locked after closing hours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for canola flower viewing (late March–April) and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Best time for enjoying sea views from the lookout and sampling fresh citrus fruits.
Autumn (September–November): Ideal for visiting during the peak of the shikuwasa citrus harvest season.
Winter (December–February): Quiet period with fewer crowds and opportunities to experience local life in the village.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, stroller-friendly paths, and accessible restrooms. Features a children's play area and interactive exhibits on local culture and nature, enhancing educational value. Kid-friendly snacks available at the café.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties including shikuwasa products and Okinawan sweets. Offers fresh produce and artisanal food items. The café provides quality takeout options with seasonal ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides 138 parking spaces, clean restrooms, and vending machines. Quiet environment during weekdays, though busy on weekends. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted, limiting suitability for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic ocean views from a well-maintained lookout. Scenic viewpoints are ideal for photography. Seasonal beauty varies with lush greenery and coastal vistas, creating a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.