A web portal for knowing and enjoying more about Awamori

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Natural HeritageAwamori

ABOUT THE NORTHERN OKINAWA MAIN ISLAND AREA

In the northern region of Okinawa Island is a vast forested area protected by generations of local residents. The laurel forests are inhabited by rare and precious creatures and recently, the nature-rich area has been added to the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

In this Tour, we invite you to experience the rich natural environment recognized across the globe and the local culture nurtured by the residents through Awamori.

We hope you; will make many beautiful memories as you enjoy the Awamori Cocktails together with the beautiful sunsets facing the East China Sea, and the marriage of Awamori with the wonderful dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Attractive Tour Program for  the Northern Area of Okinawa Island

The tour programs are designed to present to our visitors from overseas an opportunity to experience the attraction of Awamori by putting it in the spotlight in various scenes and settings. We aim to invite our guests to enjoy Awamori during their time in Okinawa and to deepen their understanding of our proud local sake.

program 1
Day 1
  • Michi-no Eki Ogimi, Yanbaru-no Mori Visitor's Center
  • Check-in, welcome drinks
  • Enjoy the view of the ocean and sunset at the town center of Motobu
  • Dinner & Awamori at Kamekura (Motobu Town)
  • Awamori Set served in the guestrooms back at the hotel
Day 2
  • Check-out
  • Tour of Yamakawa Shuzo distillery
  • Tour of Sakimoto cellar (within Ryukyu Mura)
  • Cellar tour will be limited to one location.
  • Tour ends in 1 hour upon arrival.

Day 1

  1. 14:30

    Michi-no Eki Ogimi, Yanbaru-no Mori Visitor's Center

    The northern area of Okinawa Island is referred to as Yanbaru by the residents of Okinawa, and it is here where you'll find the rich forests famed for the rare plants and wildlife. Natural rainwater collected in the lush green hills creates several waterfalls in this area which has been lovingly protected by the local residents

    The area boasts a beautiful natural environment where visitors can enjoy trekking, kayaking, and various other outdoor activities.

    At the beginning of the tour, participants will be given information on Yanbaru at the Yanbaru-no Mori Visitor's Center to deepen their understanding of this wonderful area.

  2. 16:15

    Check-in at Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, welcome drinks

    The first beach resort hotel operated by Hilton Japan, Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort is situated on Sesoko Island, a location known for its transparency of the surrounding waters and the natural beach. The location also offers convenient access to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Nakijin Castle Ruins which is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and a hub of eco-tours that offers visitors to bask in the natural beauty of a World Natural Heritage Site. The guestrooms with ocean views offer spectacular sights of the ever-changing colors of the ocean throughout the day and breathtaking sunsets.

    Clear, blue Awamori Cocktails inspired by the seas surrounding Sesoko Island will welcome you to Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort. On clear days, you can enjoy your drinks by the pool or on the terrace.

  3. ★Enjoying Awamori at the Hotel
    1. ①Enjoy the tropical Awamori Cocktails with the spectacular view of the ocean (sunset) from the hotel lounge.
    2. ② Relax in your room with a delicious Awamori Cocktail and local specialties.

  4. 17:30

    Enjoy the view of the ocean and sunset at the town center of Motobu

    Situated in the northern area of Okinawa Island, Motobu Town faces westward to the East China Sea and is known for the beautiful sunsets. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing colors of the sky as you enjoy the scenery of the sea and the islands of Sesoko, Ie, and Minna off in the distance.

  5. 18:00

    Dinner & Awamori at Nirai Kamekura (Motobu Town)

    Fresh seafood caught off the shores of Motobu Town and Okinawan dishes prepared with unique local ingredients will be served for dinner together with Awamori that has been beloved by the residents of this area. Blended with acerola and Shikwasa citrus harvested locally, the Awamori Cocktails are packed with vitamin C and are refreshingly delicious.

  6. ★Enjoying Awamori at Local Establishments
    1. ① Enjoy Awamori drinks that complement the meal prepared with local ingredients harvested from the seas and hills.
    2. ② Enjoy the marriage of tastes of your meal and Awamori Set, which includes Awamori Cocktails, Shinshu (new brew), and Kusu (aged).

  7. 20:30

    Awamori Set served in the guestrooms back at the hotel

    Waiting for you back in your guestroom at the hotel is an Awamori Cocktail set for you to enjoy as you relax on the balcony under the starry sky. Your drinks will be served in wooden cups which are a specialty product of this area.

Day 2

  1. 11:00

    Check-out, participants make their way to the distillery

  2. 11:20

    Tour of Yamakawa Shuzo distillery's cellar

    Located on the Motobu Peninsula, this distillery was founded in 1946 on the banks of the Mannagawa River that flows through the rich nature of Mt. Yaedake in Motobu Town. With their firm belief that "water is what gives Sake life," they brew their Awamori using the abundant flow of water from the springs in the mountains.

  3. 12:15

    Tour of Sakimoto cellar (within Ryukyu Mura)

    The distillery was founded in Shuri in 1902, and in July of 2020, relocated to Ryukyu Mura, a theme park that spotlights the culture and nature of Okinawa. Sakimoto Shuzo has protected and passed on the traditional ways of producing Awamori for over 100 years. A truly unique fusion of age-old tradition and a theme park.

The brewery we visited on this tour.

  • Yamakawa shuzo Co., Ltd.

    Located on the Motobu Peninsula, this distillery was founded in 1946 on the banks of the Mannagawa River that flows through the rich nature of Mt. Yaedake in Motobu Town. With their firm belief that "water is what gives Sake life," they brew their Awamori using the abundant flow of water from the springs in the mountains.

    Address
    58 Namizato, Motobu Town, Kunigami, Okinawa
    TEL
    +81-980-47-2136
    View details

  • Sakimoto Shuzo

    The distillery was founded in Shuri in 1902, and in July of 2020, relocated to Ryukyu Mura, a theme park that spotlights the culture and nature of Okinawa. Sakimoto Shuzo has protected and passed on the traditional ways of producing Awamori for over 100 years. A truly unique fusion of age-old tradition and a theme park.

    Address
    1437-1 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami, Okinawa
    TEL
    +81-98-963-0208
    View details

Highlights in Our Concept

  • Michi-no Eki Ogimi Yanbaru-no Mori Visitor's Center

    The Visitor's Center is located in Ogimi Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island, at the gateway to Yanbaru. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean and forests, the facility has a lot to offer like videos that let visitors experience the nature of Yanbaru. Visitors can also buy local seafood and fruits and vegetables directly from the growers. See and touch the rich local ingredients grown in this area with rich nature. (Video is also available in English.)

  • Fukugi Trees of Bise

    Bise is a picturesque community located along the coast in Motobu Town, about 5 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium. As part of Okinawa's culture in everyday life, Fukugi trees have been planted along the streets and surrounding houses for protection from strong winds, particularly typhoons. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the quiet and peaceful village lined with Fukugi trees, some as old as 300 years.

  • Ta Taki Waterfall

    Ta Taki is a waterfall located in Ogimi Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island. You can enjoy the fantastic nature surrounding Ta Taki, where its water descends from heights of 10 meters. From the entrance, visitors can trek in the river or at times, climb on the rocks. Experience the great diversity of fauna and flora of this area through river trekking and other activities

  • Higashi Village, Fureai Hirugi Park

    A park located in Higashi Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island with a walkway that lets the visitors observe the mangrove (free of charge). Visitors can also join a mangrove canoe tour (with charge) where you can see, learn, and experience the unique ecosystem of mangrove forests and the importance of protecting the environment through explanations from the guide. Canoe tours are available in English (reservations required).

program 2
Day 1
  • Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum
  • Check-in, welcome drinks
  • View the sunset at the hotel's beach area
  • Dinner & Awamori at the hotel's restaurant
  • Awamori Set served in the guestrooms back at the hotel
Day 2
  • Check-out
  • Tour of Yambaru Shuzo distillery
  • Tour of Matsufuji cellar
  • Cellar tour will be limited to one location.
  • Tour ends in 1 hour upon arrival.

Day 1

  1. 15:00

    Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum

    The northern area of Okinawa Island is referred to as Yanbaru by the residents of Okinawa, and it is here where you'll find the rich forests famed for the rare plants and wildlife. Natural rainwater collected in the lush green hills creates several waterfalls in this area which has been lovingly protected by the local residents

    The area boasts a beautiful natural environment where visitors can enjoy trekking, kayaking, and various other outdoor activities.

    At the beginning of the tour, participants will be given information on Yanbaru at the Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center to deepen their understanding of this wonderful area.

  2. 16:30

    Check-in at Okuma Private Beach & Resort, welcome drinks

    *As part of the hotel's eco-friendly initiative, guests staying consecutively are informed of their "no-cleaning" and "eco-friendly cleaning" services. As a resort situated in an area where its beautiful surroundings have been designated as a World Natural Heritage Site, the hotel is committed to adopting efforts to protect the natural environment.

    Located in Kunigami Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island, Okuma Private Beach & Resort is about 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport. The resort is situated on the west coast of the island and commands a fantastic view of the beautiful emerald-green waters known for the high transparency. With the majestic forests of the Yanbaru area in the background, guests will experience the natural beauty of Yanbaru and the delightful tastes of Awamori with their five senses.

    You will be first welcomed to Okuma Private Beach & Resort with original Awamori Cocktails served at the hotel lounge, Shio Kaze, which commands a fantastic view of the west coast. The delightful Awamori Cocktail expresses the joys in welcoming you to the great nature of the Yanbaru area.

  3. ★Enjoying Awamori at the Hotel
    1. ①Enjoy the tropical Awamori Cocktails with the spectacular view of the ocean (sunset) from the hotel lounge.
    2. ②Relax in your room with a delicious Awamori Cocktail and local specialties.
    3. ③ In your room, you can relax and enjoy Awamori Cocktails accompanied with local specialty products.

  4. 17:30

    View the sunset at the hotel's beach area

    After enjoying the delicious Awamori Cocktails, we invite you to the beach area that stretches from the hotel's poolside. The spectacular scenery of the sun setting on the horizon beyond the South China Sea is both breathtaking and soothing. We hope you will enjoy the magnificent nature of the area.

  5. 18:00

    Dinner & Awamori at the hotel's restaurant

    Dinner is a course meal prepared with fresh local ingredients accompanied with an Awamori Set with Awamori Cocktail, Shinshu (new brew), and aged Kusu. Enjoy all three varieties and find out which style meets your fancy.

    The dishes in the course are created especially for this Awamori Tour and are also prepared using Awamori as a cooking wine.

  6. 20:30

    Awamori Set served in the guestrooms back at the hotel

    After a delightful meal prepared especially for this Tour, using local ingredients and Awamori, an Awamori Cocktail Set is waiting for you in the guestroom. Enjoy the night breeze on the balcony under the sparkling stars and relax with a wonderful Awamori drink from a wooden cup, a specialty product of the area made from trees in the region.

Day 2

  1. 11:00

    Check-out, participants make their way to the distillery

  2. 11:10

    Tour of Yambaru Shuzo distillery

    Yambaru Shuzo is the northernmost distillery of Okinawa Island and was founded in 1950. Together with the local residents of Ogimi Village, the Awamori waits for its time as it rests, surrounded by the vast and rich nature of this region. The Awamori distilled here in "the luxurious flow of time" unique to this nature-rich area will delight all those who try it.

  3. 12:15

    Tour of Matsufuji cellar

    Founded in 1905 in Shuri, Naha, an area famous for Awamori production. Awamori made by this distiller is particular about using the clear and abundant water from the untouched nature of Mt. Onna. Their wonderful Awamori is made with special care and plenty of time using brown sugar yeast as well as natural Ginjo (sake) yeast.

The brewery we visited on this tour.

  • Yambaru Shuzo distillery

    Yambaru Shuzo is the northernmost distillery of Okinawa Island and was founded in 1950. Together with the local residents of Ogimi Village, the Awamori waits for its time as it rests, surrounded by the vast and rich nature of this region. The Awamori distilled here in "the luxurious flow of time" unique to this nature-rich area will delight all those who try it.

    Address
    417 Takazato, Ogimi Village, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-1301
    TEL
    +81-980-44-3297
    View details

  • Matsufuji Co., Ltd.

    Founded in 1905 in Shuri, Naha, an area famous for Awamori production. Awamori made by this distiller is particular about using the clear and abundant water from the untouched nature of Mt. Onna. Their wonderful Awamori is made with special care and plenty of time using brown sugar yeast as well as natural Ginjo (sake) yeast.

    Address
    751 Igei, Kin Town, Kunigami, Okinawa
    TEL
    +81-98-968-2417
    View details

Highlights in Our Concept

  • Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum

    This facility assists visitors who visit the Natural Heritage Site of Yanbaru to deepen their interest and understanding of wildlife protection. Themes at each display area in the Center ask us important questions regarding our truly precious natural environment, allowing us to think about living harmoniously with nature.
    (English brochures available.)

  • Fukugi Trees of Bise

    Bise is a picturesque community located along the coast in Motobu Town, about 5 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium. As part of Okinawa's culture in everyday life, Fukugi trees have been planted along the streets and surrounding houses for protection from strong winds, particularly typhoons. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the quiet and peaceful village lined with Fukugi trees, some as old as 300 years.

  • Ta Taki Waterfall

    Ta Taki is a waterfall located in Ogimi Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island. You can enjoy the fantastic nature surrounding Ta Taki, where its water descends from heights of 10 meters. From the entrance, visitors can trek in the river or at times, climb on the rocks. Experience the great diversity of fauna and flora of this area through river trekking and other activities

  • Higashi Village, Fureai Hirugi Park

    A park located in Higashi Village in the northern region of Okinawa Island with a walkway that lets the visitors observe the mangrove (free of charge). Visitors can also join a mangrove canoe tour (with charge) where you can see, learn, and experience the unique ecosystem of mangrove forests and the importance of protecting the environment through explanations from the guide. Canoe tours are available in English (reservations required).

VOICES OF PARTICIPANTS

Comments from Monitor Participants

  • - A wonderful salute with a delightful welcome drink inspired from the breathtaking seas of Okinawa.
  • - The rich nature of the Yanbaru area is soothing for the soul.
  • - The forests of Yanbaru were one of the best places in Okinawa to be one with nature, and I felt soothing in my heart.
  • - The observation tour of the distillery gave me a better understanding of truly delicious Awamori and its background, and was a very special experience.
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