Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute
やんばるエコツーリズム研究所26°45′ N 128°19′ EKayak
Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute in Ada, on Kunigami's east coast, guides small groups by canoe through the Ada River mangrove, by sea kayak to the reef island of Ada-ga-shima and on forest treks, with times set by the tide; its site notes Hiji Falls has been closed since November 2024 storm damage.
Ada is a small village on the Pacific side of Kunigami, and the institute runs its trips from an office there with guides certified by the prefecture's kayak and canoe association and by Kunigami village. The river canoe works through the mangrove, where the trees stand on octopus-like roots, and then you climb out to wade upstream. The sea kayak heads out across the reef for about 40 minutes to Ada-ga-shima, where turtles visit the coral.
Prices sit in an image on the site, so ask for a quote when you book by phone. Every fee includes ¥200 a head that goes to the local community to look after the environment. The institute is the place to ask about the Hiji Falls trail, which has been shut since the November 2024 rains.
What they offer
| Offering | From | Duration | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada River jungle canoe through the mangroveAges 3 and up, minimum two people. The fee table on the site is an image we could not read; it includes a ¥200 per person environmental contribution to the local community association. | – | – | Year-round, timed to the tide |
| Sea kayak to Ada-ga-shima, an uninhabited reef islandPrimary school age and up. Swapped for the river canoe in bad weather. | – | About 40 min paddle each way | Weather and swell permitting |
| Subtropical forest trek on Ibu-dakeStarts 9:00 or 13:00, primary school age and up. The Hiji Falls stream trek is suspended because the falls have been closed since heavy rain damage in November 2024. | – | – | Year-round |
FAQ
Quick answers about Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Instituteよくある質問
Is Hiji Falls open in 2026?
No. Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute says Hiji Falls has been closed since heavy rain damage in November 2024, and it has suspended its Hiji Falls stream trek.
Can you kayak to an uninhabited island in Yanbaru?
Yes. Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute leads sea-kayak trips from Ada to Ada-ga-shima, about 40 minutes' paddle each way across the reef, for primary-school-age children and up when the sea allows.
Does Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute speak English?
Yanbaru Eco-Tourism Institute works in Japanese.
Within 6 km