experience・tourism 2023.12.14

A nature experience that nurtures the soul in a subtropical forest “Bios no Oka”

Writer

三好優実

A web editor and writer from Kagawa Prefecture. Sometimes public relations. Since 2014, he has moved to Okinawa (where he would like to live forever if possible). He is the author of the book ``Kagawa Prefecture Aru Aru''.
https://note.com/yumi03

Photographer

小橋川恵里奈

A photographer from Okinawa Prefecture. He moved to Tokyo in 2006 to study under Tomohiko Tagawa, and became independent in 2008.
He mainly shoots magazines, advertisements, portraits, etc.

List of articles

Experience the magnificent nature nurtured by Okinawa

Okinawa has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Bios no Oka is a spot where you can enjoy, play, and learn about the nature nurtured by Okinawa’s climate. You can feel the overwhelming vitality of the giant plants grown in the subtropics, rare flowers that only grow in warm climates, and mangroves that have been nurtured over time. Enjoy an experience that can only be found here, where you can let your children play freely and learn about the structure of nature while encountering impressive and magnificent trees.

A magnificent place like paradise

Bios Hill boasts a vast site area in Ishikawa, Uruma City, and it’s one of the most natural areas in Okinawa. The grounds are like a paradise, with giant ferns growing thickly, boats cruising leisurely on the wide river, and orchids blooming in their natural state. The world’s largest “Gramotophyllum speciosum,” which blooms only once every few years, “Ryukyu Acebi,” which is said to be extinct in the wild, and “Shaly Baby,” which has a sweet scent like candy, are among the rare treasures.

Being in the garden covered with giant fern trees makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a forest somewhere. You will be overwhelmed by the grandeur of each and every plant that has been nurtured through Okinawa’s climate and over a long period of time.

An opportunity to play and learn in nature

The appeal of Bios Hill is that you can not only see and enjoy it, but also learn and experience it. For example, on rivers surrounded by mangrove forests, jungle cruises are held where the boat is guided by a boatman who is knowledgeable about the subtropical plants, orchids, and small animals that inhabit the lakeside, and you can listen to fun stories while listening to nature. There are many experiences that can only be had here, such as a water buffalo cart experience where you can stroll around the park while being swayed by the leisurely pace, a canoe experience where you can enjoy the lake at your own pace, and a 5-meter-tall extra-large swing!

There is plenty of play for children of all ages, including a handmade athletic field with a giant jungle gym made of logs, and wooden toys that even small children can enjoy, so even if you bring your children, you can have fun with peace of mind.

Experience touching Okinawan culture

In addition to experiencing nature in its original form, when you come to Okinawa, be sure to experience the local culture as well. At Bios Hill, you can also interact with animals that have been loved as livestock in Okinawa since ancient times. There is an animal zone with goats and pigs near the athletic area, where you can walk the goats and feed the goats and chickens with food you purchase from the unmanned store.　

If you get hungry, have a meal at Omoro Chaya on the premises. You can enjoy Okinawan cuisine such as Okinawa soba and taco rice. You can also try Blue Seal ice cream, which is popular among prefectural residents, so it’s perfect for a snack after walking around the park. There are also spots where you can enjoy cosplaying and taking photos in Ryukyu costumes handed down from the Ryukyu Dynasty era, and feel like a king or princess surrounded by plants.

My favorite writer is Jungle Cruise.

Just walking through the park, which is full of nature and rare plants and animals, will give you a refreshing feeling, but as entertainment, you should definitely try the jungle cruise on the lake viewing boat! The knowledgeable guide will guide you in an entertaining manner, so you are sure to fall in love with this place and Okinawa even more. There is a friendly atmosphere among the passengers on the boat, and the sense of unity between the passengers and the boatman will make your time around Bios Hill even more memorable.