Yasuda Kuina Fureai Park & Kuina Forest

From deep within the forest, an unfamiliar call drifts toward you. Kuh, kuh, kururururu——. The creature behind that voice is the Okinawa Rail, a flightless bird that exists nowhere else on Earth but here, in Yanbaru. Yasuda Kuina Fureai Park & Kuina Forest is one of the rarest places in the world where you can see this bird up close. The facility's landmark, a towering observation deck called the Kuina Tower, is built in the unmistakable shape of a single Okinawa Rail, its head held proudly aloft. Picture it — a rail living under the care of this sanctuary, peering at you with wide, gentle eyes, spreading its short wings, and pushing off the earth with powerful, sturdy legs. Each movement is testament to a life that has endured alongside this forest for millions of years. Once, this bird lived in quiet obscurity, deep in the forest, unknown to human eyes. It was only formally discovered by science a few short decades ago. Now, as you pause to listen to that call, the forests of Yanbaru are quietly — yet undeniably — keeping life alive. The path ahead still leads deeper into the trees. What living creature will you encounter next? Facility: Yasuda Kuina Fureai Park & Kuina Forest Location: 1477-35 Aza Yasuda, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture Map Highlights: Kuina Tower observation deck; Okinawa Rail conservation and exhibit facility "Kuina Forest" Habitat: The Okinawa Rail is endemic to Yanbaru, the northern region of Okinawa Island Related: Kunigami Village Tourism Association / Yanbaru Slow Vacances Official site: Yasuda Kuina Fureai Park & Kuina Forest