Located in the village of Nakagusuku, on the east coast of Okinawa, Yoshinoura Park is a public park appreciated by locals for its peaceful atmosphere, large green spaces, and proximity to the sea. Far from heavily frequented tourist sites, it is an ideal place for a family outing, a quiet walk, or a relaxing moment outdoors.
A family park at the heart of local life
Yoshinoura Park is above all an everyday park, frequented by local families, children after school, and weekend sports enthusiasts. It features several playground areas suitable for young children, with swings and climbing structures. Some facilities have been recently modernized, making the park particularly pleasant for families with very young children.
The atmosphere is calm and friendly, with no loud entertainment or excessive crowds. It is a place where people simply come to enjoy the moment.
Ideal rest area in Okinawa
One of the main advantages of Yoshinoura Park is its strategic location along National Route 329, a heavily used road that runs along part of Okinawa’s east coast and connects several towns and villages, including Nakagusuku. This proximity to both the road and the sea makes the park an ideal rest area for travelers and tourists.
When exploring Okinawa by car, it is not always easy to find a well equipped place to stop, eat quietly, or simply take a break before getting back on the road. Yoshinoura Park perfectly meets this need thanks to its large lawns, children’s playgrounds, accessible running paths, and direct access to a beach with crystal clear waters.
As is often the case in Japan, this beach is not developed, but it is perfectly suitable for relaxing, observing the sea, or taking a short break with your feet in the water, in a natural and soothing setting.
Large green spaces to relax
Yoshinoura Park features vast open lawns, perfect for sitting, having a picnic, playing ball, or letting children run freely. The park offers several shaded areas with benches, ideal for taking a break or reading quietly.
Thanks to its open layout and natural surroundings, the park gives a real sense of space, which is very appreciable in Okinawa, especially on sunny days.
A well equipped sports area
Yoshinoura Park is part of a municipal sports complex. In the immediate vicinity, there is a large athletics stadium, tennis courts, an indoor gymnasium, and other sports facilities used by local schools and clubs.
This makes it a lively place, where families, joggers, amateur athletes, and local events come together, while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
A walk to the sea
The park is located not far from the coastline. While walking through certain areas, it is possible to reach paths leading toward the sea, with open views of the coast and the horizon. The sea air, the breeze, and the calm surroundings enhance the feeling of escape.
It is a pleasant place for an evening walk or simply to enjoy the scenery, far from tourist beaches.
Rest area with facilities and accessibility
Yoshinoura Park is well equipped to welcome visitors in good conditions.
- free parking
- on site restrooms
- paths suitable for strollers
- benches and shaded areas
English (US)
The park is easily accessible by car and also by bus, with a stop located a few minutes away on foot.
- a calm and local park in Okinawa
- a simple family outing with young children
- a place to have a picnic or relax
- a walk between greenery and the seaside
It is not a spectacular park, but rather an authentic place, representative of everyday life in Okinawa, where people take the time to live.
A natural trail rich in small wildlife
Yoshinoura Park features a trail that runs along the area between the beach and the park, offering direct immersion in the local nature. Lined with dense vegetation, this path is home to many fascinating insects to observe, especially for children.
You can see butterflies, grasshoppers, cicadas, and caterpillars, as well as, if you pay close attention, small crabs and hermit crabs crossing the trail from one side to the other. You just need to slow down and look around to realize that this trail is full of life. A simple, educational, and playful walk that turns a break into a real moment of discovery of Okinawa’s wildlife.
A video to discover Yoshinoura Park in Okinawa
To give you an overview of the place, I made a video available on my YouTube channel. In this video, I walk around the park as well as the beach, in order to show all the areas and the atmosphere of the site. It is of course not necessary to watch the entire video. You are free to move forward to the parts that interest you the most and discover at your own pace the areas that catch your attention.
Yoshinoura Park or Kitanakagusuku Sports Park?
If you are visiting Okinawa and have little time, Yoshinoura Park is an ideal option. Thanks to its location along the road, it offers a pleasant rest area and picnic spot, perfect for relaxing before getting back on the road. The park is easy to access, its parking is free, as well as the entrance, and it is entirely possible to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour there without any constraints. It is a place designed for a quick, efficient, and relaxing break, whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with family.
Not far from there is a large sports park, often called Sogou Koen, located in the city of Kitanakagusuku. I have also dedicated a full article to this park on the blog. Although it is very large and particularly well equipped, visiting it requires about two hours of walking to go around it. Pedestrian access is free, but parking is paid, which makes it less suitable for a simple stop along the way. This park is better suited for visitors who are not in a hurry and who can dedicate a full half day to walking, sports, or relaxation.
In summary, Yoshinoura Park is the most suitable choice for a quick, simple, and free break, while the Kitanakagusuku sports park, although very interesting and even more complete, is better suited for those who have time and wish to extend their visit.
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