Today on Rock the Park, we’re a world away from America’s national parks – Japan: a place where people take their respect for nature to a whole new level. Japan is home to 33 national parks and dozens of other protected lands – so when Jack and Colton were invited to explore a few of those places – it was a no brainer. Their destination is Okinawa – nearly 1300 miles southwest of Tokyo.
Japan’s divided into prefectures, like the US is divided into States. Okinawa is the biggest of 160 islands making up the prefecture of Okinawa. Mainland Okinawa is home to mountains, thick forests and you’re never far away from the ocean.
Mt. Katsuu Dake stands just over 1,400 feet above sea level. It’s one of three mountains that dominate this part of the island. Reaching the summit means a hike through dense forests among plants and animals like we’ve never seen before. Japanese believe that spending time in nature can be healing. It’s called Shinrin Yoku or forest baby. The belief is that spending time under the canopy of the forest trees can reduce stress blood pressure and increase energy.
Japan uses nature to ease stress (which we can relate to) and we heard about a thousand year old meditation that requires you to be still beneath a freezing cold, waterfall, and we just had to try it out. The Hainan River is fed by mountain streams and the falls drop about 65 feet. People who do this as a regular spiritual practice dress in a ceremonial white robe or loincloth. Even though we did not dress formally for the occasion, we were serious about looking for a transformation experience to renew our spirit.
Rock the Park is an Emmy award-winning adventure series seen every Saturday on ABC featuring our national parks and other public lands across America and the world. Now in its 6th season, Jack Steward and Colton Smith go off the beaten path to explore magnificent landscapes, incredible wildlife and all the exciting ways to immerse yourself in and around nature. Whether it’s swimming with sea turtles, climbing to the top of a volcano or repelling into a glacier, Jack and Colton are living life to the fullest and inspiring others to do the same.
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25 Comments
What were you thoughts about the full episode? Would you fly to Okinawa, Japan once things settle with COVID-19? If so, what are some of your thoughts and questions about this Japanese prefecture?
Yes! We are so excited to explore Okinawa. We are beginning to make some tentative plans to make our way back to Japan next February. Fingers crossed. We wanna try those sikwasa (sp?)! As for the rough seas… no thank you. Hate being in big swells. Nothing to make you feel completely powerless like being on the open ocean.
My dad and grandma was born in Okinawa and this is my dream vacation
https://youtu.be/LP0ME9sdF-I oki
Beautiful place. Thank you for sharing. My grandfather is from Okinawa, but I have never been there.
First time viewer … this piece was fabulous. You let me experience things that I won't do … but excites the inner me. Thanks … well done. I will be back.
I’m going here this summer to see my brother
I bet that Okinawa could also be the famous honeymoon site for Japanese newlyweds.
11:20 Hi! What make/model guitar are you traveling with? seems like a great small size. Cool case too, seems protective.
I was stationed there from 92-93 as a young 19 year old. I loved it…
I love the waterfall we go once a month 🤙🏻 I live in Kadena Okinawa.
Me go to Okinawa just want to meet my favorite actor Kiryu Kazuma and Haruka Sawamura 😟😢😭
here after reading Ikigai
Long live Okinawan.
my mom was a little girl lived on a pair force base in Okinawa my late grandfather was a commander I think of mr miyagi when I hear Okinawa
My dad was in the Air Force during Vietnam and I was born on base in Okinawa. My mom and I came back when I was a few months old, I have never returned but thank you for the video, it looks beautiful!
sequasa – I think its the same as lemonsito in philippines
👍👍👍
Very nice
You too Rock on
i noticed that one was standing directly under the main drop of one of the twin falls and the other guy was a little bit off of the main drops, so that one guy stood longer than the other.
Ryukyu independence！Americans and Japanese get out!!!
There’s no way these dudes are fucking each other.
Karate kid 2 vibes
I so loved that you turned back. ❤ so your a team. I'm Feeling less so overwhelmed 😅. Next time Colton don"t sit under the most force of the waterfall. Respect haha. Those people have done that for years. Otherwise you got a amazing experience. It may had been short. But you both did it. But no i wouldnt go there. Why! When i can watch your experience. 😅😅😅 Cheers