More fun places in Nago - Alo Japan

Genka River (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Covering over 210 square kilometers, Nago City is the third biggest municipality in Okinawa, and the biggest on the prefecture’s main island.

Nago map (Image by Stripes Japan)

Although it sometimes takes second seat to other towns and villages in the north like Motobu, Kunigami and Ogimi when it comes to tourism, the host municipality of Camp Schwab is home to many attractions. After a visit in March where I visited Orion Happy Park, I decided to head back to Naha to explore more.

Genka River

Genka River (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Genka River is one of the biggest and longest rivers on Okinawa’s main island, with a length of 12.36 kilometers.  While its downstream is surrounded by fields and residents, the upper stream is home to fruit orchards.

Recognized as a place to relax, picnic and frolic in the water, this river is loved by locals, especially families with kids. I visited the river a couple of times when I was a kid, and I still remember the experience vividly. Okinawa doesn’t have many big rivers, so those were rare opportunities for me to have fun in fresh water.

On a hot day in late September, I went back to the river. With a quick search, I learned that part of the river has been set up so there is easy access to the riverbank.  

Although it had been several decades since my last visit, the route to the river was relatively simple to follow. First, I headed north on the Okinawa Expressway and Route 58 before making a right to Route 14, which runs westward, cutting through the island.  Once I crossed a bridge, I made a right and went on a narrow road that runs along the winding river.

After a 5-minute drive from the bridge, I found a stone monument, which was a landmark to access a riverbank. There’s no parking lot, but several cars were already parked on the side of the road.

Pulling my car over behind another car, I headed toward a riverbank with water shoes and a life jacket on. (Note: I am naturally a cautious person, but I wore a life jacket because people have drowned in the river in the past). As I approached the river, I could see some kids screaming with joy as they marched in the river, splashing water. Some were looking for fish.

The water flow was relatively slow around the bank, but I cautiously approached the water by following steppingstones to avoid getting wet. I was planning to first head upstream, where the water appeared to flow slowly and calmly. However, hearing the exhilarating voices of kids in the relatively fast water flow downstream, I decided to join them instead.

Taking steps on stones over the surface of the water, I moved toward a spot where a natural water pool was formed. When I was a couple of meters from the spot, the water flow picked up, which caught me by surprise. Suddenly, I lost my balance and fell into the water.

Soaking wet, it felt embarrassing to stumble like that with kids around me. But I quickly got over it because the fresh water felt really nice.  

I tried to make my way further downstream, but I stumbled a few more times due to slippery stones underneath and fast current. So, I gave up and started heading back toward the riverbank. But then I spotted a rope hanging from a tree branch near a bank and decided to play Tarzan.

With the water being calm and peaceful around the rope, it seemed like it would be an easy trick to pull off. However, when I tried to pull my body out of the water with the rope, my weight suddenly felt much heavier than I had thought. It took several attempts to just pull myself barely above the surface of the water. After struggling with the rope for a couple of minutes, I was completely exhausted. So, I made my way out of the river with the realization that I was simply getting old. But you know what? The water was refreshing, so I’m glad I went to the river.

Things to know

GPS coordinates: 26.630229, 128.058194

*This is a secluded location which doesn’t have parking spaces. Visitors commonly park their cars on the side of the road, but please be sure not to block the traffic.

* There’s only enough space to park about 10 to 15 cars. Please be reasonable and avoid occupying a space too long.

Lunch at Roadside Station

Japanese Ginger Pork meal (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Haneji Michi no Eki Yanbaru Tamago (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

On my way back from the river, I made a stop at Haneji Roadside Station for lunch.  Since its opening in 2015, this spot had always caught my attention when I went to the northern parts of the island, but this is the first time I stopped.

Just like other roadside stations on the island, it features a farmer’s market and a food stand. Plus, there were two eateries, a soba noodle restaurant and an Asian restaurant, that share a small food court.

I ordered their Agu Pork Plate for 1,090 yen (approx. $7) from the Asian restaurant. When they presented my food, it was covered with what looked like a bamboo leaf conical hat, making me feel like I was on vacation in Vietnam. Under the cover, I found sautéed Agu pork served with a circular mound of rice, shredded radish and carrot, plus a red hibiscus flower.

The sauteed pork was a bit mild me, but was spicier than Japanese Ginger Pork, which served me well. The veggies came with sour dressing, which was a nice contrast with the pork.

Thanks to the hearty lunch plate, I left the roadside station in a good mood.

Haneji Michi no Eki Yanbaru Tamago

GPS coordinates: 26.631159, 128.032123

Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website

Arashiyama Observatory

Arashiyama Observatory (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

After lunch, I decided to swing by this observatory that overlooks Haneji Naikai (inland sea).

Just a 10-minute drive away from the roadside station, this location commands a superb view of the waters dotted with islets. The view is beautiful, especially when the weather is nice. Watching the water shine blue under the sunlight felt refreshing.

Things to know

GPS coordinates: 26.642971, 127.989043

Akemio Terrace

Akemio Terrace (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

My last stop of the day was Akemio Terrace, located near Enagic Stadium Nago. Since Akemio’s opening in April of 2026, I was intrigued by this brand-new resort complex with a beach, cafés and a restaurant. “Akemio” refers to a beautiful and broad channel/gutter at the bottom of the sea, according to Nago City.

Since it was in the deep part of 21st Century Forest Park, I was not sure how to access this new spot, which discouraged me from going there. On my way back from the observatory, however, I happened to find a road that circles around the studium to Akemio. It was a Japanese holiday, so the beachside was packed with tourists and locals. My plan was to buy shaved ice at one of the stores and eat it while enjoying the ocean view. But the shaved ice store was closed unfortunately and since it looked difficult to find a good spot in the shade, I gave up and hit the road, hoping to come back when the location is less crowded.  

Things to know

GPS coordinates: 26.591785, 127.969806

*The best way to approach this location would be to make a turn to the west at the intersection (26.593030, 127.965189) on Route 449.