The Largest SPORTS PARK in Okinawa, JAPAN | ASMR Walking Tour with English Subtitles
Today, I’m showing you the largest Sports Park on Okinawa Island.
The “Sōgō Undōkōen” This is an ASMR video: no narration, no music, only the natural sounds of the environment. This Sports Park is located by the seaside in Kitanakagusuku, in the central-eastern part of Okinawa Island. Before its construction, the area was rural and wooded. This Sports Park was inaugurated in 1987 for the 42nd National Sports Festival (Kaihō Kokutai), which was held in Japan that same year. Since its opening, it has hosted numerous events and is now a major place for sports and relaxation in Okinawa. This Sports Park covers a vast area of 70.4 hectares.
It is divided into three zones: Sports, Forest, and Seaside. The theme of the park is: Greenery, Sea, and Sun.
Its thousands of trees and flowers create a unique seasonal atmosphere. The site has seven different entrances.
Each entrance provides access to a parking area near the facilities. I’m here on the north side of the park.
This is where the Okinawa Marathon starts each year. Here in the north, there are six major sports facilities.
Including the main stadium right here. This stadium is certified Class 1 by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations. This stadium is also approved for regional and national events.
It’s a lively venue at the heart of local sports life. It hosts official competitions and has spacious stands to accommodate many spectators. In the south, which we’ll explore later, you’ll find the playgrounds, pedal boats, and the camping area. The facilities are well distributed, and the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Nature is everywhere here, between the forest and the seaside.
It’s easy to forget that you’re in an urban area. A full walk through the park at a moderate pace takes about 2.5 hours, allowing time to explore the side paths and trails. This park is one of the largest in the entire Okinawa Prefecture. It combines sports, relaxation, leisure, and cultural exchange.
It’s a popular place among residents of all ages. The park also includes several buildings dedicated to sports.
Each building hosts multiple disciplines. For any information or registration,
the information center is located here. Rhythmic gymnastics, martial arts, dance, and volleyball are practiced in these buildings. These facilities are suitable for both training and competitions.
Some areas are also accessible to the general public. For example, the weight training room and the swimming pool are accessible without a membership, with the purchase of a time-limited entry ticket. The weight training room, open to everyone, is located in this building, on my left. In the distance, visible on my right, is the swimming pool. The area may seem quite paved for a nature-oriented sports park,
but this only applies to this particular zone. The further you go into the park, the more nature takes over. Perhaps surprising to some: the buildings are made of raw concrete because typhoons damage painted facades every year. Both homes and public buildings are put to the test by these severe weather conditions. It is therefore more economical — and more environmentally friendly — to leave the walls unfinished rather than constantly repainting them. I’m now heading toward the swimming pool.
Like the weight training room, it is accessible without a membership. I’m going to show you its location,
as it may be of interest to some visitors passing through the area. There’s nothing unusual about buying a ticket for the pool without having a membership.
…But… …what’s more rare for some European countries (where you come out with blue lips) — is that here, the water is actually heated 🙂 In Japan, pools are heated to 31 °C. This allows even the most sensitive individuals — babies, elderly people, or just those who feel the cold — to enjoy the water comfortably. There it is — that large building right there. Japanese pools are divided into lanes.
Each lane has a specific purpose: swimming, walking, supervised lessons, or a children’s area. These rules are strict and must be followed.
If it’s your first time in a Japanese pool, don’t hesitate to ask the lifeguard which lane is right for you. The park also has several outdoor fields.
They are used for football, rugby, and other team sports. I’m currently heading toward them. Do you enjoy wide open spaces for walking or running?
Then this place is perfect for you 👍 Bike rides are allowed, but at reduced speed 🚶♂️
…Otherwise, the park has a velodrome — perfect for speed enthusiasts 😉 The playing fields are spacious and well maintained.
They are reserved for training and competition. Want to play a game with friends or coworkers?
No worries — the park also has facilities open to the public. Just make sure to check in advance, as reservations are required. As you can see, the public can easily watch a match from outside the fields 👍 Do you have a Sports Park near your home?
If not, would you enjoy having a park like this one? Let me know in the comments so we can share our experiences 😊 This Sports Park offers plenty of shaded areas — perfect for summer days. However, it’s important to stay cautious, as the bushes may shelter unfriendly insects and reptiles. Aside from the chainsaw in the background (a little nature bonus 😊), the park is usually peacefully quiet. Some people come here every day to go for a run…
Or simply to walk their dog 😊 Here is the first field, used for football or rugby.
The second one is right next to it — the two fields are side by side. The plants of Okinawa are typical of a subtropical climate. Some of the plants you’ll see here — lush and growing freely along the paths — are considered tropical plants in other parts of the world. While I could simply bend down and pick one here, they are imported at great cost and sold for high prices in garden centers of less sunny countries. A striking reminder of how something that grows naturally in one region can be considered highly valuable elsewhere. Here is the second field, located right next to the first one. I’m now heading toward the tennis courts. This sports park has 16 outdoor tennis courts, lit at nightfall, along with 2 additional half-courts. Good news: the chainsaw seems to finally be on its lunch break 👍😊 Ah… never mind after all 😁 Although the tennis courts show some signs of wear, they have the advantage of being numerous, open to everyone, and fully functional. Here too, you can sit in the shade and enjoy a match or a training session as a casual spectator. You can now turn up the volume to hear the birdsong, which will continue until the end of the video 👍😊 This sports park is home to many wild cats.
They help keep the rat and mouse populations under control. In Okinawa, stray cats are often left in peace;
some locals feed them and show them care. Here are two of them 🐱 These two cats have a beautiful, well-groomed coat.
They don’t venture into the bushes, as those are too dangerous for them.
You’re about to see why… A venomous and deadly snake rules over Okinawa. The feared snake is called the Habu.
It is endemic to the region and can hide in the most ordinary bushes — so be careful! Small wooded areas like these, on my left, can be dangerous. That’s why all parks in Okinawa, as well as outdoor public facilities, clearly mark hazardous areas. If you’ve never been to Okinawa and have an adventurous spirit — the kind that tends to ignore warning signs… be careful!! As long as you don’t venture into wooded areas or off the paths, there’s no danger in walking through the park. Restrooms are located in several areas throughout the Sports Park. The small building on my left contains toilets, sinks, and an access point for people with reduced mobility. If you’ve planned a day off during your stay in Okinawa, this Sports Park is the perfect place to relax. If you’re interested, I’ve written a blog post about this Sports Park, where I detail a — non-exhaustive — list of the many sports and cultural activities that take place here. For example, you can take part in Japanese cooking workshops, such as miso preparation or mochi making. To do so, simply register for the workshop on the scheduled date to take part. In the description below the video, you’ll find the link to the official Sports Park website, as well as to my dedicated blog post. This plant with large leaves is called Colocasia.
And for those who get the reference — it’s under one of these that “Totoro” shelters when it rains. The background noise you’re hearing is from cars.
You can’t see it, but I’m currently on a bridge that spans across a road. The trees here sometimes take on unexpected… almost unsettling shapes. Toward the end of the video, I’ll show you a gloomy-looking tree that seems straight out of a horror movie. The building you see here on the left hosts indoor activities such as football, tennis, and badminton. The egret slowly explores the shallow waters, searching for small fish and tadpoles. 🦢 Here they are! The music you hear plays every day at exactly noon throughout Japan.
It mainly serves as a time signal. In winter, the ponds are cleaned and left with very little vegetation — only what’s necessary. However, the vegetation quickly reclaims its place, much to the delight of the local wildlife. Each year in spring, the ponds become covered in greenery. As you can see, this park is truly very spacious. This small statue is called a Shisa. It’s a mythological creature typical of Okinawa. A symbol of protection, the Shisa is believed to ward off misfortune and evil spirits. Right in front of us is the running track. There’s something very peaceful about this place, don’t you think? It’s also the perfect spot for a family stroll on a Sunday. The birdsong gently sets the pace of the walk.
It’s a truly pleasant day 😊 In this park, it’s possible to feed the animals — as long as you use food that’s suitable for them. You can feed the birds and stray cats.
However, there are specific rules to follow when it comes to feeding the cats. Make sure to feed the cats away from areas intended for children (such as playgrounds), to prevent them from getting used to those spaces and soiling them. You must also wait until the cat has finished eating, then clean the area to leave it tidy — with no trash, containers, or leftover food. These rules are simply a matter of common sense and civic responsibility.
They allow everyone to feed the animals without affecting other visitors’ comfort or the cleanliness of the park. Right across from here are the last tennis courts. Have you ever wondered if trees lose their leaves in winter in subtropical countries? The answer is yes! Some tree species do lose their leaves in winter — even when it’s 24 °C in the shade. By the way, do you know the difference between a tropical country and a subtropical one? Among the many differences, 1 stands out:
Tropical countries have no winter, while subtropical countries have mild winters. Okinawa is a subtropical region, but one of its southernmost islands, “Ishigaki,” lies very close to the edge of the tropical zone. Winters in Okinawa are very mild, with temperatures reaching up to 24°C in December or January. In February, the air cools down for about two to three weeks. Temperatures can drop to 17, 15, or even 14°C for three or four days. In Okinawa, cherry trees bloom as early as January.
However, they are less numerous than in Tokyo or northern Japan. Here, people mostly admire other colorful flowers:
Hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani… The hibiscus is actually one of Okinawa’s symbols.
It blooms almost all year round on the island. If you love blooming flowers, you should know that Okinawa is a flower-filled island all year round. Between March and May, you can admire the cherry blossoms in northern Japan,
then enjoy azaleas, lilies, hibiscus, bougainvillea, and frangipani in Okinawa. This allows you to visit two different regions of Japan during the same period. 👍 Okinawa was once part of an independent kingdom: the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan in 1879. Durant la guerre 39-45 l’armée américaine prend le contrôle totale de l’île.During World War II, the American military took full control of the island. Japan regained its sovereignty in 1952 (San Francisco Treaty)… but not Okinawa, which remained under American control. In 1972, the United States officially returned Okinawa to Japan. But in Okinawa, the roots of the Ryukyu Kingdom have never truly faded. Ryukyu still lives on in everyday gestures, in words passed down quietly, in songs and offerings laid at the foot of sacred stones. The legends, beliefs, and stories of the Ryukyu Kingdom, lived by the ancestors, are still sometimes passed down from generation to generation. If you come to Okinawa, you’ll see the word Ryukyu mentioned everywhere.
It’s a precious heritage, deeply rooted in the hearts of the Okinawan people. Not long ago, I lost a small drone right here. Because of the Habu snake, I couldn’t venture into the bushes.
I thought it was lost. That night, there was some wind and light rain.
The next day, I walked through this path again…
and there it was… the drone, right there in the grass. No one took it 👍
and the drone still works 👍 We’re now halfway through our visit 🚶 Now, let’s head south in the Sports Park to explore the rest of the site. Over there, there’s a large water area with a river and water slides.
But it’s closed at the moment, so we won’t be able to visit it. Okinawa is home to migratory birds that can’t be found elsewhere in Japan. A very large insect is also present on the island.
It’s a Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle. In Japanese, it’s called **Kabutomushi**.
The males can sometimes measure up to 7 or 8 cm. Its body is black or dark brown, shiny, and almost armored.
It has a horn on its head, like a little rhinoceros 🦏
Children love to observe it 👍 It’s an iconic insect of Japanese summers.
And despite its intimidating appearance, it’s harmless and very calm. Right in front of us, the sea stretches as far as the eye can see. From the water park to the far end of the park on my right,
the park is lined by a wild beach. Over here on the right, a path leads to the bike rental building. Over there, Japanese cooking classes are also held. Sometimes, you can learn traditional crafts like basket weaving or bag making. The activities change from month to month. There it is, just ahead. You just need to follow the path. The park also offers several half-court basketball courts for free access. These courts are used for leisure, whether with friends or family. They are located near the playgrounds and picnic areas. There are many of them, allowing for outdoor basketball practice for both young and old.
Young children can also play nearby their parents. You’ll see families, joggers, children playing… it’s lively without being noisy. There’s really a lot of space,
you don’t feel cramped at all 👍 As mentioned earlier, bike rides are allowed throughout the Sports Park. Biking is perfect for exploring the park and traversing its many wooded paths. I can’t show you all the paths in the video,
or it would make the tour endless 😜 For bike rental:
The bike rental may sometimes include a defined route. Make sure to inquire about the allowed path. The park borders a wild and preserved beach. The water is clear, calm, and perfect for exploration. The sand is fine, but scattered with rocks and sometimes sharp corals. Swimming is not supervised and is discouraged, or even prohibited.
But you can dip your feet in the water 😜 At low tide, children find seashells and small crabs.
It’s a perfect exploration area for the more curious. Marine life observation is done with your feet in the water.
A simple and authentic experience, in direct contact with nature. As you can see, the beaches are not developed. They are natural and wild. This side of the park is a great spot for a picnic. … but also perfect for reading a book or taking a nap under a tree. If you’re coming with children, don’t forget to bring a kite or a ball. On this field, during the weekend, family games are plentiful: frisbee, badminton, ball games, and more. Some families set up small tents to rest or provide some shade for their baby. Many also bring a tablecloth or a tarp to sit on the ground and have a picnic. The place becomes very friendly on weekends, with a lovely family atmosphere. I’m now heading toward the pedal boat area. The park also hosts school outings. It’s not far now, I’m getting closer. I really enjoy walking here early in the morning, when everything is still calm. There’s the smell of damp grass soaked with dew, it’s very pleasant. Here it is! I’m going to show you the place where you can rent the pedal boats. Life jackets are provided for extra peace of mind.
They can be picked up right next to the bike rental area. Come on, I’ll show you 🚶 I won’t be able to venture too far with the camera, as there are many school groups in this area. By following this path, you’ll come directly to the velodrome with its curved track. Here it is, the pedal boat rental starts right here. Nearby, you’ll also find the bike rental center.
Life jackets can be picked up at this location. Behind, along with the velodrome, there is a large green space and winding leafy paths. As I mentioned at the beginning of the video, it takes about 2.5 hours to explore the park in all its corners at a moderate pace. I’m now taking you to the camping area. The park has a camping area integrated into nature.
You can set up your own tent or rent one on-site. It’s not considered wild camping, as it’s managed within a park and the location requires a fee. However, the area is equipped with just the basics: sinks, toilets, showers, and a washbasin, with nothing more. It’s perfectly acceptable, especially since the water park is right next door in the summer. 👍 Another advantage of this camping site is that you can stay as long as you want. 👍👍👍👍👍 You can camp for just a few hours for a midday lunch, one night, or several days. It’s up to you to decide. 👍 The camping area is open year-round, 365 days a year, and only closes in the event of a typhoon warning. Clean restrooms are located next to the camping areas.
Sinks for washing dishes and showers are available for use. Hot water for the showers is available with tokens. Vending machines with cold drinks are also located nearby. In spring, these trees become covered in leaves, providing many shaded areas. You can park your vehicle right next to your tent 👍 What’s also nice is that you can set up here during the school holidays, go to work in the morning, and then join your family for lunch. You can also have your barbecue right in front of your tent 👍👍👍👍👍 The camping area offers a peaceful stay, right in the heart of nature. Right across from here are the playgrounds for children. Here, right across from us, is the sea and its natural beaches. I’m now going to show you a strange tree with hanging aerial roots that resemble tangled hair. In Japan, this tree is called Gajumaru. Its pronunciation might vary depending on the language, so be sure to check if you want to learn more about this spectacular tree. According to legend, this tree is said to shelter mischievous spirits, small beings resembling trolls. In Okinawa, the Gajumaru tree is considered sacred. It is said that disturbing a Gajumaru brings bad luck.
It is forbidden to cut it or harm it in any way. Walking at its feet invites contemplation and respect, as its eerie appearance is truly impressive.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Its trunk is thick, and its own roots seem to strangle it, giving the impression of millions of small suffering bodies, fused with the tree. As night falls, its silhouette becomes quite eerie. In the video, the tree appears light, but in reality, everything that resembles tangled hair is a very dark brown. The tree is less impressive in the video than it is in reality. In reality, all of this is dark brown, almost black. I’m going to zoom out the camera, and for a split second, while the lens adjusts to the light, you’ll get a brief glimpse of its darkness. Did you see it?? Look at its size… Here’s a smaller one. It is also said that they can be immortal, because, as you will see… … their branches sink into the ground to create new roots.
This tree regenerates itself!! Once again, the tree appears light in the video, but in reality, it is very dark.
The camera lens automatically adjusts the brightness to compensate for its darkness. Nature is truly impressive. Dogs on a leash are allowed throughout the Sports Park.
You just need to ensure they remain quiet. You must also pick up your dog’s waste and bring a small bottle of water to pour over its urine, to prevent lingering odors in the park. Right across from here is the main entrance to the camping area. Here is the map of the tent locations. It also shows you where the restrooms, sinks, and other facilities are located in relation to your tent site. A scenic overlook is accessible a little further ahead. It offers a 360° panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area. On clear days, it also allows you to spot the surrounding towns. The overlook also serves as an evacuation area in case of a tsunami.
I’ll take the time to show you the way there 👍 Of course, you have to climb, and the slope is a bit steep 🧗🚶 I wonder how long these trees have been planted here. You can faintly smell the fragrance of the plants… subtle but present. The reason I wonder how long these trees have been planted is because this overlook has been here for a very long time. All around it, at its base, are ancient burial sites. These are actually large family mausoleums. Some visitors still leave offerings there.
This spot is rich in history. Historical events and beliefs surround this place.
It might be the subject of a future video. It’s not far now. Even if the overlook doesn’t particularly interest you, it’s important to know about this evacuation area in case of a tsunami. It’s crucial! Come on, just a little more! We’re almost there 😊 It’s right there, at the top! We’re here 😊
Are you still with me? This observation platform has restrooms with access to drinking water, as well as toilets accessible to people with reduced mobility 👍 In the distance, an artificial island is under construction. Over there is the city of Uruma. Right under the arrow is the water park. There is Okinawa City. And right here in front, is the city of Kitanakagusuku.
This is where the Sports Park is located. The leafless trees right in front are called Deigo (in Japanese).
The scientific name is *Erythrina variegata*. In April, these trees are covered with large red-orange flowers.
During this blooming period, the trees become beautiful and vibrant. Feel free to search “Deigo Okinawa” on Google Images to discover these beautiful blooming trees. The bright red of the flowers, contrasting with the blue of the sky, creates a striking display. If you visit Okinawa during this period,
these trees will make excellent photography subjects 👍 The beach is backlit, with the sun right above. I’ll still show it to you, but the video won’t truly do it justice. At low tide, you can walk to the rock. It’s actually considered a small island and is called “Tofu Island.” Does the beach seem rocky to you? That’s not the case at all.
It’s actually coral. This natural beach is entirely covered with corals of all sizes.
As they die, they lose their shine and wash up here. As they break, the corals resemble small pieces of bone.
And that’s what you can see here in the video. And you, in which part of the world do you live?
Let me know in the comments so we can share our experiences 😊 The video is almost over.
There are 6 minutes left … … If you’ve followed me this far, a big thank you to you.
This channel is brand new. I hope you enjoyed the walking tour of this Sports Park and that it has inspired you to explore it for yourself. If you enjoyed the content, feel free to like the video or leave a kind comment to encourage me. Subscribe to discover more places in Okinawa.
And don’t forget to activate the bell 🔔 to be notified of my upcoming videos. You can find all the information about sports activities on my blog.
The link is available in the description below the video. Thank you for your support, and see you soon for more discoveries! I’ll conclude this video with one last topic specific to Okinawa. The sea in Okinawa contains many shallow areas,
like this one, right in front of us. In some areas, when the conditions are ideal, the locals cultivate a seaweed with multiple properties. This seaweed is called Sea Lettuce or Aosa (ヒトエグサ).
It is a very fine green algae, shaped like leaves or flat ribbons. It is also known for its health benefits, thanks to its richness in trace elements. It is used dried or fresh in Japanese cuisine.
It is also reduced to flakes (Aonori) to season soups (miso, ramen), okonomiyaki, takoyaki, etc. Dried and processed, these seaweeds can also be used as a natural fertilizer rich in minerals. … and sometimes, certain seaweeds are used to make soaps or natural skincare products. And right here, on my left, are breeding structures. Nothing chemical here: these are simply structures that allow the seaweed to stay attached when the sea recedes at low tide. The levee here has an elevation of 3 meters. In Okinawa, the elevation of where you are is marked all along the coastline. This information is crucial for your safety. In the event of a tsunami, it helps you know if the elevation you’re at is below or above the height of the wave. In the event of a tsunami, alerts are broadcast throughout both the city and the countryside. These alerts inform the public about the wave height and the areas to evacuate to. The video is now over 👍
Thank you so much for watching it until the end. See you very soon 😊
Welcome to Sogoundo-koen Sports Park, the largest sports park on Okinawa Island, located in Kitanakagusuku, Japan.
This is an ASMR video with no narration (only the natural ambient sounds guide you through a peaceful and immersive experience).
To make the walk more engaging, English subtitles are available throughout the video, don’t forget to turn them on!
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🗺️ If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa, this peaceful stroll is perfect for a relaxing day off the usual tourist paths.
(A great option for a slow-paced “off” day.)
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🚗 Easy access from Naha:
Take the expressway toward Nago and exit at Kitanakagusuku.
🚌 You can also take bus line 111 from Naha.
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🎥 HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS GUIDED TOUR
🔸 Main stadium and other sports facilities
🔸 Football and rugby fields
🔸 Tennis courts
🔸 Running track
🔸 Ponds
🔸 Seaside view
🔸 Park and playground areas
🔸 Pedal boat zone
🔸 The eerie tree that should never be cut
🔸 Camping and barbecue area
🔸 Scenic overlook
Each shot is filmed at eye level to provide a peaceful, detailed walk — just like being there in person.
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📍 PRACTICAL INFO
Location: Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan
Park size: Over 70 ha of nature and sports
Language: Subtitles available in English
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📌 Subscribe to this channel: 🔔 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Okinawa-Daily-Life
🔗 Read the blog post on this topic 👉 https://okinawa-daily-life.com/sports-activities-okinawa-sports-park/
🌐 Official park website (Japanese): https://okinawa-kenso.com/
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Chapitre:
0:00 Main entrance
01:50 Stadium presentation
04:06 Main sports buildings
09:27 Football and rugby stadium
17:08 Tennis courts
30:28 Fish ponds
37:49 Race track
54:24 Visit the park
1:01:51 Wild beach
1:03:57 Children’s playground
1:05:41 Basketball court
1:09:23 Pedal boats
1:15:10 Camping area
1:19:50 Horrific Tree
1:30:28 Belvedere
1:34:55 Wild beach
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