Yanbaru to Izena.
Okinawa's wild north and one of its remote outer islands in a single journey — ancient jungle, a market-fresh lodge feast, and the open ocean off Izena.
Four days that move from ancient jungle and a mountain lodge deep in Yanbaru, to sea kayaking the northern coast, then out to Izena — a small remote island with a local-hosted feast you won't forget. We handle the logistics; you just show up ready.
Itinerary.
- Day 1
Northern interior — waterfall, forest & cycle course
A guided trail drops into the jungle and follows the sound of water to a hidden waterfall. Seasonal lunch — streamside or forest soba house. The afternoon cycle course threads through coastal lanes and viewpoints. Camp set up and waiting on arrival.
Beach or mountain glampingSeasonal lunch (included)Glamping BBQ dinner (included)3 optional extras
- Guided hike to Katsu-dake summitPrivate tour only
- Private accommodation / tentSubject to availability
- Yachimun pottery experiencePrivate tour only
- Day 2
Sea kayaking & the mountains of Okuma
A two-hour sea kayaking session along the northern coastline. Lunch at one of the most northerly shokudo on the island. Cape Hedo for the cliffs and the meeting of two seas. The evening is the lodge owner's market-fresh feast — course after course, conversation poured along with the drinks.
Mountain lodge — private tatami roomSurrounded by jungle. Cabin upgrade available, subject to availability.Tei shoku lunch (included)Market-fresh lodge feast dinner (included)2 optional extras
- Full-day river trek with waterfall climbing & rappelling
- Private cabin lodge with western bed upgradeSubject to availability
- Day 3
Izena Island — off the map
Home-prepared breakfast by the lodge owner. Ferry to Izena. Afternoon boat charter — fishing, snorkelling, sashimi on board. A multi-course feast prepared by a local islander.
Traditional Okinawan houseTatami floors, wooden beams. Shared facilities. Private room on request.Home-prepared breakfast by the lodge owner (included)Bento lunch (included)Multi-course feast by local islander (included)1 optional extra
- Private accommodation / room upgrade
- Day 4
Izena to mainland — live like a local
Hike to a 360° hilltop. Sugarcane pressed straight from the field. Umi budō tasting at the farm. Soba lunch, ferry home, and an acerola stop in Motobu.
Soba or bento lunch (included)Acerola refreshment in Motobu (included)1 optional extra
- Second half-day reef charter before the ferryWeather and availability dependent
Yanbaru and Izena are two faces of the same place — the jungle interior and the open ocean. This itinerary uses both. Day one earns the camp. Day two trades the trail for a paddle, then a market-fresh feast at a mountain lodge. Day three is on the boat off Izena, sashimi on board between snorkel drops. Day four is sugarcane and umi budō with the locals before the ferry home.
The practical bits.
- 3 nights accommodation — beach or mountain glamping (Night 1), mountain lodge (Night 2), traditional Okinawan house on Izena (Night 3)
- All group ground transport throughout the tour
- Izena ferry crossing (return)
- Bilingual local guide throughout
- Included meals — see itinerary
- All gear for sea kayaking and water activities on Izena
- Flights to and from Okinawa
- Optional activities and add-ons (chosen and paid on the day)
- Some meals and drinks
- Personal travel insurance
- Transport outside the tour
- Sturdy footwear with grip
- Quick-dry clothing — you'll get wet
- Swimwear and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Light layers for evenings at the lodge and tatami house
- Sea kayaking is beginner-friendly. Guides handle the briefing and gear.
- Day 2's lodge dinner is one of the highlights of the trip — let us know about dietary restrictions in advance.
- Tatami house on Izena has shared facilities. Private rooms can be arranged.
20% deposit at booking secures your spot. Remaining 80% due 30 days before the tour, when vendors and accommodation are fully locked in.
Full refund if you cancel 60+ days out. Deposit non-refundable for 30–59 day cancellations. No refund inside 29 days. Travel insurance recommended.
We build small, hand-walked trips and we'd love to take you out.
— The Evertrail crew
