For nature lovers, a trip to the northern hills may provide an opportunity to see both panoramic vistas and particular animal species that are native only to okinawa. Arriving at the elevated northern areas before dawn, one can view the sun rising over the Pacific from some of the best locations on okinawa. And on a trek through the northern forests, one may see many unique examples of woodland life.

Still a great green home for magnificent old trees, the area provides a habitat for some rare animal species like the Noguchi-gera (woodpecker) and the Yanbaru-kuina (flightless rail), both Special National Monuments. Other species that may be observed are the strange Yanbaru-tenaga-kogane (beetle), mountain turtle, and the Ibo-imori (salamander). One may not want to come across some other inhabitants like the long-haired rat or the venomous Hime-habu.

Of course the lush, natural plantlife includes the Ryukyu Pine and sapanwood trees, but it is also worth going to see the Higashi Village Azalea Festival in March or, when in season, stopping by the roadside to buy freshly picked pineapples and tangerines grown on the lower hillsides.

Visitors may also travel to a great man-made artifice located almost in the center of northern okinawa, the Fukuchi Dam, which is able to hold 55 million cubic meters of water. It is one of several dams located in the area, and the largest one in the prefecture.

The northern hills not only provide a splendid, verdant background for many scenic views, but they are home to many species of wildlife and a source of water for all residents of okinawa.