A Complete Guide to All Okinawa Mangrove Species | Features and Observation Spots

This time Types of mangroves found in Okinawa Special feature on!

Kandelia candel, Bruguiera odorata, Rhizophora mangrove, etc. Differences and characteristics of mangroves Ishigaki Island ・ Iriomote Island ・ Okinawa main island Recommended observation spots We will introduce the following.

Recommended activities for mangrove observation We've also picked out some spots!

What are mangroves?

mangrove teeth, A group of plants that grow in brackish waters where seawater and freshwater mix. is.

Its main habitat is the warm tropical and subtropical regions.
The only places in Japan where you can observe mangroves are: Okinawa and Kagoshima Only in some areas is!

In Okinawa, not only on the main island, Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island It is widely distributed, even in the Yaeyama area.
There are a total of seven types of mangroves that live in Okinawa Prefecture!

On site, A nature observation tour to observe various mangroves or, SUP ・ Kayaking and canoeing Cruising tours using this service are gaining popularity.

The main types of mangroves found in Okinawa

In the following, Okinawa The main types of mangroves found in Introducing them all at once!
Check out the features and highlights of each.

1. Kandelia candel

alias" Ryukyu shellfish ".
Cold-tolerant mangrove plants found throughout Japan is.

The leaves are smaller than other varieties.
In early summer, it produces white flowers with long, thin petals.

It is also known for its unique property of viviparity, in which the fruit germinates inside the fruit and grows to more than 20 cm before dropping.

2. Bruguiera

" Rhizophora Also known as Tall mangrove plants is.

It is the sepals on the outside of the flower that actually appear red, while the petals are white or cream in color.

Once you see it, you'll never forget it - its distinctive inverted V-shaped roots is.

3. Mangrove

When most people think of mangroves, A mangrove plant characterized by its octopus-like roots is.

The white flowers are small and unassuming.
Its northern limit is Okinawa, and it is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the east coast of Africa. We are doing it.

4. Mayapushki

In Japan Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island Mangrove plants distributed in is.
The name is said to mean "cat's joint tree" in the Okinawan dialect.

The flowers bloom at night.
The roots that grow vertically from the surrounding ground are also distinctive. is!

5. Avicennia marina

This species grows on the sea side of mangrove forests.
It has strong salt tolerance and absorbs salt from seawater and excretes it through the underside of its leaves. I will.

Like Maya Psychia, it has a root system.

6. Nipa palm

Mangrove plants classified as palms is.

In Japan Iriomote Island It grows wild only in.

It has a unique appearance with no trunk or stem, but rather branches out from the roots and spreads large leaves. is.

7. Mangrove

A species that grows inland from mangrove forests is.

It is characterized by its brightly colored, fleshy leaves and produces small, white flowers with five petals.

Iriomote Island Next to Yubu Island has one of the largest colonies in Japan It has been confirmed that:

Recommended spots to see Okinawa's mangroves

In the following, Recommended spots to see mangroves in Okinawa We will introduce the following.
Okinawa main island ・ Ishigaki Island ・ Iriomote Island We have picked out the best spots by area!

Okinawa Main Island | Gesashi River and Okukubi River

Okinawa main island If you want to observe mangroves, Gesashi River "," Okukubigawa River " is recommended!

Flowing through the northern Yanbaru area The mangrove forest of the Gesashi River is one of the largest on Okinawa Island. .
The whole area is " Gesashi Bay mangrove forest It has been designated as a national natural monument. Kayaking and canoeing tours You can take a stroll around.

On the other hand, the river that flows through the central part of the main island Mangrove forests of the Okukubi River So, You can observe four types of mangrove: Bruguiera candel, Bruguiera candel, Bruguiera mangrove, and Bruguiera pseudomangrove. .
Locally, like the Gesashi River, Canoe and Kayak Tours is being held!

Ishigaki Island | Miyara River and Fukido River

Ishigaki Island If you want to observe mangroves, go to " Miyara River " is the standard!
The mangrove forest is designated as a national natural monument. SUP ・ Canoe and Kayak Tours You can participate.

If you want to experience an adventurous activity tour, try " Fukido River " is also recommended.

The Fukido River is narrower than the Miyara River and is closer to the mangroves.
While cruising, you can enjoy the sensation of passing through a green tunnel. Yo!

Iriomote Island | Nakama River and Urauchi River

Iriomote Island Flowing through the south Nakamagawa River "teeth, A popular spot with one of Japan's largest mangrove forests along the coast !
Experience cruises that allow you to leisurely observe mangroves of all sizes from a boat are gaining popularity.

Another attractive feature is that cruise ships depart from Ohara Port, the island's gateway. is!

The longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, which flows through the northern part of the island, Urauchi River There are also sightseeing cruises available on the "Mangrove Grove" where you can observe the large-scale mangroves while listening to the captain's commentary.

The dock upstream of the river is Gunkaniwa Rock "teeth, It is also famous as the starting point for trekking tours. is!

Mangrove exploration tours you'll want to experience in Okinawa! Introducing a selection of popular plans

Below, Okinawa A mangrove exploration tour you'll want to experience Introducing.
We have carefully selected popular plans for each area!

Okinawa main island area

Okinawa main island So, Naha A mangrove walking tour will be held in the central area of ​​the main island, which is easily accessible from It has been done.

Check out the link below for more details about the plan!

Why not take a break from sightseeing in Okinawa and enjoy some outdoor fun?

Ishigaki Island area

Ishigaki Island So, Take a leisurely stroll through the mangroves SUP ・ Canoe and Kayak Tours is popular !

There are evening and night tours where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset, Snorkeling experience We recommend a set plan that includes is.

For those who don't want to get wet or want to see the mangroves with small children, Starry Sky Photo ・ Night Safari Tour Check out Give it a try!

Iriomote Island area

SUP in the mangroves ・ Canoeing and Kayaking Experience is a standard activity on Iriomote Island. is!

Below are some recommended plans.
Water buffalo cart ride experience or Snorkeling etc. We especially recommend the set plan, which allows you to enjoy unique experiences on Iriomote Island. is!

Top 10 Okinawa Mangrove Exploration Activities

Finally, based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Popular ranking of Okinawa mangrove exploration activities "We would like to introduce you to "

Knowing the types of mangroves in Okinawa makes observing them even more enjoyable

This time, Types of mangroves found in Okinawa Featured!

Okinawa main island from remote islands You can observe mangroves in a wide range of areas.

On your next trip to Okinawa, be sure to use this special feature as a reference and enjoy observing the mangroves that are unique to this tropical country!

*The content of this article is current as of January 2026.
Featured image provided by: PIXTA

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