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Inside Okinawa's Gangala Valley, sunlight illuminates massive banyan tree roots intertwining with lush green foliage, creating a breathtaking natural wonder during your half-day bus tour.
The mysterious interior of Gangala Valley's cave in Okinawa, featuring massive hanging roots interwoven with stalactites, showcasing nature's artistry and adding an enchanting touch to your half-day tour.
A visual representation of a Naha city pickup point, with a prominent red location pin marking the meeting spot, making it convenient for travelers departing from Naha for the Okinawa Southern half-day bus tour.

Southern Okinawa Sightseeing/Half-Day Bus Tour|Valley of Gangala Course|Naha Departure


Booking confirmed within 4 working day(s)
Duration:5 hour(s) 30 min(s)
Guided language: 日本語
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date

  • Tour is guaranteed to depart even if there is only one guest!
  • The bus has a multilingual automatic voice guidance system (in English, Chinese, and Korean).
  • You can see the sights while traveling to Naha Airport, so it's perfect for the last day of your trip to Okinawa.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodTransfer from meeting point
Minimum participant requirement1 traveler
Tour typesAudio guide
Meal arrangementArrange yourself
Additional service & facilityBarrier free
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Bus tour
TransportBus tour

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

ー Spot Introduction ー

  • Sefa Utaki, a World Cultural Heritage Site

Said to have been created by Amamikiyo, the goddess who created the Ryukyu Islands, Sefa Utaki is the most sacred site in the Ryukyu Kingdom and is believed to be one of the seven utaki (sacred sites) where the country originated. The inauguration ceremony of Kikoe-ogimi, the supreme goddess of Ryukyu, was held at Sefa Utaki. It is in the mountains, so you can also experience Okinawa's nature when you go there. In December 2000, it was registered as a World Heritage Site.

  • Valley of Gangala

A place that feels like another world in which time flows differently, the Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest rich in nature that was created by the collapse of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago. There is a high possibility that the Minatogawa Man lived here approximately 18,000 years ago and excavations in the area are still being conducted today. You can experience the area while ruminating about "nature" and "life". The valley is about 14,500 tsubo (47,933 square meters) wide, with a walking distance of 1km. It is a vast, old world that you won't completely understand until you set foot in it.

Purchase Notice

  • Sefa Utaki Shrine may restrict entry without prior notice. If that happens, sightseeing time at Cape Chinen or time spent at the next stop may become 180 minutes. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The tour may be cancelled due to the social distancing during COVID-19. If the tour is canceled, we will contact you in advance and give you a full refund. Thank you for your understanding.
  • We will not stop at bus stops if no one is getting on or off there.
  • Seats are generally unreserved, but we will assign seats beforehand when buses are crowded. (At present, we may assign seats regardless of the number of passengers in a bid to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.)
  • Please note that if there is an odd number of passengers, you may have to share a row with another passenger.
  • Please note that we may use auxiliary seats.
  • Participation with wheelchairs and strollers is possible, but they will be stored in the trunk of the bus. Please note that we will not be held liable for any damages. We cannot accept requests to load or offload stored wheelchairs/strollers during sightseeing inside the designated spots, so please make your request when getting on or off the bus.
  • If you are considering using a wheelchair, you must be accompanied by someone who can assist you.

[Travel Conditions]

  • Departure/Destination: Okinawa
  • Duration: Day tour
  • Transport: Charter Bus
  • Bus company: Toyo Bus Company
  • Meals: 0
  • Accommodation: 0
  • Minimum participant: 1
  • Tour conductor or tour guide: 1 

[Travel Operator]

  • Company: Mie Transportation Group Holdings, Inc.
  • Address: 1-7-2, Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
  • Registration number: Tourism Agency License Number 1934
  • Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

[Sale on Consignment]

  • KKday Japan Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 2F, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5, Yotsuya, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, 160-0004
  • Registration number: Tourism Agency License Number 2045
  • Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Reminders

  • Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • This tour is non-voucher free. On the day of the trip, please tell us the name and number of people at the designated boarding location. A bus guide will assist you with reception and boarding information. A bus guide will be at your reception and guide you on the bus.

  • The tour bus departs on time. Please observe the meeting time at each spot. We will not be responsible if you are late for personal reasons and cannot board the bus.

  • If you are late, you will not be allowed the join the tour midway through, so please be careful.

  • Please note that the meeting point will be at the main building of the Loisir Hotel.

  • We may change the order of drop-off locations depending on traffic conditions.

  • The times may change slightly depending on traffic conditions.

  • Please note that we will not be held liable for any schedule changes or missed flights caused by traffic jams.

  • Reservations may not be accepted due to block reservations, events, etc. in the Valley of Gangala.

  • Suitcases and other large luggage will be stored in the trunk of the bus. Please note that we will not be held liable for any damage to your bags. We cannot accept requests to load or offload stored bags during sightseeing inside the designated spots, so please make your request when getting on or off the bus.

  • You can leave your luggage on your seat on the bus during sightseeing in the designated spots, but please note that we will not be held liable for loss, etc., so do it at your own risk.

  • Smoking is prohibited on the tour.

  • Pets are not allowed to enter the sightseeing spots.

  • The tour may be canceled due to the social situation caused by COVID-19. If the tour is canceled, we will contact you in advance and give you a full refund. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What is Sefa-Utaki and what is its historical significance?

Sefa-Utaki was the highest sacred site during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, considered a place where deities descended and used for national-level rituals. It consists of several rock caves and lush forests, with the most famous being 'Sangunri,' the spiritual center of Ryukyuan Shinto. Its unique natural landscape and profound spiritual and cultural heritage led to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, representing the essence of Ryukyu Kingdom's religious culture.

2. How much time is usually needed to visit Sefa-Utaki?

When visiting Sefa-Utaki, it is recommended to allocate at least 1 to 1.5 hours. This duration is sufficient for a leisurely walk through the main sacred ruins, allowing you to soak in the solemn atmosphere and appreciate the surrounding natural scenery. This includes time for the introductory video at the entrance, walking to and from the sites, and pausing at each Utaki for a more comprehensive experience.

3. What are the unique natural landscapes of Gangala Valley?

Gangala Valley is a subtropical forest with a pristine natural appearance. Its most famous features are the stalactite caves formed tens of thousands of years ago, such as 'Great Ancient Cave,' and ancient trees like the 'Tree of Life.' The area also preserves caves where the Paleolithic 'Miyako Man' remains were discovered. It combines magnificent karst topography, rich plant ecosystems, and a deep historical and cultural ambiance, showcasing unique natural scenery and humanistic value.

4. What is the tour method for Gangala Valley?

Access to Gangala Valley is by reservation, and visits are led by professional guides for an in-depth tour. The guides provide detailed explanations of the valley's ecology, history, and cultural stories, such as the formation of the stalactite caves, the legends of the Tree of Life, and the archaeological discoveries of the 'Miyako Man.' The entire guided tour takes approximately 80 minutes, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the unique charm and value of this mysterious place.

5. What are the geographical characteristics of Sefa-Utaki in southern Okinawa?

Sefa-Utaki is located in Nanjo City, in the southeastern part of the main island of Okinawa, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is situated within a dense forest with undulating terrain and is close to the sea, offering views of Kudaka Island from certain vantage points. This geographical position, backing onto mountains and facing the sea, combines natural terrain with Ryukyuan beliefs, enhancing the sacred and mysterious atmosphere of the site, making it a unique cultural attraction.

6. Are multilingual audio guides provided on the bus tour to Sefa-Utaki and Gangala Valley?

Yes, during the bus journey to Sefa-Utaki and Gangala Valley, the buses are equipped with a multilingual automated audio guide system. This service offers various language options, including English, Chinese, and Korean, allowing travelers of different nationalities to gain a deeper understanding of the historical backgrounds, cultural stories, and natural features of the sights along the way through detailed explanations, enriching your sightseeing experience.

7. How does the bus tour of Sefa-Utaki and Gangala Valley ensure ample time for visits?

When touring Sefa-Utaki and Gangala Valley by sightseeing bus, professional drivers handle the transportation, eliminating the need for guests to plan their own routes and parking. Bus tours typically have pre-scheduled times for visiting each attraction, ensuring guests have sufficient time for exploration and smooth transitions between locations. This arrangement makes efficient use of time, leading to a more relaxed and convenient journey, allowing for a deep experience at each site.

8. After the tour ends, can I choose to be dropped off at Naha Airport instead of downtown Naha?

Yes, this tour offers flexible drop-off options. After concluding the visit to Sefa-Utaki and Gangala Valley, guests can choose to disembark at designated points in downtown Naha or opt for a direct drop-off at Naha Airport. This service is highly convenient for travelers who need to catch a flight on the same day, seamlessly connecting sightseeing with airport transportation and saving the hassle of transfers.

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