Tourist attraction • 1694 Izumi, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0221, Japan
In the quiet hills of Motobu, Northern Okinawa, lies the "Natural Stone Garden." This is a mystical space created by giant stones that have been around for billions of years. As you pass through the bamboo grove and follow the sound of a babbling brook up the stone steps, a scene of another world unfolds before you.
At the entrance's bamboo grove and stream, you can bathe in abundant negative ions. It's a place where you can forget the city's hustle and enjoy a leisurely time in nature, one of the site’s great charms. It surely refreshes both body and mind.
One of the highlights of the garden is the "Taiko Rock." When you tap on this gigantic stone, it resonates like a drum. The amazement of the first person who discovered this sound is easy to imagine. Be sure to tap it yourself and experience the mysterious sounds created by nature.
The Natural Stone Garden also features rare ginkgo trees for Okinawa. It's a valuable spot where you can feel the changing seasons of Okinawa, different from those on mainland Japan. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the beauty is exquisite and draws many repeat visitors.
The Natural Stone Garden is located within a private residence. The admission fee is 500 yen, and payment is made by placing it in a box at the top of the stairs. As other visitors note, please enjoy the property while remembering that you are a guest, and observe proper manners.
The Natural Stone Garden is a place to discover a different kind of Okinawa charm than the familiar emerald blue sea. With its leisurely flow of time, ancient stones' mysteries, and seasonal changes, it’s a spot I highly recommend for those looking to add a bit of change to the usual Okinawa travel route. Wouldn't you like to spend special time in serene nature that refreshes your mind and body?