Bios no Oka

A subtropical nature park in central Okinawa built around a tranquil lake and dense forest, where 51 of the prefecture's 57 butterfly species have been recorded. Water buffalo carts trundle along shaded paths past Japan's largest orchid collection, while guided canoe trips and nature walks reveal the flora of the Ryukyu Islands up close. Far calmer and less commercial than the island's big-name parks.