A Local Guide Gives You a Glimpse! E-bike Tour to Share The Secret of Longevity in Kijoka Village, Ogimi Village

【STORY】

Ogimi Village in Okinawa Prefecture, located in Yanbaru in northern Okinawa, is an area that retains the original landscape of Okinawa, with various names such as "Village of Longevity," "Village of Seekwasa," "Village of Bashofu (Kijoka banana fiber cloth)," and "Village of Bunagaya (Specters from Okinawa Prefecture)".

Kijoka Village, where you will take a walk this time, is also the birthplace of Taira Toshiko (Age of death 101), a living national treasure who was instrumental in the revival of bashofu in this area. 

Why don't you join a local guide on a tour of hidden gems that tourists don't visit and get a feel for the traditional way of life rooted in the community?

【HIGHLIGHT】

• A country road with a wide expanse of rice paddies and basho, the raw material for Kibashofu (Kijoka banana fiber cloth). You will enjoy a special time immersed in the original landscape of Okinawa.
  
• Shop at the community store that supports the local lifestyle! If you find a local, join them for a Yuntaku (Okinawan chat)!
  
• You can choose to explore on foot or by e-bike!
  *If you prefer to walk, please fill out the reservation form.
  
 

【SCHEDULE】

You can choose the start time for this plan. Please choose your preferred start time when you make your reservation. 

[00:00] Gather in front of Ogimi Village Rural Environment Improvement Center and register

[00:15] Gear check, advance confirmation 

Spot ①: Kijoka Tabuku
Tabuku means "rice field" in Okinawan dialect. You will pass through a path surrounded by "rice fields" that support the lives of the villagers. You can see the unique scenery of Okinawa, where rice is cultivated in two seasons. 

Spot ②: Nanataki Waterfall
This is a sacred place for the villagers. You will be allowed to enter the place where many people visit as a place of prayer, to be healed by nature, and to pray for their daily safety. 

Spot ③: Kijoka Shop
This is a convenience store that supports the life of the village and where everyone gathers. In between and after farm work, housework, and work, everyone gathers and chats. If you are lucky, you may be able to chat with your grandparents. 

Spot ④: Himba Forest
This is one of the best viewing spots in the village, offering a panoramic view of the village and the ocean on the west coast! The sense of accomplishment after climbing the 100 steps to the top is unforgettable! 

*Please understand that the above itinerary is subject to change without notice. 

[01:45] Tour ends. 

[02:00] Dismissal in front of Ogimi Village Rural Environment Improvement Center

【DETAILS】

The aging rate among the total population is much higher than the national average of 26.7%, and the village was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the "world's longest-living region" for its high percentage of healthy elderly people. (1996). 

Many people have come to study the secrets of longevity, and the three most important factors for a long life are "lifelong activity," "diet," and "relationships with others”.
Even if they are over 90 years old, they still work in the fields and eat mineral-rich vegetables, seaweed, and protein. 

They laugh, sing, dance, and live with the rare nature and wisdom, and villagers support each other. 

Why don't you experience the secret of longevity in this village where such a spirit has taken root through various experiences, activities, and homestays?

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting Point：In front of Ogimi Village Rural Environment Improvement Center  [MAP]
   320 Kijoka, Ogimi Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-1303, Japan
  
• Access：
  ■Approximately 2 hours from Naha Airport by car (open road)
  ■From Okinawa Expressway: Approximately 60 minutes by car (open road) from the Kyoda IC.
  ■Bus: Take the Hedona Line No. 67 (Ryu/Oki), about 3 minutes on foot from the Daiichi Kijoka bus stop.
  
• Minimum number of participants：2 people
• Language Support：Japanese, English（Optional）
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・E-bike rental fee
  
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the site
  ・Interpreter
  
• Items to bring：
  ・Beverages
  ・Towel
  
• Clothes：clothes that are easy to move around in
• Participation requirements：
  ・Over 10 years old
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Special Suppor：Luggage storage is available.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes（Western-style）
• Things to note：
  <Terms of Participation>
  ・Please understand that this tour and project will take place in a natural environment and that it may be dangerous.
  ・The route may be changed or canceled due to weather, participants' condition, etc.
  ・Please follow the instructions of the guide. Please do not behave in a manner that may disturb other participants.
  ・Please inform us in advance if you have any medical conditions.
  ・Please inform us immediately if you become ill, even after the tour or project has started.
  ・Please be aware that there are no hospitals nearby and ambulances may not be able to reach you in some areas.
  ・Please keep your valuables and other belongings in your own safekeeping.
  
  ＜Insurance>
  ・We recommend that you take out voluntary travel insurance in case of accidents or incidents.
  
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date: 90% of the tour price
On the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.