The Motobu Peninsula is located in northern Okinawa and, generally speaking, encompasses Bise, Nakijin, and Motobu townships, as well as the northern portion of Nago City. Motobu Peninsula is characterized by a lower population density than the southern portion of the island, as well as by an abundance of small towns surrounded by dense foliage. The name "Motobu" comes from a prince chosen to govern the area in the mid-1600s.

Motobu Peninsula, specifically Nakijin Castle, was the seat of the Hokuzan kings during the 14th and 15th centuries. (For more information, see article on Nakijin Castle.)

Anchoring the attractions on the peninsula is Ocean Expo Park, which was the centerpiece of Expo '75, a World's Fair held on Okinawa during the latter half of 1975. The exposition brought delegates from more than three dozen counties and, appropriately enough, featured a oceanic theme. Its motto was "The sea we would like to see." On the expo's opening day, renowned author James A. Michener delivered the keynote address. Millions visited the expo site, especially the Aquapolis, a conceptual floating city designed show the ways that humans could build ocean-based communities that existed in harmony with nature. (The Aquapolis remained open until 1993 and was towed to Shanghai for disposal in 2000.) Organizers intended for the expo to boost tourism to Motobu Peninsula. However, poor management and a series of funding debacles resulted in little stimulation for the region's economy, and until the construction of Churaumi Aquarium, the park served as little more than a reminder of what could have been.

Aside from Churaumi Aquarium, the peninsula's other boons include Nago Pineapple Park (an ode to all things pineapple—including pineapple wine), Neo Park (a collection of aviary and fauna exhibits in which guests can pet and interact with animals ranging from turtles to llamas), and Ryugo-ju Butterfly Garden (in which guests stroll through gardens of scented flowers and herbs that attract scores of butterflies).

The peninsula is also known for its mikan (tangerine) orchards, which thousands visit each winter as the fruit ripen on the trees. Many Okinawan families make an annual winter pilgrimage to Motobu to pick mikan. Farmers generally charge pickers a flat rate per kilo of fruit. However, those wanting fruit but not wanting to partake in the manual labor of picking can purchase bags of mikan at roadside stands.

Just off the coast of Motobu Peninsula is Sesoko Island, which is connected to Okinawa Honto by a notable bridge. Anchi Beach (to the left after crossing the bridge) and Sesoko Beach (follow the main road straight until reaching the water, then turn right) are excellent destinations for aquatics lovers. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving can be had at both locations, though oceangoers should pay careful attention to tides and currents. The limestone crevices along Sesoko Beach are also popular with Okinawan boulderers.

To get to Motobu, take Highway 58 north to Nago or take the Expressway to its terminus. Follow Highway 58 until it splits off into Highway 449. The area west of Highway 58 from this split to the point where 58 joins 505 just south of Yagaji Island is considered Motobu Peninsula.

Motobu Photos

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