Okinawa Walking Diary｜Bise Fukugi Tree Road

🌿 Okinawa Walking Diary | Bise Fukugi Tree Road

Doing nothing is also a kind of happiness

If I had to vote for my favorite spot on this four-day, three-night Okinawa trip, it would definitely be the Fukugi Tree Road on day three.

On the morning of day three of our Okinawa road trip, we checked out of the Asbo Hotel at 9:30 and drove north.

A little over an hour later, we arrived at the Fukugi Tree Road in Bise, Motobu Town, in northern Okinawa Main Island.

It's just a few minutes' drive from the Churaumi Aquarium and is a must-see walking route for travelers visiting northern Okinawa.

🚗 Unattended parking mailbox

Upon arrival, the first thing I saw was a sign that read:

"Put your money in the white box."

There's no parking fee, and there's no gate.

Travelers simply drop 400 yen into the white mailbox. This "honesty system" is very Okinawa—
no surveillance, yet full of trust.

I filmed my husband putting in his money; it was quite amusing.

The moment he put in his money,

I parked the car and began a journey of spiritual healing.

🌳 Fukugi Tree Road Entrance

The wooden sign at the entrance reads "Bise Fukugi Tree Road."

The trail is lined with rows of Fukugi trees.

The thick leaves provide protection from the sea breeze and the sun, making this an ancient windbreak

a shade forest protected by generations of locals.

Entering the trail, we found a fine sandy path beneath our feet.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, and the air was filled with the salty smell of the sea and the delicate fragrance of the plants.

On the way, we passed locals slowly passing by on bicycles, and tourists traversing the trail in oxcarts. As the wooden wheel turned and the cowbell rang, the gentleman looked at the cow and couldn't help but exclaim, "What a beautiful cow!" At that moment, even time seemed to soften.

🏠 History and Culture of Bise

Along the way, you'll see several stone tablets explaining local culture:

"Zoning Benchmark Stones"

This explains that ancient village planning was based on three "axis stones":

"Front Axis (Mejiku)"
"Center Axis (Nakajiku)"
"Sub-Axis (Nijiku)"

Symbolizing village order and land worship.

"Gushiken Family Residence Ruins"

The stone tablet reads:

"This house, with the Yago Hanekunyaa, is the house of the Gushiken Munchu, the second oldest among ten generations in the village."

This signifies that the century-old Gushiken family residence is preserved here.

The coral stone walls, constructed from sandstone dating back over a century, are a precious cultural heritage of the Bise region.

These stone monuments stand quietly in the shade of the trees, like a mark of time, reminding people of the long story of this land.

🌊 End of the Forest Trail: Seeing the Sea of Ie Island

At the end of the forest trail, the view suddenly opens up—
The azure sea shimmers in the sunlight,

In the distance, Ie Island, gilded by the setting sun.

The sign reads:

"Cape Bise offers a sweeping view of Ie Island.

The view of the island silhouetted against the setting sun is particularly beautiful."

Cape Bise offers a sweeping view of Ie Island.

The silhouette against the setting sun is particularly moving.

We stood there for a long time, gazing at the transparent blue.

This trip to Okinawa was so lucky not to encounter rain.

The sea, bathed in sunlight, is both blue and transparent.

The sea breeze gently caresses my face,

and an indescribable peace fills my heart.

The value of travel lies perhaps in moments like these—
doing nothing, simply being.

🕊️ Summary

The Fukugi Forest Trail isn't a flashy tourist attraction, but it's the perfect place in Okinawa to slow down.
From the honest parking boxes to the century-old stone walls,
from the swaying tree paths to the distant sea views of Ie Island,
this place embodies Okinawa's most unpretentious warmth.

📍Travel Information Card

Location: 626 Bise, Motobu, Okinawa

Distance from Churaumi Aquarium: Approximately a 10-minute walk

Parking fee: 400 yen (drop into the white mailbox)

Recommended stay: 1-2 hours

Best time to photograph: 9-11 AM / after 4 PM for the softest light and shadows

🌸 Hashtags

#OkinawaWalkingDiary #FukugirinTrail #BiseVillage #MotobuCho #NorthernOkinawa #SlowTravel #HonestMailBox #FukugiGreenShade #DistanceBetweenSeaandTrees