Getting to know Kadena through specific places offers a range of perspectives: the park on the grounds of Yara Castle brings nature watching and local history together; recurring festivals add their own character along the Hija River and at the fishing port. There are also facilities for environmental education and sports. Which stops you choose depends on whether you are especially interested in the landscape and history, a seasonal festival, or local learning and sports activities.

Nature and history along the Hija River

The park on the grounds of Yara Castle incorporates the former residence of Okawa Aji as a green recreational space and is connected to the Hija River waterfront. The park is used for observing birds and plants, as well as learning about nature and history. Nature and historical themes thus sit side by side within the same park grounds.

The Hija Bridge is also located in the Kadena area. Built in 1867, the stone bridge has five consecutive arches. It has been described as a scenic spot and one of the Eight Views of Okinawa. Its historical significance differs from the nature and learning opportunities in the park: here, the bridge itself is the notable structure.

Festivals with different dates and themes

At the Hija River Koinobori Festa, 400 carp streamers are hung over the river mouth in late April to encourage children to grow up healthy. The festival takes place at the community center and Kadena fishing port. The ceremony is accompanied by excursion boats, canoeing and jet-ski activities. The Noguni Soukan Festival features a sweet potato digging competition for children. The two festivals therefore have different focuses: one combines a streamer ceremony with activities on the water, while the other centers on digging up sweet potatoes.

Kadena Haarii is also a recurring festival at Kadena fishing port. It takes place on the Sunday immediately following the fourth day of the fifth month according to the old calendar. The program includes Haarii races for fishermen, competitions between occupational groups and a children’s Haarii. In mid-July, YOU・遊・比謝川 takes place in the park on the grounds of Yara Castle; it includes a raft race and other events along the river. The dates are therefore based on different reference points: late April, mid-July, or the old-calendar count. Check current festival dates and programs before your trip.

Sports facilities and nature experiences

Kenku Seaside Park includes a Water Garden, a multipurpose field, softball and general sports facilities with nighttime lighting, tennis courts and a gymnasium. The offerings therefore extend beyond nature watching and history to include a variety of sports facilities. The Water Garden was established to help children from Kadena Town interact with water and become accustomed to it; it opened on April 28, 2012. Before visiting, check whether and when the Water Garden is open for seasonal use and whether individual sports facilities are available.

The Hija River Nature Experience Center promotes nature experiences and environmental education by making use of the natural, cultural, traditional and economic resources of Kadena Town. There is an exhibition room on the first floor, and the center invites visitors to make use of it. Alongside observing plants and birds, exhibitions and educational activities are therefore additional themes to explore during a visit.

Discover Kadena Town

The Kadena Roadside Station has a learning and exhibition room on the third floor about the history of Kadena Town and Kadena Air Base. A covered observation deck offers a view of the air base. Regional specialty products are also sold there. If you plan to stop here, check the latest information about the facilities and product range before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Chatan, Kitanakagusuku.

Return to the broader travel overview: Nakagami District.