Bios no Oka in Okinawa blends lush nature with Okinawan culture across 50 hectares. Accessible paths, wheelchair rentals, and barrier-free boat tours make it welcoming to all visitors. Families can enjoy nature walks, a petting zoo, and workshops in this peaceful, accessible park.
General Information
Nestled in the lush hills of Uruma City, Okinawa, Bios no Oka (Bios Hill) is a tranquil nature park that offers a blend of Okinawan culture, stunning flora, and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Spread across 50 hectares, the park is renowned for its abundant tropical and subtropical plants, including rare orchids and unique flowers that thrive in Okinawa’s warm climate. Bios no Oka invites guests to immerse themselves in nature, relax, and learn about the island’s natural beauty in a peaceful, family-friendly setting.
One of the park’s main attractions is the relaxing boat tour, which meanders along a winding lake, providing guests with the perfect vantage point to enjoy the greenery and birdlife in the area. A knowledgeable guide offers insight into the various plants and animals, sharing details about Okinawa’s diverse ecosystems. For visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace, several walking paths crisscross the park, allowing for close-up encounters with vibrant flowers, ancient trees, and even water buffalo that roam the grounds. The park also features traditional Okinawan houses where visitors can get a glimpse into the region’s culture.
In addition to its natural offerings, Bios no Oka is perfect for those seeking hands-on activities. The park provides opportunities for families to enjoy water buffalo cart rides, interact with small farm animals, and partake in craft workshops that highlight traditional Okinawan arts and crafts. Kids, in particular, will love the small petting zoo where they can meet friendly goats, rabbits, and pigs.
Bios no Oka is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9:00-17:30. Prices range from ¥1,100-¥2,200 with discounts for Japanese disability holders.
Getting There
Bios no Oka is approximately 1hr by car from Naha, the largest city in Okinawa. It is worth mentioning that accessing the park via train or bus may present difficulties, so arriving by car is recommended.
For visitors arriving by car, there is designated accessible parking, although it should be noted that puddles may form in these parking spots during rainy weather since they are located outdoors. However, the proximity of these parking spaces to the entrance makes accessibility easier for those with mobility challenges.
Accessible transportation can be arranged via our transfers page. If you are interested in renting an accessible car, contact the Okinawa Barrier Free Tour Desk.
Accessibility Information
Bios no Oka offers a variety of accessibility features, both practical and thoughtful, to accommodate visitors with disabilities. While the park spans a large area with various terrains, it offers flat paths in many sections, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs. There are some areas with steps but they are clerly indicated.
When it comes to exploring the park, Bios no Oka also provides a barrier-free experience for its lake boat tours. The boats are equipped with ramps, allowing wheelchair users to board easily, with the help of staff. Depending on the size of the boat, up to seven wheelchairs can be accommodated at once, using the front row and aisle.
Unfortunately, the water buffalo cart is not wheelchair accessible.
In terms of restroom facilities, Bios no Oka is equipped with several accessible toilets spread throughout the park. There are accessible toilets located near the parking lot and ticket hall, the East Village Cafe, and the Omoro Tea House. Each toilet is designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, including features such as grab bars, lowered sinks, and changing tables.
Additional features such as the ample resting areas, clearly marked accessible routes, and attentive staff further enhance the accessibility of Bios no Oka.
For those who require mobility aids, the park has wheelchair rentals available at the reception area, along with a “Whill” power wheelchair.
The outdoor nature of many areas, including the accessible parking, means that weather conditions may also impact the experience.
Accessibility YouTuber Miyo made a video about Bios no Oka. It is in Japanese, but you can still get an idea of the area from the video.
