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Trekking in Okinawa It is said that the great outdoors is nature's ultimate playground and the best way to enjoy it is to walk in its midst in an unhurried pace. Nowhere is this more true than in Okinawa. Okinawa is a paradise of native forests, spectacular mountains, and coastal sceneries. Here you can experience nature in its purest form, explore the natural habitats of the Sefa-Utaki, the grandeur of the Hiji Waterfall, or the majesty of the Okinawa mountains. Discover the beautiful outdoors of Okinawa and start creating your own uplifting experiences with nature. Let's go trekking! You do not have to go far to experience nature in Okinawa. Okinawa is richly blessed and everywhere you go, you can see the glories of nature. Whether you are walking through the city streets or exploring the great outdoors, you will discover that no glance goes unrewarded. You will see many interesting insects and birds such as the Shiroobiageha (butterfly), Usukishirocho (butterfly), Shirogashira(bird), and Isohiyodori (bird). At night you can even see Ookoomori bats and Ohojiroyamori (gecko) in the city. If you go further north, you'll encounter panoramic vistas of seas and mountains, a profusion of unique birds, plants, and unspoiled landscapes. Okinawa is so full of surprises for those who wander its paths. There is nothing like experiencing first hand the sound of a summer breeze in the leaves, the sight of a sparkling stream in the sun but you should also be aware that anytime you interact with nature, there is a chance of injury. You don't have to be a survival expert to go off tramping in the woods, but you do need to have a sound grounding in the basics of the outdoors. With the right knowledge, you can avoid injury in the wilderness while enjoying all the experiences of nature. Here are a few tips for successful trekking. One of the most important rules of trekking: be smart about what you pack! Here is a list of the things you will need: cap, towel, compass, extra shirts (long-sleeved), drinking water, umbrella, first-aid kit. Carry everything in your backpack. Both your hands should not be holding anything during trekking. Since you are likely to see plants, insects, and animals you have never noticed before, bring along a guide book so you can look up information on the spot. If you are a beginner, start small. Joining a trekking group or club can be a great way to get some basic knowledge of trekking and the best places to go sight-seeing. Never, under any circumstances, venture off into the woods by yourself. Outdoor adventures are fun but trekking is a group sport. Dangers in the forest A lot of dangers lurk inside the forest. The threat of getting bitten by a poisonous snake in the forest may have lessened, but nevertheless it still exists. Avoid trekking through thick growth of weeds or places where visibility is poor. Should you suddenly come across a wild animal, avoid sudden moves and move slowly away. Hornets, gnats, and other insects are common in Okinawa's forests. To protect yourself from insect bites while trekking, avoid wearing perfumes or scented lotions and cover as much of your skin as possible with clothing. Use insect repellant and remember not to stir up a hornet's nest. Getting attacked by a swarm of hornets or gnats can result in serious injury. One thing you should remember above all is that humans are also a threat to nature. A careless hand can destroy in seconds what has taken nature hundreds of years to develop. The first rule on interacting with the environment is: Leave it as you found it. This rule applies to the trees, the earth, the animals, even the flowers. Show respect to Mother Nature. Carry out all the garbage you carry in. If everyone works together to preserve parks, wilderness, and other trekking areas, our future generations will be able to enjoy breathtaking trekking adventures as well.