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Heading past Nago in northern Okinawa lies the Motobu Peninsula. It is the in the north western most part of the island often called "Yambaru" in the Hogan (Okinawan dialect.) It is a part of the island that is still a place where nature has been left alone for the most part. This area provides a habitat for many of Okinawa's species of plants such as the beuatiful chy and rare animals such as the kiwimuna. The people of Yambaru are mostly farmers and fisherman, helping preserve Okinawan way of life. The fine quality fruits of "Yambaru" are well known throughout Japan, and can be found at local markets in Mainland Japan as well as in our own local Okinawa markets. January marks the beginning of the harvest for the variety of orange called "tankan", which can only be grown in very warm climates. At the farms located in the small town of Izumi, you can pick and taste these little oranges.
For about twenty five years the "lzumi Orange Producer's Union" has been letting visitors enter their orange tree groves for a small fee. A cost of 250 yen provides you with a guide, who leads you to one of the union's farms. Once you have arrived, you are allowed to pick and eat as many oranges as your belly can hold. You can also take home your and-picked fruits for about 3OO yen a kilogram.
The "tankan" was brought to Okinawa from Taiwan about 30 years ago. Since that time, it has been successfully grown as a commodity generally around the northern part of the island. It has a tough orange, greenish sometimes brownish colored skin, which may be a little difficult to peel but, well worth it as they are juicy and sweet. The trees bloom every April, then small friuts will appear in May and are ready for harvest the following year.
The busiest time is of course is on the weekends as many as a thousand people may come during the weekends. The place is usually open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. English wasn't used a whole lot here so bring a dictionary. The orange picking tours will generally last until the end of February. Check in with the Ginza's holiday and events calander for exact times and dates.
To get there head north from Kadena towards Nago on route 58. After passing through Nago City, stay to the right at the traffic light and follow Route 58. Turn left on to Route 116 and continue past the Meio University. The road will wind through the mountains, taking you through the center of the peninsula. From the University it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Izumi depending on traffic. Just before the Jonio gas station, on your right, will be a sign written in Japanese for the "Izumi Mikan Seisan Kuiniai".
A road sign will read in English "Okinawa Memorial Park and Nakajin". This is where you will park. For more information, please call 0908-47-3466.
If you know of any other legends or stories about Okinawa or the surrounding islands please send us what you know and pictures if possible. Thanks.