CONTRIBUTED BY QUENTIN RICHARDSON
Sueyoshi Koen is a large park along the southern edge of Urasoe and the northern edge of Naha. It provides a large space for different types of activities, but ultimately, provides a serious break from the nearby congestion.
This park was on my Okinawa bucket list for some time. I actually missed the opportunity to visit there when I was stationed in Okinawa, but had the chance to revisit and take a break here. The park is well worth the visit.
If you are using the main entrance from Prefectural Highway 82, expect most of the park to be downhill from the parking forward. There is a creek in the middle that splits the park into two steep hills. Numerous ramps and stairways lead you into the center to the other side of the park.
Inside the park, you will definitely see beautiful tropical plants, palm gardens, and various species of local trees. The place is always quiet with the exception of traffic noise in the distance and the natural sound of wind, water and small animals. There are mixtures of open spaces for the heat as well as shaded areas to cool off.
Interesting enough, there in a shrine you can hike to along the northern end of the park.
There were not many locals here except the grounds keeper, but plenty of interesting things to see.
Finally, you can get a nice view of upper Naha from this area. You can sit and watch the Yui monorail trains pass by, see the nearby skyline and rest in the shade.
Address: 1 Chome-152-27 Shurisueyoshichō, Naha-shi, Okinawa-ken, Japan
Directions: You can drive to this park by using Prefectural Route 82. Look for the small brown sign with the park’s name pointing north. As an alternative, you could also use the monorail. The park is located between Gibo and Shiritsu Byoinmae (Naha City Hospital) stations.
Map Coordinates: 26.226345, 127.713996
