Yamauchi Park

Yamauchi Park, originally uploaded by okinawa hai.

CONTRIBUTED BY MEREDITH NOVARIO

There’s a lot going on at this park. A basketball court with bleachers, a paved track around the periphery for bikes or strollers, bathrooms, a drop slide, a roller slide with a train-shaped staircase and a sizable pavilion for shade and snacks. Parts of this structure are well-used but no worries and there’s something for kids of all ages. Also, there’s plenty of space to run free or kick a ball.

Getting there:

From Kadena Gate 2 take a right at the 2nd stop light to get onto 85 (this street is also known as 23). Pass the intersection for Okinawa Minami Expressway, go under the highway overpass, and you’ll come to an intersection where Kadena Gate 5 is on your right. Turn LEFT. Pass Tsutaya on the left. Turn LEFT before LAWSON, take an immediate right after that (you’ll see MOMO painted on the building in front of you), follow the street as it bends to the left and take another immediate RIGHT. You’re at the park. You may park along the street. If there is no parking there follow the park around and you’ll find plenty of other parking.

From Highway 58 North or South: Turn onto Highway 23. Drive pass the A&W and at the first stop light after A&W you’ll see Gate 5 on your left. Turn RIGHT here. Pass Tsutaya on the left. Turn LEFT right before LAWSON, then take an immediate right after that (you’ll see MOMO painted on the building in front of you). Follow the street as it bends to the left and take another immediate RIGHT. You’re at the park. You may park along the street. If there is no parking there follow the park around and you’ll find plenty of other parking.