As sustainable tourism gains momentum, more travelers are seeking eco-friendly ways to explore their destinations. In Okinawa, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this trend is taking root, offering new and exciting ways to experience the islands while preserving their unique environment.

One standout option is the Motobu Story Quest, a unique and environmentally conscious tour that goes beyond just providing green transportation. This journey offers a chauffeur-driven experience in a Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicle (EV), perfect for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint while enjoying the island’s stunning landscapes in luxury and comfort.

The Motobu Peninsula, a jewel of Okinawa’s main island, is home to some of the region’s most celebrated attractions. While the Ocean Expo Park and its renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium are major drawcards, there’s so much more to discover in this picturesque area. With the Motobu Story Quest, passengers have the freedom to explore at their own pace, guided by a dedicated application on the car’s tablet device that offers sample itineraries, points of interest, and multilingual translation software.

Discovering Motobu’s Natural Wonders

To get an overall sense of the Motobu area, there is no substitute for the breathtaking views from the summit of Mt Yaedake, which also happens to be the most famous spot for cherry blossom viewing on the island. Okinawa has a couple of months head start on this iconic time of year in Japan, and the winding cherry blossom-lined road up Mt Yaedake during January and February is so enchanting it is well worth joining the throngs of visitors wanting to take in the spectacle.

Fortunately, though, the view from the summit is impressive at any time of year and allows excellent views of the densely vegetated mountains of the peninsula surrounded by turquoise ocean. The panoramic view atop is worth the 400-meter walk from the public car park, but it is a bit of a hike, especially in summer. As a bonus when you take Motobu Story Quest, you get exclusive access to the summit road and can drive you all the way to the top in quiet air-conditioned comfort. Arriving at the mountain peak minus the sweat and strain of the steep walk certainly adds to the appreciation of the scenic views below.

To the west, you can clearly see the subtropical Yanbaru forest in the distance, while casting your eyes seaward islands abound, including the distinctively shaped Mt Gusuku on nearby Ie island. Discerning eyes will quickly see that Motobu peninsula has an eye-catching topography of verdant green cone-shaped mountains closely packed together. These unique mountains are part of ancient limestone karst formations, shaped by the island’s subtropical climate and persistent water erosion of millennia.

The tablet app is a treasure trove of information, shedding light on the geological wonders, as well as the history, culture, and spiritual significance of the area. Visiting the Yamazato Power Spot in these mountains reveals the deep spiritual connection Okinawans have with their natural surroundings. As you take in the striking karst pinnacles surrounded by lush vegetation, it’s easy to see why such places are believed to be full of deities. For locals, these spiritually rich spots are where they seek blessings for better business, success in studies, improved health, and even matters of the heart.

For those who love the outdoors, the walking trails around these karst mountains offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local flora, seasonal flowers, and scenic viewpoints found within the surrounding Okinawa Coast National Park. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the sharp karst formations can be challenging to navigate.

The Allure of Sesoko Island

A visit to Sesoko Island is a natural next step on your Motobu Story Quest. Connected to the mainland by a broad bridge, this island has retained much of its traditional charm, despite modern developments. At Sesoko Toeteikun, a local place of prayer, you can witness a unique blend of Chinese influences and Okinawan animism set amongst a forest grove. It offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage, and remains important for locals as a place to pray for bountiful harvests. While Sesoko has rapidly developed in recent years, the farmland, and generally relaxed pace of life here, are enough to imagine what life was once like on this small island.
Sesoko Island is renowned for its pristine beaches with fine white sand, making it a perfect spot for ocean activities. Anchihama Beach, located just below the bridge, is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the water. As a bonus, there are also public showers to ensure the rest of your trip can be done in dry comfort. The island also offers a range of dining options, from resort hotels to cozy cafes, but for anyone interested in getting a taste of old Motobu a visit to the old port town on the mainland is a must.

From Motobu Port to the Serene Bise Village

The Motobu Port, located in Toguchi, has long been a center of commerce on the peninsula and the main trade point with outlying islands. The Motobu Old Local Market site itself is said to have grown from a black market in the post-Second World War, and the aged shop exteriors and the narrow passageways are a brief insight into its heyday. Multi-generational stores selling fresh produce, meats and the morning’s catch of fish remain seemingly unchanged for decades. Fascinating though, is the influx of a new generation of store owners bringing new products and fashionable wares such as traditional “yachimun” pottery and Okinawan glass products that give the area a nice juxtaposition of history and new energy.   

If you have saved your appetite for the markets, you won’t be disappointed. Nearby is Kishimoto Shokudo, a popular local Okinawan Soba shop. Wander inside the market lanes and you will find several small eateries and some fashionably retro cafes serving handmade and freshly-roasted coffees and superb sweets. Be sure to try traditional Okinawan Zenzai—sweet beans on shaved ice—from one of the local vendors for a truly authentic taste of old Motobu.

No trip to Motobu would be complete without a visit to Churaumi Ocean Park. Home to one of the largest aquariums in the world, the park offers a fascinating glimpse into the marine life of Okinawa. The highlight is undoubtedly the massive Kuroshio Tank, where giant manta rays and whale sharks glide gracefully through the water. Beyond the aquarium, the park offers a range of attractions, including the Tropical Dream Center, filled with exotic flowers, and the Oceanic Culture Museum, where you can learn about the deep connection between Okinawans and the sea.

Adjacent to Ocean Expo Park is Bise Village, where fukugi tree-lined streets create a serene, timeless atmosphere. The trees, originally planted hundreds of years ago as protection against Okinawa’s fierce winds, now offer welcome shade to visitors strolling through the village’s narrow lanes. As you explore, you’ll find quaint handicraft shops, relaxed eateries, and stunning ocean views, making Bise Village a perfect spot to unwind.

Bise Village sits at the western edge of the Motobu Peninsula, with Nago City anchoring the other end. Along the way, there's no shortage of things to see and do. The Motobu Story Quest app offers a well-curated selection of stops, covering everything from natural landmarks and geological wonders to local histories and cultural traditions. With so many points of interest mapped out on the tablet, you might find yourself wishing for more time—there’s simply too much to explore in just one day. But that’s all the more reason to return to this enchanting corner of Okinawa.

About Motobu Story Quest
Motobu’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination. And there’s no better way to experience it all than from the back seat of a spacious, quiet, and eco-friendly electric vehicle. With Wi-Fi, charging options, and a wealth of information at your fingertips, you can fully immerse yourself in the journey without worrying about the logistics and parking.

Sustainability is at the core of the Motobu Story Quest. By opting for an electric vehicle, you’re significantly reducing CO2 emissions and helping preserve Okinawa’s pristine environment. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, leading to cleaner air and a healthier atmosphere for both locals and visitors. This commitment to green travel is perfectly aligned with Okinawa’s efforts to maintain its ecological integrity while showcasing its natural wonders.

The Motobu Story Quest offers flexible packages to suit your schedule and interests. Tours can be booked for durations ranging from 4 to 8 hours, with pickup available anywhere on the island. This convenience allows you to tailor your experience and explore at your own pace.

For more details visit the Motobu Story Quest website:
https://motobu.story-quest.net/en/

The Motobu Quest Story demonstration service will cease operation from 30th November 2024. This service will stop accepting bookings on the website as of November 29, 2024.