valley of gangala

BAM Writes in the last week

First of all, make sure that you make a reservation through their website before going. RESERVE IN ADVANCE: REQUIRED. The walkthrough will take an hour and a half. Tip: instead of being on time, be early because you meet at a cafe that you can only use if you come early. There's some good local coffee and juices. I went with my fiancée, but amongst our guided tour (the only way you can get in) was all Japanese families with adorable kids. This doesn't mean that it's a family only kind of thing. In fact, it seems like the next group after ours was filled with young couples, so we just happened to have a group with families. If you want to take your partner here, it's a great tour to enjoy. They have translated scripts of the guide (written, not audio). The guide was nice and she told many interesting anecdotes that even without my Japanese ability I'd have understood because there were pictures to go with her stories. This place and Okinawa World, next to it, have different caves to check out. They're both unique and a must see in Okinawa. Also if you call, there is someone who speaks a little English and they can help you. The guide will only know Japanese, though.

Conor 2 weeks ago

This place was amazing. There’s a great mix of forest and caves and even if it’s raining it’s still great. You should probably try to book a couple days in advance because it’s pretty popular and there were only two slots available when I booked the day before. The tour is pretty long which makes the value worth it, especially if you get the student discount, which makes it very affordable. The tour is entirely in Japanese, which even if you don’t speak Japanese it’ll be fine, you’re going to be looking around and just following the guide anyways. They give you real lanterns when you enter the main cavern too which was really fun. The groups are also small enough that you won’t have to worry about not being able to take a photo in any spot. Oh and they have free onsite parking that appears to be open a bit later than when they close, in case you want to go to Okinawa world after.

M vG 2 weeks ago

It was a pretty fun tour, good to see some nature after walking around a lot in Naha town. Maybe not a memory for life but if you happen to be close by I recommend.

3313 3 months ago

Great experience. Tour guide speaks mostly Japanese. But for English speakers they will hand you a booklet with information and the tour guide will tell you which chapter to read. Reservation through the Japanese website is needed.

Tobias Lass 8 months ago

Must-see when you're on Okinawa, worth the price especially if you qualify for the big discount. The entrance is hidden in a washed out cave and leads into the luscious Gangala Valley filled with more caves, thick jungle, bamboo, palmes, excavations, mangrove trees, vines, and a tree house. At one point you enter a cave with a petroleum lantern. The guide was very friendly and energetic and provided us with tea, insect spray, and education. It was in Japanese but multilingual texts to follow along are available. There is a restroom and coin lockers at the parking lot. Best to book a tour in advance.