Today was the day that my control freak, afraid of heights self was going to get over it! and I want to report; it was so much fun! I'll do it again in a heartbeat!

http://www.forest-adventure-onna.jp/ has been open for some time now and we were just waiting for my step son and pay day to arrive so we could try it out. They have been very busy and I would advise to call ahead and make a reservation.

First go to the reception and pay.

The cost is 3.500 yen for adults and 2.500 yen for children under 18, but they also have 2 family packages.

One is 8.000 yen for a family of 3 or 9.500 yen for a family of 4. You fill out a waiver then your are off.

Their parking lot is just down the road and a van will meet you there to take you to the course. There is a fitting of the harnesses and some instructions.

Now here is where it gets a little tricky. The minimum height is 140cm or 56inches. The maximum weight is 135kg or 286lbs. My stepson is 10 and he handled the harness very well. There is a lot of safety involved and one has to clip and unclip to the lines in a certain order to be always safe and secure. I want to say that every parent knows their child best and has to decide for him/herself. Once the instructor sees that you are doing it the right way, you are off.

When I first walked into the area I was under the impression they have some kind of children's area and I wanted to "practice" some until I got the hang of it. Well, I assumed and mistook the "Adventure Course" for the children's course that, as I now find out, does not exist. I am first and I have to do this. Really, I felt pretty safe in my harness and off I went. The zip lines are nice,fast and I wiped out in 7 out of 8 landings. No big deal just a bunch of wood chips in my shorts. No doubt about it, you will get dirty.

There are instructors all over the course and they have coolers with free water and tea in 2 locations on the course. At the "Wipeout Lodge" you can get more drinks for 150 yen.

The also have lockers up there. It was also nice that we didn't really see any other people. I think they schedule the parties about an hour apart, so that you are just by yourself. No standing in line, no waiting, very nice. So get on out there and have some fun flying through the jungle. The views are amazing btw.

Their phone number for reservations: 098-963-0088 English speaking staff. Directions: From Kadena Gate 1 make a right north on 58. Now you have two options: Option 1: Make a left on 6, go past Torri Station, keep going and you will come down a steep hill. Continue on 6 into Onna Village. The parking lot for Forest Adventures will show up on your left. Keep going, but slow down. Their office is on right side beside a corner store. Go there first. Option 2: Stay on 58 until you come to the Renaissance Hotel and make a left on 6 there. I think this way might be faster, but I love the drive down the steep hill because of the views.

I wasn't aware that this seems to be the biggest tourist attraction on Okinawa until I googled it.

We walked around there for 3 hours. The views from the top have to be the best on Okinawa I have seen so far. As for the altar and the monk protecting the spirits; no evidence was found on our excursion. We did however run into a bunch of guys that were trying to scare us, but weren't that scary at all.

Find details here:

http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=3509

and here:

http://wikimapia.org/4980227/The-Royal-Hotel-Ruins

Direction: 

out of Foster Shoppette Gate, go straight and follow the signs towards Nakagusuku Castle. Park in the parking lot for the castle, pay 300 yen entrance fee, then follow the road to the right.

Feeling adventurous? Always wanted to jump over your own shadow? Longing to scream like a girl?

Head on over to "Forest Adventures". After about a 15 minutes practice, with detailed instructions, you'll be flying through the tree tops.

This place is run like a well oiled machine, as everything in Japan. Be sure to make a reservation. We heard, but never saw another person.

There is free water along the course and help is always there when needed.

The minimum height for children is 140 cm or 56 inches and maximum weight is 130 kg or 286 lbs.

Every parent has to know their child as he/she will have to clip/unclip the lines in a certain order. If they meet the height requirements, but are not able to follow instructions get a babysitter. It just wouldn't be safe.

The cost is:

2.500 yen under 18

3.500 yen over 18

There are family passes available:

8.000 yen for a family of 3

9.500 yen for a family of 4

They also have season passes for 10.000/15.000 yen. For those of you that just can't get enough thrill into their life. :)

Go to their office first and pay there. Sign some release forms, then head on over to the parking lot. A van will pick you up and drive you to the entrance.

Walk to the lodge and get fitted with a harness. Then the fun begins.

Details on their website: http://www.forest-adventure-onna.jp/

For reservations call: 098-963-0088 Staff is English speaking.

Open from March - November 9:00 a.m. to sunset.

Wear boots. No open shoes or flip flops. It also says to tie back long hair and tape of body piercings.

Directions:

From Kadena Gate 1 turn north on 58. Make a left on 6 and follow it all the way to Onna Village. You will see the Forest  Adventure parking lot on you left. Kepp going, about 300 meters. Their office will be on the right side.

or

stay on 58 and turn left onto 6 at the Renaissance resort. This might be a little quicker, but not as scenic. You will see the office on the left side. If you come up on their parking lot make a u-turn.

All in all a great time and the views from up there aren't half bad either.