S P O T ／ SPOT-322

Valley of Gangala

ガンガラーの谷がんがらーのたに

In Nanjo City, southern Okinawa, a subtropical valley formed by the collapse of a limestone cave hundreds of thousands of years ago. The whole valley — about 14,500 tsubo — is a field of nature and ancient sites, accessible only by reserved guided tour. The greatest highlight is the Ufushu Gajumaru, a giant banyan that has grown to about 20 m while trailing countless aerial roots like a waterfall from atop the cliff, towering like a lord of the forest. In the Bukei Cave deep in the valley, Paleolithic human remains and a shell fishhook dated to about 23,000 years ago were discovered, drawing attention for the connection to the "Minatogawa Man" who reached Okinawa — making this an archaeologically important place. The "Cave Cafe," set in the entrance cave itself, is another signature feature.