Banna Park
Banna Park, or 'Banna kouen', as it is known in Japanese, is a spacious nature reserve which is located just a few miles to the north of Ishigaki City. It is a place which can be enjoyed by absolutely anybody, and as such, it comes highly recommended. The park itself is positioned around what can broadly be described as a mountain (peaking at just 200m), and is divided into four zones and a 'Skyline' all of which are linked by paths and roads. A summary of the features of each square is included a below, in addition, click here to view a map of Banna Park which illustrates the location of each zone.
Forest Passeo SquareOne of the highlights of the park is Forest Passeo zone. While flowers are an attraction, the most impressive aspect of this zone is probably the sheer abundance and diversity of butterflies.
Sign boards display information about butterfly species which can be found in the park and even casual observers can expect to see a wide variety of colourful butterflies during a short visit.
This square, like others, consists of various grassed areas which are linked by pathways, wooden bridges and stairways. Observation towers and adventure playground features are also scattered throughout the Forest Passeo, making this a great place to spend a few of hours.
Children's Square
Another feature of Banna park which makes it such an ideal destination for families is the children's square. This zone features a number of areas, such as one which offers two BMX tracks and another which has a large adventure playground, complete with imaginatively shaped climbing frames, huge slides and rope swings. Indeed, if you find yourself climbing around yourself, you certainly won't be the first adult to do so.
Positioned on the north west edge of Banna park, this zone's open areas offer fantastic views of Ishigaki and as such this is a great spot for the entire family to enjoy an afternoon picnic in the sun. Vending machines containing drinks are positioned through out the park, but it would be wise to bring your own food if required.
Observation of Nature Square
This square consists of numerous hiking trails and bridges which meander their way though the forest. There is also a nature trail which links this square to the emerald sea observatory which is positioned at the top of the Skyline zone. As such, this is the zone where you're most likely to get lost, however, there are sign posts dotted throughout the square which provide information in both English and Japanese.
As the name suggests, this zone is probably the best for observing wildlife, and while walking around the park you will be accompanied by a chorus of songs being sang by birds which range from the relatively familiar to the exotic. However, quality bird watching can be enjoyed anywhere in Banna Park, and sightings of Ishigaki's famous Kanmuriwashi eagle are not uncommon. Indeed, other squares with large open areas may be better suited to viewing this large bird of prey.
Stone Monument Forest Square
Rather clumsily titled, and probably the least interesting of all the squares, this zone consists of a number of paths which make their way though the edge of the forest where numerous stone monuments are on display. This is the first square that you'll see if you approach Banna park from Ishigaki city via road 208.The entrance is clearly signposted, and this square also provides access to a road which leads to the Skyline zone's emerald sea observation point.
Skyline
The 'Skyline' runs across the top of the mountain where three observation points and an egg-shaped bird watching hide provide excellent views of Ishigaki and the surrounding islands in all directions. A road named the 'Mountain Highway' runs from north to south across the top of the park which connects to both Forest Passeo square and Stone Monument Forest, however, it should be pointed out that this connection has been severed for much of 2009 due to roadworks. The trek from the nature square to the southern observation point is an enjoyable one which most people of average fitness could manage comfortably.Getting Around
A bicycle is a great way to travel around the park as good quality roads and wide paths circle the mountain, however, this will naturally make some of the hiking paths less accessible. Taking a taxi to the first zone and working your way round on foot until you reach the other side of the mountain is also a good option. If you have your own vehicle then there are parking places to be found throughout all zones (including a parking area in front of the main observation point in the skyline zone).
Beware the Habu
Every so often signs are positioned which read 'Habu ni Chuui' in Japanese. These signs serve to warn visitors of the apparent presence of Habu snakes in the area, a particularly dangerous resident of the island. While it is true that a bite from this snake can be deadly if a victim doesn't receive emergency treatment, bites from this snake, and even sightings of it, are rare on the island.
Basic precautions can be taken such as not verging from paths or grassed areas into long foliage where it is difficult to see where you are stepping. However, it is wise to be aware of emergency phone numbers just in case a member of your group should be unfortunate enough to get bitten.
Location
Banna park is located a few miles to the North West of Ishigaki City. Signposts indicate that the road to take to the park is road 87, which takes you to the north east entrance where the botanical gardens are positioned. However, if you're travelling from the city, particularly if you're on a bike, you may find it more convenient to take road 208, which passes by the east side of Banna park. This side also provides easier access to the road leading to the skyline observation point.
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