Nago Pineapple Park

Pineapples mean a lot to the people of Okinawa. Following the devastation that occurred during the war, the cultivation of these prized summer fruits became a means of building up the local economy. Pineapple canning factories were set up providing jobs and a successful industry was created that continues to this day. This is the story behind Nago Pineapple Park, located on Route 84, fairly close to the original pineapple fields of 100 years or so ago. The theme park itself has a light-hearted approach to conveying the message of the importance of pineapples in Okinawa and is a great way of entertaining the whole family for a couple of hours whilst learning a little bit of local history.

The tour of the park follows a set route taking visitors through each section in turn. The pineapple train which transports visitors to the main entrance and then the self-driving cars that drive around the pineapple field were a particular highlight of ours! Then the route takes visitors through the tropical gardens, past the pineapple winery and into the souvenir shops and cafes. There are so many samples to try in the souvenir shops such as pineapple and other fruit juices, pineapple vinegar and pineapple-flavoured cakes – it’s way more fun than the usual souvenir shops I mostly try and avoid. At the end of the tour we bought a big bowl of delicious pineapple and ate it in the newly-renovated picnic area which was a sweet end to a lovely morning.