Sometimes we see something both thrilling & questionable. If you’ve driven on the 58 in Yamada, Onna, you’ve probably seen a crazy contraption nestled in the trees. Surely it’s a pile of junk or modern art, right? Nope. It’s a homemade swing “ride” most likely designed out of an alcohol-fueled conversation.
Does it work? Yes! Is it safe? ....um, that’s debatable, but I have been on it & lived to tell the tale.
As a one last bucket list item for a group of adventurous friends, we made the hasty decision to ride this swing. The owner seemed nice enough but didn’t speak much English. The sign for prices listed two rates: One for half speed & another for full speed. I thought I got a picture of the prices, but I didn’t (oops). I want to say it was about ¥1200 per person for the “full speed.”
Two people can ride at once. You’re strapped into a half boat (the swing) & given helmets. The guy cranked back the swing & counted down before letting us fly over the vegetation & mattresses below (safety first)!
The real thrill is the clanks & bangs & wondering if that thing will stay upright long enough for you to get back on the ground. Would I do it again? Sure, why not?
There is another “ride” behind it. There’s a stairway built out of plastic pallets & it looks like the rider would possibly zip line down in a box? We couldn’t quite figure out how that one worked due to language barriers, so we skipped it.
There is also a noodle shop, a small waterwheel, & a goat on the grounds.
Does it work? Yes! Is it safe? ....um, that’s debatable, but I have been on it & lived to tell the tale.
As a one last bucket list item for a group of adventurous friends, we made the hasty decision to ride this swing. The owner seemed nice enough but didn’t speak much English. The sign for prices listed two rates: One for half speed & another for full speed. I thought I got a picture of the prices, but I didn’t (oops). I want to say it was about ¥1200 per person for the “full speed.”
Two people can ride at once. You’re strapped into a half boat (the swing) & given helmets. The guy cranked back the swing & counted down before letting us fly over the vegetation & mattresses below (safety first)!
The real thrill is the clanks & bangs & wondering if that thing will stay upright long enough for you to get back on the ground. Would I do it again? Sure, why not?
There is another “ride” behind it. There’s a stairway built out of plastic pallets & it looks like the rider would possibly zip line down in a box? We couldn’t quite figure out how that one worked due to language barriers, so we skipped it.
There is also a noodle shop, a small waterwheel, & a goat on the grounds.
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- Address
- 山田水車屋 1309-1 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0416 098-965-4757
- Coordinates
- 26.4285347, 127.7773787
- Map
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