[Okinawa, Chatan] Experience a health-focused walk at Narukawa West Park! Foot reflexology and benches recommended by a 60-year-old grandfather.

Hello! This is "Ima-chan," the 60-year-old grandpa in charge of the "Ima Okinawa" miscellaneous stories at the Ima Okinawa editorial department.

How do you all maintain your aging bodies? (laughs) I often go to Narukawa Nishi Park in Chatan Town.
This isn't just any park. For me, it's an important "health spot" where I can refresh my mind and body. This time, I'll report on the "three arrows of health play equipment" that I love using in this park, and also on some unexpected "hidden gems."
(Established by: Chatan Town Hall, Designated Manager: Chatan Regional Development Center Park Management Office)
Narukawa West Park is located at 329-1 Ihei, Chatan Town. It is said to have been named after the nearby river called "Naruka," as it is located on the west side of that river.
Directly taught by Ima-chan! Narukawa West Park's "Three Arrows of Health Play Equipment"
Now, let me introduce the three essential items (health equipment) that are indispensable for maintaining my health.

① Feel refreshed on the cursed "Foot Reflexology Road"!
This is the first place I head to when I come to the park. It's a very personal nickname, but I call it the "Foot Reflexology Road."
The sign boasts a string of desirable effects, such as "improving blood circulation and enhancing the function of internal organs" and "relieving fatigue and promoting relaxation." However, to achieve these effects, you need to "walk slowly and deliberately."
Now, take off your shoes and give it a try! Footprints are conveniently etched into the tiles.

In the summer, the boards get hot, so I walk with my socks on, but it's still quite painful. I slowly and carefully walk around once, relying on the handrail. You don't need to do two or three laps; just walking around once, stepping on the board with small steps, gives you a refreshing feeling from your calves down. Take a break after one lap, then walk around again and take another break, and if you do it three times, you'll feel a sufficient massage effect all the way up to the soles of your feet 🌟.

② Release your shoulder blades with the "back muscle acupressure bench".
Next, we'll head to this "back muscle acupressure bench."
Sit here, raise your arms high, and straighten your spine as if leaning back. Pressing the pressure point at the very top of your shoulders, rather than your lower back, provides just the right amount of stimulation, leaving your shoulders feeling refreshed afterward. This is highly recommended for relieving shoulder stiffness, especially for modern people.
These two features—the "foot reflexology path" and the "back muscle acupressure bench"—provide me with a thoroughly satisfying and refreshing experience in this park. Thank you.
A hidden gem in Narukawa West Park? The go board and shogi board in the gazebo.
There's another must-see feature in this park: the gazebo located between the well-maintained mini-field and the playground area.
You'll be amazed when you step inside this gazebo. There are two stone slab tables, each with the lines of a Go board and a Shogi board carved into it!
This is actually a great location for Go and Shogi enthusiasts. Since it's made of stone slabs, you can start playing a game right away if you bring your own stones and pieces.
Unfortunately, from my experience, I've hardly ever seen anyone actually using it. It's such a great facility, I wish it were used more. For example, if it were introduced to tourists from Taiwan or China as a place to kill some time, we might see some unexpected users.
Basic information and rules for using the park
Finally, we've compiled some basic information to help everyone enjoy Narukawa West Park.

• Address: 329-1 Ihei, Chatan Town
• Operating hours: From 10:00 AM onwards (Please check the sign for details)
  Main rules (from the park sign)
• Dog walking: Off-leash dogs are prohibited. Owners are responsible for picking up their dog's waste.
• Disruptive behavior: Please refrain from practicing golf, other dangerous activities, and anything that may bother others.
• Nature conservation: Let's take care of the flowers and trees in the park.
• No entry: Motorcycles, skateboards, and other similar vehicles are prohibited.
• Trash: Please take all your trash and plastic bottles home with you. Let's use things carefully.
  The restrooms are well-maintained, and the exercise equipment and playground are clean. Let's all follow the rules so that we can keep this park beautiful for years to come.
  summary
  Narukawa West Park in Chatan Town is a "magical health road" for me, a 60-year-old grandfather, where I can refresh myself from the soles of my feet to the muscles in my spine (lol). I highly recommend that everyone visit to maintain their health and relieve their daily fatigue. Be sure to check out the go and shogi boards in the gazebo as well. They are magnificent!
  This concludes our report from Okinawa, specifically from Narukawa West Park in Chatan Town.
  Please share your opinions in the comments, and also tell us about your favorite health spots!