Explore Manzamo’s majestic views of emerald seas and sunsets, engage in leisurely strolls around its quaint streets, and plan on things to do and buy.
Manzamo
Scenic symbol of Okinawa’s west coast
Cape Manzamo in Onna Village is situated approximately in the center of Okinawa’s western coastline, and is characterized by a scenic rock formation of Ryukyu limestone curiously shaped like the trunk of an elephant. This scenic location offers arresting vistas from its sheer cliff drop, making it one of the most popular spots for visitors to Okinawa. The name “Manzamo” means “field with seats for ten thousand”, an expression said to be derived from the words of Sho Kei, a king of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, when he first set eyes on the cape. As its name aptly describes, Manzamo is characterized by vast flatlands of natural vegetation and its surrounding limestone cliffs are home to several types of plant life that have been designated as protected species by the Okinawa government. Take a stroll along the coastline’s walking path to discover breathtaking panoramic views of verdant grassland framed against Okinawa’s blue ocean and the peninsula beyond. Observation spots offering clear views of Manzamo’s elephant trunk-like appearance also provide visitors with a look into the crystal clear waters of the ocean; on fine days, tidal pools reveal beautiful sights of coral reefs beneath the surface of the sea.
Cape Manzamo faces the East China Sea, making it the perfect spot for picturesque sunsets.
The cape’s majestic rock formation rising above the sea can also be clearly seen from beaches and hotels along the western side of Manzamo.
Recommended spots
Cape Maeda
One of Okinawa’s best snorkeling and dive spots
Just an hour’s drive from Naha Airport, Cape Maeda is known as one of Okinawa’s premium destinations for snorkeling and diving. The most sought after marine activity is a visit to the Blue Caves, a huge draw for a large number of tourists all year round. The waters surrounding Cape Maeda are extremely clear and transparent; on sunny days visitors on elevated observation decks will be able to see coral reefs resting beneath the sea’s surface.
To get to the Blue Caves, visitors must utilize either of the following options - swim 150 meters after descending a flight of stairs on the right of the central atrium at Cape Maeda, or join a marine tour that will take you by boat; once there, visitors must then swim to reach the caves. The caves are famous for the mesmerizing blue light created when sunlight reflects off the water and seabed, encapsulating cave interiors in iridescent blue. Surrounding waters are beautiful and filled with playful tropical fish ready to entertain visitors in the water. Maeda’s Blue Caves are accessible all year round if sea conditions are permissible, although it is highly recommended that visitors join guided tours, as waters do tend to get choppy.
On days when waters are rough and entry is prohibited, leisurely strolls around Cape Maeda provide an ideal alternative. Walking trails on the left of Cape Maeda’s central atrium offer stunning vistas of pristine nature (please avoid removing any flowers or plants as this is prohibited by law) set against craggy stone cliffs and crystal clear ocean waters. Please exercise caution while walking so as to prevent injury on the rocky stone surfaces.
- Opening Hours:
- 8:30am to 5:30pm
(Cape Maeda Facility Management Office)
Parking area opens from 7am
Closed January 1st to 3rd
- Information:
- 098-982-5339
(Cape Maeda Facility Management Office)
Ginoza Roadside Station
The only drive-by road station on the eastern coast offering much to eat and play
Fresh renovated in 2018, the Ginoza Roadside Station is equipped with a tourist information center and serves as the heart of sightseeing along Okinawa’s eastern coastline. A water park and children’s play area with 10 cm-deep wading pools, in addition to nursing rooms, and care facilities for infants and kids, make this rest area wholly enjoyable for families with young children. Michi-no-eki Ginoza boasts a wide variety of dining options from picturesque cafes to traditional cafeterias and confectionery shops. Visitors can also drop by the farmers’ market to pick up fresh local produce and vegetables.
Highly recommended is Ginoza Farm Lab, located on the second floor of Ginoza Village’s brand-new center for tourism services. Stylish interiors framed by floor to ceiling windows offer enticing panoramas of the eastern seas, and customers may lounge to stunning views by dining al-fresco at the open terrace. The restaurant is famous for its burgers, cheesecake and delectable brown sugar cafe latte, all made using the freshest ingredients produced in Ginoza.
On the fourth level of the same building is a carnival-esque play area complete with slides and giant trampolines that are sure to keep little ones entertained. Families with children under the age of three may wish to spend their time indoors in the kids’ playroom, which provides safe and hygienic age-appropriate toys in cool, air-conditioned comfort (500 JPY hourly per child).
With ample resting space and an observatory on the third floor, Ginoza Roadside Station is the perfect location with much to eat, buy and play.
- Opening Hours:
- Tourist Information Center
9:15am to 6pm
Mirai Ginoza Farmers’ Market
8:30am to 7pm
Open all year round
https://ginozanavi.j-server.com/LUCGINOZAN/ns/tl.cgi/https://ginozanavi.com/
- Information:
- 098-968-8787
Shinkaichi
Discover old-world American charm on this photogenic street
The thoroughfare known as Shinkaichi is found along Route 329 of Kin Town, opposite the main gate of Camp Hansen. Once a bustling center of dining and entertainment for members of the American military, many buildings here still retain traces of their past, with walls and signs painted in vibrant eye-catching shades, exuding a foreign, exotic atmosphere. The area has become a well-known picture spot, with famous artistes and day-trippers alike keen to have their pictures taken against the backdrop of this unique, picturesque street.
Also famous as the birthplace of taco rice, Kin Town serves up Okinawa’s hearty soul food of spiced taco meat, finely sliced lettuce, cheese and piquant salsa heaped over freshly steamed rice. What originally began as taco rice by a shop named Parlor Senri in 1984 was recreated by King Tacos, a chain operating outlets across the main island of Okinawa. Of these, the main King Tacos store in Kin Town remains famous and is surely worth a visit. Most first-time visitors will tend to order “taco rice”, but this option consists only of rice served with spiced meat. To sample the authentic version, be sure to order the “taco rice with cheese and vegetables”. Portions are large and ready to spill out of their plates; customers who have difficulty finishing their orders may pack leftovers in the takeaway boxes available at the store.
Well loved cafeterias serving up Okinawa soba and other types of traditional fare stand alongside bars, izakaya, cafes and restaurants, making Shinkaichi the perfect location for a gourmet-centered stroll.
Nabee Beach
Convenient beach that is also popular with local residents
The epitome of tropical beaches, Nabee offers stretches of white sand and sparkling waters. Located close to Cape Manzamo, the park is fully equipped with ample parking (200 cars), warm showers, changing rooms and lockers. Visitors will only need to bring swimwear as the park provides rental of beach parasols, deck chairs and life jackets. Zip across the water on a banana boat or take the glass-bottomed kayak to enjoy the beauty of Nabee’s waters beneath the surface. For unique keepsakes, shimmy into a mermaid costume and have your picture taken against the stunning view of the sea. Another popular activity is barbequing by the beach; visitors will find everything they need by simply ordering the special BBQ plans available all year round. Visitors should also stay for breathtaking vistas of the setting sun sinking into the western horizon.
- Swimming hours:
- Until 7pm from July to September
- Swimming is permitted between April 1 and October 31.
https://www.nabee.info/english/
- Information:
- 098-966-8839
(Onna Seaside Park Management Office)
Kariyushi Kanna Thalasso Laguna
Experience the healing properties of the sea with thalassotherapy
Located 30 minutes from Cape Manzamo, Kariyushi Kanna Thalasso Laguna is a thermal spa establishment in the village of Ginoza that harnesses the powers of Okinawa’s beautiful ocean. In addition to treatments that include body massages using seawater heated to body temperature, guests may try stress relieving aqua aerobics or leisurely dips in seawater pools. The spa is also equipped with sauna rooms, jacuzzi baths and rock bath pools complete with resplendent sea views. Reserve a Watsu aqua therapy session, where therapists will gently stretch and massage guests as they float in water, or try one of the spa’s many programs such as Ayurveda and kucha (Okinawa sea mud) painting. Full rental services for swimwear and towels are available.
- Opening Hours:
-
10am to 10pm（Last entry: 9pm）
Open all year round
- Information:
- 098-983-2323
Matsuda Limestone Cave
Explore the untouched beauty of Matsuda’s limestone caves
Matsuda’s network of limestone caves are a 30 minute drive away from Cape Manzamo.
Thes caves stretch as far as 1800 meters and have remained a revered presence since
ancient times.
Reserving a cave tour allows visitors to trek along a 240 meter route with a dedicated guide. The caves have been kept pristine; visitors will need to hike across craggy cave surfaces in the dark while wearing headlamps. Experience the mystic quality of
limestone formations within the cave, while observing cave organisms such as freshwater eels and prawns, as well as bats that dwell inside the limestone cavern. Visitors may
also be lucky enough to spot the Kuroiwa’s ground gecko, a protected species, as well as other rare forms of wildlife. All tours are guided and must be reserved in advance.
- Opening Hours:
- 9am to 6pm (Closed irregularly)
https://matsuda-kucha.jimdofree.com
- Information:
- 098-989-8100
（Matsuda Experience and Activity Center）
Nature Miraikan
Convenient accommodation facilities and a broad lineup of leisure activities
Just 50 minutes by car from Naha City is Nature Mirai, an activity center offering an extensive list of nature experiences (reservations required) complete with different types of accommodation options. Most popular is the river kayak along Kin Town’s Okukubi River, while visitors keen on staying indoors may wish to try their hand at beach sandal carving or shisa (Okinawa’s guardian lion dog) painting. The center’s campsite accepts reservations from tents to BBQ sets, making experiencing the outdoors here a breeze. (Condiments not provided; guests are advised to bring their own.)
- Opening Hours:
- 9am to 5pm (Operating hours may vary)
(Closed January 1-4)
*Center may close temporarily for facility and safety checks
- Information:
- 098-968-6117
*Reservations and inquiries are accepted from 9am to 5pm