Because the altitude is higher here than on neighboring islands, visitors should not miss Kafu Banta (Cape of Happiness), which offers a scenic view from Nuchi-Una, a salt producer located on the cape that is also a popular tourist destination on the island. The breathtaking view of magnificent coral reefs makes this a scenic spot that’s rare even onthe main island of Okinawa.
Kafu Banta offers a cliff-top view of the sea 120 meters below.
Hamahiga is a small island with a perimeter of only seven kilometers.According to Ryukyuan legend, this island was inhabited by the gods and hosts a number of sacred sites and spiritual places in villages full of traditional houses. To get to the island, go to Henza Island via the inter-island causeway, then take the Hamahiga Bridge, built in 1997. The island is a peaceful getaway with beautiful natural beaches.
1996 Kise, Nago City
Tel: 0980-52-4093
Admission: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children ages 4-12 *Prices include admission to the beachside pool.
Ou Island has a perimeter of only two kilometers, with a drive around the whole island taking about five minutes. The island is full of excitement during the haaree boat races, when rowers jump off a bridge into the water to climb into their sabani. Numerous tempura shops at the base of the bridge sell fresh seafood tempura at reasonable prices, a treat for locals and tourists alike.
Situated right next to the bridge is a typical Okinawan white sand beach that is enjoyed by locals.
The beach offers great snorkeling with its crystal-clear water, home to a number of tropical fish. You can swim only during high tide; at low tide, the beach is crowded with locals exploring the exposed reef, observing marine creatures trapped in tide pools or clamming. It’s also well known as a diving and surfing point.
You can see the vast,deep-blue ocean from the top of Cape Kyan. Once a site of great tragedy where numerous Okinawans committed suicide during the Battle of Okinawa, the cape has become a famous surfing point.
644-3 Uken, Uruma City
Tel: 098-974-7772
Swimming season: Late Apr-late Oct
Parking ¥500
17 Agarizaki, Nishihara Town
Tel: 098-944-5589
Swimming season: Late April trough Oct
BBQ available
This is a 550-meter-long beach easily accessible from Naha City, part of Nishizaki Marine Park. Here you can enjoy riding on a water scooter and various other fun, water-based activities, putter golf and games of beach volleyball and soccer (¥540 / hour).
2 Mihama, Chatan Town
Tel: 098-936-8273
Swimming season: Apr-Nov
Snorkeling: OK
According to Ryukyuan mythology, this is the place where the god Shinerikiyo and goddess Amamikiyo settled and raised their children. It is well known as a sacred site for couples to pray for fertility.
1606-3 Katsuren Higa, Uruma-shi
Tel: 098-974-7772
Swimming season: late Apr-late Oct
Parking ¥500
5750 Sesoko, Motobu Town
Tel: 0980-47-7000
