Okinawa's No. 1 popular spot! About Onna Village with its charming blue cave

About Onna Village

Onna Village is located in the center of the main island of Okinawa and is one of the best resort areas in Japan. Many celebrities have stayed at the world-renowned resort hotels that line Route 58.

In this issue, we will introduce Onna Village, which is blessed with a natural environment that is highly acclaimed worldwide.

 

Onna Village Attractions

Onna Village's greatest attraction is its natural environment.

Located overlooking the East China Sea, Onna Village has many attractive spots here and there, including cliffs, caves, and sandy beaches, and is also part of the Okinawa Coast National Park.

Here are some details about Onna Village's attractions.

 

One of the most beautiful sea in Okinawa

There are reasons why Onna Village attracts some of the world's most prominent resort hotels. One reason is the beautiful ocean.

The clarity of the water, including the famous Blue Cave, is so clear that you can almost see the bottom of the ocean when you look into it, which is outstanding even in Okinawa.

 

Impressed by the vast nature

Onna Village is home to the Okinawa Prefectural Forest for the purpose of interacting with the forest and learning about the forest. The 181-hectare site includes a campground, a multipurpose plaza, and a park golf course.

Therefore, one of the attractions of Onna Village is that you can experience a lot of nature here. Other spots with spectacular views are scattered throughout the area, so you are sure to be struck by the vastness of nature.

 

Very popular spot, Blue Cave

A popular tourist attraction, the Blue Cave is a must-visit spot for all diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The mysterious sight created by the reflection of sunlight captivates many tourists.

During the summer vacation, it is so crowded that visitors sometimes have to wait at the entrance.

 

Five popular tourist spots in Onna Village

Onna Village has many popular tourist spots.

Here are five carefully selected locations.

 

Blue Cave

This cave is located at Cape Maeda in Okinawa Prefecture. It is about 30 meters deep and has long been used as a shelter from rough seas caused by typhoons. It is called "Blue Cave" because the sunlight shining through the entrance of the cave reflects off the seafloor, giving it a blue glow.

 

Reasons for popularity and attractions

At the Blue Cave, tours to see the blue glow of the cave entrance are popular.

This phenomenon is caused by the high transparency of seawater, which allows light to reach the seafloor. Also, depending on the angle of the sunlight, the blue color of the morning, afternoon, and evening changes slightly. Snorkeling tours that allow visitors to appreciate this blue color are also popular.

The Blue Cave is an underwater cave with a dome ceiling, so you can snorkel deeper into the cave. The cave is located under a cliff and can be dangerous, so be sure to go on a tour accompanied by local divers.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

The address is 469-1 Maeda, Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture. If you are driving from the direction of Naha, it is easier to merge onto Prefectural Road No. 6 from National Road No. 58. If you are driving from Onna Village, you will see the Renaissance Resort Okinawa on your right hand side on Route 58.

At the destination sign, turn right at the signal intersection onto Prefectural Road No. 6. If you are going directly by bus from Naha Airport or Onna Village, take route 120. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Naha Airport and 20 minutes from Onna Village.

From the Kuraha bus stop, it is a 15-minute walk to the Blue Cave.

 

strand of hair on top of the head

Manzamo is a scenic spot located in the central part of Onna Village. It faces the East China Sea and is a 20-meter-high cliff made of Ryukyu limestone. Ryukyu limestone, which was also used in the construction of Shuri Castle, is a geological formation that covers 30% of the island of Okinawa and was formed by the action of coral reefs.

The many air bubbles allow groundwater to percolate easily, often oozing out of the springs.

 

Reasons for popularity and attractions

On the cliffs of Manzakage, there is a strange rock formation that looks like an elephant's nose when viewed from the side. It is the result of air bubbles that have formed a large hole and left a shape like an elephant's nose. The name Manza-Mo originated when King Shokei of the Ryukyu Dynasty described Manza-Mo as "a grassland where all people can sit. A promenade is maintained on the cliff top of Manzagao.

There is no difference in elevation, so even wheelchair users and those with limited physical strength can easily walk. There is a spot along the promenade where you can get a good view of the "Elephant's Nose. Thanks to the high transparency of the seawater, you can see coral and fish swimming in the depths of the ocean.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It is about 50 km from Naha Airport to Manzakage. It takes about 1 hour using the Okinawa Expressway, or 1 hour and 30 minutes on National Route 58. If you take the expressway, it will be faster to go south on Route 331 and use the Toyomigusuku/Nakaji Interchange, which is about 10 minutes from the airport.

Merge onto the Okinawa Expressway at Nishihara JCT, exit at Yaka IC, and continue on Prefectural Route 88. Once off the expressway, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the destination. If you are driving from Onna Village to Manzakage, take Route 58 and turn left at the intersection of Lawson Onna Manzakage Entrance Store, and you will arrive in less than 5 minutes.

To reach Manzakage by bus from Naha Airport, take route 120 to the Onna Village Office bus stop, which takes about 2 hours. Although the bus ride is time-consuming, it is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of Okinawa. From the center of Onna Village, it is a 15-minute walk from Route 58 to Manzamo.

 

Cape Maeda

Maeda Misaki is a scenic spot located 13 kilometers down the road from Onna Village in the direction of Naha. It commands a panoramic view of the East China Sea and is known as the location of the Ao no Tsubute (Blue Cave), a famous diving and snorkeling spot. The Ao no Tsubute (Blue Cave) is introduced separately, so here we will tell you about the other attractions of Cape Maeda.

 

Reasons for popularity and attractions

Like Manzame, Cape Maeda is a quay made of Ryukyu limestone. It has beautiful cliffs unique to uplifted coral. Cape Maeda is a spot where you can feel the character of Onna Village without going down to the sea.

There is a promenade with natural flowers, a well-maintained multipurpose plaza, and a pavilion. Looking out into the distance, one can see Cape Zanba, Manza-ga, and Iejima Island across the blue sea.

And of special note is the sunset at Cape Maeda. Facing west, many couples at Cape Maeda quietly watch the sunset as it slowly sinks into the sea. As the sun sets, Cape Maeda is the best location to watch the sky change from orange to darker and then to a deep blue darkness.

Note that Cape Maeda is equipped with first-aid facilities including restrooms, 20 hot showers (200 yen per minute for 45 seconds), coin lockers (100 yen per locker), snack store, store, vending machines, and AED.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

The address of Cape Maeda is 469-1 Maeda, Onna-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture. When driving from Naha Airport, get off the public road at the Ishikawa IC of Okinawa Expressway and drive to Cape Maeda. It takes about one hour from the airport and 10 minutes after exiting the Ishikawa IC.

When driving from Onna Village, take Route 58 toward Yomitan, turn right at the Yamada intersection, and proceed to Prefectural Route 6. It takes about 20 minutes from Onna Village. Parking at Cape Maeda is available for approximately 180 cars (100 yen per hour for regular cars).

In addition, parking is available from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (depending on the season). If you are traveling by bus from Naha Airport or Onna Village, take the 120 bus, get off at the Kuranami bus stop, and walk for about 20 minutes.

 

Ryukyu Village

Ryukyumura is a facility in Onna Village where visitors can experience traditional Okinawan culture such as old Okinawan houses, crafts, and eisa.

Business hours】9:00～17:30(Last admission at 17:00)
Closed] Open all year round
Adults (16 years and older) 1,500 yen, High school students 1,200 yen (with student ID), Elementary and junior high school students 600 yen, Children under 6 years old free

 

Reasons for popularity and attractions

Once inside the village, visitors can tour several old private homes that have been relocated from various parts of Okinawa. All of the nearly 200-year-old old houses have a stately appearance and a sense of history. Depending on the house, you can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, a unique building with a high storehouse, or experience Ryukyu indigo dyeing. Passing through the old houses, you will find an area where you can try your hand at making pottery with a potter's wheel or by hand.

In addition, there is an area where visitors can view the traditional performing art of eisa. Eisa is a dance performed in the Okinawa and Amami regions during the Obon season to welcome and send off the spirits returning to this world. The spectacle of everyone dancing the eisa together, including the audience at the end, is a sight to behold.

Eisa at Ryukyumura is performed several times a day. It is a good idea to visit during the eisa performance time. Some paths in the village are paved with cobblestones and pebbles, but wheelchairs and strollers can walk around without difficulty. If you are visiting Okinawa for the first time, please visit.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

The address is 1130 Yamada, Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture. When driving from Naha Airport, take National Route 330 and enter the Okinawa Expressway. After getting off at the Ishikawa IC, take Prefectural Road 73 toward Onna Village, which takes about one hour.

When driving from Onna Village, take Route 58 toward Naha and turn right at the Yamada intersection. Parking at Ryukyumura is free. If you take a bus from Naha Airport, take route 120 and get off at Ryukyumura-mae.

The trip takes about 60 minutes. From Onna Village, you can also take the Route 120 bus toward Naha and arrive at the Ryukyumura bus stop in about 20 minutes.

 

museum

Onna Village Museum is a village facility that introduces information on Onna Village's culture, history, and nature through permanent and special exhibitions.
This facility can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Closed] Every Monday, the day after national holidays, June 24 (the day after Memorial Day), year-end and New Year's holidays

 

Reasons for popularity and attractions

The Onna Village Museum introduces the life, history, and performing arts of the people of Onna Village using models and videos.

The first exhibition room displays the livelihood of the people of Onna Village, the second room displays festivals and other aspects of community life, and the third room displays the history of the village up to the present day.

The Onna Village area has long been a major transportation hub, so the exhibits are rich in materials and easy to understand.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

The address is 1656-8, Nakadomari, Onna-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa. If you are driving from Naha Airport, it takes about 5 minutes to get there after getting off the Okinawa Expressway at Ishikawa IC. It takes about one hour from the airport.

If you are driving from Onna Village, it takes about 15 minutes on Route 58.

If you are traveling by bus from Naha Airport or Onna Village, take route 120 bus, get off at Renaissance Resort Okinawa, and walk for about 10 minutes.

 

Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!

We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!

↓Click here for more information.

 

10 recommended activities

Onna Village offers not only marine activities but also a variety of other ways to play.

Here are 10 of the most typical activities.

 

snorkeling

The clear, west-facing waters are calm and less affected by the strong summer southerly winds, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Even beginners and inexperienced snorkelers can enjoy snorkeling right away after taking a simple training course.

This is an activity that even children can enjoy because it is not a deep dive, but rather a snorkel that allows you to look underwater from near the surface of the ocean. For example, if you are snorkeling in the Blue Cave, you will be able to see the dark-living fish such as the longnose dolphinfish and the longspine snorkelers.

Please enjoy snorkeling surrounded by schools of tropical fish.

 

diving

Onna Village is a popular spot for diving, especially the Blue Cave.

Diving requires a license, but "experience diving" for beginners and inexperienced divers is popular in Onna Village.

Although there are some restrictions on the depth you can dive, you can enjoy diving with an instructor or guide after a brief training session and instruction on how to use the equipment.

Enjoy not only the Blue Cave, which shows different colors in the morning, afternoon, and evening, but also coral reefs and diving spots where tropical fish swim.

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoes and kayaks, which are paddled in long, narrow boats, may seem somewhat unstable.

However, when you experience it, you will be surprised at how stable it is. Because you sit on your buttocks, your center of gravity is lowered and you will not capsize unless something happens to you. Of course, you will be wearing a life jacket, so you can rest assured that you will be safe.

With a canoe or kayak, you can walk along the surface of the sea. Because you are sitting in a canoe or kayak, your eyes are at about half the height they normally are, and you will see a different Onna Village from the one you see from the beach.

It is nice just to float around in the waves without paddling. Many families take their children in two-person canoes or kayaks.

There are also canoe and kayak tours to watch the sunset from the sea.

 

SUP

SUP is a popular activity in recent years that involves standing on a wide board and using a single paddle. The board is wide enough to provide stability, so you can sit cross-legged or lie down on the board.

Like canoes and kayaks, you can move freely, feeling like you are taking a walk on the sea.

 

marine sports

Marine sports in Onna Village are not limited to snorkeling, diving, canoeing and kayaking.

Banana boats and big marbles are also popular. Banana boats are inflatable tubes shaped like bananas that are pulled by jet skis or boats as they glide along the surface of the ocean.

The Big Marble is a towing tube in the shape of a sofa, which is pulled in the same way as a banana boat. Both are fast and the waves make you sway up and down, side to side, and feel like you are about to be swept off your feet.

But with the hot summer and beautiful ocean, it is also a lot of fun. Even children who have difficulty holding onto a banana boat may be able to ride the Big Marble, which is a type of boat that leans on a sofa.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is when you carry a parachute on your back and are pulled by a boat or water bike, which quickly takes you up to about 40 meters above the ground.

As my body rises, I feel as if I were launched by a rocket. The sandy beach and the sea of Onna Village where you were just now seem very small, and at the same time, if the weather is good, you can see as far as the islands of Yaeyama in the distance. If the weather is good, you will be able to see the islands of Yaeyama in the distance.

 

fishing

Onna Village is also a great fishing spot for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Beginners can enjoy just piscine fishing, or relax and enjoy fishing in the large raft fishing ponds off the coast of Onna Village.

Fishing ponds are safe for small children. If you are a seasoned fisherman, why not try targeting larger fish offshore?

The fishing is highly motivating, as you may even catch a marlin tuna.

 

Starry sky tour

Manza Gauze in Onna Village is a popular spot for stargazing.

Manzakage is a cape-like outcrop with no streetlights around it, allowing for a good view of the stars.

From the time of the beautiful sunset, many people stay at this spot for several hours.

 

Shisa making experience, Ryukyu glass making experience

Onna Village has spots where visitors can experience shisa and Ryukyu glass making.

Shisa is an amulet to ward off evil spirits that bring misfortune, but you can make your own original shisa. Ryukyu glass is a type of glasswork unique to Okinawa that began after the Pacific War when empty bottles of cola and other beverages from U.S. military bases were processed.

The glass is made under the guidance of artisans using manufacturing methods such as the air-blow method and the mold-blow method. The beautiful glass works will surely become a good memento of your visit.

 

golf

There are many golf courses in Okinawa, and the Chura Orchard Golf Club is located in Onna Village. It was formerly known as Daikyo Country Club and Unimat Okinawa Golf Club.

Golf enthusiasts may recognize the "Daikyo Open Stage."

 

summary

We introduced Onna Village. How was it?

We hope you have found Onna Village to be a particularly attractive area of Okinawa.

Please come and visit Onna Village, where you can enjoy all the accommodations, meals, and activities.