Enjoy the starry sky in Onna Village with the charm of the blue cave! The charm of the starry sky that can only be experienced on a remote island! Introducing popular tours that are sure to impress you!

 

What is the starry sky of Onna Village?

Onna Village is located in the center of the main island of Okinawa.

It is one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful blue ocean and coral reefs up close, and is one of the best resorts in Japan.

It may come as a surprise, but the area is popular not only for its ocean, but also for its beautiful starry sky.

The night sky is wide and unobstructed by tall buildings, and the mild year-round climate makes it easy to observe at night.

 

How to enjoy stargazing

There are a few things to remember in order to enjoy stargazing. It may be obvious, but the nighttime streets are often quite dark and narrow, so be careful where you step.

Especially in Okinawa Prefecture, it is not uncommon to encounter wild hubs. To get to your destination safely, one way is to join a tour instead of trying to force your way there on your own.

It is also important that it be as dark as possible in order to see the stars clearly. Use a flashlight to illuminate your way to your destination, and turn off the light when you arrive.

As for personal belongings, insect repellent, a star chart, and a leisure sheet are useful for long hours of observation.

 

Attraction of the Starry Sky

The starry sky seen in Okinawa Prefecture has many attractions that are different from those in Honshu.

The starry sky seen in Okinawa is popular among those who like astronomical observation.

 

Beautiful stars you can't see in the city

Another attraction of the starry sky of Okinawa Prefecture is that it is possible to see stars that cannot be seen in Honshu. In particular, it is very important to be able to see the Southern Cross, which can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, in Okinawa.

However, please note that the Southern Cross can only be seen between January and June.

 

Enjoyable for both children and adults.

Many stargazing spots are less crowded or well-equipped, so families can enjoy stargazing in a relaxed atmosphere.

There are also places where you can observe celestial bodies while camping, which has become popular in recent years, so please choose the viewing spot that best suits your needs.

 

Enjoy taking pictures with the starry sky in the background!

Okinawa Prefecture has few strong air currents, so the night sky can be seen beautifully and clearly. This makes it ideal for photographing the starry sky, and some tours include a plan where you can have your photo taken with the starry sky in the background by a guide who is well versed in photography.

Photos taken against the backdrop of a fantastic starry sky will give you an extraordinary feeling and will be a very good memory.

 

Recommended stargazing spots

There are many stargazing spots in Okinawa Prefecture.

Each location has its own unique features, such as easy access, observatories, restrooms, and other facilities, making it easy for visitors to experience astronomical observation!

In this issue, we will introduce five of the best places to visit.

 

Cape Hendo

Cape Hendo is located at the northernmost tip of the main island of Okinawa.

Although it is a distance from Naha Airport and not easily accessible, it is considered a hole-in-the-wall spot due to the relatively small number of people. There are a few lights around the parking lot, but it is still possible to observe the stars as far as the horizon.

The "Yanbaruquina Observatory" around Cape Hendo is also famous as a good building for photographing the starry sky. However, the road to the observatory is dark and narrow, so please drive carefully at night.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Onna Village to the north via Route 58.

From Naha Airport, it takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to the north via Okinawa Expressway and Route 58.

 

myrtle birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica)

Chiauchi Banta is also located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, about a 5-minute drive from Cape Hendo.

It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the north with great scenery, and although there are a few lights from the surrounding villages, the Milky Way can be observed beautifully and clearly.

Banta means "cliff" in the Okinawan dialect, and when a bundle of thatch was dropped from the top of a cliff, it fell apart, hence the name "Kayauchi Banta".

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes from Onna Village to the north via Route 58.

From Naha Airport, it takes about 2 hours to the north via Okinawa Expressway and Route 58.

 

strand of hair on top of the head

Manzakage is located in the central part of the main island of Okinawa, and is also famous for its spectacular scenery.

There are relatively few lights in the vicinity, making it possible to observe the night sky beautifully.

Depending on the weather, it is possible to see the Milky Way if you are lucky, and the parking lot and walking trail make it a very convenient location.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

From Onna Village, it is about 5 minutes to the north via Route 58.

From Naha Airport, it is about 50 minutes to the north via Okinawa Expressway.

 

Kunigami Village Forest Park

Kunigami Village Forest Park is located in the northern part of Okinawa's main island.

The park is equipped with campgrounds, bungalows, restrooms, and shower rooms, so that even small children can enjoy astronomical observation.

Winter months are more relaxing and enjoyable, especially during the summer and fall when camping is more appropriate, as the area is especially crowded.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Onna Village to the north via Route 58.

From Naha Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to the north via Okinawa Expressway and Route 58.

 

Cape Zanami

Cape Zanpa is located in the central part of the main island of Okinawa. It is famous as the last place where the sun sets, and visitors can enjoy the changing sky from sunset to night. Although there are many lights around the area, it is still possible to see a star-filled sky.

Parks and parking are also available for a relaxing stay.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

It takes about 30 minutes from Onna Village to the southwest via National Route 58 and Prefectural Route 6.

From Naha Airport, it takes about one hour to the north via Route 58.

 

Recommended Tours

There are tours that allow you to enjoy astronomical observation, and we recommend some of these tours.

All tours are guided by guides who are well versed in the land and stars of Okinawa, and you can have professional photographers take pictures that will look great on your Instagram. Even in Okinawa, it can be chilly at night depending on the season.

It would be a good idea to have one light jacket.

 

Starry sky photo tour

Although limited to the Onna Village area, the plan includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, so you can head to the observation site safely even on nighttime roads. The location is a secret beach, where there are few people and city lights, so you can enjoy astronomical observation and photography in a relaxed atmosphere.

Photography will be conducted by a guide who is familiar with the equipment.

 

summary

When we think of activities in Okinawa, marine sports enjoyed in the emerald green sea come to mind, but at night, why not enjoy the vast starry sky that you cannot see in the city?

All observation spots are dark at night and footing can be dangerous, so those unfamiliar with the land are advised to take a tour.

Make many unforgettable memories under the fantastic starry sky!