Let's look at the magnificent sea from Cape Hendo! How to get there from Onna Village, where the blue cave is an attraction.

What is Cape Hendo like?

Cape Hendo is the northernmost cape on the main island of Okinawa. Located approximately 120 km from Naha City, it is a spectacular spot where you can experience the magnificent nature to the fullest. Although it is a bit far from Onna Village, you should definitely visit this place to see the dynamic scenery.

Enjoy the nature of Okinawa to the fullest at Cape Hendo, which is visited by many tourists!

 

How to get to Cape Hendo from Onna Village

From Onna Village to Cape Hendo, first go west on Route 58 to Ginashin, Kunigami Village.

When you see the sign for Cape Hendo/Ogimi, turn right there and you will arrive at Cape Hendo. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, so it is a bit of a long drive, but please take some side trips along the way and enjoy the peaceful scenery that only Okinawa can offer.

 

Cape Hendo Attractions

Cape Hendo is located at the northern tip of Okinawa, and although it takes some time to get there from Onna Village, it is a tourist destination that attracts many visitors.

Why is Cape Hendo such a popular and famous tourist destination? Let us introduce its charms.

 

One of Okinawa's most spectacular views

One of the attractions of Cape Hendo is that it offers one of the most spectacular views in Okinawa.

When the weather is fine, you can see Izena Island and Iheya Island on the left toward the sea, and Yoron Island and Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture to the north. The best time to see the beautiful ocean is from 11:00 to 14:00 when the sun is directly overhead, and it is recommended to go on a clear day when the wind is light.

In winter, the sea is often rough due to strong northerly winds, and there are few days when you can see all the way to the bottom of the sea, but the sight of the waves crashing against the rocks is powerful and shows a different charm.

 

Sunset that must be impressed

From Cape Hendo, you can see an impressively beautiful sunset. Cape Hendo, where the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea meet, offers a spectacular view with its sheer cliffs.

The sunset there is not only beautiful, but also powerful, in a way that cannot be seen anywhere else!

Isn't it the best part of the trip to be healed while watching a different kind of sunset?

 

Feel the grandeur of nature!

Cape Hendo is surrounded by magnificent nature. The large rocks in places and many unique plants peculiar to the subtropical zone make it a point not to be missed.

The ocean view from Cape Hendo is of course beautiful, but the mountains that surround it and the vegetation along the way can also be enjoyed at the same time. Perhaps the secret to its popularity is the sense of freedom that comes from feeling the grandeur of nature.

 

Popular Tourist Spots near Cape Hendo

Around Cape Hendo, there are many popular tourist spots where you can enjoy nature.

We would like to introduce not only Cape Hendo, but also other spots where you can experience the magnificent nature of Okinawa.

 

Yanbaru-kuina Observatory

First is the Yanbaru-Kuina Observatory, which offers dynamic ocean views from the lush natural forests of Yanbaru. The observatory is a large, realistic-looking Yanbaru-kuina building that can be recognized from a distance.

First-time visitors are sure to be surprised by its power!

 

Places to see and enjoy

The Okinawa rail is a flightless bird that lives only on the main island of Okinawa and in the northern part of the island, and is designated as a natural treasure of Okinawa Prefecture and an endangered species IA, making it a very precious bird.

The chances of actually seeing a Okinawa rail are slim, but at the Okinawa rail observatory you can see a realistic reproduction of a large Okinawa rail, from beak to feet.

The neck of the large Okinawa rail serves as an observation window from which you can look toward Cape Hendo, where you can see the beautiful reef and the ocean.

Also, Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture can be seen about 22 km offshore.

There is also a secluded beach below the Yanbaruquina Observatory that is only visited by locals, and you can walk on a less crowded beach that is almost reserved for private parties.

Please visit there when you go to Cape Hendo.

 

Directions from Cape Hendo, Onna Village

To get to Cape Hendo from Onna Village, as mentioned earlier, take Route 58 to Ginashin, Kunigami Village, and continue until you see Cape Hendo/Ogimi.

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. To reach the Yanbaru-kuina Observatory from Cape Hendo, follow the road for a while along the coastline from the Usahama Ruins near Cape Hendo.

After a short distance, you will find the entrance to the Yanbaru-kuina Observatory on the mountain side. It takes about 5 minutes by car to get there, but please note that the observatory entrance is located near a grave and is a little difficult to find.

 

Oishi Forest Mountain

Oishi Rinzan is a sightseeing spot in Yanbaru National Park.

It is said to be the first sacred place created by Amamikyo, who is revered as the goddess of the Ryukyu Islands. It is a place of great historical value that developed as a place to pray for a good harvest and prosperity of the royal family during the Kingdom of the Ryukyu Islands period.

 

Places to see and enjoy

Oishi Rinzan can be enjoyed on a guided tour with a professional guide or on a trekking course.

During the guided tour, you can learn a lot from a guide who knows Oishi Rinzan well, explaining in detail the origins of the tropical karst landforms and the ecology of the plants and animals that live there.

The trekking course offers a variety of stops at spots of interest, such as the Seiki Hut, where you can take a break while viewing the majestic mountains of Asudo, the match-making rock popular among couples, and the guardian cat, whose rounded back view from the top of the rock, as if it were protecting the entire forest, makes it a popular sightseeing spot.

There are three trekking courses: the Kiiwa/Churaumi Course (60 minutes), the Yanbaru Forest Course (30 minutes), and the Barrier-Free Course (20 minutes), so choose the course that suits you best based on time and difficulty of the course.

Spiritual tours by expert guides are also popular, so if you are interested in learning more about the slightly mysterious atmosphere of Oishi Rinzan, please join us.

 

Directions from Cape Hendo, Onna Village

From Onna Village to Oishi Rinzan via Cape Hendo.

Follow Route 58 to Ginashin, Kunigami Village, and when you see the sign for Cape Hendo/Ogimi, keep going and you will arrive at Cape Hendo. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Onna Village to Cape Hendo.

From Cape Hendo, first go in a southwesterly direction, then turn diagonally to the right when you see the Usahama Ruins, and continue straight ahead, which takes about 5 minutes by car.

 

myrtle birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica)

Kayauchi Banta is a precipitous cliff about 80 meters high, so high that if you look into the cliff, you will lose your footing. The name "Kayauchi Banta" comes from the fact that when bundles of thatch are thrown over the cliff, the wind blows them apart. Banta means "cliff" in the Okinawan language. The name is meant to bring to mind the height of the cliff.

 

Places to see and enjoy

Looking down from Kayauchi Banta, one can see the beautiful, clear waters of Okinawa. Looking at the mountain side, you can also see a magnificent view with rocks exposed in some places, which is rugged and wild. There is also an observation deck, so if you feel a little tired, take a break and experience the beautiful and powerful scenery firsthand.

 

Directions from Cape Hendo, Onna Village

From Onna Village to Kayauchi Banta, take Route 58 to Ginashin, Kunigami Village for Cape Hendo, turn right and continue on Route 58 until you see Cape Hendo Ogimi.

By car, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there.

Next, from Cape Hendo, go southwest, turn right at the Usahama Ruins area, and go straight for about 5 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.

 

Two recommended tours to enjoy near Cape Hendo

 

Snorkeling experience going from the beach

This is a snorkeling tour where you can experience snorkeling in shallow water where you can get your feet firmly on the water.

Snorkeling is a way to enjoy fish and coral reefs in the sea wearing underwater glasses, fins, and a snorkel, but it is difficult for people who are not good at swimming to try it.

This tour is very attractive because it is very safe in shallow water, so even those who are not good swimmers, children, and beginners can easily experience it.

A snorkel set is also provided, so you can directly feel the Okinawan sea as if you were a casual tourist.

 

First SUP experience

SUP is the sport of riding waves by standing on a special board and using oars to advance.

Since the objective is not to ride big waves like surfing, the sport is fun to play and easy to start even for beginners in ocean sports.

You can experience it at Okuma Beach in the Yanbaru district of northern Okinawa, so you will be able to fully experience the rich nature of Okinawa.

This course also includes board, paddle, leash, and wetsuit rental fees, so you can experience SUP, which is popular overseas, without having to worry about preparation!

 

summary

Although Cape Hendo is a little far from Onna Village, you can experience firsthand the magnificent and powerful nature of Okinawa.

For this reason, it is one of the places you should definitely visit.

Also, please take part in the various sightseeing spots and tours around Cape Hendo to create fun memories!