Five recommended sightseeing spots in Maeganeku! How to get there from Onna Village, where the Blue Cave is an attraction.

What kind of place is Mae-Kenkyu?

The official address of Maeganeku is Maeganeku, Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture. Onna Village is located on the west side of the center of Okinawa's main island, stretching from northeast to southwest, and is the entrance to a resort area. The Moon Beach Hotel is famous for its crescent-shaped natural beach.

It is said that it was once a part of Tomiju, which is located in the north, but was split off from Tomiju. It is said that the name "Mae-Kenku" was derived from the fact that it was located in front of Tomijitsu (Kaniku = flat land with a sandy beach). The name Mae-Kenku itself can be seen from the Ryukyu period.

The development of this area began with the construction of the Moon Beach Hotel. Every year on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, a boat rowing race called Maeganeku Hurley is held at Maeganeku Fishing Port. It is a local traditional event that has continued for more than 100 years to pray for good catches and safety at sea.

In this issue, we would like to introduce you to Mae-Kenkyu.

 

Recommended sightseeing spots that can be reached from Maeganeku

There are many attractive tourist spots in Maeganeku.

Here we introduce sightseeing spots on the main island of Okinawa that can be reached from Maeganeku.

 

Churaumi Aquarium

Churaumi Aquarium is an aquarium where fresh ocean water is constantly pumped into huge tanks to house Okinawa's sea creatures. The exhibits are divided into three themes: "Coral Sea," "Kuroshio Sea," and "Deep Sea."

The largest of these, the "Kuroshio Sea," is a gigantic tank made of acrylic panels that is 8.2 meters high, 22.5 meters long, and 60 centimeters thick. This is the first place in the world where multiple breeding and reproduction of the world's largest rays, the Nanyou manta rays, has been successfully conducted.

We are also involved in an initiative to breed several whale sharks, the world's largest fish, which is still shrouded in much mystery. This is an effort to elucidate the ecology of the enigmatic whale sharks and to help them breed.

The "Sea of Coral" tank has been roofed off to let in more natural sunlight, and the corals that have been nurtured over the past 10 years create a richly colorful display of the Okinawan sea. Many fish that live in the coral reefs swim around the tank, which serves to eliminate seaweed and anemones that prevent the growth of coral.

In the "deep sea" area, visitors can see rare species such as yellowtail sea bream, longnose barracuda, and luminous shrimps, which are said to be extremely difficult to keep in captivity.

Many other deep-sea creatures can be observed at depths of 200 to 700 meters.

 

Why we recommend it

The giant acrylic panels of the tank allow visitors to feel the ocean as close as if they were holding it in their hands.

Not only whale sharks and southern blue rays, but also numerous other fish swimming freely in the huge tanks are powerful and sure to impress. The "Sea of Coral" and "Deep Sea" exhibit mysterious marine environments that cannot be seen in everyday life.

Churaumi Aquarium is a great place for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

From Onna Village

Use a rental car.

From Onna Village, take National Route 58 northward along the coastline, and from Nago City, take National Route 449 northward along the coastline and turn onto Prefectural Route 114 on the way to the destination.

The trip takes about 1 hour and covers a distance of about 45 km.

Other options include bus tours and local buses.

 

From Naha Airport

Using a rented car (using high speed)

From Naha Airport, turn right at the Adjimine intersection on Prefectural Road No. 231 and take National Road No. 331 to the Tomigusuku/Nakaji IC on the Okinawa Expressway.

After passing through the Nishihara Junction and getting off at the Hsuuda IC, drive north on Route 58 along the coast, and from Nago City, continue north on Route 449 along the coastline and turn onto Prefectural Route 114 on the way to the destination.

The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 95 km.

 

Using a rental car (public roads)

From Naha Airport, take Route 331 toward Urasoe, pass by Kadena Air Base, and head north on Route 58 along the coastline.

The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 90 km.

 

International Street

Located in Naha City, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, it is the busiest main street in Okinawa.

The street from the Prefectural Government North Exit intersection to the Asato three-way intersection is lined with approximately 1.6 km of restaurants serving local Okinawan cuisine, souvenir and folk craft stores, and is also known as the "Miracle Mile" due to its 1.6 km distance.

The name "Miracle" comes from the miraculous development of the area from a burnt-out area after World War II. It was originally named International Avenue after the Ernie Pyle International Theater, but the theater is no longer there.

It is a place where you can find all kinds of Okinawan souvenirs such as Ryukyu glass, Okinawan pottery called yachimun, accessories made from processed coral, and shisa figurines popular as charms to ward off evil spirits.

There are also many restaurants where you can taste awamori and Okinawan cuisine, and some of these restaurants offer Okinawan folk songs and Ryukyuan dancing. There are also department stores used by locals, so shopping can be enjoyed in this area.

On Sundays, the area becomes a pedestrian paradise, with street performances and traditional Okinawan food stalls.

 

Why we recommend it

You can enjoy not only the souvenirs, but also the unique atmosphere of Okinawa as it is the busiest place in the country. You can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the vibrant Okinawa and enjoy it with all five senses.

It can be said that all of Okinawa's local cuisine can be found here, making it a spot that should not be missed in order to savor all that Okinawa has to offer.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

From Onna Village

Rent a car or take a cab (using high speed)

From National Road 58 and Prefectural Road 88, enter the Okinawa Expressway at Yaka, Kanatake Town, drive south on the Okinawa Expressway, exit at the Nishihara IC, continue on National Road 330, and enter Prefectural Road 39.

The trip takes about 50 minutes and covers a distance of about 45 km.

 

Rent a car or take a cab (public roads)

Travel south on Route 58 along the coastline, turn left at Matsuyama onto Prefectural Route 222, then turn left at Matsuo intersection onto Prefectural Route 39. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the distance traveled is about 43 km.

Other options include bus tours and local buses.

 

From Naha Airport

Take the limousine bus to Kokusai-dori Iriguchi bus stop (approx. 10 minutes), then a 7-minute walk from the bus stop (17 minutes).

Take the limousine bus to the Kencho North Exit bus stop, which takes about 13 minutes, then a 7-minute walk, or 20 minutes.

Take the Yui Rail from Naha Airport Station to Kencho-mae Station by local train (12 minutes), and then walk about 9 minutes to Kencho-mae Station (21 minutes).

 

American Village

American Village is a large seaside resort town built on a former U.S. military base.

The area is as large as five Tokyo Domes, and as its name suggests, it is lined with 13 commercial facilities that create an American atmosphere. There are several areas according to the concept, and they are popular because they can be enjoyed at any time of the year, day or night.

Carnival Park Mihama, which houses a physical trick art amusement center, as well as general merchandise stores and restaurants, has a symbolic Ferris wheel. At night, not only the Ferris wheel but also the ground painting are lit up, and visitors can enjoy the night view from 60 meters above the ground.

There is also "Depot Island" where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping and where unique commercial buildings such as live music clubs and hotels are located.

American Depot" is a riverside area lined with restaurants and imported goods stores. It offers a unique Okinawan shopping experience, including directly imported secondhand clothing.

There are many hidden spots that are Instagram-worthy, so you may discover something new if you stroll all over the place!

 

Why we recommend it

It is a popular spot among locals and offers a wide variety of amusement facilities, restaurants, fashion stores, movie theaters, karaoke, and more.

It is a space not only for sightseeing, but also for a relaxing shopping experience that brings you back to your daily routine for a bit.

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

From Onna Village

Rental car, Taxi (high speed use)

From Route 58 and Prefectural Route 88, enter the Okinawa Expressway at Yaka, Kanatake Town, exit the Okinawa Expressway at the Okinawa Minami IC, and proceed along Yamanaka Street to your destination in Mihama, Chatan Town to reach Mihama Town Resort American Village.

The trip takes about 35 minutes and covers a distance of about 28 km.

 

Rental car, cab (public roads)

Travel south on Route 58 on the coastline.

The trip takes about 40 minutes and covers a distance of about 27 km.

 

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.

 

Activities in Onna Village

There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed in Onna Village, but here we introduce some typical marine activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Why not take this opportunity to try it when you visit Onna Village?

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that allows visitors to casually enjoy the underwater scenery of fish and coral while floating in the ocean.

It is a very easy marine activity, as the only equipment used is basically a mask and snorkel.

For those who are not good swimmers, life jackets can be worn for safe enjoyment.

In addition, it is cold in the winter, so wetsuits and other warm-weather gear are essential.

Enjoy snorkeling in the sea of Maeganeku.

 

diving

The key to enjoying skin diving, also known as skin diving, is how you breathe and how quickly you can move through the water.

The equipment itself is no different from snorkeling. However, in order to see fish and corals more closely than snorkeling, we hold our breath and dive into the water at once. How long can you hold your breath and get close to the target tropical fish or coral?

That is what skin diving is all about. In contrast, scuba diving requires heavy equipment such as tanks and a license, but it allows you to spend a long time underwater,

You can enjoy the fantastic underwater world.

We invite you to experience diving in the crystal clear waters of Okinawa.

 

SUP

SUP is an activity in which you stand on a thick, stable board that is slightly larger than a surfboard, and paddle the board to move through the water.

It originated in Hawaii and has become the most popular marine activity in recent years. Because of its stability, it can be operated not only standing up, but also lying down, standing on the board, and even doing yoga, making it very popular among beginners.

The silhouette is so cool that it is sure to be Instagram-worthy.

 

Three recommended tours in Onna Village

Guide Exclusive! SUP Course

A dedicated guide will teach you the basic movements of SUP, such as standing, paddling, and turning.

Usually, one guide is assigned for every 2~3 people on a private tour, so you can enjoy the tour without hesitation.

The fee includes SUP rental equipment (life jacket, board, paddle, and boots), photography, training fee, and parking, and you will receive more than 30 photos on the spot.

 

Beginners welcome! Blue Cave Snorkel Course

This snorkeling course is held in small groups so that beginners, poor swimmers, and even small children can participate safely.

The plan is to practice from shallow areas where you can stand on your feet, so anyone can participate safely and securely.

Wetsuits, life jackets, marine shoes, floats, snorkels, and masks are available for free rental.

You can also experience fish feeding for free and receive an unlimited number of underwater photos taken with a professional camera, which will surely give you the best memories!

 

Blue Cave Experience Diving

This is a very economical plan that includes fish feeding, GoPro filming, guide fee, training fee, complete diving set rental fee (including wetsuit), liability insurance fee, towel rental fee, and sandal rental fee!

The program is open to those between the ages of 10 and 54 years old.

Here, you can practice from a shallow beach where you can stand on your feet, so even first-timers and those who are not good swimmers can participate with ease.

One of the best diving spots in Okinawa, the Blue Cave, with an average depth of 5~8 meters and as deep as 40 meters, is a place where you can enjoy viewing the varied topography and abundant tropical fish and coral.

All videos and photos taken by the dedicated guides are free of charge and can be immediately forwarded to your cell phone or other devices so that you can post them on social networking sites in real time.

 

summary

How did you like my explanation about Mae-Kenkyu and its surrounding spots?

Maeganeku is filled with many attractions not found on the mainland.

We hope you will enjoy Onna Village's ocean and unique tourist attractions!

Thank you for reading to the end.