A complete guide to the highlights of Cape Maeda｜includes access, parking, and activities!

What is Cape Maeda?

Cape Maeda Misaki, located in Onna Village on the west coast of Okinawa's main island, about 50 km north of Naha Airport, is known as a snorkeling and diving spot, where you can see colorful fish and coral reefs in the extremely clear waters.

Especially popular is the "Blue Cave," a shining blue cave that attracts many tourists. Cape Maeda is also famous for its spectacular view of the East China Sea and for its sunset.

Furthermore, in winter, whales and dolphins can be seen here, making it a sightseeing spot with plenty to see. In this issue, we will introduce you to Cape Maeda, one of the best sightseeing spots in Okinawa, including access, attractions, and activities that you can experience.

If you are considering a trip to Cape Maeda, please refer to this page!

 

Directions from Onna Village and Naha Airport

Access from Naha Airport

Cape Maeda can be reached from Naha Airport by car, cab or bus.

 

[Claire's car] [Claire's car] [Claire's car] [Claire's car

It takes about 1 hour by car from Naha Airport.

Two routes, Okinawa Expressway and ordinary roads, are introduced here.

■When using the Okinawa Expressway

From the Naha IC, take the Okinawa Expressway, exit at the Ishikawa IC, and immediately turn right onto Prefectural Route 73.

Follow the road toward Nakadomari, drive along Route 58 for a short distance, and turn left at the Onna Village Yamada intersection (in front of the Renaissance Hotel).

Continue on Prefectural Route 6 and when you see the sign for the entrance to Cape Maeda, turn right and go straight to reach Cape Maeda.

■When using public roads

Take National Route 58 northward, and at the Oyashi intersection, proceed toward Ryukyu Village, and enter Prefectural Route 6.

After following the road for a while, you will see a sign for the entrance to Cape Maeda, so turn right and follow the road to reach it.

If you want to go there after stopping at Ryukyumura, the public road is recommended.

 

[Claire's Taxi] [Claire's Taxi] [Claire's Taxi

It varies depending on the type of cab, but the standard is 10,000 to 12,000 yen.

If you can share with several people, you can go for 2,000-5,000 yen per person.

 

Access by bus

There are two types of buses: local buses and airport limousine buses.

When using the limousine bus, it is best to make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth trip, as the number of limousine buses is limited.

 

For local buses.

From the bus terminal at Naha Airport, take the No. 120 "Nago West Airport Route" and get off at the Kuranami bus stop, which is about a 20-minute walk.

The bus costs 1,200 yen one way.

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Naha Airport to Kuraha bus stop.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the bus stop to Cape Maeda, so it takes about 2 hours in total.

 

<For airport limousine buses

Limousine buses are available from Naha Airport to Onna Village resort hotels, but they do not go directly to Cape Maeda.

Even from the Renaissance Hotel nearest Cape Maeda, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot.

A cab from the hotel will take you there in about 5 minutes.

Also, if you sign up for activities at a dive store, transportation is often included, so check when you apply.

The airport limousine bus fare varies depending on the hotel where you get off, but it costs approximately 1,500 yen and takes 70 to 90 minutes.

 

Access from Onna Village

By car or cab, the trip takes about 20 minutes.

 

[Claire's car] [Claire's car] [Claire's car] [Claire's car

Go south on Route 58 and turn right at the Onna Village Yamada intersection (in front of the Renaissance Hotel).

Follow the road to Prefectural Route 6, turn right at the sign for the entrance to Cape Maeda, and go straight to reach Cape Maeda.

 

[Claire's Taxi] [Claire's Taxi] [Claire's Taxi

It is about 14 km from the center of Onna Village and costs around 3,000 yen.

 

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.

 

Cape Maeda Attractions

Cape Maeda is located at the entrance to Onna Village, a famous tourist spot dotted with resort hotels. Visitors can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the west coast of the main island, as well as a wide variety of water activities!

In winter, whale watching can also be enjoyed. The charm of Cape Maeda lies in the fact that visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities in the great outdoors.

 

Excellent location overlooking the East China Sea

At the tip of Cape Maeda is an observatory overlooking the East China Sea.

It is one of the best sightseeing spots in Okinawa, where you can see Cape Zanba, Manzamage, and the mountains of Yanbaru in the distance. The emerald green sea with its vivid gradations is so beautiful that it will make you sigh, and a wonderful and memorable view spreads out before your eyes.

 

Impressive Sunset

Cape Maeda, overlooking the East China Sea, is also famous as a spot where beautiful sunsets can be seen.

The sight of the setting sun sinking into the sea, turning the crystal clear emerald green sea into an azure color, is a perfect mood.

In addition, kayaking at this time of the day is popular among young people, not only because they can see the sunset from the ocean, but also because the sight of kayaking with the sunset in the background is Instagram-worthy.

 

Nearby is the extremely popular Blue Cave!

Cape Maeda, which attracts many tourists, has a very popular spot called the Blue Cave!

The mysterious Blue Cave is bustling with people as it offers a wide variety of activities for children and adults alike, such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

 

What is Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave is a cave formed naturally by rainwater and sea water erosion.

It is called the Blue Cave because the sun's rays reflect off the calcareous seabed, reflecting blue light and making it shine.

 

Attractions of the Blue Cave

Once inside the natural cave, a fantastic blue world unfolds. The blue light is reflected by the sunlight shining through the entrance of the cave, and its color changes depending on the time of day you visit.

Thus, the Blue Cave is enjoyed by many repeat visitors because it can be visited again and again. The clarity of the sea is very high, and visitors can also see colorful fish.

 

How to access

To get to the Blue Cave from Cape Maeda, you can either swim there yourself or take a boat. You can also take the stairs from the cape down to the sea and swim, but it is dangerous to go barefoot because of the rocks and rough terrain.

In addition, safety precautions are essential as some parts of the site are deep in water. Cape Maeda has many stores offering water activities, and we recommend that you plan to go with a guide who is familiar with the terrain.

 

Activities in Cape Maeda

Cape Maeda offers a variety of water activities. Among them, snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly popular.

Other activities include canoeing and kayaking, and in winter, whale watching.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling does not require a license and can be enjoyed in shallow water with goggles and fins, making it an easy activity for both children and adults.

Even beginners can enjoy the marine world to the fullest by putting on snorkeling goggles and peering into the crystal clear water to see many kinds of fish and coral reefs.

Not only daytime but also night snorkeling plans are popular at the Blue Cave.

 

diving

Diving is as popular as snorkeling, but what makes diving different from snorkeling is that you can dive deeper into the ocean and enjoy the marine world even more.

Although it may seem more serious than snorkeling, equipment can be rented and instructors are provided, so beginners and advanced divers alike can participate with confidence.

In addition, while snorkeling does not allow for deep dives, diving allows for depths that are not normally accessible, and longer dives with oxygen tanks are possible.

Swimming with fish and observing coral reefs up close is a great way to enjoy the charm of the sea.

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoeing/kayaking is an activity in which people paddle their own paddles and explore the ocean.

You can enjoy the cliffs and sweeping views of Cape Maeda from the sea. Since even small children can participate, this is a popular activity among families who want to have fun together. There is an aquascope that allows you to see underwater without diving, so you can observe the underwater during your walk.

In addition, kayaking in the evening is very popular, when you can watch the sunset into the sea. Why don't you spend the best time in Cape Maeda, which can only be experienced by canoe/kayak experience?

 

3 popular tours at Cape Maeda (Blue Cave)

Here we would like to introduce three popular tours at Cape Maeda. Why don't you enjoy marine activities at Cape Maeda, which is also known as a mecca for snorkeling and diving?

All of these tours are very attractive!

 

SUP Experience & Blue Cave Snorkeling

This course includes both the "Blue Cave Snorkeling Course" and the popular "SUP (standup paddleboarding) Course. You will not be with other groups, so you can enjoy the course in a relaxed atmosphere.

The guide will also take photos for you. The tour will be well-practiced in advance, so beginners can participate with ease.

 

Beginners welcome! Blue Cave Snorkel Course

The Blue Cave Snorkeling Course for beginners is a safe plan for everyone from small children to the elderly, as it allows them to practice from the shallow area where they can reach their feet.

This plan is perfect for creating memories of your trip to Okinawa, complete with photography.

 

Blue Cave Experience Diving

This is a blue cave diving experience with a dedicated instructor for each group and photo shooting. This is an easy plan with a full range of rentals, so you can participate even if you don't have anything to hand.

 

summary

This time, we introduced you to Cape Maeda on the main island of Okinawa, famous for its blue cave.

It is one of the most popular tourist spots on the main island, with many marine activities that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Why not visit Cape Maeda, a place full of attractions where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view of the west coast of the main island?

Thank you for reading to the end.