Kokusai-dori
Okinawa, Japan
Cape Manzamo, Okinawa
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Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- ≈ ¥100
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- From 8:00 to sunset
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 30 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Trail entry
- About ¥100
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - In strong wind
- The trail closes in storm-force wind
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Highlight
- The 'elephant trunk' rock and sea view
- Best time
- Sunset
- Getting there
- About an hour by car from Naha, or bus
Key facts
'Elephant trunk'the shape of the arch in the coral cliff
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travel guides10,000people 'could sit' on the plateau — the name's meaning
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travel guidesSho Keithe Ryukyu king credited with the words about the field
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travel guidesOnnathe village on the west coast
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travel guides≈ ¥100trail entry fee
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travel guides2020the Manzamo centre opened by the cape
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travel guidesUntil sunsetthe trail is open
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manzamo.jp≈ 1 hourby car from Naha
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travel guidesWhat is Cape Manzamo?
Manzamo is a cape on Okinawa's west coast in Onna village. It's a cliff of raised coral in which the sea has carved an arch that looks like an elephant's trunk dipping into the water. Below are deep-blue sea and white surf; on top is a flat grassy plateau.
The name means 'a field where ten thousand people can sit': legend says the Ryukyu king Sho Kei exclaimed this on seeing the plateau. Today a short trail runs along the cape's edge with views of the rock and coast, and a centre with shops and cafés stands at the entrance.
Entry and hours
The clifftop trail charges an entry fee — about ¥100 according to guides — paid at machines on the ground floor of the Manzamo centre. According to the centre's official site, the trail is open until sunset, and the centre itself opens roughly 8:00 to 19:00.
The loop takes about 20–30 minutes. At the centre you can hire traditional Okinawan ryuso costume and stroll round the cape in it — from ¥2,000, or from ¥1,000 for children.
What to see
- The 'elephant trunk' rock above the sea.
- The grassy plateau on top of the cape.
- The clifftop trail with coastal views.
- Sunset over the East China Sea.
- Onna's coastal resorts in the distance.
- A walk in ryuso costume.
How to get to Cape Manzamo
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- By car — from Naha on the Okinawa Expressway to the Ishikawa exit, about an hour, 40 km.
- Bus — routes 20 or 120 to the Onna-son Yakuba-mae stop, then about 15 minutes on foot.
- From Ryukyu Mura — about 15 minutes by car.
- To Churaumi — about an hour by car north.
- Tour — often combined with the aquarium and Kouri Island.
Cape Manzamo or Kouri Island
| Manzamoyou are here | A cliff and the 'trunk' rock | ≈ ¥100 | 30 minutes | At sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kouri | A bridge and turquoise shallows | Free | 1–2 hours | By day, in sunshine |
How long do you need?
30 minutes is enough for the cape: walk the loop and look at the rock. It makes a good stop on the way north — to Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island — or the last stop of the day at sunset.
Nearby are Ryukyu Mura village with its old Okinawan houses and Onna's resort beaches. On clear days the water by the cape is remarkably clear — you can watch the waves break on the coral ledge.
The plateau is open and shadeless, and the sea wind can be strong — hold on to hats and don't step beyond the barrier at the cliff edge. In summer bring water and sunscreen.
Is Cape Manzamo worth visiting?
Yes, if you're heading north: it's one of Okinawa's best-known views and takes just half an hour.
The YesGo take: the cape is small, and by day it's busy with tour groups. It's not worth a special trip from Naha, but on the way to Churaumi — definitely. It's best at sunset, when the groups have gone.
Before you go: checklist
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You are ready for the visit
Northern Okinawa in a day
Cape Manzamo on the way, Churaumi Aquarium at midday, and the turquoise shallows of Kouri Island towards evening. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Cape Manzamoyou are here30 min · ≈ ¥100
- 368 min walk from the previous stopChuraumi Aquarium2 h 30 min · ¥2,180
- 242 min walk from the previous stopKouri Island2 h · free; tower ≈ ¥1,000
3 places · about 15 h 10 min with walks · 610 min on foot in total
How to do it right
- Come for sunset.
- Entry is about ¥100.
- The trail closes in storms.
- Stay behind the barrier.
- Next: Churaumi.
Questions
How much is entry to Cape Manzamo?
About ¥100 for the trail, according to guides.
What are the opening hours?
The trail is open from 8:00 to sunset.
Why 'elephant trunk'?
The arch in the cliff looks like an elephant's trunk dipping into the sea.
How do I get there?
About an hour by car from Naha, or bus 20/120.
How long do you need?
About 30 minutes.
When is the best time to go?
At sunset.
What does the name mean?
'A field where ten thousand people can sit'.
What's nearby?
Ryukyu Mura, Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- Manzamo centre official site (manzamo.jp) — centre hours, trail until sunset, wind closures, ryuso costume (via curl 09.11.2026)
- Travel guides — trail fee, the name's legend, access (unofficial)
- Wikidata Q11353838 — coordinates
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