Cape Zanpa, Okinawa — Embrace an invincible ocean view all to yourself.
On this particular day, a sudden thought struck me: I want to ride a bicycle! So I rented a bicycle from my guesthouse host and set off along the western coastline in Yomitan Village. During this ride, I visited the renowned Cape Zanpa Park, Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura, and Gala Aoiumi.
Since they can all be reached by bicycle, it means these attractions are situated very close to one another. You can easily use this as a handy reference when planning your itinerary to discover great nearby spots quickly!
（Throughout my journey traveling across Okinawa, I quite often weaved through quiet local alleys just like this.）
（With numerous US military bases in central Okinawa, you frequently see both American and Japanese flags fluttering side by side.）
（In Yomitan Village, you can discover many unique buildings. This area represents a more rural, slow-paced side of Okinawa, offering sights quite different from bustling tourist hubs and giving me peaceful moments to reflect—which is precisely what I look for when traveling.）
（I truly cherish scenery like this. Whether cycling or walking, every pedal and step turns into cherished travel memories.）
◎ Cape Zanpa, Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, and Zanpa Beach
Cape Zanpa is the westernmost cape of Okinawa Main Island and ranks among Okinawa's three great capes. Much like Cape Maeda, it treats visitors to magnificent sea vistas and dramatic coastal terrain, but on an even grander scale. Here, towering 30-meter cliffs stretch over two kilometers along the coast, and the spot is universally celebrated for its breathtaking sunset panoramas.
Furthermore, within Cape Zanpa Park, you will find fantastic attractions and dining spots including the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, the colossal Zanpa Big Shisa (the largest guardian lion statue in Okinawa), the charming Blue Seal Ice Cream Bus, and pristine Zanpa Beach. It is an ideal recreational destination for travelers of all styles, and I highly recommend exploring them together!
♁ Address: 1861 Uza, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture (Cape Zanpa)
♁ Admission: Park and Beach free; Lighthouse ¥300 for adults (junior high school and above)
♁ Transportation: No direct bus service; driving is highly recommended. Alternatively, take Bus No. 28, 29, or 62 to Yomitan Bus Terminal and walk approximately 40 minutes (Detailed Guide | Car Rental & Driving)
♁ Official Website: Cape Zanpa
♁ Other Info: Beach umbrella & lounger rental around ¥1,500 / Coin locker ¥200
♁ Find Accommodations: Booking ︱ Agoda ︱ Hotels ︱ Expedia (Compare Rates | Hotel Recommendations)
（For self-drive travelers, road signs along the way more frequently indicate "Zanpa Beach (残波ビーチ)" rather than "Cape Zanpa." However, because both are located within Cape Zanpa Park, following signs for either one will lead you in the right direction.）
（Zanpa Beach is situated just south of Cape Zanpa Lighthouse and boasts well-maintained facilities. Similar to Minnajima Island, the Kerama Islands, and Azama SunSun Beach, there are plenty of water sport activities available. More importantly, both the sand quality and water clarity are superb. The visitors here are predominantly local Okinawans, creating a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere that feels authentic and unhurried—making it one of my personal favorite beaches that I would love to revisit!）
（Aside from beach fun and water sports, Zanpa Beach is equipped with barbecue facilities; this laid-back lifestyle really makes you forget you are in Asia!）
（Continuing toward the lighthouse, you will immediately spot the massive "Zanpa Big Shisa" and several large art installations just past the park entrance. Nearby, there is also the famous Okashigoten confectionery store, where you can pick up Okinawa specialties and souvenirs. With other branches on Kokusai Dori and at Yanbaru Subtropical Park, it is a convenient stop if you want to pick up gifts along the way.）
（Right before entering the path to Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, you will come across "Kinjo Parlor," a retro food truck that has been operating for around 60 years. Converted from a vintage bus—which means the owner drives it home every evening—it specializes in various shaved ice treats, Okinawa's iconic Blue Seal ice cream, light snacks, and cold beverages, making it the perfect rest stop to take in the sea view.）
（Finally, Cape Zanpa Lighthouse comes into view! The entire Cape Zanpa Park is designated as part of Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, featuring numerous walking trails that allow you to admire the coastal views from multiple angles.）
（In the park, you can also see the Statue of Taiki. Taiki was a 14th-century Ryukyuan tribute envoy to China during the Ming Dynasty. The tribute ships departed from just south of Cape Zanpa, turning this region into a vital trading hub between the Ryukyu Kingdom and China, leading Taiki to be revered by Ryukyuans as the "God of Wealth." Prior to unification, Ryukyu was split into three realms: Nanzan, Chuzan, and Hokuzan. Taiki was the younger brother of King Satto of Chuzan; maritime trade enriched Chuzan, allowing it to ultimately unify Okinawa Island, with Naha's famous Shurijo Castle serving as Chuzan's historic royal capital.）
（There is a ticket booth at the base of Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone visiting Cape Zanpa pay the ¥300 fee to climb to the top for the breathtaking panorama. You can also explore historical exhibits in the adjacent display room—it is well worth the climb!）
（Reaching the top requires conquering 99 spiral steps. There is no elevator, and the passageway is quite narrow and tiring, but cute motivational signs along the way keep cheering you on!）
（The view from the top is absolutely incredible, offering a full 360-degree panorama where you can overlook Zanpa Beach in the distance. On clear days, you can even catch glimpses of Aguni Island, Tonaki Island, and Kume Island!）
（The ocean is astonishingly blue! Enjoying the sea breeze up here while gazing at the dramatic seascape is pure bliss. Much like Sunset Beach near the American Village (Sunset Beach) or Naha's Naminoue Shrine, Cape Zanpa is also a premier sunset viewing spot; visiting around dusk is a truly memorable experience.）
◎ Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura
This venue was originally built as an open-air filming set for the NHK historical Taiga drama "Ryukyu no Kaze" (Wind of Ryukyu). It reconstructs a traditional Ryukyuan village complete with red-tile roofs and Ryukyu limestone paved lanes. It serves as a comprehensive cultural workshop where you can try your hand at traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and Bingata dyeing, seaside crafts like coral wind chimes, and even making a traditional sanshin out of empty tin cans. The goal is to let visitors intimately experience the glorious history and vibrant culture of ancient Ryukyu. While it shares some elements with Okinawa World and Ryukyu Mura, Murasaki Mura places a strong emphasis on hands-on "experiences," making it perfect for creative travelers who love craft workshops!
♁ Address: 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture (Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura)
♁ Transportation: Take Bus No. 28, alight at Hanja bus stop, then walk 5 minutes (Detailed Guide | Car Rental & Driving)
♁ Admission: Adults ¥600 / Junior High & High School ¥500 / Elementary ¥400 / Infants Free (Okinawa Discount Coupons)
♁ Official Website: Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura
♁ Find Accommodations: Booking ︱ Agoda ︱ Hotels ︱ Expedia (Compare Rates | Hotel Recommendations)
（The entrance to Murasaki Mura already exudes a charming, ancient historical atmosphere.）
（Upon entering the park, a whole row of smiling "Shisa" greets you. Similar to Kinmen's Wind Lion Gods, these talismanic creatures ward off evil and bring good fortune in Okinawan culture. They usually appear in pairs and can be spotted practically everywhere across Okinawa.）
（Murasaki Mura offers a diverse variety of Ryukyuan cultural activities, from playing the sanshin, weaving, pottery, and glassblowing to brown sugar making and hand-painting crafts and culinary arts. Visitors can choose their favorite workshop and participate, with fees varying by activity.）
（In the middle of the park sits a dining hall serving classic Okinawan delicacies and drinks such as Awamori liquor. Of course, Okinawa Soba is ubiquitous across the island—fuel up with a delicious bowl before moving on!）
（Back on the bicycle and heading to the next destination!）
◎ Gala Aoiumi (Gala 青い海)
Sounds like a water park?
Actually, everything here revolves around one single element: salt. This "Okinawa Salt" theme park is operated by an established local salt manufacturer. Here you can observe the complete salt-making process firsthand and even try making your own salt. Naturally, there are also classic Okinawan cultural activities like Ryukyu glassmaking workshops. Visitors can savor famous "Salt Soft Serve Ice Cream" and even try a specialized twist on the island's staple: "Salt Okinawa Soba." Furthermore, many salt products found in gift shops along Kokusai Dori specifically bear labels stating they are sourced from Gala Aoiumi! That alone is a testament to the quality and reputation of their products. If you are intrigued by this salty wonderland, definitely pay it a visit!
♁ Address: 915 Takashiho, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture (Gala Aoiumi)
♁ Transportation: Take Bus No. 28, alight at Hanja bus stop, then walk 15 minutes (Detailed Guide | Car Rental & Driving)
♁ Admission: Free admission (experience fees charged separately)
♁ Official Website: Gala Aoiumi
♁ Find Accommodations: Booking ︱ Agoda ︱ Hotels ︱ Expedia (Compare Rates | Hotel Recommendations)
（At the entrance of Gala Aoiumi stands an unmissable tall pillar sign.）
（The park map illustrates different themed zones centered on the fascinating world of sea salt.）
（Most visitors stopping here make sure to try the refreshing "Salt Soft Serve Ice Cream."）
（In the Okinawan dialect, salt is called "Maasu." Since ancient times, Okinawans have carried Maasu with them as a protective amulet to ward off misfortune. Pictured here is salt being heated and crystallized.）
（Like any great tourist spot, Gala Aoiumi features an extensive souvenir shop! Besides standard Okinawa souvenirs, you can purchase diverse specialty sea salt goods straight from their authentic source.）
（Anyone who has studied Japanese will find this dialect cheat-sheet folder delightful—Okinawa truly is a kingdom of unique dialects!）
（Similar to the West Coast attractions introduced earlier, Gala Aoiumi also commands sweeping, beautiful coastal views.）
（On my way back from Gala Aoiumi, I spotted several dreamy seaside wedding chapels along the shore, including the famous Aquagrace Chapel frequently featured in travel magazines. An "Okinawa resort wedding" set against boundless turquoise waters is truly renowned!）
（For the ride back, I intentionally chose a newly paved road free of buildings. Throughout this solo journey, peaceful moments like this were frequent. Far away from city clamor and subtle pressures, my mind felt remarkably clear, reminding me of my original purpose in traveling—this inner calm is truly the greatest reward of my journeys!）
That concludes my travelogue introducing central Okinawa's west coast highlights: Cape Zanpa, Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, Zanpa Beach, Gala Aoiumi, and Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura. It is a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing region; if you want to soak in the authentic Okinawan pace and laid-back atmosphere, this route makes an exceptional choice!