Cape Manzamo | The Iconic West Coast Wonder of Okinawa
Cape Manzamo (万座毛) was one of the very first spots I visited during my maiden trip to Okinawa. Following an extensive renovation over recent years, the area now boasts modern facilities, gift shops, and restaurants. Naturally, I decided to revisit Cape Manzamo to see what has changed!
Today, I'll be sharing a complete guide covering transportation, travel experiences, and key highlights at Cape Manzamo so you can get the most out of your visit!
◎ Cape Manzamo (万座毛)
Located within the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Cape Manzamo derives its name from an 18th-century Ryukyu king who praised it as "a field where ten thousand people can sit together." Its defining highlights are the iconic elephant trunk rock formation, expansive grassy plains, and boundless turquoise ocean panoramas. Perched high on the cliffside, it offers an awe-inspiring vista. The newly added multi-functional visitor complex has made touring Cape Manzamo even more comfortable and seamless.
◎ Address: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa, Japan (Cape Manzamo) (MAP CODE: 206 312 039*17)
◎ Admission: ¥100
◎ Transportation: Take Bus No. 120 and get off at "Manzamo-mae" (Okinawa Bus | Hip Hop Sightseeing Bus | Rental Car / Self-Drive)
◎ Recommended Day Tours: Okinawa Central & Northern Day Tour | Okinawa Central & Northern Day Tour 2 | Okinawa Central & Northern Day Tour 3
◎ Official Website: Cape Manzamo
◎ Hotel Search: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Recommended Accommodations）
(The biggest change from recent renovations is undoubtedly the modern Cape Manzamo Revitalization Facility (Visitor Center) at the entrance. The adjacent parking lot has also been upgraded with free parking. Keep in mind that spaces are somewhat limited; if you are visiting by rental car during peak travel seasons and the main lot is full, you can use the slightly further Second Parking Lot.)
(Inside the revitalized facility, you'll find souvenir shops, dining spots, a tourist information center, and rest lounges. Having opened relatively recently, everything is exceptionally clean and brand-new.)
(Walking deeper into the first floor brings you to the ticketing counter. It operates via self-service ticketing kiosks that offer multilingual support, making purchasing tickets a breeze with staff on hand to assist if needed.)
(Next, step outside onto the paved trail to admire Cape Manzamo! Along the path stands a stone monument engraved with traditional waka poems composed by the Emperor and Empress during their past visit.)
(Within less than five minutes of walking, the famous Cape Manzamo comes into view! Just as majestic as I remembered, the colossal elephant trunk limestone formation overlooks crystal-clear sapphire water and sprawling grasslands. It's one of Okinawa's most iconic postcards, and an absolute must-photograph spot.)
(The walking loop around Cape Manzamo is quite short. Even at a leisurely pace with plenty of photo stops, you can easily complete it in about 30 minutes.)
(Following the path reveals intriguing coral cliffs, coastal rock formations, and even marine life swimming beneath the transparent waves. Okinawa's ocean never ceases to enchant. As a quick tip: visiting Cape Manzamo in the morning is highly recommended, as the front lighting avoids backlighting issues and makes both sightseeing and photography far more rewarding.)
(Cape Manzamo was also featured as a prominent filming location in the hit K-drama It's Okay, That's Love, turning it into a beloved pilgrimage destination for drama fans.)
(Onna Village, where Cape Manzamo is situated, is one of Okinawa's premier resort hubs. Toward the end of the trail, you can spot famous luxury properties like the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, as well as scenic spots such as the Meoto Iwa (Couples Rocks) and Manza Beach, which fills with travelers enjoying water sports during summer.)
(There's even a vending machine selling instant cooling ice packs! Because the open grassland offers virtually no shade, it's designed to protect guests from heatstroke—a wonderfully thoughtful touch typical of Japanese travel spots.)
(Exiting the trail leads directly to the second floor of the revitalized facility, making the whole visit remarkably smooth. This floor features a restaurant zone focusing on Okinawan culinary specialties such as Okinawa soba, sea grapes, goya chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry), and pork egg onigiri, all offered at very reasonable prices.)
(On the second floor you'll also find "Ryukyu Meika Mitsuya Honpo Zekkei Manzamo Branch," where you can enjoy local sata andagi doughnuts while gazing out over the coastal scenery. Outside, there is also an open-air observation deck overlooking the ocean.)
(To wrap up the excursion, I ordered a classic bowl of piping-hot Okinawa soba. If you want to pair this visit with nearby attractions for a full day trip, spots like Busena Marine Park, Cape Zanpa, Cape Maeda, and Ryukyu Mura are all fantastic additions to combine into one itinerary.)
That concludes my guide to Cape Manzamo! While it doesn't take too long to explore, it remains one of Okinawa's most legendary, unmissable landmarks. When planning your travels in Okinawa, definitely set aside some time to take in this classic seaside beauty!