Manzamo: A hidden spot for sightseeing in Okinawa where you can enjoy the beautiful sea and cliffs

Cape Manza is a famous tourist destination located in Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, especially known for its beautiful natural scenery.

It is a tourist destination that represents Okinawa, and also a place that represents Japan!

We’ll show you how to enjoy Manzamo.

The spectacular view of the sparkling blue East China Sea that can be seen from the sheer cliffs and the vast grassy fields above them attracts many visitors.

What is Cape Manza?

Manzamo is located in Onna Village, Okinawa, and is a spot with a distinctive view from a cliff with a vast lawn.

“Ko” means “field” in the Okinawan dialect, and it means “a field large enough to seat 10,000 people.” There is still a field of natural grass on top of the cliff.

The scenery, especially at sunset, is spectacular, which is why many photography enthusiasts and tourists visit.

The history and natural charm of Cape Manza

During the Ryukyu Dynasty, Manzamo was praised by King Shokei as “a field with enough hair for all people to sit on.”

As the name suggests, everyone is sure to be captivated by its beauty.

In addition, the limestone of Manzamo is home to rare plants such as the Okinawa pine tree and Japanese honeysuckle, and one of the great attractions is that you can observe Okinawa’s endemic species up close.

Fee

To visit Manzamo, there is an entrance fee of 100 yen per person.

Admission is free for children under elementary school age, and you can walk along the well-maintained walking path and get up close to the nature unique to this area.

What is Cape Manzamo area revitalization facility?

The Manzamo area revitalization facility is a tourist facility located in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, and opened on October 2, 2020.

This facility aims to rediscover and introduce the unique history, culture, and natural charm of Cape Manza, and to encourage as many people as possible to visit Cape Manza.

restaurant

There are several restaurants within the Manzamo area revitalization facility that serve dishes made with local ingredients. Visitors can sample traditional Okinawan dishes such as Okinawa soba, taco rice, and sea grape bowl. These eateries are loved by locals as well as tourists.

Sea grape shop “Ganso Sea Grape”

When you visit Cape Manza, be sure to try the sea grape bowl at Ganso Umibudo.

As the name suggests, this restaurant is the originator of sea grape bowls, and the bowls made with plenty of fresh sea grapes are exquisite.

You can also enjoy a full menu of local specialties, including hearty tonkatsu set meals.

“Mitsuya Honpo” by Sata Andagi

Mitsuya Honpo is a place where you can enjoy Sata Andagi, or Okinawan-style donuts, which are popular in Okinawa.

Around 10 different flavors of sata andagi are served here and it is also loved by the locals.

Perfect as a souvenir.

Ryukyu cuisine Matsunoshita

At Matsunoshita, you can enjoy the local flavors of Okinawan cuisine such as Chiraga and Hirayachi.

At this restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of Okinawan dishes that you would not normally be able to taste, offering new discoveries to visitors.

Parlor Yui

Parlor Yui is reminiscent of the parlors that once existed throughout Okinawa, and is a shop where you can enjoy traditional ice cream and sandwiches.

You can easily enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

These restaurants are spots you should definitely stop by when you visit Cape Manzamo.

Enjoy a wonderful dining experience set against the backdrop of Okinawa’s natural beauty while savoring local flavors.

It’s a food court, so you can eat outside on the terrace!

Enjoying a meal while taking in the spectacular scenery is a great experience.

Where to buy souvenirs

The souvenir shop inside the facility sells a wide variety of products, including Okinawan specialties, local crafts, and sweets. You can only get limited edition goods to commemorate your trip here.

Wi-Fi is available

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility, giving visitors easy access to the internet.

This allows visitors to share photos and videos, and search for the information they need on the spot.

There is a scenic spot on the 3rd floor

The facility has a specially designed observation space on the third floor that offers spectacular ocean views of Cape Manza.

This spot is a great photo spot for visitors, and is perfect for taking pictures during the day as well as with the sunset in the background.

Trivia about Cape Manza

Manzamo comes from the meaning “a field wide enough to accommodate many people.”

This is a place with beautiful natural scenery and an important historical background dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

historical background

Cape Manza was named by King Shokei of the Ryukyu Kingdom when he visited this place.

King Shokei ruled as the King of Ryukyu from 1744 to 1803, and his visits were part of his patrols to inspect local festivals and administration.

This area was named Cape Manza because the king was impressed by the splendor of the landscape of this vast place.

Relationship with Onna Navi

Onna Nabi was a Ryukyuan female poet in the 1700s, and it is said that she improvised a song when she welcomed King Shokei at Cape Manzamo.

The songs welcome the king and other visitors and express the respect and love of the local people.

A monument to Nabi’s poetry has been erected in Cape Manzamo, conveying her poetic spirit and historical moment.

The song is engraved with the words, “The voice of the waves be still, the voice of the wind is still, Shuri heaven is gone, I pray for beauty.” The song says, “Let the sound of the waves be still, and the sound of the wind be still, let us all see the king’s face.” Let’s worship,” is the meaning of the song.

When the king of the Ryukyus, King Shokei, stopped by Cape Manzamo in Onna village during his tour of the northern part of the country, a large number of people gathered in the square to catch a glimpse of the king’s face.

It is said that Nabi, who saw this scene , improvised a song to welcome the King’s party during the Usideku (a dance where women happily sing and dance about the harvest of agriculture and fishing while beating drums) .

Tragedy during the Pacific War

Cape Manza became the scene of a tragedy during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.

As in many areas of Okinawa, many civilians in Manzamo were forced into mass suicide.

This historical fact has been passed down to future generations as an important memory that emphasizes the importance of peace and human dignity.

modern Manzamo

Today, Cape Manza is known as a tourist destination with historical significance as well as its magnificent natural scenery.

While visitors can enjoy the beautiful sea and lush green fields, they can also think about the sad events that happened in the past.

This place also serves as a place to reflect on history and find lessons for the future.

Cape Manza is a place with many layers of meaning, including its beautiful nature, Ryukyu history, culture, and even memories of tragedy.

We continue to provide value to all who visit, more than just a tourist destination.

How to access Cape Manzamo

Access by car

• Access from Naha Airport : Approximately 1 hour by car from Naha Airport. Using the Okinawa Expressway, exit at Kyoda IC and head north on National Route 58. Once you enter Onna Village, turn left according to the signboard and head towards Manzamo via Prefectural Route 72.
• Parking : Manzamo has a parking lot for tourists. It can get crowded during the summer and holidays, so we recommend visiting early.

Access by bus

• By bus : There is no direct route to Cape Manza by taking a bus from Naha Bus Terminal, but you can get off at a bus stop in Onna Village and take a taxi. Specifically, take bus number 120 (Naha Airport – Nago West Line) and get off at a bus stop in Onna Village (e.g. “Onna Village Yakuba-mae”), then take a taxi to Manzamo.
• By tour bus : There are tour buses that tour Okinawa’s major sightseeing spots, and some of them include courses that visit Cape Manza. By joining a tour departing from Naha city or a resort hotel, you can comfortably visit Manzamo while listening to the guide’s commentary.

Points of visit

• Time of day : Cape Manza is known for its beautiful sunsets as well as during the day. If you visit before sunset, you can enjoy taking photos with the spectacular scenery in the background.
• What to bring : Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hydrating drink to protect yourself from the sun.

Basic information about Cape Manza

summary

Cape Manza is a precious place that still conveys the magnificent natural beauty that gave it its name, “enough for everyone to sit on it.” When you visit Okinawa, be sure to experience this art created by nature.

Cape Manza, where you can enjoy history, nature, and delicious food, will enrich your trip to Okinawa.