When you think of Okinawa, you think of the sea! But even though it's all ocean, you might be wondering where to go to enjoy the most spectacular views. We'll answer that question in one go.
We'll introduce five spots that promise a dazzling ocean experience unlike anything you've ever seen before. We'll also share some recommended seaside cafes where you can enjoy these beautiful ocean views!

The reason why the sea around Okinawa shines with such a beautiful emerald blue color is because the white sand created by coral reefs reflects sunlight, and ocean currents, including the Kuroshio Current, wash away pollutants.
These two conditions are actually quite rare in the world, and even famous beach resorts like Hawaii and Guam don't have them.

Okinawa, a sea that the whole world longs for, is sometimes said to be "comparable only to the Maldives during the dry season."
These best spots in Okinawa might actually be the best spots in the world.

<Contents>
1. When talking about Okinawa's seas, these are absolutely essential! Top 5 stunning ocean views in Okinawa!
1-1. Kouri Bridge – Northern Okinawa Island and Kouri Island
1-2. Tamatorizaki Observatory – Ishigaki Island
1-3. Higashi-Hennazaki Cape – Miyako Island
1-4. Nirai Kanai Bridge Observation Deck – Southern Okinawa Island
1-5. Kaichu Road – Central Okinawa Island

2. Top 5 Cafes with Ocean Views! Enjoy the Best Tea Time While Gazing at the Sea
2-1. Homemade Gelato from Imori Farm, Mirumiru – Ishigaki Island
2-2. Café Yabusachi – Southern Okinawa Island
2-3. Cafe Kurukuma – Southern part of the main island
2-4. Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH – Ishigaki Island
2-5. Kajinho (Flower and People Meeting) – Northern part of the main island

3. Bonus Episode! A hot spring with an ocean view!?
3-1. Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel Ryujin no Yu – Okinawa Main Island
3-2. Sashiki no Enjin no Yu Natural Hot Spring – Okinawa Main Island

1. When talking about Okinawa's seas, these are absolutely essential! Top 5 stunning ocean views in Okinawa!

Here are the top 5 best spots to enjoy the ocean view. The endless blue sea and sky, the radiant sunlight, and the breathtaking beauty of nature – these are places where you can fully experience the wonders of nature.
Incidentally, regarding the best time to view the sea, while sunset and sunrise are certainly prime times, and the sea is famously known as the perfect time when it changes from cobalt blue to orange, you should be mindful of the tides.

The best time to see the sea in Okinawa is at high tide. In Okinawa, where the sea is mostly shallow, the seabed is often exposed at low tide, and the spectacular ocean views can suddenly disappear into the distance.
This is also enjoyable, but if you want to see a beautiful ocean, be sure to go at high tide. High and low tide times vary considerably from day to day, so please check the Japan Meteorological Agency website below.

Japan Meteorological Agency website: Naha tide level forecast

1-1. Kouri Bridge – Northern Okinawa Island and Kouri Island

First up is the Kouri Bridge, which opened in 2005 from the northern part of the main island. This 1,980-meter-long bridge "runs over the sea," and its shallow waters make it truly Japan's Key West.
The water is so clear, with some reports of manta rays being spotted from the bridge, that it gives you the feeling of being drawn into it.
Kouri Beach, famous for swimming and snorkeling, offers breathtaking scenery that you'll want to enjoy at a leisurely pace on foot or by renting a bicycle.

1-2. Tamatorizaki Observatory – Ishigaki Island

From Ishigaki Island, we introduce Tamatorizaki Observatory. Located about 40 minutes from the city center, this observatory allows you to clearly see the shapes of the coral reefs on the seabed and enjoy the gradation of colors in the ocean.
From here, you can see the East China Sea to the left, the Pacific Ocean to the right, and the sea surrounding Ishigaki Island, as you head north from the Hirakubo Peninsula.
Hibiscus plants are planted along the walking path leading from the parking lot to the observation deck, allowing visitors to enjoy their vibrant red flowers all year round.

This combination, which is so typical of Okinawa, may be the reason why this scenic spot has so many repeat visitors, which is unusual for such a location.

1-3. Higashi-Hennazaki Cape – Miyako Island

Located about 20 kilometers and 30 minutes from Miyako Airport, Higashi-Hennazaki Cape, at the southeastern tip of Miyako Island, is a cape approximately 2 km long that separates the East China Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, much like the path Moses parted to separate the two seas.
At the tip of the cape is the Hennazaki Lighthouse. While the cape itself is flat, the cliffs on either side give you a sense of the grandeur of nature.

It's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse. It's the perfect distance for a stroll while enjoying the ever-changing scenery of the sea on either side, depending on the tide. We also recommend taking a ride in the famous Touhachi rickshaw, accompanied by a guide playing the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument).
The fare is 1,000 yen one way and 2,000 yen round trip. Also, in May, trumpet lilies bloom in abundance, offering a beautiful combination of the flowers and the sea.

[Higashi-Hennazaki]
Address: Hōra Heian, Gusukube-cho, Miyakojima City
Phone: 0980-77-7590 (Miyakojima City Gusukube Branch Office, Regional Development Section)

[Hennazaki Lighthouse]
Phone: 090-8294-4010
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed in case of bad weather.
Price: 150 yen for adults, 20 yen for children

1-4. Nirai Kanai Bridge Observation Deck – Southern Okinawa Island

Immediately after turning onto Prefectural Road 86 from National Route 331, the large bridge you see before you is the Nirai Kanai Bridge. There is a tunnel at the top of the bridge, and above that is the observation deck mentioned in the title.
The uniquely shaped bridge and the panoramic views stretching to Kudaka Island and Komaka Island are truly spectacular. It's highly recommended as a stopover during your southern Okinawa sightseeing.

By the way, parking and stopping are prohibited on the bridge, so be careful! If you're coming up from Nirai Kanai Bridge, the only place you can park is right after you exit the tunnel.
If you're coming from the opposite direction, Naha, it's located immediately after the curve to the right from the entrance to the Self-Defense Forces base.
This is a place where it's easy to speed, so drive carefully.

[Nirai Kanai Bridge Observation Deck]
Address: Chinen, Nanjo City [Approximately 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport]

1-5. Kaichu Road – Central Okinawa Island

When you hear the term "Kaichu Road," you might imagine something like an underwater tunnel, but it's actually a 4.7km water road that runs across the sea, seemingly cutting through the ocean, connecting the Katsuren Peninsula to Henza Island.
If you're going here, I definitely recommend going at high tide. Be sure to check the high tide times and then visit!
With the cobalt blue sea stretching out on both sides, the drive is truly exhilarating. Don't miss the view from "Umi no Eki Ayahashi-kan" along the way!
By the way, since it's almost a straight road, be careful about your speed. They occasionally enforce the speed limit.

[Ayahashi Seaside Station]
Address: 4 Yonashiro Yahira, Uruma City [Approximately 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport]
Opening time: 11:00 - 15:00
Telephone number: 098-978-8830

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2. Top 5 Cafes with Ocean Views! Enjoy the perfect tea time while gazing at the sea.

We hope you were able to get a glimpse of the beauty of Okinawa's ocean. For those of you who would like to relax with a cup of tea while gazing at such a sea, we'd like to introduce you to some ocean-view cafes that boast the best views!
The menu offers a wide variety of options, from specialty gelato to Thai cuisine, so you can choose according to your purpose and preferences!
You're sure to enjoy the Okinawan lifestyle, which is perfect for a LOHAS lifestyle.

 

2-1. Homemade Gelato from Imori Farm, Mirumiru – Ishigaki Island

Ranked number one not only for its stunning views but also for its delicious food, is Mirumiru, a gelato and hamburger shop from Ishigaki Island.
The shop, situated on a hill, is surrounded by a vast lawn. Beyond it lies the blue sea, sparkling in the sunlight, and combined with the white, tropical-looking shop, it looks like a scene from a movie.
And what I especially recommend at this restaurant is the sunset. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea, which is open to the west, is truly breathtaking.

[Homemade gelato from Imori Farm: Milmil]
Address: 1583-74 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 10:00 AM until sunset
Telephone number: 0980-87-0885
URL:https://mirumiru1583.com/

2-2. Café Yabusachi – Southern Okinawa Island

Cafe Yabusachi, located in Nanjo City in the southern part of the main island, is a clean and inviting cafe. For lunchtime, we recommend the omelet rice with beef tendon stewed in demi-glace sauce (1,200 yen) and the plate lunch (1500 yen) which is a daily special created by our French-trained chef.
The restaurant has both indoor and terrace seating, so if you prioritize the view, head to the terrace and breathe in the nature to your heart's content!
The coastline where the cafe is located boasts breathtaking views, so much so that many celebrities have villas there. Cafe Yabusachi, situated on a slight hill, offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy the contrast between the colors of the sea and the sky.

【Café Yabusachi】
Address: 646-1 Tamaki Hyakuna, Nanjo City
Opening hours: 11:00 AM until sunset (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone number: 098-949-1410
URL:http://yabusachi.com/

2-3. Cafe Kurukuma – Southern part of the main island

Cafe Kurukuma, which opened in 2001, is one of the most well-known and popular seaside cafes.
The chef, originally from Thailand, showcases his skills using homemade herbs, and his Thai cuisine is even recognized by the Thai government. It's healthy and absolutely delicious.
The view from an altitude of 130m is breathtaking, as you can see three different shades of blue at once: the pale blue inside the reef, the deep blue outside, and the blue of the sky separated by the horizon.
Seating is divided between the indoor area and the terrace. Generally, meals are served indoors, while cafe use is on the terrace. However, even if you dine at the restaurant, you can fully enjoy the spectacular views by taking a stroll around the vast grounds after your meal.

[Cafe Kurukuma]
Address: 1190 Chinen, Chinen, Nanjo City
Hours:
April to September ⇒ 10:00 to 19:00 (LO 18:00)
April to September ⇒ 10:00 to 20:00 (LO 19:00)
Tuesday ⇒ 10:00-18:00 (Last Order 17:00)
Telephone number: 098-949-1189
URL:http://www.nakazen.co.jp/cafe/

2-4. Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH – Ishigaki Island

Located about a 5-minute drive from the ferry terminal, this popular seaside cafe in Ishigaki boasts excellent accessibility.
Sitting on the popular terrace, listening to the sound of the waves and gazing at the blue ocean, you'll forget the passage of time.
Among the Hawaiian-style dishes using local island vegetables, the recommended dish is, of course, the island vegetable bagna cauda, ​​which is also the restaurant's namesake.
And then there's the yushi tofu pancake, a menu item available only after 21 PM. It's great that it's made with tofu batter, making it a healthy option even at night.

[Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH]
Address: 192-2 Maesato, Ishigaki City
11:00 - 22:00
Telephone number: 0980-87-0865
URL:http://rehellow.com/

2-5. Kajinho (Flower and People Meeting) – Northern part of the main island

Hanajinai, located in a building resembling an old Okinawan house, is surprisingly a popular pizza place among locals. The homemade dough is generously topped with melted cheese.
As you leave the restaurant and head towards the terrace, you're greeted by a panoramic view of the sea. The most popular seats are those on the veranda facing the terrace.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful islands surrounding the main island, such as Iejima, Sesokojima, and Minnajima, and the clearly defined reef boundaries give you a real sense of the Okinawan sea.

[Kajinho]
Address: 1153-2 Yamasato, Motobu-cho
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 19:00 PM (Last order 18:30 PM) (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Telephone number: 0980-47-5537
URL:http://kajinhou.com/

3. Bonus Episode! A hot spring with an ocean view!?

3-1. Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel Ryujin no Yu – Okinawa Main Island

Imagine soaking in a natural hot spring open-air bath while gazing at the emerald green sea. This luxury is made possible at Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel, Ryujin no Yu, which opened in February 2013.
This is Okinawa Prefecture's premier day-trip and overnight bathing facility, and its location just 10 minutes from Naha Airport makes it a convenient stop on your way home.

My recommendation at Ryujin-no-Yu is the standing bath in the open-air bath area.
While open-air baths are often imagined as being enclosed, this standing bath has a depth of 120cm, allowing you to immerse yourself up to your shoulders. This eliminates the need for walls to obstruct the breathtaking view, allowing you to enjoy a panoramic view of the East China Sea. The sunset over the Kerama Islands is truly spectacular.

[Ryukyu Onsen Senaga Island Hotel Ryujin no Yu]
Address: 174-5 Senaga, Tomigusuku City
Opening hours: 6:00-10:00 / 11:00-24:00
Telephone number: 098-851-7077
Price:
11:00-24:00
Adults (junior high school age and older): Weekdays 1,330 yen, Weekends and holidays 1,540 yen. Children (elementary school age): 720 yen. Infants: Free.
6:00-10:00
Adults (junior high school age and older): 830 yen on weekdays, 1,030 yen on weekends and holidays. Children (elementary school age): 720 yen. Infants: Free.
URL:http://www.senagaspa.jp/jp/hotbath/

3-2. Sashiki no Enjin no Yu Natural Hot Spring – Okinawa Main Island

Sarujin no Yu is located on a hill about 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport, and from the bath called "Panoramic Grand Bath," you can enjoy a spectacular view of Nakagusuku Bay, as shown in the picture!
Of course, the view is refreshing, but the hot spring water, which contains ancient seawater drawn from approximately 1,500 to 2,119 meters underground, also has excellent therapeutic properties and will surely wash away the fatigue of your journey.
Having a private family bath is a great bonus for those traveling with children!

[Natural Hot Spring Sashiki no Sarujin no Yu]
Address: 1688 Shinri, Sashiki, Nanjo City
Opening hours: 07:00 AM - 23:00 PM (Last entry 22:30 PM) *Open at 6:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays only!
Telephone number: 098-947-0111
Admission fees: Adults 1,650 yen, Elementary school students 750 yen, Infants (under 6 years old) free
*Up to two infants per adult are admitted free of charge.
Private bath rental fee: 1 person ¥5,000, 2 people ¥8,000, 3 people ¥9,000, 4 people ¥10,000
URL:http://www.yuinchi.jp/hotspring/info.php

 

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