Okinawa boasts abundant natural beauty. Just a short drive from the city center, and you'll find yourself under a sky full of stars!
On a clear night, if you look up at the night sky, you might even find so many shooting stars that you can't count them all on both hands!

However, it's also true that you can't really enjoy the starry sky in urban areas with lots of streetlights.

So, this time, we've carefully selected 10 stargazing spots in Okinawa where you can enjoy the starry sky even more beautifully.
Please keep this in mind for your next trip to Okinawa!

<Table of Contents>
0. Before going stargazing
1. Astronomical observation spots in northern Okinawa Island
1-1. [Sky View Rating: ★★★★☆] Around Cape Hedo
1-2. [Satisfaction Rating: ★★★★★] Kayauchi Banta
1-3. [Sky Rating: ★★★★★] Kunigami Village Forest Park
1-4. [Sky View Rating: ★★★☆☆] Kouri Bridge & Kouri Island
1-5. [Sky Rating: ★★★★☆] Dam in the northern part of the main island
2. Astronomical observation spots in central Okinawa Island
2-1. [Sky-level satisfaction: ★★★★☆] Manzamo
2-2. [Sky View Rating: ★★★☆☆] Cape Zanpa
2-3. [Sky Level: ★★★☆☆] Around Hamahiga Island to Ikei Island
3. Astronomical observation spots in southern Okinawa Island
3-1. [Sky Level: ★★★☆☆] Hyakuna Beach
3-2. [Sky Level: ★★☆☆☆] Okushima Island
4. In search of the beautiful Okinawan night sky

If you can see the stars clearly, it means it's dark.
In some areas, extra caution is needed when driving or walking.

In Okinawa, where venomous snakes (habu) are present, it's dangerous to wander carelessly into grassy areas. It's safer to scout out observation spots during the daytime or move to them while it's still light.

Bright lights, such as flashlights, can also interfere with other people's stargazing. Remember to be considerate and turn off your lights once you arrive at the observation site.
Please enjoy stargazing safely, in a fun and respectful manner!

☆About the 'Perfect Sight Rating' for each spot☆

I rated the visibility of stars to the naked eye on a 5-star scale. However, the visibility of stars can vary depending on the surrounding environment and weather conditions.
Please forgive any inconvenience. I hope this will be helpful for your stargazing trips.

If you want to see a beautiful night sky on Okinawa Island, I highly recommend venturing to the northern part of the island!
The further north you go from Nago, the more beautiful the starry sky you can see.

　1-1. [Sky View Rating: ★★★★☆] Around Cape Hedo

A popular spot at the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island.
Yoron Island is right in front of you, and although there are some lights around the rest area (Hedo Cape parking lot), you can see stars all the way to the horizon.

The coastline around Cape Hedo and the "Yanbaru Rail Observatory" are also recommended for those who want to take serious astrophotographs. However, the road to the parking lot of the "Yanbaru Rail Observatory" is narrow and dark, so you need to drive with caution.

[Access to Cape Hedo]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, take National Route 58. Travel time: Approximately 80 minutes.

　1-2. [Satisfaction Rating: ★★★★★] Kayauchi Banta

Along with Cape Hedo, Kayauchi Banta is known as a scenic spot in the northern part of the island.
Although there are some lights from the surrounding settlements, this is a popular stargazing spot where you can see a beautiful starry sky where you can easily spot the Milky Way!

[Access to Kayauchi Banta]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, take National Route 58. Travel time: Approximately 70 minutes.

　1-3. [Sky Rating: ★★★★★] Kunigami Village Forest Park

©OCVB

A spot where families can enjoy stargazing.
In addition to its spacious parking lot, the park also boasts a campsite with excellent facilities such as restrooms, which is a great plus. It gets very crowded during long weekends and the camping season.

This spot is recommended for both those who want to casually enjoy the starry sky and those who want to seriously observe celestial bodies.

[Access to Kunigami Village Forest Park]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, take National Route 58. Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes.

　1-4. [Sky View Rating: ★★★☆☆] Kouri Bridge & Kouri Island

©OCVB

Kouri Bridge and Kouri Island are also recommended for those who want to easily enjoy stargazing!

The area around Kouri Bridge has just the right amount of light, so you can enjoy the starry sky with peace of mind.
Furthermore, once you're on the island, there are places where you can observe the stars without being significantly affected by artificial light. (The ocean side is the best spot!)

Among the stargazing spots in the north, this one boasts exceptional accessibility. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a romantic stargazing drive!

[Access to Kouri Island]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

　1-5. [Sky Rating: ★★★★☆] Dam in the northern part of the main island

©OCVB

Among stargazing enthusiasts, a frequently mentioned astronomical observation spot is a dam located in the northern part of Okinawa Island.
Located in a mountainous area, it's difficult to access, and the lights at the management office are on all night, so it's a spot that divides opinions. However, it's the perfect place for those who want to quietly enjoy the starry sky.

Of the nine dams in the north, the following two are especially recommended.
It's best to travel to either location while it's still light out.

■ Fukuji Dam | Higashi Village
The largest dam in the prefecture. It also features a park, observation deck, and museum, making it a popular spot for families. (※Photo above shows Fukuchi Dam)

[Access to Fukuchi Dam]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, the journey takes approximately 70 minutes.

■Benoki Dam | Kunigami Village
This dam is advertised with the tagline, "A dam where you can see a sky full of stars." It also has a "Starry Sky Plaza" where you can see the positions of constellations and the North Star. (However, it's almost completely dark at night.)

[Access to Henoki Dam]
From the Kyoda Interchange on the Naha Airport Expressway, take National Route 58. Travel time: Approximately 80 minutes.

If you're thinking, "Traveling all the way to the north is a hassle...", don't worry.
There are many places in the Chubu region where you can see beautiful starry skies!

　2-1. [Sky-level satisfaction: ★★★★☆] Manzamo

Manzamo, located in Onna Village, is also one of Okinawa's most scenic spots.
There's not much interference from surrounding lights, so you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky. If the conditions are right, you can even see the Milky Way clearly!

A walking path is provided from the parking lot, but it gets quite dark at night, so please be very careful.

[Access to Manzamo]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Yaka IC". Then, take Prefectural Road 88. Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes.

　2-2. [Sky View Rating: ★★★☆☆] Cape Zanpa

©OCVB

Zanpa Cape, famous for its sunsets, is also a place where you can observe the stars.
While serious stargazing and photography are somewhat difficult due to the presence of a lighthouse and hotel, you can still see a starry sky so close you feel like you could touch it!

With its spacious parking lot and well-maintained park, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset.

[Access to Cape Zanpa]
From Naha Airport, take National Route 58; travel time: approximately 65 minutes.

　2-3. [Sky Level: ★★★☆☆] Around Hamahiga Island to Ikei Island

These are four remote islands accessible by car from the Katsuren Peninsula in Uruma City, across the "Kaichu Road" (Underwater Road).
The crystal-clear blue sea, the relaxed pace of island life... daytime drives are wonderful, but the beauty of the night sky is also not to be missed!

At night, once you pass the Kaichu Road, the stars become noticeably brighter ♡

■ Hamahiga Island
I recommend crossing the Hamahiga Bridge and going left (towards the east side of the island).

[Access to Hamahiga Island]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Okinawa Kita IC". Then, take Prefectural Road 36 towards Uruma. Via Kaichu Road (Prefectural Road 10), the journey takes approximately 70 minutes.

■ Ikeijima Island
Beyond the village lies a sky full of stars. The roads that pass through the farmland often have poor visibility, so remember to drive safely.

[Access to Ikei Island]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Okinawa Kita IC". Then, take Prefectural Road 36 towards Uruma.
The route is via Kaichu Road → Henza Island → Miyagi Island (all via Prefectural Road 10), taking approximately 90 minutes.

The sky is brighter in the south compared to the north and central regions, but once you leave the city, you'll find an astonishingly beautiful starry sky.

　3-1. [Sky Level: ★★★☆☆] Hyakuna Beach

A hidden gem where you can have a beautiful starry sky all to yourself.
This natural beach, carefully preserved as a sacred place, offers a peaceful atmosphere both day and night.

Hyakuna Beach is difficult to find even during the day. There are few streetlights in the surrounding area, and it gets very dark at night, so if it's your first time, be sure to scout it out beforehand!

[Access to Hyakuna Beach]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Haebaru IC". Then, take Prefectural Road 48 and National Route 331. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

　3-2. [Sky Level: ★★☆☆☆] Okushima Island

Oujima Island is famous as the "island of Okinawan tempura."
This small island, accessible by bridge from the main island, is amazing for more than just its tempura!

Although there are lights from the village, looking out towards the sea reveals a sky full of stars.
There's a parking lot along the coastal road that circles the island, so you can park your car and relax while gazing at the stars♪

[Access to Okushima Island]
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway to "Haebaru IC". Then, take Prefectural Road 48 and National Route 331. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

"I saw the blue ocean, ate delicious food, and went shopping... I'm completely satisfied today!"
It might be a shame to go to sleep now. After all, a beautiful night sky stretches across Okinawa tonight!

Before you go to sleep, why not take a moment to look up at the stars?

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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