[13 Spectacular Views in Okinawa] From Cliffs, Bridges, and Observation Decks: Scenery from Different Perspectives

One of the most representative scenic spots on Okinawa Main Island. Standing at the tip of the cape jutting out into the East China Sea, you can take in the wide blue sea and sky and feel the scale of Okinawa.
The Ryukyu limestone cape, formed by uplifted coral, has been eroded by waves into an Approx. 20 m-high cliff with a distinctive shape said to resemble an elephant’s trunk. The top of the cape is a grassy plateau, and the sea view from the cliff edge is full of impact. It’s a spot worth adding to your itinerary for its dynamic scenery created by Okinawa’s natural landscape.

A cliffside spot on Nanamata Coast in Miyakojima, where untouched nature still remains. Because it has not been heavily developed as a tourist site, you can experience the rugged coastal scenery much as it is.
Humpback whales that migrate through the waters around Miyakojima in winter are sometimes spotted here, so it is also known by the nickname “the hill where you can see whales.” The expansive sea view from the high ground is magnificent, and another attraction is how the color of the sea changes depending on the weather and time of day. It’s a cliffside view where you can quietly take in the scale of nature, making it well worth a stop during your Miyakojima trip.

A cape within a park on Irabu Island’s west coast, known for its sea views spreading out from the rocky shoreline. The surrounding waters are also known as a diving spot, and the scenery is defined by the area’s complex terrain.
It is said to have been named because the beach and reef lie close together, and the white waves breaking over the reef look like a swan spreading its wings. The view of the white surf from the cliffside rocks is powerful, letting you feel the sea’s changing expressions up close. Take a walk along the paths in Nishikaigan Park and enjoy the scenery created by the sea and the landscape at a relaxed pace.

An observatory along the road circling Kume Island, known as a place where you can take in a vast ocean view from atop a cliff facing the sea. It is a scenic spot where you can look out over magnificent nature from a cliff Approx. 200 m high.
On clear days, you may even be able to see distant islands, and the wide-open horizon is breathtaking. It is also easy to stop by for a break during a drive, making it a great place to experience the full openness of Kume Island’s sea.

This bridge connects Yagaji Island and Kouri Island in the northern part of Okinawa Main Island, and its straight stretch over the sea is especially striking. Opened in 2005, this island bridge connects Yagaji Island in Nago City and Kouri Island and has a total length of 1,960 meters.
From the bridge, you can see highly transparent waters stretching out below, with emerald-green scenery continuing into the distance. The view from the car window is beautiful, and the full view of the bridge from the observation area is also impressive. It is one of Okinawa’s most iconic bridge views for experiencing Okinawa blue.

A bridge connecting Miyakojima and Ikema Island, known for the beauty of the sea’s colors. From the bridge, a vast expanse of ocean opens up before you, offering the kind of open scenery Miyakojima is known for.
The many shades of blue known as Ikema Blue are said to be among the most beautiful in Miyakojima. Because the surrounding waters mix shallow and deep areas, the sea shows a variety of hues, including cobalt blue and emerald green. The gradient-like seascape spreading out as you cross the bridge is a view unique to Miyakojima that stays in your memory.

A bridge connecting Miyako Island and Kurima Island, known for its gently rising shape. It is popular as a scenic driving route where you can feel as if you are traveling over the sea.
From the bridge, the color of the sea changes with the angle of the light, creating a gradient-like view so beautiful it naturally draws your eye. You can also look out over seascapes such as Yonaha Maehama from the bridge, where the contrast of blue water and white sand is striking. The view of the bridge from the observation deck on the Kurima Island side is another of its highlights.

A rest stop along Prefectural Route 83 in Miyakojima. It is a popular place to stop during a drive.
It is also known as a spot for watching the sunrise and sunset, with dusk especially recommended when the sky and sea turn into soft gradations of color. The sea below is remarkably clear, so clear that you can even see the coral reefs. Spending time here while feeling the sea breeze and looking out over the wide-open sea and sky can become one of the memorable moments of your trip.

An observatory located within Taketomi Island’s village area, where you can overlook the island’s scenery. It is a place where you can enjoy the kind of view Taketomi Island is known for, with traditional houses topped by red-tiled roofs. Climb the stairs and you will reach a rooftop observatory with nothing blocking the view. From there, the village rooftops and surrounding nature spread out before you, offering a full view of the island’s peaceful scenery. It is a lovely place to stop during a walk and take in Taketomi Island’s timeless landscape at a leisurely pace.

A nature park spread across the Mount Nago area, with walking paths through the forest and open spaces developed throughout the grounds. It is also in a location with easy access from central Nago.
From the observatory near the summit, you can enjoy views of Nago’s cityscape and the beautiful East China Sea. The park has a variety of areas where you can enjoy nature and spend time at a relaxed pace while walking around. From the observatory, the city and sea spread out together, making it a spectacular place to take in Nago’s scenery.

The Hirakubo Peninsula in the northern part of Ishigaki Island is rich in nature. Hirakubozaki, located at the island’s northernmost tip after an Approx. 40-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport, is a popular sightseeing spot where spectacular views spread out right in front of you.
After passing grazing land where cows wander peacefully and leaving your car in the parking lot, you will find a straight horizon stretching ahead, with the East China Sea on your left and the Pacific Ocean on your right, both open and unobstructed. The changing colors of the sea created by coral reefs, the blue sky, and the white lighthouse standing at the tip of the cape come together to form a postcard-like view. It is stunning not only during the day, but also in the evening when the bright red sun slowly sinks into the sea, and at night when countless stars shine overhead.

Located in Yomitan Village in central Okinawa Main Island, Cape Zanpa juts out toward the East China Sea. With Approx. 30 m-high cliffs continuing for Approx. 2 km, it is a scenic spot known for the striking sight of waves crashing against the sheer rock face and sending up white spray.
At the tip of the cape stands a large white lighthouse with a height of 31 m above ground. During open hours, visitors can go inside and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding sea and islands, including Aguni Island and Kume Island, from the observation deck. It is also highly popular as a photography subject, and if you want to capture both the lighthouse and the cape in one shot, the composition from the observatory in front is best. It is also known as the last place on Okinawa Main Island where the sun sets, so waiting until evening for a photo opportunity is highly recommended.

A beach stretching along the west coast of Kurima Island, where natural scenery remains largely untouched. It is known as a quiet beach that has not been heavily developed for tourism.
The entire beach faces the west coast and is also known as a famous sunset spot where beautiful sunsets can be seen. A wide stretch of white sand and blue sea continues into the distance, and one of its charms is how the scenery changes throughout the day. In the evening, the setting sun sinks into the sea and colors the beach, creating a peaceful seascape.

A beach on the southern side of Irabu Island, known for its clear water and white sand. Its gently curving coastline creates beautiful scenery.
The sight of its fine white sand stretching for Approx. 800 m is especially memorable, and the soft, powdery beach feels great under bare feet. The contrast between the blue sea and white sand is beautiful, and the coastal scenery is also popular for photos. It is a place where you can relax while taking in the crystal-clear beauty of the island’s sea.

A beach on the eastern side of Miyakojima, also known as a snorkeling spot. It is characterized by clear water and coral reefs.
When you enter the sea from the white sandy beach that stretches for Approx. 500 m, coral reefs begin just a few meters from the shore. The sea is shallow and calm, allowing you to experience its crystal-clear beauty up close. While looking out over the sea and sandy beach, you can enjoy the natural beauty that feels so characteristic of Miyakojima.