[Manzamo Travel Guide] A Scenic Spot with Stunning Cobalt-Blue Ocean Views

[Manzamo Travel Guide] A Scenic Spot with Stunning Cobalt-Blue Ocean Views

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP

Manzamo is a famous spot known for its beautiful cobalt-blue ocean views.
This article covers the basic information about Manzamo, how to enjoy it, and the best seasons to visit.
It also introduces nearby sightseeing spots worth visiting along with Manzamo, so if you are planning a trip to northern Okinawa, be sure to use this as a reference.

What is Manzamo Like?

Located near the center of Okinawa Main Island, Manzamo is a cape made up of limestone and a vast grassy field.
It got its name in the early 18th century when a Ryukyu king praised it as a field spacious enough to seat ten thousand people, and in the local dialect, mo means grassland.
From Manzamo, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the beautiful ocean, as if it were dyed completely blue.
Manzamo is also known for its cliff shaped like an elephant's trunk, making it a popular photo spot.
You can also take a walk wearing Ryuso, Okinawa's traditional clothing.
Putting on Ryuso will let you experience the atmosphere of Okinawa even more deeply.
Near Manzamo is the Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility, where you can buy exclusive goods and enjoy Okinawa's famous local food.
There are also attractive spots scattered around the area, including Onna no Eki, a roadside station nearby.
It is essentially a local farmers market where you can buy ingredients unique to Okinawa and also enjoy local food from the stalls.
Nearby Manza Beach and Sukubama are also popular, and Sukubama in particular is known as a hidden beach close to the greenery of Yanbaru.
Sightseeing at Manzamo itself does not take much time, so it is recommended to stop by on your way to sightseeing in northern Okinawa.

Take a stroll while feeling the sea breeze and enjoying the spectacular views
Take a stroll while feeling the sea breeze and enjoying the spectacular views

Access to Manzamo

Here is how to get to Manzamo from Naha Airport.

Route
1. Take Bus No. 120 from in front of the Domestic Passenger Terminal and get off at Onna Village Office-mae
2. Walk 15 minutes from the bus stop
Travel Time
Approx. 2 hours

By car or rental car, take the Okinawa Expressway from Naha Airport, exit at Ishikawa IC, and drive for Approx. 20 minutes.

Manzamo Hours and Admission

Manzamo is a spot for enjoying natural scenery, but it has set hours and requires an admission fee.

Hours
・March–October 8:00am–8:00pm)
・November–February 8:00am–7:00pm)
※Manzamo sightseeing is available until sunset
Admission
Admission to the Manzamo boardwalk and walking paths: 100 yen
Admission to the Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility: Free

What Is the Best Season to Visit Manzamo?

Manzamo offers beautiful scenery year-round, regardless of the travel season.
However, it is best to avoid visiting during summer vacation and the New Year holiday season, as it gets crowded.
The time when you can see the beautiful sunset also gets busy, so make sure to allow plenty of time.

Manzamo offers beautiful scenery in every season
Manzamo offers beautiful scenery in every season

3 Ways to Enjoy Manzamo to the Fullest

At Manzamo, you can fully enjoy the spectacular view of the vast ocean stretching out before you.
One of Manzamo's unique charms is that its appearance and appeal change depending on the time and spot.
From here, we will introduce ways to enjoy Manzamo even more.
Be sure to try these ideas as you explore Manzamo.

1. Enjoy the Spectacular Scenery Created by the Beautiful Sea and Cliffs

Manzamo faces the vast East China Sea.
The endless cobalt-blue horizon can look as if it is sparkling with reflected sunlight.
In addition to the beautiful ocean views, the cliff shaped like an elephant's trunk is also a highlight.
It is a striking photo spot where you can capture both yourself and the scenery in one shot.
Take lots of photos to remember your trip.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery created by the beautiful sea and cliffs
Enjoy the spectacular scenery created by the beautiful sea and cliffs

2. Slowly Watch the Sunset over the East China Sea

The sunset sinking into the sea at Manzamo is also not to be missed.
The contrast between the sea turning a deep blue as the sun goes down and the glowing orange sky is breathtakingly beautiful.
Manzamo's sunset has a charm that makes viewers feel nostalgic.
The time the sun sets varies depending on the season, but it is usually in the 6:00pm to 7:00pm hour.
This time of day gets very crowded, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time.

Soak in the nostalgic atmosphere and stunning scenery
Soak in the nostalgic atmosphere and stunning scenery

3. Visit the Hidden “Ura-Manzamo” for Spectacular Views of Unusual Rocks and the Vast Sea

Ura-Manzamo is a hidden beach located close to Manzamo.
Follow the road before reaching Manzamo, then pass through a narrow trail along the way to reach the shore.
Unlike Manzamo, which attracts many tourists, the biggest charm here is that there are fewer people, so you can relax and gaze at the sea in peace.
You can also listen closely to the sound of the waves, making it feel almost like a private beach.

Relax and unwind as you take in the coast lined with unusual rocks and beautiful sea views
Relax and unwind as you take in the coast lined with unusual rocks and beautiful sea views

Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility, Where You Can Find Okinawa-Style Food and Souvenirs

The Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility is a new facility that opened in 2020.
In addition to enjoying Okinawan goods and food, you can also take in the views from the observation deck.
On the first floor, there are souvenir shops selling Okinawan products as well as specialties from Onna Village.
Some items are only available here, so be sure to check them out.
The second floor has a well-stocked food court where you can enjoy Okinawan specialties such as sea grapes and sata andagi.
From the free observation deck on the third floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast ocean and grassland below.
Please note that you cannot see Manzamo itself from the observation deck.

Don't just buy your Manzamo admission ticket, take some time to explore the facility as well
Don't just buy your Manzamo admission ticket, take some time to explore the facility as well

5 Sightseeing Spots in Northern Okinawa to Visit Along with Manzamo

Manzamo is a spot you can explore in a fairly short amount of time.
For that reason, it is recommended to stop by while traveling to northern Okinawa.
Northern Okinawa is an area rich in nature and also home to popular sightseeing spots.
From here, we will introduce some of the classic sightseeing spots in northern Okinawa.

1. Blue Cave (Cape Maeda)

Cape Maeda is located in Onna Village in the northern part of Okinawa Main Island.
The sea cave below the cliff facing the ocean is called the Blue Cave because sunlight shines into it and makes it glow blue. It is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots on Okinawa Main Island.
The sparkling sapphire-blue water surface is truly magical.

A popular diving spot where you can enjoy a magical blue-glowing landscape
A popular diving spot where you can enjoy a magical blue-glowing landscape

2. Onna Seaside Park Nabii Beach

A village-run beach inside a seaside park stretching along the west coast of Onna Village, one of the top resort areas on Okinawa Main Island.
In an area filled with private beaches owned by resort hotels, this is a valuable ichanda beach that can be used free of charge.
Located inside a bay, the beach is known for its calm, clear water and wide white sand shore.

Enjoy Okinawa's ocean activities at this beautiful beach with blue water and white sand
Enjoy Okinawa's ocean activities at this beautiful beach with blue water and white sand

3. Ryukyu Glass Tida Studio

A hands-on Ryukyu glass workshop located along a beautiful beach in Onna Village in northern Okinawa Main Island. Not only can you watch the process of melting and shaping glass, but you can also create your own one-of-a-kind original glass together with an artisan. Try wrapping molten glass around a blowpipe and shaping it by blowing into it. Of course, the artisan will carefully support you, so even beginners can join with confidence.

Create original Ryukyu glass that's perfect for yourself or as a souvenir
Create original Ryukyu glass that's perfect for yourself or as a souvenir

4. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is a popular sightseeing spot located inside Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa.
Take the escalator down from the 4th floor to the 3rd floor to reach the aquarium entrance.
The structure is designed so that as you move down to the 2nd and 1st floors, it feels like you are diving deeper into the sea.
A vast world of Okinawa's mysterious sea life unfolds before you.
At the aquarium's main attraction, the huge Kuroshio Sea tank, you can observe whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and oceanic manta rays, which were bred successfully here for the first time in the world.

A must-visit spot in Okinawa! See whale sharks measuring 28.9 feet in length and oceanic manta rays at this aquarium
A must-visit spot in Okinawa! See whale sharks measuring 28.9 feet in length and oceanic manta rays at this aquarium

5. Nago Pineapple Park

A pineapple-themed park that opened in 1992.
You can enjoy pineapple fields, colorful flowers, and lush jungle-like plants, and learn about the history of Okinawan pineapples through lectures and exhibits.
Starting from the walking paths, the grounds are densely planted with flowers and trees, and everywhere you look, you are surrounded by plants in every direction, making it feel just like a jungle.
The pineapple-themed shuttle vehicle called the Pineapple Train, which runs to the park entrance, is fun for both children and adults.

A pineapple-filled theme park
A pineapple-filled theme park

3 Recommended Places to Stay Near Manzamo

If you want to enjoy Manzamo's dynamic ocean scenery, a resort-style stay makes the perfect base.
The surrounding area is a popular resort zone where Okinawa's natural beauty meets refined hotels.
From here, we introduce properties with different personalities, from luxury stays to classic resorts. Enjoy a special Okinawa getaway surrounded by sea and sky.

1. Halekulani Okinawa

Located along the coastline of Onna Village, one of Okinawa Main Island's leading scenic areas, Halekulani Okinawa is the first hotel in Japan under the Halekulani brand, which boasts more than 100 years of history in Hawaii.
All 360 guest rooms are decorated in elegant white-based interiors and offer ocean views.
There are also five villas equipped with private pools and natural hot springs, meeting the needs of guests seeking an even more luxurious stay.

Everything feels special, enjoy an exceptional stay at Halekulani Okinawa
Everything feels special, enjoy an exceptional stay at Halekulani Okinawa

2. Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort

A resort hotel facing Tiger Beach on the west coast of Okinawa Main Island.
Based on the concept of a picturesque resort, the hotel creates spaces that look beautiful from every angle.
Across its vast grounds of Approx. 10,000 tsubo, beautiful scenery spreads throughout, making you want to reach for your camera.

Spend quality time at a resort hotel with ocean views
Spend quality time at a resort hotel with ocean views

3. Renaissance Resort Okinawa

A popular resort hotel located on the west coast of Okinawa Main Island.
All 377 guest rooms come with ocean-view balconies, offering beautiful views over the East China Sea. In addition to modern Western-style rooms and tatami rooms, the hotel also has a family-only room type called Flippers Connecting, decorated with illustrations of dolphins and turtles.

A beach resort hotel where every room has an ocean view overlooking the East China Sea
A beach resort hotel where every room has an ocean view overlooking the East China Sea

FAQ about Manzamo

Q

Do I need a ticket to enter Manzamo?

A

Yes, you need a ticket that can be purchased at the Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility.

Q

What sightseeing spots are there around Manzamo?

A

There are roadside stations where you can eat and buy souvenirs, as well as beaches.

Summary

At Manzamo, you can take your time and fully enjoy spectacular views of the vast ocean.
There are also many appealing spots nearby, so be sure to enjoy them along with Manzamo.
The stunning scenery created by this grand natural landscape will become a memorable part of your Okinawa trip, so a visit to Manzamo is highly recommended.
If you are not sure where to visit in Okinawa, which is full of sightseeing spots, be sure to check out the article below as well.