Yomitan Village

Yomitan Village is located in central Okinawa Island, about an hour’s drive from Naha Airport or downtown Naha. With a population of over 42,000, it is known as the most populous village in Japan.

On the village’s western coast, Cape Zanpa juts dramatically into the East China Sea, surrounded by emerald-green waters and white sandy beaches. Here, you can enjoy not only swimming but also a wide range of activities including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), beach yoga to realign you body and soul with nature, and other marine sports. Be sure not to miss the stunning sunsets at Cape Zanpa, the famed last place on Okinawa’s main island where the sun sinks below the horizon. The area also preserves important cultural heritage, including Zakimi Castle, built in the 15th century and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”

Yomitan is also renowned as a pottery hub, home to over 70 kilns centered around a communal climbing kiln. Distinctive pieces ranging from tableware to ornaments, each reflecting the style of its creator, make perfect Okinawan souvenirs. Don’t forget to savor Yomitan’s local flavors too-from sweets made with its specialty purple sweet potatoes to fresh seafood caught daily at the village’s fishing port.