Onna, a village in central Okinawa, Japan, has a unique landscape that makes it appealing to visit. On one side sit the Sekiryo Mountains and enchanting Okinawa Prefecture Forest. On the coastal side, Onna is known for its white sand beaches and sapphire blue waters.
The resort town is primed for a mix of activities. There are several museums that give a glimpse into traditional Onna culture and contributions to the wider world, like the Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station. Snorkelling, swimming, and just enjoying the clear waters of the East Sea are other main attractions to Onna. What else is there to do while visiting Onna?
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Cape Manzamo
The rock formation stands 20-meters high
- Adventure
- Photo
Cape Manzamo overlooks the East Sea, giving way to spectacular views of the cerulean water below. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset. If you can, take a step back from the cliff to get a photo of the rock formation leading into the water, which famously resembles an elephant head and trunk.
For those looking to do more than just gaze on the ocean from above, Cape Manzamo is close to a popular scuba diving spot called The Toilet Bowl.
Location: Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0411, Japan
Open: Daily from 8 am to 7 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-966-8080
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Ryukyu Mura
Folk dance shows—eisa—run every hour
- Families
- History
To learn about traditional Okinawan culture, head to Ryukyu Mura. On display at the small theme park is life as it was during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Visitors to the theme park can try traditional activities such as pottery, weaving, and playing instruments like the sanshin guitar. And don’t miss a peek into a full-scale, recreated home.
If you visit between December and March, you’ll have the opportunity to see the mesmerising lantern festival – a nod to Okinawa’s Chinese influences that dates to the 1300s. During the event, 3,000 Chinese lanterns light up Ryukyu Mura.
Location: 1130 Yamada, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0416, Japan
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-965-1234
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Cape Maeda
Coral juts out right at the shore
- Adventure
- Photo
Ocean lovers flock to Cape Maeda for a full day of sights and experiences. Standing on the cliff high above, the view of the glistening East Sea is photo worthy. Below, scuba divers enjoy the abrupt, deep drop to the ocean floor, catching glimpses of longfin batfish, butterfly fish, and clownfish.
If you visit Cape Maeda, snorkelling in the Blue Cave should be on your itinerary. Inside the cave, the water sparkles from the streaks of light coming through the breaks in the rock. You can also access the cave via kayak. Just make sure you’re back out in time to catch the famous sunset views at Cape Maeda.
Location: 469-1 Maeda, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0417, Japan
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
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Manza Beach
Part of the Kaigan Quasi-National Park
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- Families
- Group
Head to the sandy shore known as Manza Beach for a day of ocean fun. The beach, though open to the public, is managed by ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort. The Resort offers a myriad of rentals to make your beach day an enjoyable one, including chairs and umbrellas, snorkelling equipment, inflatable tubes, stand up paddleboards, and life jackets.
For kids (or the young at heart), don’t miss the floating obstacle course, equipped with slides and climbing walls. Manza Beach also has amenities aplenty, including snack stands and full-service changing facilities.
Location: 2260 Serakaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0404, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
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Onna Seaside Civil Park
Restaurants overlooking Nabee Beach
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- Budget
- Families
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Onna Seaside Civil Park is a free public beach located near Onna’s resort destination. The fine, white sand beach is not only a desirable locale to relax and swim, but also a popular gathering spot to barbecue or play a game of volleyball.
Consider Onna Seaside Civil Park the starting point for a day of adventure. At the beach, it’s possible to reserve a seat on a glass-bottomed boat ride, rent a kayak, or book a snorkelling adventure to visit one of the nearby natural coral reefs.
Location: 419-4 Serakaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0404, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-966-8839
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Onna Village Museum
The small museum packs in a large amount of history
- Budget
- History
The Onna Village Museum is a free attraction that is suitable for the whole family. The exhibits on display depict the cultural richness of Onna Village, focusing on the area’s history surrounding fishing, agriculture, and culinary traditions.
Visitors also come to Onna Village Museum for the incredible ocean view through the building’s glass walls and the outdoor walking paths. Conveniently located next door to the museum is the Onna Cultural Information Centre, where you can get more information about the Okinawan village from the locals who run it.
Location: 1656-8 Nakadomari, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0415, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-982-5112
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Manza Ocean Park
Japan’s largest inflatable water park
- Adventure
- Families
- Group
Slides, trampolines, climbing bars, and floating islands make up Manza Ocean Park. Located on Manza Beach, this water park is designed to entertain kids and adults for hours in the East Sea. The inflatable park is open spring to fall, when the water temperatures average 75–80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The main part of the park is suitable for anyone aged 12 and up. For kids as young as 3, there is a dedicated zone with smaller slides, located in shallower water. Note: Kids must always be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Serakaki, Onna, Okinawa 904-0493, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-966-1301
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Onna Station Nakayukui Market
Generous portions of local food served here
- Food
- Shoppers
Onna Station Nakayukui Market is an indoor/outdoor shopping centre geared towards foodies. The market originally opened in 1990 primarily as a farmers’ market but is now a 2-story bazaar featuring fresh produce and a food court full of Okinawan restaurants.
At Nakayuki Market you can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-caught fish, and an array of tropical flowers. Shop around for pre-packaged foods like the popular passionfruit jam and other souvenirs, but be sure to stick around for some traditional cuisine. Soba soup, sea grapes on rice, and pork buns are dishes worth waiting in line for.
Location: 1656-9 Nakadomari, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0415, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-964-1188
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Kariyushi Beach
Kariyushi Water Land is an inflatable playground for kids
- Adventure
- Families
Kariyushi Beach is a white sand beach in a small bay in the East Sea. It is open to the public, but also serves as the main beach for the adjacent Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa.
Like many other beaches in Okinawa, snorkelling is a popular activity, but it is the range of boating activities that sets it apart from the rest. At Kariyushi Beach, you can wakeboard, go on a dragon-boat ride, rent a pedal boat, or cruise on a glass-bottomed boat. There is also a large, netted swimming area that is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a great, safe location to bring the family to enjoy the ocean.
Location: GWMH+4V, Kise, Nago, Okinawa 905-0026, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
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Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station
Located near the Okinawa Prefectural People’s Forest
- Unusual
The Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station originally opened in 1968 as a control centre for satellites in space. The main purpose is to confirm the location of the satellites and the safe functioning of their equipment.
Guests are welcome to tour the facility free of charge and see the parabolic antennae at the WINDS beacon station. In the exhibition hall you can learn about how satellites work and how they are launched into orbit, as well as see a test model satellite. There are 2 more educational rooms offering videos and the chance to learn about space.
Location: 1712 Afuso Kinrabaru, Kunigami District, Okinawa, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +81 (0)98-967-8211
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