10 Best Things to Do in Onna

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.

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 mesmerizing 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.

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, snorkeling 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.

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, snorkeling 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.

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 snorkeling adventure to visit one of the nearby natural coral reefs.

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 Center, where you can get more information about the Okinawan village from the locals who run it.

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.

Onna Station Nakayukui Market is an indoor/outdoor shopping center 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.

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, snorkeling 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.

The Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station originally opened in 1968 as a control center 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.