Cape Maeda 真栄田岬
Head west
Cape Maeda is located in Onneto Village, west of Okinawa Island. Its clear waters and aquatic life are ideal for diving, but the cape is also appreciated for its magnificent landscapes.
From the top of the Cape Maeda park belvedere, the emerald sea bristling with rocks formed by coral reefs offers itself to the view of visitors. Lower down in the water, swimmers and divers admire another landscape: that of the seabed.
Feet on the ground
A park has been laid out at the top of the cliffs, about 15 meters above sea level. Paths wind through and allow you to discover the tropical flora whose smells mingle with the scent of the sea air.
From the belvedere, there is a splendid view of the East China Sea and the west coast of the island of Okinawa. In good weather, you can see the remote island of Ie-jima in the East China Sea and the mountain range of the Motobu Peninsula.
To the east, on the side opposite that of the "Blue Cave", a long path lined with tall trees crosses the cape, far from the crowds.
Cape Maeda being located to the west, the sunsets are absolutely beautiful and are a delight for photographers and filmmakers.
The park also includes parking and restaurants. Stairs lead down to the sea.
- Discover: Cape Nossapu in Hokkaido
Cape Maeda, Okinawa
えぬ, Wikimedia
The feet in the water
Cape Maeda is famous for its caves in the sea, notably the Blue Grotto, or "Blue Cave" (Kumagaa Gama in Japanese), located under the cliff. In cobalt blue waters, the cave is home to myriads of tropical fish and coral reefs which, in season, also attract myriads of divers (underwater or with mask and snorkel)...
The Blue Grotto is a kind of tunnel about ten meters long that you have to visit in one direction. In the end, you have to turn around and go back the other way. So don't expect a lot of tranquility, but the richness of the seabed, clownfish, flying fish, damselfish, and other wonders, compensates for the proximity to other divers.
It is also possible to visit the cave by canoe-kayak and many local agencies offer different activities.
A little further offshore, turtles and sharks take over the space.
The seabed at Cape Maeda, Okinawa
tata_aka_T,Flickr
Some tips:
- Avoid weekends and public holidays, which are crowded.
- If you go alone snorkeling, remember to wear a life jacket and water shoes as there are many rocks and big waves sometimes crash into the caves.
- To read: Scuba diving in Okinawa
speculum butterfly fish
Klaus Stiefel, Flickr
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
- From Naha Airport: Take Bus 120, get off at Kuraha Stop, turn left (direction Prefectural Road 6) and walk for 20 min - From Naha Bus Terminal: Take Bus 20, get off at the Kuraha stop, turn left (direction prefectural road 6) and walk for 20 min. - By car: take national road 58 (north direction, towards Nago). About an hour from Naha airport.Price
Free. 100 yen ($.85/€0.80) per hr for parking.Website
http://www.maedamisaki.jp/en/
