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Yonaha-Oke Cape Park

Little knownBarely documented in English. This is the kind of place the site exists for.

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lighthousecapewind turbinessunsetMiyakojima

Okinawa · Miyakojima

24.7128°N, 125.1497°E

Yonaha-Oke Cape Park is one of the reasons Okinawa keeps coming up whenever the conversation turns to Japan's landscapes.

Yonaha-Oke Cape (与那覇岬) sits at Miyakojima's southwestern tip, featuring a distinctive white lighthouse and two large wind turbines atop coastal cliffs overlooking the East China Sea. The windswept cape offers panoramic ocean views, particularly dramatic during winter when swells crash against the cliffs. Walking paths loop through coastal meadows with native grasses and wildflowers.

The lighthouse is functional (still guiding ships) but also serves as a tourist attraction — visitors can climb to the observation deck (¥300) for 360° views encompassing Miyakojima's coastline, the surrounding ocean, and neighboring Kurima Island connected by bridge.

Plan your visit

Time to allow

1–2 hours

Hours

Park grounds: open 24 hrs | Lighthouse climb: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed: Open year-round

Best time to visit

October–April (dramatic winter swells) | Sunset year-round for ocean and arch views

Entry fee

Check locally before visiting

Finding your way there

Getting there in detail

Yonaha-Oke Cape, Miyakojima. A drive from Miyako Airport. Free parking. Park grounds open 24/7. Bring jacket (always windy).

What to bring

**Sunset timing:** The cape faces west, making it prime sunset viewing (18:00–18:30 in summer, 17:30–18:00 in winter). The sun sets directly into the ocean horizon with no land obstructions. The wind turbines silhouetted against the sunset create iconic photos. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for optimal light progression. Winter (November–February) brings larger swells that crash dramatically against the cliffs during sunset — more dramatic than calm summer seas. **Lighthouse climb:** The observation deck (45 meters high) provides vantage point over Miyakojima's southern coastline, with Irabu Bridge and Kurima Bridge both visible. The climb is steep (100+ steps, narrow spiral staircase) but manageable for most fitness levels. The deck is small (10 people max), so expect waits during peak times. Early morning (9:00–10:00) or late afternoon (15:00–16:00) sees fewer visitors. **Kurima Bridge drive:** After the cape, drive across Kurima Bridge (1.7km bridge connecting to Kurima Island) for scenic ocean-crossing experience. The bridge has dedicated pedestrian lane allowing walking/cycling if desired. Kurima Island itself is quiet (population 300) with no major attractions — it's a peaceful detour for 30-minute loop drive.

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