I am KONY, an “Shima Naicha”, (i.e. the people who moved from mainland Japan and lives in Okinawa) who loves Okinawa very much. It has been 10 years since we moved to Okinawa due to my husband’s job transfer.
・If you want to enjoy the resort-like atmosphere of Okinawa, you should go to the central and northern areas of the main island!
・Is Kokusai Dori in the southern and Naha areas more than enough for you?
I think people often think this way when planning a trip. I myself thought the same way, so I assumed that “resort atmosphere” = central and northern areas of the main island. However, if you want to go out to the central and northern areas of the island, you need to rent a car. In addition, you need to travel more than 30 minutes to an hour from the airport.
However, in 2015, “Umikazi Terrace” opened in the southern area of the main island! It is only a 10-minute drive from the airport and is gaining popularity as a new sightseeing spot where visitors can experience Okinawa in a short time!
So this issue we will introduce a list of recommended spots in and around Umikazi Terrace.
Be sure to stop by during your trip to Okinawa!
What kind of spot is Umikazi Terrace?
About Umikaji TerraceSenaga Island is a 10-minute drive from the airport. Although the island is only 1.8 km in circumference, it is connected by a marine road, making it an easy spot to enjoy a resort atmosphere.
In 2015, Umikaji Terrace was established as a commercial complex with cafes and souvenir stores where visitors can enjoy Okinawan-style food and drink. With the introduction of new photogenic spots, Umikaji Terrace is attracting more attention than ever as an attractive tourist facility.
The exterior of Umikaji Terrace looks like a European resort. A staircase of chalk buildings overlooking the sea.
The location is perfect for enjoying the sunshine during the daytime and the sunset in the evening. You can also spend a relaxing time while enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace.
Umikaji Terrace Senaga Island
Address: 174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone number: 098-851-7446
Business hours：10:00 – 21:00 (varies by store) / open year-round
Number of stores： 47
Number of buildings：50 (47 tenants, 1 office building, 2 restroom buildings)
Access from Naha Airport
▶︎ By public transportation
Approximately 20 minutes by Umikazi Liner (250 yen)
*There are 23 round trips per day. Tokyo Bus “Umikazi Liner” goes to the airport via Yui Rail Akamine Station.
▶︎ By car
Approximately 10 minutes (6 km) on Prefectural Road No. 231 and National Road No. 331
The road in front of Umikazi Terrace is one-way. So be carefully watched where you enter the road. Please note that Prefectural Road 231 is congested in the evening and other times of the day. It is important to leave Umikazi Terrace well in advance so that you can return your rental car in time, not only when heading to the airport.
Be sure to stop by! Umikazi Terrace Recommended stores!
Specializing in souvenirs and shaved ice iii (Three)
This shaved ice cafe offers fresh sauces made from Okinawan seasonal fruits and fluffy shaved ice.
In addition to shaved ice, the shop also offers “Hoshino Kessho” a traditional artisanal confectionery that has been familiar since its establishment in 1903, premium popcorn with Okinawan salted caramel flavor, and sataa andagi, which can be purchased as souvenirs.
You can enjoy desserts and souvenirs that will bring a smile to your face not only from their appearance but also from their taste.
《Basic Information》
Store Name： Specializing in souvenirs and shaved ice iii (Three)
Phone number：070-8494-7337
Business hours：11:00-21:00
Closed：No holidays
Store number：3
SuiSavon -Shuri Soap- (SuiSavon)
Shuri soap is attracting attention as a new genre of souvenir from Okinawa.
This shop is particular about the fragrance of all its products, “with the hope that customers will take home the fragrance along with their memories of their trip”.
In addition, our soaps are very popular because they are individually handmade by artisans! Since only natural ingredients and essential oils are used, even people with sensitive skin and children can use them with no worries.
In addition to soap, “Hand Cream” and “Kucha Facial Cleanser” using natural Okinawan seabed mud are also popular products. Recommended for those who are looking for souvenirs that are not sweets, or for those who want to enjoy the Okinawan spirit even after returning home from their trip.
《Basic Information》
Store Name：SuiSavon -Shuri Soap- (Sui Savon)
Phone number： 0800-000-3777
Business hours：10:00 – 20:00
Closed：No holidays
Store number：42
Official hp：http://www.suisavon.jp/
Okinawa Gelato yukuRu Gelato
Italian gelato specialty store yukuRu is a café where you can taste freshly made gelato because it is handmade daily in the store’s production room.
The gelato is so popular that it has even appeared on ANA in-flight TV, and is supervised by the owner, who graduated from the Gelato University in Bologna, Italy. The original flavors are made from seasonal ingredients as well as fruits and vegetables grown in the prefecture.
Furthermore! The owner is passionate about gelato, and is even involved in the management of a ranch! It is a great place to enjoy gelato in a beautiful location.
《Basic Information》.
Store Name：Okinawa Gelato yukuRu Gelato
Phone number：098-996-1577
Business hours：11:00-21:00, last order 20:30
Closed：No holidays
Store number：7
Official hp：https://www.facebook.com/gelato.okinawa
Let’s take a memorable photo! Recommended Photo Sites
Monument of “&”
The “&” monument on the terrace in front of “itosina,” store No. 40, where customers can try their hand at making rings and order rings. It is a popular location for couples and friends to stand on either side of the “&” and leave a memorable photo.
Let’s interact with dolphins! Trick Art
When photographed from behind at an angle to the upper left, this trick art looks as if a dolphin is jumping out of the water. The colorful, Okinawan-inspired colors are gorgeous and will bring a smile to your face just by looking at it.
Projection mapping is also shown!
Projection mapping is shown daily at Umikazi Terrace on Senaga Island, five times in total, starting at 19:30. You can take a picture in the image, ride a turtle, grab a star…you can capture it as you wish!
After moving to Okinawa, I feel deeply that the expression of nature, which changes every day, is wonderful. One of my favorite things is the sunset location. When I watch the sunset from the beach, it often coincides with the takeoffs and landings of airplanes… This is a luxury that cannot be replaced by a good meal, and it is a time to recharge my energy and blow away any worries I may have.
If you want to enjoy such a great location in the southern area and Naha area, Senagashima Umikazi Terrace is the perfect place for you! Conveniently located just 10 minutes from the airport, it is a great place to enjoy Okinawa to the fullest until your flight home.
Enjoy your time in Okinawa with delicious cafes and desserts and a spectacular location overlooking the ocean!
Written by KONY
Translated by Rie
