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.
Since moving to Okinawa, I have been fascinated by the brilliance of the sea, which is completely different from that of the Sea of Japan where my parents live. I am addicted to searching for spots where I can see the sea not only during the swimming season but also in winter when the sea has not yet opened.
I recently stopped by a park in the southern area of Okinawa’s main island for the first time, even though I have passed by the area many times. As soon as I got out of the car, I was so impressed by the spectacular view that I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!
In this article, we would like to introduce “Chinen Misaki Park,” a park with a spectacular view in the southern area of the island, which can be reached in 50 minutes from the airport with a rental car.
The recommended time to visit is from 11:00 to 14:00, when you can feel the full sunlight! Evening is also great if you want to view the sunset. Make sure to stop by during your trip to Okinawa!
Spectacular views! Chinen Cape Park
Nanjo City is located at the southernmost tip of the main island of Okinawa. The city has a beautiful view of the sea, and a yurukyara character named “Nanjie” welcomes visitors.
In the Chinen area of Nanjo City, there is “Chinen Cape Park” where you can overlook the beautiful cobalt blue sea.
If you go south a little toward the sea from the entrance of “Sefu Utaki,” which is the highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom known as a “power spot (spiritual place)” and registered as a World Heritage site….
You will be greeted by a pleasant breeze that will sweep away the fog of your mind, as well as the ocean that spreads out all around you.
Free parking is available, so you will be able to fully enjoy the relaxing Okinawan time.
Good for taking a break while driving!
There is also a restaurant in the park, which can be used as a temporary rest during a road trip.
There is a restaurant that sells Ezo sika deer meat, which is rare in the prefecture, and visitors can taste rare foods such as curry and hot sandwiches made with venison meat. Other dishes on the menu include Okinawa’s soul food “taco rice” and “Okinawa Zenzai”.
Related articles
Taco Rice, the soul food that Okinawans love to eat at a famous restaurant. A must-try on your trip to Okinawa!
Is Cold “Zenzai” the Soul Food of Summer? Once you try it, you will be hooked on the charm of “Okinawa Zenzai
We also recommend relieving the heat with a squash or float made with pineapple, mango, guava, or other tropical Okinawan fruits.
There is also a huge Monument in the center of the park.
As you walk through the grassy park, a huge monument appears in the center of the plaza.
The monument is an ingenious combination of three rings of different thicknesses, with a description that reads, “Infinite memory from the cosmic axis!” The fact that no detailed explanation is written on it somehow makes it seem as if it gives us infinite power.
Let’s go through the arch and go down the stairs leading to the sea!
Passing through an archway in the middle of the park, a stairway leading to the sea appears. It is quite steep and requires courage to climb down, but it is a must-see spot for those who want to enjoy the ocean up close.
《Chinen Misaki Park》
Address: Aza-Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking: Available (free at the adjacent Chinen Gymnasium parking lot (capacity for about 150 cars))
Closed: No holidays
Access from Naha Airport
▶︎ By public transportation: Approximately 80 minutes by bus from in front of the International Passenger Terminal
Take Yui Rail from Naha Airport Station to Asahibashi Station (about 11 minutes) and walk to Naha Bus Terminal (about 2 minutes). Take Toyo Bus No. 338 (Saiba Utaki line) or No. 38 (Shikiya line), get off at “Saiba Utaki Entrance” (about 60 minutes), and walk 5 minutes.
▶︎ By car: Approximately 50 minutes from Naha Airport via Prefectural Road No. 86, etc.
From Naha Airport, take the Naha Airport Expressway “Haebaru Minami Interchange (free section)” and drive toward Chinen on Prefectural Road No. 86 or National Road No. 331. About 27 km
Stop by the Nanjo City Regional Products Center
The Regional Products Center is located in front of Chinen Cape Park. Here, you will find Okinawan souvenirs, handmade accessories, and goods featuring “Nanjie,” a Nanjo City character with a heart-shaped beard and plump buttocks.
Desserts such as smoothies and ice cream are also available for purchase! There are also a number of “parlors” outside of the product center where you can enjoy light meals and drinks. KONY recommends the following two tenants!
Saata andagi shop：Mitsuya Honpo
Mitsuya Honpo has several stores in addition to the Nanjo City Products Center. As mentioned in our article on sataa andagi, this is a sataa andagi shop that KONY loves.
Related article
“Sataa Andagi” an Okinawan snack loved by both children and adults. Delicious even when cold.
The tenant of the product hall also sells souvenir sataa andagi sets and popsicles that come in packs of recommended flavors. We recommend the pineapple flavor, which is refreshing and sweat-inducing.
Pork and eggs shop：Fukusuke no Tamagoyaki
Pork omelet is a major “onigirazu(onigiri but not onigiri)” in Okinawa. The secret to the popularity of Fukusuke’s tamagoyaki is the thick egg! It is an easy dish to fill up on its own.
Please enjoy the food you bought at the parlor at the eat-in space.
《Nanjo City Regional Products Center》
Address: 539 Kuteken, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Closed: No holidays
Phone number: 098-949-1667
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanjoshop/
Nanjo City Tourism Association HP: https://okinawa-nanjo.jp/news/topics/3106/
*Tickets for Saiba Utaki can also be purchased here.
I was born on the Sea of Japan side and spent my school days looking at the ocean every day. The Sea of Japan is beautiful, but the beauty of Okinawa’s cobalt blue shining sea is exceptional! Especially on a fine day, the surface of the water sparkles, and just looking at it is soothing.
When you hear the word “beautiful ocean,” you may imagine Okinawa’s isolated islands or the central and northern areas of the main island. However, I feel that Chinen Misaki Park, where you can see a spectacular view in less than an hour from the airport, is probably the best driving spot in the southern part of the island.
When you come for sightseeing, please visit the southern area and experience the beauty of the endless ocean.
Written by KONY
Translated by Rie
