What kind of place is Onna Village with its blue cave? Can I go there from Mizuna Island? Thorough comparison between Mizuna Island and Onna Village

Introducing the attractions and sights of Onna Village and Mizuna Island.

When it comes to places where you can experience a tropical atmosphere on a domestic trip, most people probably think of Okinawa Prefecture.

The main island of Okinawa, which includes the city of Naha, is an extremely popular tourist destination with its own unique history, culture, magnificent nature, and many other attractions.

One of the most popular areas on the main island of Okinawa is Onna Village, which stretches along the coast of the central part of the main island.

Luxury resort hotels line the beautiful west coast, and sightseeing can be enjoyed on a number of beaches dotting the coast.

If your goal is to enjoy a luxurious Okinawan sightseeing experience, Onna Village could not be a better spot.

And now I would like to introduce you to Mizuna Island, a remote island located just off the main island of Okinawa.

Even though it is a remote island, its distance is only 1 km, making it a spot that can be visited on a day trip.

Let's check out Onna Village and Mizuna Island, two tourist destinations that can also be enjoyed together, in order.

 

Distance between Onna Village and Mizuna Island

The straight line distance from Onna Village to Mizuna Island is estimated to be 17.1 km.

It may seem much closer than the image one might have of a remote island.

It is a remote island just west of the main island of Okinawa, so the distance from Onna Village along the western coast is relatively easy to reach.

 

Access from Mizuna Island to Onna Village

However, the distances above are only straight-line distances.

Because Mizuna Island is a remote island, it is not possible to go straight to it.

To get to Onna Village from Mizuna Island, you must first go to Watakuchi Port, and then drive to Onna Village, which is about 39 km away.

Leaving the port, continue on Route 449 and turn onto Route 58 at Miyazato, Nago City.

From there, you can reach Onna Village by just continuing on Route 58.

 

What is Onna Village like?

Onna Village also offers a wide range of resort facilities that take advantage of its seaside location, and the luxurious landscape with its many famous domestic and international hotel chains is a major attraction of Onna Village.

In this issue, we would like to introduce the splendor of Onna Village, focusing on its various landscapes.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

Onna Village is one of the best resort areas on the main island, and there are plenty of transportation options from the airport.

Rental cars, the standard means of transportation for sightseeing in Okinawa, are of course convenient, and cabs can be used to get around, although they require roughly 6,000 yen or more.

There are also numerous limousine buses that stop in front of each resort hotel and operate between the airport and Onna Village.

If you have a specific place to stay, it is highly recommended that you make good use of this.

Onna Village Attractions

The ocean and nature of Onna Village are very attractive, but another very good thing about Onna Village is its location.

The main island of Okinawa is an island, yet it boasts a very vast area.

Therefore, travel time tends to be a bottleneck, and if you try to see a number of spots scattered over a large area, travel time may end up taking up the entire schedule.

However, Onna Village is located in the middle of Okinawa and boasts excellent accessibility to the entire main island.

The Onna Village area is well known for its convenient transportation, as it was developed as a result of road construction for the Okinawa International Ocean Expo in 1975.

 

One of the most beautiful sea in Okinawa

Onna Village is located in the coastal area, where beautiful coral-filled waters stretch endlessly along the coast.

Onna Village is characterized by its slogan, "the most coral-friendly village in the world," and is very active in coral conservation and growth activities.

Although corals are on the decline due to environmental changes and other factors, Onna Village is home to more than 200 colorful coral species, thanks in part to conservation efforts.

Corals are unique creatures that act to purify the ocean by circulating carbon dioxide and oxygen through photosynthesis, discharging minerals, and producing white coral sand.

The large number of them makes the sea in Onna Village one of the most beautiful in Okinawa.

 

Impressed by the vast nature

Another advantage of Onna Village is that there are many beautiful sceneries not only on the sea but also on land.

There is no shortage of beautiful scenery, with cliffs, headlands, natural parks, and other perfect locations here and there.

Okinawa's mild climate also nurtures numerous subtropical plants.

The colorful plants, trees, and flowers typical of the tropics are guaranteed to excite your mind with a sense of the extraordinary.

If you visit Onna Village, a tour of photogenic scenic spots is a must.

 

Very popular spot, Blue Cave

And one of the most popular spots in Onna Village is the Blue Cave.

The Blue Cave, located by the sea, is a sea-eroded cave where cliffs have been carved by waves to form a cave, and the sea has eroded into the interior of the cave.

The miraculous combination of several natural conditions in the Blue Cave has created a mysterious landscape in which the inside of the cave is illuminated by a shimmering blue natural light.

The shimmering effect is like artificial illumination, but this is only the result of sunlight changing color due to light reflection and refraction.

The pride of Onna Village is the Blue Cave, a spot where visitors can encounter an artistic landscape created by nature.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

We have picked out three of the most popular tourist spots in Onna Village.

All of them have unbeatable views, so be sure to check them out!

 

Blue Cave

The first one I would like to introduce is the Blue Cave mentioned above.

It is a very deep spot, and we would like to give you more in-depth information about it.

In fact, there are several spots around the world and in Japan that are known as blue caves, and all of them share the common feature of blue light filling the caves.

Among these, the Blue Cave in Onna Village is one of the most popular, and the reason for this is its location.

 

Recommendations

While caves and limestone caves are often difficult to access, the Ao no grotto is located in a very accessible location, despite its special geographical features as a sea-eroded cave.
This spot is adjacent to a tourist attraction called Maeda Misaki, and it is very easy to visit by car, since a large parking lot is available in the direction of Maeda Misaki.

While the area offers unexplored natural scenery, visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and other activities in the Blue Cave.

Activity equipment is available for rent and tours are offered at Cape Maeda so that visitors can easily enjoy the cave environment.

 

Access from Naha Airport

A rental car is recommended for visiting the Blue Cave, and a car navigation system search is more reliable when searching under the name "Cape Maeda" rather than "Blue Cave.

If you use public transportation, take a bus and get off at the "Kuraha" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.

strand of hair on top of the head

Manzamo, a cliff famous for its scenic view, is often featured on the cover of tourist magazines and other publications on the main island of Okinawa.

Manzakage is a cliff about 20 meters high, and its main feature is its view of the beautiful blue East China Sea.

The quirky name Manzamo is said to have come from a praise for the area once uttered by the king of Ryukyu, who said, "It is a field enough for ten thousand people to sit on.

In other words, this spot is a famous place endorsed by the king of Ryukyu.

 

Recommendations

The cliffs of Manzakage are formed by Ryukyu limestone created by the uplift of coral on the ocean floor.

The terrain is rich in coral, typical of Onna Village, and its bumpy texture gives it a unique and powerful feel.

Of course, the view from the top of the cliff is spectacular, and especially on a fine day, you may be left speechless by the beauty of the ocean.

Furthermore, the cliff tops are also beautiful, which is one of the best things about Manza Gorge.

Above Manzakage is a grassy park where visitors can relax and enjoy the lush landscape with many tropical plants.

There are 200 parking spaces available, which is great for car rental trips.

 

Access from Naha Airport

Manzakage is one of the most famous spots on the main island of Okinawa, so if you are renting a car, just enter "Manzakage" in the car navigation system search and the route will be displayed immediately.

If you are traveling by bus, get off at the "Manza Beach Mae" bus stop, and Manza-Mao is just a short walk from there.

 

Cape Maeda

The third spot I would like to introduce is Cape Maeda, which I also mentioned in the section on blue caves.

We mentioned that you can park your car when visiting the Blue Cave, but the cape itself is actually one of the attractions that draws many people.

The park has gained popularity as a scenic spot as well as a park with a variety of facilities.

 

Recommendations

First, Cape Maeda is a cape made of Ryukyu limestone similar to Manzamo, and features a panoramic view of the East China Sea from its coral-like topography.

There is an observation deck at the end of the cape, where you can enjoy a refreshing view over the ocean on a fine day.

The boardwalk, which can be accessed from the path behind the restrooms, is also scenic and beautiful, filled with plants.

In addition to the easy parking, the site also serves as a tourist center with changing lockers, showers, and a variety of activity equipment available for rent, as well as tours.

Another unique feature is the grassy plaza, where visitors can not only play by the water, but also have picnics.

If you are visiting Onna Village, a visit here is a must, along with the adjacent Blue Cave!

 

Access from Naha Airport

Access to Cape Maeda is the same as the Ao no cave section, so please refer to that section.

 

What is Mizuna Island like?

Now let's look at Mizuna Island.

To repeat the first part, only about 1 km of ocean separates the main island of Okinawa from Mizuna Island.

Although the islands are remote, the distance between them is such that both sides can be seen directly from each other.

The uniqueness of Mizuna Island is its shape, which resembles a crescent moon.

It is sometimes affectionately called Croissant Island in reference to its shape.

Although the island is less than 0.5 square kilometers in area, it is a small island with many attractions packed into its small size.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Watakuchi Port

North of Naha City, the core of Okinawa's main island, Motobu-cho Tanicha is the address of Watakuchi Port, the gateway to Mizuna Island.

The trip to Watakuchi Port by rental car will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes by using the public road.

On the other hand, the estimated time to get there by expressway is approximately 50 minutes.

Traffic congestion often occurs in the vicinity of Naha City, so depending on the time of day, it may be advisable to take the expressway if it is likely to be crowded.

You can also take a bus to the port, the most convenient being the Yanbaru Express Bus.

If you get off at "Motobu Museum-mae" after a two-hour ride, you can reach Watakuchi Port on foot in about 10 minutes from there.

Local and express buses also operate, but these are very time consuming, taking 4 hours by local bus and 3 hours by express bus, and are quite difficult to get to if you have to transfer at the bus terminal.

If possible, it is better to rent a car or take the Yanbaru Express Bus.

After arriving at Watakuchi Port, take the 1,710 yen round-trip high-speed boat to Mizuna Island.

The tour takes only 15 minutes, so there is no need to prepare anti-sickness medicine unless you are very anxious.

Note that boats to Mizuna Island cannot be reserved in advance, and tickets must be held on the day of departure on a first-come, first-served basis.

Since the summer tourist season can be a hotly contested season, we recommend that you go early on the day of the tour and make your purchase, or make good use of an activity tour that includes travel.

Why choose Mizuna Island?

In Okinawa Prefecture, where there are many attractive remote islands, why is Mizuna Island chosen by so many people as a tourist destination?

Of course, the island itself is a wonderful environment, but there are two other major reasons that should be mentioned.

One is the location.

Not only is it close to the main island of Okinawa, but the fact that the port of Watakuchi is located in Motobu-cho is also a major advantage.

The Churaumi Aquarium, one of the most popular tourist attractions on the main island of Okinawa, is located near the port of Watakuchi.

When going to Mizuna Island for sightseeing, it is often possible to plan a day trip to Mizuna Island and enjoy Churaumi Aquarium on the same day, making it very easy to make flexible plans.

Another reason cited is the extensive activity tours.

The fact that boat reservations are not possible may seem like a disadvantage, but it is a feature of Mizuna Island that many tours that include travel to the island are organized.

The overall convenience of the program is enhanced by the fact that participants can choose from a wide variety of plans.

 

Attractions of Mizuna Island

In addition to the above reasons, Mizuna Island is of course packed with plenty of attractions on the island itself.

We have picked up on its appeal in three key areas, which we will examine in turn.

 

Beaches with blue sea and white sand

As a remote island, the sea of Mizuna Island looks different from that of the main island of Okinawa.

Stepping onto this small island, surrounded on all sides by the beautiful blue ocean, you can feel the grandeur of the Okinawan sea as much as you can.

There are several beaches on Mizuna Island, the most prominent of which is Long Beach, which stretches along the north side of the croissant-shaped island.

Adjacent to the harbor, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the prefecture, and is well equipped with various facilities for ocean fun, making it a very pleasant environment for tourists.

It is no wonder that an average of 60,000 people visit this wonderful location every year.

 

Enjoy marine activities!

Surrounded by the beautiful sea, this means that it is also a place where marine activities can be enjoyed to the fullest.

The beautiful beaches offer a wide variety of activities, and the richness and variety of activities will keep visitors coming back.

Some people think that activity is a hurdle for first-time visitors, but for those who think so, Mizuna Island is the perfect place for an introduction.

There are also many tours that welcome beginners, so even if you have no experience, you can easily participate in them.

It is especially great for snorkeling, and many people frequent the area with high frequency.

 

Beautiful cobblestone streets

Another highlight of Mizuna Island is the cobblestone path that stretches from the island's harbor to the road to the village.

Some people think of remote islands as idyllic at best or rustic at worst, but the beautiful white cobblestones of Mizuna Island give an elegant impression.

The scenery is quite unique for a small remote island, and if you take a picture of it with the subtropical plants growing along the road, you will be able to take a photogenic picture.

Not only does it improve the landscape, but it also keeps the paths walkable, which is an important infrastructure for Suina Island, where walking is a means of transportation.

It is loved by many people as one of the important tourist resources of Mizuna Island.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

As in Onna Village, we will pick up three popular spots from Mizuna Island.

This is a remote island blessed with ocean, and all three spots are beaches with different characteristics.

Of course, each one has different ways to enjoy it, so let's check them out carefully!

 

Suina Beach

One of the most famous spots on Mizuna Island is Mizuna Beach, a beautiful stretch of beach just off the island.

The long beach that stretches to the north of the island is this Mizuna Beach, which has become an iconic spot on the island as it can be seen from boats heading to the island.

It is so popular that the visit to Mizuna Beach is the main motivation for the majority of people who visit the island.

 

Recommendations

The beach, which has the appearance of a remote island, has smooth sand and sparkling white sand that glistens in the tropical sunlight, and has a beauty that strikes people's hearts.

The waves are crystal clear, and the blue color of the ocean can be likened to that of the jewel aquamarine.

The calm sea is perfect for swimming, or you can spread out the parasols you rented from the store and enjoy the seaside mood in a relaxed manner.

Thanks to the good quality sand, you can stroll around barefoot, and it is no exaggeration to say that you can enjoy all the ocean fun you can imagine.

Toilets, showers, and lockers are provided, and there is a store where visitors can borrow various leisure and activity equipment.

The beach could not be more environmentally friendly, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months and jellyfish prevention nets in place.

It is also a great place to bring children to enjoy swimming, including for safety reasons!

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

As mentioned above, Suina Beach is located just off the boat.

Once you get to the island, you are already at the beach, and you will not get lost.

Beach below the lighthouse

The beach below the lighthouse is a sandy beach that is connected to the land from Mizuna Beach, which is an area 600m to the east.

You may be wondering why we are introducing the same beach, but it is called "the beach under the lighthouse" for a reason: it is a very different kind of beach, and the way to enjoy it is very different.

 

Recommendations

The beach under the lighthouse is the area under the Mizuna Island Lighthouse, and although it is the same sandy beach as Mizuna Beach, this one has not been turned into a tourist attraction.

To list the disadvantages first, there are no showers, toilets, or stores, and there are no supervisors on duty, so you must take your own safety into consideration.

The big advantage with this in mind is that there are fewer people than at Suina Beach.

This is not limited to Mizuna Beach, but is true for all beaches in Okinawa in general, but crowds during the summer are a major bottleneck for the most popular beaches.

Everyone wants to spend the summer on the beautiful beaches of Okinawa, and if you are unlucky enough to hit the peak of the crowds, you will see people everywhere you look, right and left.

Because Mizuna Island is a remote island, it is less crowded than the famous beaches on the main island of Okinawa, but it still gets crowded when it is crowded.

In this respect, the beach below the lighthouse is less crowded, due to some inconvenience in terms of facilities.

Of course, the quality of the sand and the beauty of the sea remain the same, and the environment is very good as a snorkeling spot.

If you want to relax by the sea, we recommend that you go to this beach!

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

If you want to go from Suina Harbor to the beach below the lighthouse, you must go down to Suina Beach or go out once to the village.

If you are heading there from the beach, it is a simple 600-meter walk eastward, following the sandy beach.

The route from the village is not difficult to reach, as all you have to do is follow the road extending eastward toward the lighthouse.

Seagull Rock Beach

From the other beach on the island, I would like to introduce you to the beach at Seagull Rock, located on the south side opposite the harbor.

This place is not suitable for general beach activities such as swimming or strolling, but it is famous for being an excellent snorkeling spot.

 

Recommendations

Seagull Rock, which is the name of the beach, is a large rock at the end of the beach, named after the seagulls that frequently nest there.

The beach has rocks of various sizes, including the seagull rock, and the undulating topography of the seafloor makes it a very suitable habitat for tropical fish.

A snorkeling dive into the lush waters will lead you to a scene that will make you think you are in an artificially created biotope.

Swimming among the swaying fish as the sun shines brightly through the clear water, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairy tale.

Although there are no lifeguards on duty and safety precautions must be taken, this is a must-visit spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.

 

Directions from Mizuna Port

Although the beaches at Mizuna Harbor and Seagull Rock are in opposite directions (north and south), the path itself is less than one kilometer long.

You will be able to reach it by following the road to the south after heading to the village.

Activities on Mizuna Island

Now, let's check out some activities to enjoy on the beaches and in the sea of Mizuna Island.

You will find a varied lineup, from refreshing to relaxing.

 

snorkeling

One of the most popular activities on Mizuna Island is snorkeling, which involves diving into the beautiful, clear waters.

The appeal of this program is that anyone can dive simply by wearing a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard over a swimsuit.

 

Recommendations

The use of a snorkel allows the diver to breathe without having to raise his or her face above the surface of the water.

This may be difficult to imagine if you have never experienced it, but this is a much greater benefit than you might imagine.

Swimming with your face immersed in the ocean gives you an immersive experience, as if you were an ocean dweller yourself.

The snorkel consists of an underwater mask to protect your eyes and a breathing tube, so you can view the scenery without the influence of seawater.

Another interesting aspect of snorkeling on Mizuna Island is that each of the beaches - Mizuna Beach, the beach below the lighthouse, and the beach at Seagull Rock - is very different in terms of diving comfort.

Beginners should start with the activity tour at Mizuna Beach and then try the other two spots when they get used to them.

Tours also include boat snorkeling, where snorkeling begins after a boat ride to a point away from the beach.

If you find snorkeling enjoyable, you may want to join one of the various tours.

As long as you are comfortable with your skills, there is no danger, and you will be able to enjoy the waters of Mizuna Island freely, without being required to have fine technique.

 

diving

In places where snorkeling is popular, diving, another diving activity, is also popular.

Mizuna Island is no exception, with a full range of dive packages available at Mizuna Beach and on activity tours from the main island.

 

Recommendations

The difference between diving and snorkeling lies in the equipment and the specialization of the activity.

Diving involves wearing a set of snorkeling gear, plus much more, into the ocean.

The most significant difference is the presence of an oxygen tank in the equipment, which allows the diver to carry it on their back and breathe directly through a regulator, allowing them to remain underwater for extended periods of time in deep water.

The ocean of Mizuna Island becomes more beautiful as it gets deeper and deeper, and you can immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience that is hard to find on the mainland.

Also, although people tend to think that a diving license is required, Mizuna Island offers many diving experiences that can be done without a license, accompanied by an instructor.

With a qualified instructor, there is absolutely nothing dangerous about diving for the first time.

It is ideal for beginners to experience diving for the first time, so you should make good use of it.

 

SUP

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), one of the activities that have become a staple throughout Okinawa, is also a great way to enjoy the beaches of Mizuna Island.

Originally developed from surfing, this activity is loved by many people for its friendly difficulty and outstanding stylishness.

 

Recommendations

SUP involves floating a surfboard or a special SUP board, standing on it, and paddling.

The use of a large board makes it highly stable and not too difficult to balance.

SUP is a great way to get a core-training workout, and the shimmering waves also provide a relaxing effect.

There are no detailed rules, so everyone from young children to the elderly can enjoy the ocean location of Mizuna Island with ease.

The sight of it slenderly standing on the water is extremely photogenic and supremely photogenic, making it ideal for taking Instagram-worthy photos!

 

parasailing

After enjoying the ocean by swimming and enjoying the land scenery on the island and in the villages, you can also enjoy the sky of Mizuna Island.

Parasailing is an activity that allows you to soar 40 meters into the air and view the location with the momentum of a water bike pulling you along.

The experience of being pulled across the ocean at high speed is exhilarating and provides an extreme thrill.

 

Recommendations

Parasailing participants reach a height of 40 meters above the ground, which is as high as the 14th floor of a building.

Since there is nothing in the sky to obstruct your view, you will be able to look in all directions and see the beautiful ocean while also having the entirety of Mizuna Island in your field of vision.

One of the unique features of Mizuna Island is its crescent shape, as described above.

You may be able to say that you have completed your sightseeing tour of Mizuna Island only if you can see the reason why it is called Croissant Island.

 

Canoe/Kayak

Canoeing and kayaking, which are used not only in the ocean but also on rivers, lakes, and all other bodies of water, is another popular activity on Mizuna Island.

This activity allows visitors to enjoy the maritime location in a small boat that can accommodate up to two people in elegance and at their own pace.

 

Recommendations

The first advantage of canoeing and kayaking is the ease of use as an activity.

It does not require much strength or stamina to row, and you will soon be able to handle the boat without any experience.

The freedom to enjoy the waters of Mizuna Island regardless of age or sex, and to enjoy time-specific locations at a wide range of times, is something worth mentioning.

It is also suitable for couples, friends, parents and children to ride together and make memories.

We invite you to try canoeing and kayaking to make your visit to Mizuna Island a memorable one.

 

Three popular tours on Mizuna Island

We have introduced a set of information about Mizuna Island.

In relation to this, we have picked up various tours below that allow you to enjoy Mizuna Island efficiently.

Please refer to the following information when you go on a trip.

 

Snorkeling at Mizuna Island! (No.604)

A very popular boat entry snorkeling plan where you can see colorful corals and fish!

Boat entry takes you directly to the point by boat, so you can enjoy a bit of a cruising sensation while snorkeling at your leisure.

 

Experience diving in Mizuna Island! (No.605)

With the support of your instructor, dive into a world of excitement!

Clear waters, beautiful corals, and vivid fish welcome you.

Boat entry allows you to dive directly to the dive site by boat, so you do not have to walk around with heavy equipment on your back.

 

Summer Only] Mizuna Island Swimming Free Plan (with parasol) (No.613)

Let's make your own original plan by combining your choice of different types of swimming at Mizuna Island!

Of course, you can apply for swimming only! We can make a plan according to your travel schedule.

 

summary

We introduced Onna Village, a popular spot on the main island of Okinawa, and Mizuna Island, a day trip from the main island.

Although Mizuna Island is a remote island, its main attraction is that it can be incorporated into a sightseeing plan to the main island of Okinawa.

Especially if you visit both Onna Village and Mizuna Island in the same itinerary, you will definitely get an intense taste of Okinawa.

Various natural landscapes with the ocean, beaches, and lush greenery.

Please visit Okinawa's main island and Mizuna Island, which have many unique personalities!