Cape Manzamo is one of Okinawa’s most famous sightseeing spots.
Over many years, the rough, crashing waves have carved the cliff into this unique and fascinating shape.
It is popularly known as the “Elephant’s Trunk.”
In 2020, a new, modern facility opened, transforming the area into a popular destination where visitors can enjoy not only breathtaking views but also local cuisine and shopping.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about the charm of the “Elephant’s Trunk” and its rich history dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era!
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Cape Manzamo: Features and Highlights
- What is Cape Manzamo? The “Elephant’s Trunk” rock formation carved by Okinawa’s rough waves
- Best Time to Visit: Between 11:00 AM and shortly after 12:00 PM
- Highlight 1: Capture a Commemorative Photo with “Elephant’s Trunk,” a piece of Natural Art
- Highlight 2: Even the King of Ryukyu was impressed! The Vast Plateau “Large enough to seat ten thousand people”
- Highlight 3: Souvenir Shopping at the “Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility” Opened in 2020
What is Cape Manzamo? The “Elephant’s Trunk” rock formation carved by Okinawa’s rough waves
Cape Manzamo is a majestic 20-meter-high cliff located in Onna Village, Okinawa.
Its most distinctive feature is a unique rock formation shaped like an “Elephant’s Trunk,” carved by rough waves over countless years.
Set against the backdrop of Okinawa’s highly transparent blue waters, its serene presence has become an iconic symbol of Okinawan tourism.
This breathtaking landscape, where natural artistic beauty meets dynamic geography, leaves an unforgettable impression on everyone who sees it.
Best Time to Visit: Between 11:00 AM and shortly after 12:00 PM
The best time to visit Cape Manzamo is around 11:00 AM to shortly after 12:00 PM on a sunny day.
During this period, the sun is directly overhead, making the blue of the ocean stand out brilliantly.
The crystal-clear Okinawan sea is absolutely stunning!
After 2:00 PM, the lighting becomes backlit, causing the water to glitter and lose its deep blue color.
Highlight 1: Capture a Commemorative Photo with “Elephant’s Trunk,” a piece of Natural Art
As you make your way along the walking road, the symbol of Cape Manzamo –a unique rock formation shaped like an “Elephant’s Trunk”– will appear right before your eyes.
This natural masterpiece was carved by rough waves over many years.
It is a truly impactful landscape, making it the perfect photo spot!
Be sure to take a commemorative photo with the “Elephant’s Trunk” and the blue ocean in the background.
Highlight 2: Even the King of Ryukyu was impressed! The Vast Plateau “Large enough to seat ten thousand people”
Do you know the origin of the name “Manzamo”?
In 1726, when King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom visited this place, he praised it as a “Field (mo) fit for ten thousand people to sit,” which is how it got its name.
Even today, a beautiful green lawn stretches across the top of the cliff, and the same magnificent scenery that the king must have gazed upon welcomes us.
Let’s take a leisurely stroll while feeling the sea breeze and reflecting on its history.
Highlight 3: Souvenir Shopping at the “Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility” Opened in 2020
After enjoying the breathtaking view, why not take a break or do some shopping at the newly opened “Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility“?
Inside the clean three-story building, you will find souvenir shops, a food court serving Okinawa soba and ice cream, and an observation deck.
There are also exclusive souvenirs available only here, allowing you to heal your travel fatigue while cooling off in the comfortable indoor space.
Introducing the “Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility”
- 1st Floor: Souvenir Shops and the Entrance to the Walking Trail
- 2nd Floor: Dining Area and Outdoor Terrace
- 3rd Floor: Observation Deck (Free of Charge)
There is a newly built building at Manzamo called the “Manzamo Area Revitalization Facility.”
This facility serves as a hub for sightseeing at Manzamo, where you can take a break, enjoy a meal, or shop for souvenirs.
While the inside of the facility is free to use, there is a fee to access the walking trail.
1st Floor: Souvenir Shops and the Entrance to the Walking Trail
There are several souvenir shops on the first floor.
It is fun to look for your favorite souvenirs here as a memento of your trip to Okinawa.
There are Sofas for Resting, so feel free to take a break without overexerting yourself if you feel tired.
At the far end of the first floor, you will find the entrance to the walking trail that leads to the view of the “Elephant’s Trunk.”
2nd Floor: Dining Area and Outdoor Terrace
The second floor is a Dining Area.
You can have lunch here, ice cream, cold drinks, and “Okinawa Soba.”
There are also Terrace Seats Outside, so it would be a great idea to enjoy a meal or a break while looking out at Okinawa’s blue ocean!
3rd Floor: Observation Deck (Free of Charge)
The third floor features a free Observation Deck.
You can look out over Manzamo from a high vantage point.
The deep blue sea is truly beautiful!
Cape Manzamo: Basic Info, Fees, Parking, and Access
- Basic Information
- Fees
- Parking
- Estimated Time Needed
- How to Get There
Basic Information
| Name | Cape Manzamo |
| Photo |  |
| Address | 2767 Aza-Onna, Onna Village, Okinawa |
| Official Website | [Onna Village] Manamo |
| Tel | 098-966-8087 |
| Hours | March-October: 8:00am-8:00pm November-February: 8:00am-7:00pm |
| Closed | Open Year-Round |
| Fee | Facility Entrance: Free Manzamo Trail: 100 yen ・Adults and Children: 100yen ・Preschoolers: Free |
| Parking | Free |
| Access | Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Naha Airport via local roads. Approximately 50 minutes when using the expressway. |
| Description | A stunning cape overlooking the East China Sea! Famous for its unique rock formation that resembles an elephant's trunk. |
Fees
Admission to the building is free, but the Manzamo walking trail costs 100 yen per person.
The price is 100 yen for both adults and children, and it is free for children under elementary school age.
You can enter by purchasing a ticket at the vending machine inside the facility and showing it to the reception desk.
Parking
There is a Parking Lot conveniently located in front of the facility, and it is free of charge.
There are two parking areas: P1 is closer to the building, and P2 is further away.
While you’ll likely want to park in P1 to be as close as possible, it tends to fill up quickly.
If P1 is full, please use the P2 Parking Area located further back.
Since tourists come and go frequently, a spot might open up easily if you wait just a little while!
After all, being closer is definitely more convenient!
Estimated Time Needed
Quick Sightseeing Course: 20 to 30 minutes
If you’re just walking the loop trail and taking photos with the main “Elephant’s Trunk” in the background, 30 minutes is plenty of time to fully enjoy it.
The trail itself is a short distance that can be walked in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Full Sightseeing Course: About 1 hour
If you include time for eating ice cream and picking out souvenirs at the new facility, 1 hour should be plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself.
- Quick Sightseeing Course: 20 to 30 minutes
- Full Sightseeing Course: About 1 hour
How to Get There
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