Cape Hedo (Hedo Misaki) is the wild northernmost point of Okinawa’s main island, where rugged limestone cliffs meet the deep blue of the open sea. A windswept viewpoint with crashing waves below, it offers sweeping panoramas and, on clear days, a glimpse of distant Yoron and Okinoerabu islands to the north. The cape also carries historical weight: a monument here commemorates Okinawa’s 1972 reversion to Japan. Paired with the karst formations of nearby Daisekirinzan and the Yanbaru forest, it’s the grand finale of a northern road trip.
This guide covers the cape, what to see, the best time and how to get there.
🗓️ Quick Reference
| Location | Kunigami, northern tip of Okinawa Island |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30–60 min |
| Best time | Clear days; sunrise/sunset |
| Good for | Coastal views, road trips, nature |
What to see
- Cliff-top viewpoint: walk out over the headland for 270° ocean views and the sound of waves on the rocks.
- Reversion monument: commemorating Okinawa’s 1972 return to Japan — a poignant marker of the island’s history.
- Coral coastline: rugged raised-reef limestone and tide pools below.
- On clear days, Yoron and Okinoerabu islands appear on the horizon.
Best time to visit & tips
- Clear, calm days give the best views and safest footing; it can be very windy.
- Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here at the island’s edge.
- Stay back from cliff edges — there are unfenced sections.
- There are limited facilities; a small rest area/shops sit near the car park.
Combine your visit
Cape Hedo caps off the far north:
- Pair with the karst trails of Daisekirinzan and the Yanbaru UNESCO forest — see our Yanbaru guide .
- On the drive up, stop at the Churaumi Aquarium — see our Churaumi guide .
How to get there
- Best reached by rental car: ~2.5–3 hours from Naha via the expressway and Route 58.
- No practical public transport to the cape — plan it as part of a northern driving day.
