Cape Manzamo (Manzamo), on the west coast of Okinawa’s main island in Onna Village, is one of the island’s most iconic and photographed scenic spots. Its defining feature is a striking cliff of raised coral limestone whose profile resembles an elephant’s trunk or head dipping into the sea, framed by clear turquoise water below and open ocean beyond. The name Manzamo means ‘a field for ten thousand people to sit’, a phrase attributed to an 18th-century Ryukyuan king who admired the sweeping grassy clifftop. A well-maintained walking path loops around the headland, offering superb views of the elephant-trunk rock, the dramatic cliffs and the East China Sea, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset. Easy to visit and free, with a shopping and rest complex nearby, Cape Manzamo is a quick but rewarding stop on any west-coast Okinawa itinerary.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Onna Village, Okinawa |
| Hours | ~8:00–19:00 (path lit later) |
| Admission | Small parking/entry fee |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Year-round; sunset |
What to See
- The famous elephant-trunk rock formation.
- Grassy clifftops above turquoise seas.
- A loop path with East China Sea views.
- Spectacular sunsets over the ocean.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the west-coast beaches nearby.
- Pair with Ryukyu Mura village.
- Read our Okinawa overview .
Getting There
- By car: about an hour north of Naha on the west coast.
- By bus: to Onna Village, then a short walk.
Tips
Come towards sunset for the most beautiful light over the elephant-trunk rock and the East China Sea. Follow the loop path around the headland for the best angles, wear sun protection as there’s little shade on the clifftop, take care near the cliff edges, and combine it with the nearby Onna-coast beaches and resorts.
