Walking at Cape Hedo: Journey to Okinawa’s Northernmost Point and Its Stunning Scenery

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Walking at Cape Hedo: Journey to Okinawa’s Northernmost Point and Its Stunning Scenery

Delivering the Sights of Cape Hedo, Japan’s Edge of the Land

Wooden signboard marking Cape Hedo, Okinawa’s northernmost point

At the very tip of Okinawa’s main island lies Cape Hedo.

Here you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, stroll along well-maintained walking paths, discover historic monuments, and even relax at a café with local meals.

This article is based on my actual visit, bringing you the scenery and atmosphere of Cape Hedo through plenty of photos.

If you’d like more details about highlights and access, check the link below.

Read more about Cape Hedo

Free Parking and Visitor-Friendly Facilities

Cape Hedo offers a spacious free parking lot, large enough for peace of mind even during peak seasons.

The first thing you’ll see upon arrival by car is this wide-open parking area.

Spacious free parking lot at Cape Hedo with surrounding road view

Even during the tourist season, plenty of cars can park here, making it stress-free for road trips.

Full view of Cape Hedo’s free parking lot with cars lined up

Right next to the parking lot you’ll find a tourist information center and public restrooms—convenient for first-time visitors.

Tourist information center and white restroom building next to the parking lot

Nearby are Fushikubu Café and Cape Hedo Koyo Parlor, perfect for a meal or a quick break.

Fushikubu Café on the second floor of the tourist center and adjacent Cape Hedo Koyo Parlor

Walking the Scenic Trail

From the side of the parking lot, you can step onto the trail that winds around Cape Hedo.

The moment you pass the entrance, a green-covered path opens up, sparking excitement for the walk ahead.

Trail entrance at Cape Hedo surrounded by lush greenery

As you continue, the vivid contrast of blue sky and greenery lifts your steps.

Trail at Cape Hedo framed by blue sky and greenery Well-maintained walking path surrounded by plants at Cape Hedo

Soon, vast open skies and grasslands spread before you, creating a sense of stepping into another world.

Expansive sky and grassland as seen from the walking trail at Cape Hedo

The Struggle for Reversion Monument

Along the trail stands the Struggle for Reversion Monument.

The Struggle for Reversion Monument under blue sky with inscribed stone plaque

This monument commemorates Okinawa’s return to Japan in 1972 after two decades under U.S. rule.

For 20 years, Okinawans longed for reversion, overcoming hardships and fighting tirelessly.

The inscriptions convey the pride and determination of those who pursued peace, and standing before it, the weight of history is deeply felt.

Cape Hedo is not only about beautiful views—it is also a place where you can reflect on the struggles and resilience of its people.

Breathtaking View Behind the Monument

Walking behind the monument, the view suddenly opens up to reveal the grandeur of sea and sky.

Blue sea with white waves crashing against rocky shore at Cape Hedo

White waves pound the rugged rocks, embodying the raw power of nature. Beyond lies the endless horizon where sea and sky meet.

Blue sea and rocky coastline under clear sky at Cape Hedo Contrast of crashing waves on rocks against deep blue sea

Shifting your gaze, a patch of green meadow spreads between the rocks, softening the landscape. The sky, clouds, sea, and land merge into one magnificent scene.

Cape Hedo landscape with rocky coast, green grassland, and ocean

Karst Formations of Ancient Limestone

Further along, the karst landscape shaped by ancient limestone and lush greenery unfolds.

Visitors walking along the trail with green fields and rocks at Cape Hedo Walking trail at Cape Hedo with ocean and sky beyond green grassland

The contrast between rocks and meadows is striking, a landscape unique to Cape Hedo.

Karst terrain of Ryukyu limestone and scattered greenery at Cape Hedo Karst scenery with rugged rocks and ocean backdrop at Cape Hedo

Looking back, endless open land stretches out, amplifying the scale of the cape. This is the true meaning of freedom.

Expansive view of Cape Hedo from walking trail

Monument to Ties with Yoronjima

Continuing on, the Friendship Monument with Yoronjima stands against the ocean.

Friendship monument with Pan’ouru statue against blue sea

This monument symbolizes cross-border exchanges during Okinawa’s U.S. occupation.

The Pan’ouru statue, gifted from Yoronjima, means “flowers and coral” and represents good fortune with the form of a bird-fish hybrid.

At that time, traveling between Okinawa and mainland Japan required a passport. Yet, people still gathered and exchanged on the sea, making this monument’s message even more powerful.

Dramatic Cliffside Views

Toward the trail’s end, you can admire dramatic coastal cliffs.

View of coastline and green cape from the top of steep cliff at Cape Hedo

The steep cliffs and the vivid blue sea below left me breathless.

Dynamic seascape from the cliff edge with ocean and rocky terrain Bare rocky cape contrasting with the sea at Cape Hedo Rocky coast jutting into the sea with cape stretching in distance

Peeking down between the rocks, the dazzling blue ocean comes into view, blending thrill and beauty.

Blue sea between steep rocky cliffs at Cape Hedo Ocean and rocky terrain seen from atop the cliffs at Cape Hedo

Trail Walk in About 20 Minutes

The walking trail takes about 20 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace—ideal for enjoying both nature and history.

Cape Hedo trail with sculptures and open meadow scenery

On the way back, the trail opens under a wide sky, filling me with refreshing exhilaration.

Visitors walking along trail back to parking lot under expansive sky End of trail with grassy plaza and blue sky at Cape Hedo

Scenic Lunch at Fushikubu Café

After the walk, a meal at the café is a must.

Located on the second floor of the tourist information center, Fushikubu Café offers panoramic views while you dine.

Exterior of Fushikubu Café on the second floor of the tourist center

The name “Fushikubu” comes from a local legend about a “star hollow” at Cape Hedo.

Bright café interior with large windows overlooking the sea Wooden counter and tables inside the café with warm atmosphere

Inside, the wooden interior creates a calm, spacious atmosphere.

Customers ordering at counter in wide, wooden café interior

The window seats, with views of green and sea, are the best spots in the house.

Spectacular view of greenery and sea from window seat at café

I ordered Okinawa soba here.

Topped with grilled pork belly and red-and-white fish cakes, the soba had a gentle yet rich flavor.

Bowl of Okinawa soba with grilled pork and red-and-white fish cakes

Lifting the noodles, the aroma rose and sharpened my appetite.

Chopsticks lifting Okinawa soba from the bowl

There’s also the Cape Hedo Koyo Parlor near the parking lot—great for light bites depending on the time of day.

A Special Moment at Okinawa’s Northernmost Tip

What awaited at the end of the walk was more than scenery—it was the sense of achievement of standing at the very edge of Okinawa Island.

The blue sea and sky, the windswept meadows, and monuments telling stories of history—everything makes this place one of a kind.

Cape Hedo is best accessed by car, though buses are available with limited frequency. Planning ahead is essential.

Even so, I felt this is a destination worth every effort.

Where the Pacific Ocean meets the East China Sea—make your way to Cape Hedo.

Grassland at Cape Hedo surrounded by blue sky and sea

For more details about highlights and access to Cape Hedo, check the article below.