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Cape Hedo is one of Okinawa’s most iconic scenic spots. From the northernmost tip of Okinawa Island, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the vast ocean—an unforgettable scene that symbolizes the natural beauty of Okinawa.
In addition to its dramatic scenery, Cape Hedo also offers historical monuments, local food, and more. This article introduces the highlights of Cape Hedo, including must-see spots, access details, and nearby attractions.
Cape Hedo is the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, located in Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture. It is part of Yanbaru National Park, designated in 2016, and is characterized by rugged cliffs overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 10:00 am–5:00 pm (Cape Hedo Tourist Information Center / Fushikubu Café / Koyo Parlor) |
| Closed Days | Open year-round (Cape Hedo Tourist Information Center / Fushikubu Café) Tuesday (Koyo Parlor) |
| Admission | Free |
| Contact | 0980-43-0977 (Cape Hedo Tourist Information Center) |
| Official Website | https://hedomisaki-okinawa.com/ |
| Parking | Free parking available (approx. 70 spaces) |
| Access | By car: About 2 hours 30 minutes from Naha City By public transport: About 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours with bus transfers |
| Address | 973 - 5 Hedo, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, 905 - 1421 |
From breathtaking landscapes to historic monuments and rest facilities, Cape Hedo is full of diverse attractions. Here are the must-see highlights to enjoy during your visit.
The biggest attraction of Cape Hedo is the panoramic ocean view from limestone cliffs rising about 15–20 meters above the sea.
The endless horizon and gradations of blue stretching before your eyes offer a unique view only possible at Okinawa’s northernmost point. With nothing to obstruct the view, you can fully experience the sense of openness and scale.
Cape Hedo sits at the boundary of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, making it a place where waves often crash violently against the cliffs, sending up powerful sprays.
The sharp cliffs, endless sea, and sky—shaped by nature over millions of years—are why Cape Hedo is recognized as one of Okinawa’s premier scenic destinations.
Cape Hedo is also known for its striking limestone terrain, where countless rocks jut dramatically from the earth. Formed during the Paleozoic era around 250 million years ago, these rocks were shaped by wind and waves over millennia, creating one of Okinawa’s rare geological landscapes.
The rugged formations underfoot resemble natural sculptures carved by time. Be sure to take in not only the ocean vistas but also this remarkable limestone landscape as one of Cape Hedo’s highlights.
Well-maintained walking paths connect the main attractions at Cape Hedo, allowing visitors to explore safely and comfortably.
It takes about 20 minutes to stroll through the main spots at a leisurely pace. The route is straightforward, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate.
One of the most eye-catching landmarks at Cape Hedo is the “Kariyushi Statue,” depicting a creature with the upper body of a bird and the lower body of a fish. In Okinawan dialect, “Kariyushi” means “auspicious” or “happy.”
The statue commemorates the historic ties between Okinawa and Yoron Island. Though only about 23 km apart, Okinawa was under U.S. rule after World War II, and direct travel was prohibited.
During the 1960s, people in both Okinawa and Yoron lit bonfires across the sea, holding maritime gatherings to express their hopes for Okinawa’s return to Japan.
After Okinawa’s reversion in 1972, ties were restored, and in 2001 the town of Yoron gifted the statue to Kunigami Village as a symbol of friendship. Today, it serves as both a cultural monument and a wish for peace and happiness.
On clear days, visitors can see Yoron Island on the northern horizon.
Another important site is the “Return to the Homeland Monument,” built to commemorate the movement demanding Okinawa’s return to Japan during the postwar U.S. occupation. It was erected in 1976, four years after Okinawa’s reversion.
Standing against a backdrop of blue sky and ocean, the monument reminds visitors of the value of peace and the aspirations of those who fought for Okinawa’s return.
The Cape Hedo Tourist Information Center provides maps, brochures, and helpful details on Kunigami Village and the wider Yanbaru area. It’s also a good place to learn more about local attractions such as Daisekirinzan and Oku Village.
There is also a shop selling local souvenirs, as well as free restrooms and rest areas, making it a convenient stop for travelers on long drives. Exhibits about Cape Hedo’s history and culture further enrich your visit.
Cape Hedo has two eateries: “Fushikubu Café” and “Koyo Parlor.”
The Fushikubu Café, located on the second floor of the Tourist Information Center, offers coffee and light meals with panoramic ocean views. Its name, meaning “tip of the cape” in Okinawan, reflects its stunning location.
The Koyo Parlor, near the parking area, offers a more casual, stall-style atmosphere where visitors can enjoy Okinawan flavors while feeling the ocean breeze.
Both spots offer a variety of meals and snacks, so you won’t go hungry at Cape Hedo.
Alongside Cape Hedo, the Yanbaru area has many other highlights worth visiting, all within a short drive.
| Spot | Distance from Cape Hedo | Category | Time Needed | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisekirinzan (Asmuyi Hikes) | Approx. 5 min by car | Power spot / Nature park | Approx. 1–2 hours | Tropical karst landscape formed from limestone over 250 million years ago. Walk through the sacred forest of Asmui from Ryukyu mythology. |
| Yanbaru Rail (Bird) Observatory | Approx. 5 min by car | Observation spot | Approx. 20–30 min | Observation tower inside an 11.5 m Yanbaru Rail statue. View the forest and sea from its back. |
| Chinugucliff (Kayauchi Banta) | Approx. 5 min by car | Scenic spot | Approx. 15 min | Dramatic cliff over 80 m high with views of the East China Sea and Yoron Island. |
| Tomb of King Gihon | Approx. 4 min by car | Historic site | Approx. 10 min | Tomb of one of the early kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom, quietly standing in the Yanbaru forest. |
As Okinawa’s northernmost point, Cape Hedo is a bit far from Naha, requiring some travel time. Here’s how to get there.
From central Naha, it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx. 120 km) by rental car. The route is:
Driving is the most convenient way, with free parking at Cape Hedo. You can also combine the trip with nearby attractions like Daisekirinzan and Chinugucliff.
If you plan to stop at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island along the way, leave early in the morning to allow enough time for sightseeing and rest.
Round trip from Naha takes about 5 hours of driving. Even on well-maintained roads, it can be tiring, so make sure to take breaks often.
For those not driving, Cape Hedo can be reached by transferring buses. From Naha or Naha Airport, take the highway bus “Route 111” to Nago, then transfer to a local bus and finally the Kunigami Village bus to the terminal stop at Cape Hedo.
The total journey takes 3.5–4 hours one way. As Kunigami Village buses run infrequently, be sure to check the timetable in advance. Staying overnight in Nago or Kunigami is recommended if you want to combine your trip with other Yanbaru attractions.
At Okinawa’s northernmost tip, Cape Hedo combines spectacular ocean views, dramatic limestone formations, and historic monuments.
With visitor facilities including a tourist center and cafés, it’s also a convenient place to rest and gather information. Nearby attractions like Daisekirinzan and Chinugucliff add even more to the Yanbaru experience.
Although it’s a long drive from Naha, combining Cape Hedo with surrounding sights makes for a fulfilling trip to northern Okinawa.
Discover both the natural beauty and cultural history of Okinawa at Cape Hedo.
For a deeper look at the atmosphere of Cape Hedo, check out this article:
