Cape Zanpa is located at the westernmost point of Okinawa Island and is famous as one of the island’s best places to watch the sun set over the East China Sea. Here, spectacular cliffs rise as high as 30 meters and stretch for approximately 2 kilometers along the coast.
At the tip of the cape stands a striking white lighthouse, one of Cape Zanpa’s most recognizable landmarks. The combination of dramatic cliffs, brilliant blue ocean, and the white lighthouse creates one of the most memorable coastal landscapes in central Okinawa.
The area around Cape Zanpa has been developed as a scenic park where visitors can enjoy the rugged coastline and expansive ocean views. The lighthouse provides an excellent vantage point over the surrounding sea, while the rocky shoreline below offers a close-up view of Okinawa’s powerful coastal landscape.
The cape is also popular for shore fishing and diving. The clear waters and rocky coastline make the area an attractive destination for travelers who want to experience Okinawa’s marine environment.
Cape Zanpa is more than a scenic viewpoint. Several places of worship are scattered around the area, reflecting Okinawa’s long-standing spiritual traditions.
A statue of Taiki, a figure associated with trade during the Ryukyu Kingdom period and traditionally regarded as a guardian of commerce, stands in the area. The statue reflects the historical importance of maritime trade to the Ryukyu Kingdom and adds a cultural dimension to the spectacular coastal scenery.
Zanpa Cape Park is a family-friendly area where visitors can enjoy the outdoors at a relaxed pace. Small animals such as goats and turtles can be seen, while the expansive lawns provide plenty of space for children and families to play.
The park also has tennis and basketball courts, making it possible to combine sightseeing with outdoor sports and recreation.
One of the most unusual sights near Cape Zanpa is a gigantic shisa, the traditional Okinawan guardian figure. Standing approximately 7 meters tall, it is an impressive landmark that is difficult to miss.
Shisa are traditionally placed around homes and buildings in Okinawa as protective guardians. Seeing such a large example offers visitors an easy introduction to one of the most recognizable symbols of Okinawan culture.
Just before reaching the cape is Zanpa Beach, where visitors can enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful tropical sea. The beach provides a pleasant complement to the dramatic cliffs of the cape, allowing travelers to experience both the rugged coastline and the inviting waters of the island.
Cape Zanpa is especially popular in the late afternoon. As Okinawa Island’s westernmost point, it is one of the places where the setting sun disappears over the sea, creating beautiful views across the horizon.
The contrast between the glowing sunset, the white lighthouse, and the rugged 30-meter cliffs makes the cape particularly impressive toward evening.
Cape Zanpa brings together many different aspects of Okinawa: dramatic natural scenery, clear tropical waters, outdoor recreation, traditional culture, and historical connections to the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Whether you visit for the panoramic ocean views, the iconic lighthouse, the giant shisa, the beaches, or the sunset, Cape Zanpa is one of the most rewarding coastal destinations in central Okinawa.
Free of charge
From Naha Airport, take Route 332 to Route 58 and go straight north.
Turn left at the Kina intersection in Yomitan Village, go straight on Prefectural Route 12, turn right at the Takashiho intersection, and go along Prefectural Route 6.
Turn left at the Zanba Iriguchi intersection and follow the road to Cape Zanba at the end of the road.
By Car or Rental Car
From Naha Airport, take Route 332 to Route 58 and drive straight north.
Turn left at the Yomitan Village Kina intersection, go straight on Prefectural Route 12, turn right at the Takashiho intersection, and go along Prefectural Route 6.
Turn left at the Zanba Iriguchi intersection and follow the road to Cape Zanba at the end of the road.
Take the Okinawa Expressway from the Naha IC, get off at the Okinawa Minami IC, and drive about 50 minutes on the national highway.
By bus
From Naha Bus Terminal, take No. 28 and get off at Cape Zanbamisaki Koen bus stop.