An Okinawan symbol built from nature
The distinctive Cape Manza is a rock formation that is shaped like the trunk of an elephant on the sheer 20m-high cliffs. With Yomitan and Onna Villages to the south and Nago City to the north, the beautiful beaches and coral belonging to the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park produce a craggy landscape that leaves quite an impression. It is also a spot that is popular for being able to view the setting sun on the natural coastline. Cape Manza whose name has the meaning of “a field where 10,000 people can sit” has a wide area of natural grass and shore plants on top of the cliffs, and the presence of plants that cannot be seen anywhere else except on the main island of Okinawa such as Isonogiku chrysanthemum has had the area designated as a Natural Monument in Okinawa Prefecture, the Cape Manza Limestone Plant Community.
A nature trail along the coastline
There is a walking trail along the cliff flora where you can take a leisurely stroll for 20-30 minutes. As soon as you get onto the trail to the left, you will see a formation shaped like an elephant’s trunk. The dynamic landscape of protruding coral reefs makes for a popular spot to take pictures. Also, the rocky face of the reefs which creates a pass and the ocean which changes into different hues along with the rough waves breaking onshore are spectacular. Seen on the opposite shore is Manza Beach which was selected as one of the Top 100 Bathing Beaches in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment. Viewing Cape Manza from this side of the Okinawan beach is also recommended.
Old-style souvenir shops and the secret place of Ura-Manzamo
On either side of the parking area, there are reasonable souvenir shops which sell many kinds of goods. Freshly-fried Okinawan doughnuts known as Sata Andagi, drinks and other refreshments are sold as light snacks. On the north side of Cape Manza, there is a place known as Ura-Manzamo (Rear Cape Manza). Once you walk for about 5 minutes on a farm road from the side of the parking area, you will come across a rocky area with a lot of plant life providing a grand example of nature which differs from the cape itself but still attracts many tourists.