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Cape Maeda, located in Onna Village in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, has beautiful cliffs and numerous caves facing the East China Sea, and the “Blue Cave” is particularly popular for its breathtaking and mysterious scenery.
In addition to enjoying diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, there is also a viewing spot overlooking the beautiful ocean, offering many attractions to enjoy Okinawa’s great nature.
This section introduces in detail the sights and attractions of Cape Maeda, as well as access information and points to note.
- 1 What is Cape Maeda?
- 2 Cape MaedaDiving and snorkeling at
- 3 Basic Information
- 4 Cape MaedaFacility Information
- 5 Cape Maeda Parking Fees at Cape Maeda
- 6 Precautions and Safety Considerations
- 7 How to access
- 8 About Blue Cave
- 9 summary
- 10 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 11 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 12 special feature article
What is Cape Maeda?
Cape Maeda has a spectacular reef and cliffs that form a distinctive topography facing the East China Sea. The cape’s topography includes numerous caves and inlets formed by the erosion of limestone, of which the “Blue Cave” is the most famous.
During the day, the sunlight reflecting off the water surface and illuminating the interior of the cave with a mysterious blue light is truly a work of nature’s art.
Cape MaedaDiving and snorkeling at
Diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed around the Blue Cave.
In the clear water, colorful tropical fish and coral reefs spread out before your eyes, making it ideal for underwater photography.
Even if you do not swim, you can see the beautiful ocean from the observatory on the cape, showing the beauty of the Okinawan sea to all who visit.
During busy times and times of the year, the ocean will be full of people.
Since it is such a popular and crowded spot, we recommend that you aim for a time when there are no people
and go when the ocean is not rough!
How to choose a car rental without making mistakes! Thorough explanation!
Car Rental
Be careful with cheap rental cars…
A rental car is essential to fully enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa. However, there are several points to consider when choosing a rental car company.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Basic Information
| Location | Maeda Ward, Onna Village, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access | ・About 1 hour drive from Naha Airport ・About 20 minutes walk from Kuraha bus stop by bus No.120 |
| parking lot | 180 for passenger cars, 5 for large vehicles, and 4 for people with disabilities ・No parking for large vehicles from April to September. |
| facility | Shower, locker, hair dryer, toilet, shower room |
| usage fee | Parking: 100 yen/hour for motorcycles, 100 yen/hour for standard-sized vehicles, 300 yen/hour for microbuses, and 500 yen/hour for large vehicles |
| precautions | Swimming is at your own risk ・Toxic jellyfish and rocky areas, guided tours recommended |
| regular closing day | Jan. 1, Jan. 2, Jan. 3 *Closed temporarily due to weather and emergencies. |
Cape MaedaFacility Information
It is accessible by public transportation, about an hour’s drive from Naha Airport.
The facility is equipped with showers and lockers, allowing visitors to enjoy activities in peace. On the official website, you can check the sea conditions on the day of your visit and learn in advance whether swimming is possible.
shower room
- Summary: Separate shower rooms for men and women are available for use after snorkeling or diving. The shower rooms are equipped with heated water facilities and can be used comfortably all year round.
- Fee: 200 yen (one time use fee) for use of showers.
locker
- Summary: A number of lockers are available for the safe storage of valuables and change of clothes. You can pick up a key for use near the entrance of the facility.
- Fee: 100 yen (one time use fee) for lockers.
dryer
- Summary: A hair dryer is located in the shower room for convenient use after showering.
- Fee: 100 yen (per use) for the use of a hair dryer.
Cape Maeda Parking Fees at Cape Maeda
Parking fee
- 2-wheeled vehicles:
- First hour: 100 yen
- After that, every 60 minutes: 100 yen
- Regular car:
- First hour: 100 yen
- After that, every 60 minutes: 100 yen
- Microbus:
- First hour: 300 yen
- Every 60 minutes thereafter: 150 yen
- Large vehicles:
- First hour: 500 yen
- Every 60 minutes thereafter: 200 yen
Number of parking spaces available and features
- For passenger cars: 180 vehicles
- For large vehicles: 5 units
- For handicapped: 4 units
usage time
- 7:00-19:00
Other Information
- Large vehicles and microbuses are not allowed to park between April and September, and advance reservations are required.
- Security cameras are in operation and safety is taken into consideration.
Precautions and Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations
- Wear a life jacket:
- For underwater activities, life jackets are mandatory, especially for beginners and those who are not good swimmers. Waves can be unexpectedly strong, so be sure to wear one for your safety.
- Use of guided tours:
- The waters of Cape Maeda can have fast currents, and the access to the Blue Cave in particular has complex terrain. Inexperienced divers and beginners can safely enjoy the cave by taking a guided tour.
Hazardous organisms and countermeasures
- Toxic jellyfish:
- The waters of Cape Maeda may be inhabited by poisonous jellyfish such as habu jellyfish. Jellyfish stings can cause severe pain and allergic reactions, so wearing a rash guard is recommended to avoid skin exposure.
- Dangers of rocky terrain:
- The sea around the cape is rocky and it is easy to slip. Swimming and diving in rocky areas is very dangerous, especially on days when there are waves. Please keep your activities in areas that are designated as swimming areas.
Underwater precautions
- Underwater visibility:
- Visibility is limited underwater, so you need to be even more careful, especially on days when there are waves or when the water is murky. Always be aware of the situation around you as well as the seafloor in front of you.
- Divers knife carrying restrictions:
- Political and religious activities are prohibited in the facility, as well as the possession of divers knives (double-edged and over 5.5 cm). This is a safety regulation and a measure to protect the safety of all visitors.
Beginners and inexperienced divers should enter the water with a special, guided person.
The maximum depth is 35 meters. The depth inside the Blue Cave is 5 meters.
Life jackets must be worn.
After diving and snorkeling, you can enjoy a chill time at Ura Maeda Beach.
How to access
Access by car
- By car from Naha Airport: about an hour’s drive.
- Take Route 58 north toward Onna Village. Once in Onna Village, follow the signs for Cape Maeda and turn left to proceed to the cape.
When using public transportation
- Access by bus:
- From Naha Airport, take bus No. 120 and get off at the Kuranami bus stop. From the Kuraha bus stop, it is about a 20-minute walk to Cape Maeda.
Parking Information
- Cape Maeda has a large parking lot with space for 180 passenger vehicles, 5 large vehicles, and 4 spaces for disabled persons.
- Please note that large vehicles and microbuses require reservations and cannot park between April and September.
Additional Information
- When visiting Cape Maeda, especially if you intend to snorkel or dive, it is a good idea to check the official website in advance to confirm the sea conditions on the day of your visit. Swimming may be prohibited depending on the sea conditions, so it is important to gather information in advance.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
About Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is one of Okinawa’s most popular tourist attractions, an underwater cave created by nature.
The name comes from the phenomenon of the seawater glowing blue as the sun’s rays shine into the cave. This mysterious sight is loved by many divers and snorkelers who visit.
feature
- Light effect: When the sun shines below the surface of the water, which is the entrance to the cave, the underwater particles reflect the light, creating a brilliant blue glow.
- Access: The distance from land to the caves is about 5 minutes by swimming, and is typically visited by diving or snorkeling tours.
- Biodiversity: The area around the cave is very biodiverse, with an abundance of colorful tropical fish and corals.
Tour Information
- Tour types: guided diving and snorkeling tours are available for beginners and advanced divers.
- Safety measures: For your safety and enjoyment, a guide must accompany you on all tours, and wearing a life jacket is recommended.
precautions
- Currents: Currents can be strong at the entrance to the caves, so inexperienced divers should be especially careful.
- Weather Effects: Weather and sea conditions may limit entry to the caves. Always check the latest sea conditions before visiting.
For more information about the Blue Cave, click here.
summary
Cape Maeda in Onna Village, northern Okinawa’s main island, has a spectacular view of the cliffs facing the East China Sea and numerous caves, the most famous of which is the “Blue Cave.
The view of the sun reflecting off the surface of the water and illuminating the interior of the cave with a mysterious blue color is breathtaking. Diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed, and the spectacular view from the observatory is also an attraction.
It is easily accessible, and the facility is equipped with showers and lockers. However, there are fast currents and rocky areas, so guided tours are recommended for beginners.
Check the sea conditions on the official website in advance to enjoy nature safely.
You will have an extraordinary experience to experience the grandeur and mystery of Okinawa’s nature at Cape Maeda.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
