Higashi-hennazaki
東平安名岬
Coastline with sea air, sunset angles and a slower island tempo.
What this place is
The cape of Higashi-henna-zaki (東平安名岬; Miyako: Agari-pyauna-zaki) is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty located at the southeasternmost point of Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is connected by a road No. 83. The promontory is 2 km long and 140 – 200 m wide. At the end of the cape is a white lighthouse which gives 320° panorama view of the ocean, a very popular spot for sunrise viewing. The lighthouse was erected in 1967 with assistance from the Japanese government after a man called Mr. Sunakawa, who was head of the local fishing union, had become concerned by several severe boating incidents near the coast of Higashi Hennazaki.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Rock formations and cliffs shaped by wind and waves, best seen when the light rakes across them.
- Long sea horizons — this stretch is known for its sunrise or sunset depending on which way the coast faces.
- Small fishing harbours nearby where the day's catch goes straight into local restaurants.
What you can do here
- Walk the shoreline path or headland trail to the main viewpoint.
- Stay for sunset; the 30 minutes after the sun drops are usually the best colour.
- Eat seafood at a harbour-side shokudo — donburi rice bowls and grilled shellfish are the standards.
- In summer, swim or try a boat trip, sea kayak or glass-bottom cruise where operated.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Check tide times if you plan to walk out onto rocks or sand bars.
- Coastal wind is strong year-round; a windbreaker beats an umbrella.
- Buses along the coast can run only a few times a day — note the return time before you set out.
Traveler reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how it went.