Gusukuyama is a rocky peak on Ie Island, an outlying island off northern Okinawa.
Because it rises alone from the middle of an otherwise flat island, it is affectionately known as “Ie Island Tacchu” — a landmark visible from the Motobu Peninsula and the area around the Churaumi Aquarium.
It stands about 172 meters high, and steps lead all the way to the summit.
At the top a 360-degree panorama opens up, taking in the whole of Ie Island and the sea around it.
Rating for Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu)
*Ratings are the subjective view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other spots in Okinawa.
Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu) at a Glance
| Elevation | About 172 m |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 30 minutes (around 15 minutes to climb) |
| Steps | 291 |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official site | No |
Gusukuyama is free to enter, with no time restrictions — you can climb it whenever you like.
You can drive right up to the trailhead, where there is parking, a shop and restrooms.
The climb itself takes about 15 minutes, but allowing 30 minutes gives you time for photos and for taking in the view.
What Makes Watarūji Worth Visiting
A 360-degree panorama from the summit
From the summit of Gusukuyama you can see the whole of Ie Island and the sea surrounding it, in every direction.
Because this is the only peak on an otherwise flat island, nothing blocks the view.
On a clear day you can see across the water to the Motobu Peninsula and the islands nearby.
291 steps, about 15 minutes to the top
The route to the summit is almost entirely built steps — 291 of them.
The climb takes around 15 minutes, so you do not need any serious hiking gear.
That said, the steps vary in height and width and the gradient steepens towards the end, so wear shoes you can walk in comfortably.
The island’s landmark, and very photogenic
Gusukuyama is clearly visible from the Motobu Peninsula side, and its shape has become shorthand for Ie Island itself.
It looks quite different seen from the ferry and from the island itself, so try photographing it from a few places.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, take a look at what is on offer on Ie Island through GetYourGuide or Viator.
A shop and restrooms at the trailhead
Next to the parking area at the trailhead there is a shop, a rest area and restrooms.
You can buy a drink before you set off, which helps in summer.
The rest area also looks out over the town and the sea, so there is a view even if you do not climb.
Things to know before you go
Some sections of the steps have handrails, but the gradient is steep in places, so watch your footing.
There is little shade, and in summer you will work up a real sweat on the way up. Bring water and a hat.
The summit is rocky and beyond the railing it drops away, so take great care with your footing and your surroundings when taking photos.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 10 minutes by car from Ie Port |
| Address | Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
There is a free parking area at the Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu) trailhead, so you can drive or ride straight up to it.
See the map below for the location of Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu) and its parking.
Getting around Ie Island
Once you arrive on Ie Island you can rent a car or a bicycle near Ie Port.
Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu) is about 10 minutes by car from Ie Port, so renting a car or a bicycle is the way to go.
Rental bicycle rates are shown in the photo below.
Getting to Ie Island from Okinawa’s Main Island & Ferry Fares
Ie Island is reached by ferry from Motobu Port on Okinawa’s main island to Ie Port.
The crossing takes about 30 minutes and there are four round trips a day, so a day trip is perfectly doable.
Fares are as follows.
| Adult | Child | |
| One way | 730 yen | 370 yen |
| Round trip (from Motobu Port) | 1,390 yen | 710 yen |
| Round trip (from Ie Port) | 1,250 yen | 630 yen |
| Group round trip (15+ people) | 1,320 yen | 670 yen |
The ferry timetable, vehicle shipping fares and parking at Motobu Port are covered in detail in the article below.
Nearby
Nyatiya Cave
Nyatiya Cave is a large cave in the southwest of Ie Island.
It is a place of worship also known as the “Cave of a Thousand People” (Gama), home to the “Chikara-ishi” (Bijiru stone) of fertility legend.
Marine activities on Ie Island
Ie Island offers plenty of marine activities such as diving and snorkeling.
Guided experiences mean even first-timers can take part with confidence.
They are a good fit for families and groups of friends too.
Hotel YYYCLUB Ie Resort
If you are thinking of staying overnight on Ie Island, Hotel YYYCLUB Ie Resort is a good choice.
It is a comfortable place to unwind while looking out over the beautiful sea.
The rooms are spacious, with the open, airy feel of a tropical resort.
There is also a pool, a restaurant and a bar on site, so there is plenty to enjoy during your stay.
Take in the nature of Ie Island and give yourself time to relax.
Summary
This article covered Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu).
Gusukuyama is a rocky peak about 172 meters high rising from the middle of Ie Island, and the island’s landmark.
Climb the 291 steps — about 15 minutes — and a 360-degree panorama of the whole island and the sea around it is waiting.
Entry is free, and with parking, a shop and restrooms at the trailhead it is an easy stop to make.
When you visit Ie Island, do climb Gusukuyama.
Thank you for reading to the end.
The other beaches and sights on Ie Island are all covered in the article below — take a look.
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