Nyatiya Cave is a cave on Ie Island, an outlying island off northern Okinawa.
It sits along the coast on the southwest side of the island; walk down the steps from the parking area and a large cave opens up in front of you.
During the Battle of Okinawa it was used as an air-raid shelter, and because it sheltered so many people it is also known as the “Cave of a Thousand People” (Gama).
It is also known as a power spot, home to the “Chikara-ishi” (Bijiru stone) of fertility legend.
This is a sacred place of worship, so please visit respectfully.
Rating for Nyatiya Cave
*Ratings are the subjective view of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other spots in Okinawa.
Nyatiya Cave at a Glance
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 20–30 minutes |
| Also known as | Cave of a Thousand People (Gama) |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Shop | No |
| Restroom | No |
| Camping | Not permitted (sacred site) |
| Official site | Ie Village official site |
Nyatiya Cave is free to enter and open at any time.
There is a parking area, but no restrooms or shops, so it is best to take care of that near Ie Port before you head over.
The Ie Village official site also notes that “camping and similar activities are not permitted, as this is a sacred place of worship.”
What Makes Watarūji Worth Visiting
The “Chikara-ishi” (Bijiru stone) of fertility legend
Inside Nyatiya Cave there is a stone known as the “Chikara-ishi,” or strength stone.
Legend has it that if a woman struggling to conceive can lift this stone, her wish will be granted.
Also called the “Bijiru stone,” it draws many visitors as one of Ie Island’s best-known power spots.
The history behind the “Cave of a Thousand People”
During the Battle of Okinawa, Nyatiya Cave was used as an air-raid shelter by the island’s residents.
Because it sheltered so many people, it also came to be known as the “Cave of a Thousand People” (Gama).
On Ie Island, fierce ground fighting took place over six days from April 16 to 21, 1945, and many people were killed, residents among them.
Near Ie Port there is the Ie Island Hanikusuni Local History and Peace Museum, where you can learn about the island’s history free of charge. It is worth visiting as well.
The sea framed by the cave mouth
Nyatiya Cave faces the sea, so you can look out at the water from inside the cave.
Framing the bright sea from the dim interior makes for a striking photograph.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, take a look at what is on offer on Ie Island through GetYourGuide or Viator.
There are restrooms
There are restrooms next to the parking area.
Things to know before you go
Nyatiya Cave is a sacred place of worship that local people hold dear. Camping is not permitted, so please visit quietly.
Steps lead down from the parking area to the cave. They get slippery when wet, so wear shoes you can walk in comfortably.
Inside the cave it is dim and the ground is rocky. It gets particularly hard to see after dusk, so visiting in daylight is recommended.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 10 minutes by car from Ie Port |
| Address | Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | No |
Nyatiya Cave has a free parking area.
See the Google Map below for details.
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
Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu)
Gusukuyama (Ie Island Tacchu) is a rocky peak about 172 meters high, rising from the middle of Ie Island.
Climb the 291 steps — about 15 minutes — and a 360-degree panorama of the whole island and the sea around it opens up.
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 Nyatiya Cave.
Nyatiya Cave is a large cave in the southwest of Ie Island, and a power spot home to the “Chikara-ishi” (Bijiru stone) of fertility legend.
It was used as an air-raid shelter during the Battle of Okinawa, and is also known as the “Cave of a Thousand People” (Gama).
Entry is free and there is parking, but this is a sacred place of worship, so please visit respectfully.
When you visit Ie Island, make time for Nyatiya Cave.
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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