Oganzaki is a cape on Ishigaki Island.
The view from Oganzaki is lovely, with rugged rock formations and a fine sunset.
Kabira Bay, a popular sight, is close by, and the area draws plenty of visitors.
*The name is read “Oganzaki.”
Ratings for Oganzaki
*Ratings reflect the personal impressions of the Okinawa Bookmark editor compared with other capes in Okinawa Prefecture
Oganzaki at a Glance
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 20 minutes |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Shop | None (vending machines only) |
| Official website | No |
The paths at Oganzaki are properly maintained, and you can walk out close to the cliff edge.
The lighthouse itself cannot be climbed, so plan accordingly.
*Around Lighthouse Day on November 1, part of the interior is sometimes opened to the public
The Highlights
The View from the Cliffs
The view from the top of Oganzaki is genuinely beautiful.
The great rocks and sheer cliffs make for a striking scene.
Oganzaki Lighthouse
The lighthouse cannot be climbed, but you can walk up close to it.
*Around Lighthouse Day on November 1, part of the interior is sometimes opened to the public
A Beautiful Sunset
Oganzaki is also well known for its sunsets, and plenty of people come here to watch the sun go down.
A Lovely Outlook
Looking south, the view opens up, and on a clear day you can apparently see Kohama Island and Iriomote Island as well.
Memorial to the Yaeyama Maru Disaster
There is a memorial here to those lost in the Yaeyama Maru disaster.
Signage
Oganzaki Lighthouse was built in March 1983.
The sign above sets out stories connected with the Yarabu Peninsula and Oganzaki.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Oganzaki has a free parking lot with room for about 7–8 cars in total.
See the image and Google Map below for details.
Around Oganzaki
Activities on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has a great deal to do.
Marine activities in particular are plentiful — snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking, and more.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is defined by its clear water, beautiful sand, and the view from the Kabira Park observation deck.
One thing to note: swimming is prohibited at Kabira Bay, so you cannot go in the water.
For those who want to see the coral and tropical fish, glass-bottom boat tours and other activities are available, and they are well worth doing.
It is also well known as a sightseeing spot, and draws a steady stream of visitors.
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
With one of the finest settings on Ishigaki Island, right in front of Maesato Beach, this is the largest luxury beach resort on the island. The grounds cover roughly six times the area of the Tokyo Dome and hold four room wings to suit different styles of travel, along with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a golf course.
Ishigaki Island was Japan’s first certified Dark Sky Place, so the star-filled skies here are something special, and the resort also makes a convenient base for day trips to Taketomi, Iriomote, and the other outlying islands.
Rental Cars on Ishigaki Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Ishigaki Island.
Scenic spots such as Kabira Bay and Yonehara Beach are spread across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Bus services on Ishigaki Island are infrequent, and a car makes a real difference to how much you can fit in.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
This guide has covered Oganzaki.
Oganzaki is a superb viewpoint where you can take in a genuinely beautiful stretch of coast.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to make time for Oganzaki.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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