The Yanbaru Kuina Observatory is an observation tower in Hedo, Kunigami, in the north of Okinawa Main Island.
It is an 11.5-metre tower built in the shape of the Okinawa rail, the bird that Kunigami Village takes as its own.
From the top you look out over the coastline of the northernmost tip of Okinawa Main Island, Cape Hedo included.
Admission is free and you can climb it whenever you like.
Ratings for the Yanbaru Kuina Observatory
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other sightseeing spots in Okinawa Prefecture.
Key facts about the Yanbaru Kuina Observatory
| Height | 11.5 m |
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Parking | Yes (free, a few spaces) |
| Shop | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Official website | Kunigami Village Tourism Association |
The observatory is free, open all year, and has no time restrictions, so you can climb it whenever you arrive.
There is no shop and no restroom, though, so it is worth stopping somewhere with facilities, such as Cape Hedo, before you come.
The parking area is small, with room for only a few cars.
What makes it worth a visit
An 11.5-metre Okinawa rail
What defines this observatory is that the structure itself is a giant Okinawa rail.
It stands 11.5 metres tall, and looking up at it from close by is quite something.
The Okinawa rail is the village bird of Kunigami, a flightless bird found only in the Yanbaru forest. It is designated a national natural monument.
A full view of the coastline around Cape Hedo
Climb the tower and the sweeping coastline of Okinawa Main Island’s northern tip opens up, Cape Hedo included.
Taking in the deep Yanbaru forest and the sea in a single view is something only this spot offers.
It is not a place that draws crowds, so you can enjoy the view in peace.
Easy to pair with Cape Hedo
The Yanbaru Kuina Observatory is a short drive from Cape Hedo.
It is an easy stop on a drive around the northern tip of Okinawa Main Island, so pair it with Cape Hedo and Kayauchi Banta.
If that appeals, take a look at what there is to do in Kunigami on Viator or GetYourGuide.
No restrooms or shop
There are no restrooms, no shop, and no vending machines at the observatory.
Cape Hedo, just nearby, has parking, restrooms, and a shop, so it is best to sort things out there first.
Things to note
The turning for the observatory is easy to miss, sitting as it does near a cemetery.
The road in from there is narrow with some sharp bends. Take care if you are not a confident driver or are in a larger car.
There are only a few parking spaces, so if it is full, do not try to squeeze in.
The surrounding area is Yanbaru forest. Okinawa rails and other wildlife come out onto the road at night, so slow down as you drive.
Access and parking
| Access | About 150 minutes by car from Naha Airport *About 5 minutes by car from Cape Hedo |
| Address | Hedo, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Parking | Yes (free, room for about 5 cars) |
| Restroom | None |
The observatory is on the inland side, along the coast from the Usahama archaeological site near the entrance to Cape Hedo.
There is no large sign at the turning, so it helps to have Google Maps open as you go.
See the Google map below for details.
Around the observatory
Cape Hedo
Cape Hedo is the northernmost cape on Okinawa Main Island, a short drive from the Yanbaru Kuina Observatory.
Sheer cliffs and open sea make it a spectacular spot, and it has parking, restrooms, and a shop.
Things to do in Kunigami
Kunigami has no shortage of activities built around the nature of Yanbaru.
Everyone from adults to children can get out into Okinawa’s wilder side, so it is worth trying.
Okuma Private Beach & Resort
The Okuma Private Beach & Resort is probably the northernmost resort hotel in Okinawa.
With a pool and a beautiful beach it is a place to unwind, and there is plenty of choice when it comes to water sports.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Okinawa Main Island.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches of the north, American Village in Chatan and more are scattered across the island, and with a car you can take them at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and do not always run on time, so having a car or not makes a real difference to the trip.
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 article looked at the Yanbaru Kuina Observatory.
The Yanbaru Kuina Observatory is an 11.5-metre tower shaped like the village bird of Kunigami.
Climb it and the coastline around Cape Hedo opens up, and admission is free.
The turning is hard to spot and the road is narrow, but that is exactly why you get the view to yourself.
If you are heading to the northern tip of Okinawa Main Island, make time for the Yanbaru Kuina Observatory.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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