Cape Zanpa is a headland in Yomitan Village, in the central part of Okinawa’s main island, and a well-known attraction where roughly 30-metre cliffs run for about 2 kilometres.
It is also famous for its large lighthouse, and draws plenty of visitors and locals alike.
The scenery at Cape Zanpa is beautiful, and it is known as a filming location for the BTS music video “Let Go”.
Nearby are Zanpa Beach, Cape Zanpa Park, the Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort and Okashi Goten (a souvenir shop), among others, so there is plenty to keep everyone from kids to adults entertained.
Cape Zanpa ratings
Cape Zanpa essentials
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restroom | Available |
| Shop | Available |
| Lighthouse admission | 300 yen (junior high school age and above) |
| Official website | https://www.yomitan-kankou.jp/tourist/watch/1611315137/ |
The area around the Cape Zanpa lighthouse has well-kept walking paths, but head towards the shore and it turns into rugged rock, so take care on your feet.
Much of Cape Zanpa has no railings, so please be very careful when approaching the cliff edge.
The Cape Zanpa lighthouse stands about 31 metres tall.
There is a charge (300 yen), but you can climb to the top — well worth it for the view.
The lighthouse is open for visits during the following hours.
[Visiting hours]
March–September, weekdays: 9:30–16:30 / weekends: 9:30–17:30
October–February 9:30–16:30
Highlights
The View from the Cliffs
The view from the cliffs really is spectacular.
The ground underfoot is rugged rock, so please watch your step.
A well-known diving and snorkeling spot
Cape Zanpa is also known as a diving and snorkeling spot.
The water is often rough, though, so we strongly recommend going with a guide and taking safety seriously.
You can book through Viator or GetYourGuide, so do take a look!
The rough waves are a sight in themselves
The waves at Cape Zanpa are powerful and genuinely impressive.
There were people fishing along the shore and others taking photographs.
A lovely walking path
A walking path runs around Cape Zanpa, and locals use it for their daily strolls.
It is also known as a filming location for the BTS music video “Let Go”.
The statue of Taiki
Taiki was a figure from Yomitan Village who travelled to China as the first tribute envoy of the Ryukyu Kingdom, opening the era of great trade. He is remembered as a hero and known as the god of commerce.
The statue of Taiki was completed in November 2008 and erected at Cape Zanpa.
Cape Zanpa Park
Cape Zanpa Park surrounds the headland and includes the walking paths and the car park.
It has sports facilities, a barbecue area, a café and more.
The photo above shows play equipment modelled on a tribute ship.
CAPE ZANPA DRIVE IN — a café to unwind in
There is also a café where you can take your time.
Access and parking
| Access | About 1 hour by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 1861 Uza, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restroom | Available |
Parking at Cape Zanpa is free.
There is space for around 100 cars, so finding a spot is rarely a problem.
For the parking, see the map below.
Around Cape Zanpa
Activities in Yomitan Village
You can also book diving, snorkeling, SUP and other activities in Yomitan Village.
Viator and GetYourGuide list a wide range of options, so do take a look if you are curious!
Zanpa Beach
Zanpa Beach is also one of Okinawa’s loveliest beaches, and draws large crowds of swimmers every year.
The Zanpa Great Lion, the giant shisa
The Zanpa Great Lion, very likely the largest shisa in Japan, stands in Cape Zanpa Park.
At 8.75 metres tall and 7.8 metres long, it is genuinely startling up close.
Okashi Goten
Okashi Goten, famous for its purple sweet potato tarts, is also just nearby.
It is a good place to pick up Okinawan souvenirs.
Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort
A resort where you can enjoy both the beautiful sands of Zanpa Beach and the sweeping views of Cape Zanpa.
Rooms come with ocean views, and the property has both a pool and a large public bath.
It is one of Yomitan Village’s leading resort hotels, so it is well worth considering if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area.
Summary
In this article we introduced Cape Zanpa.
Cape Zanpa is vast, and the views are magnificent.
When you are in Yomitan Village, do go and take in the scenery at Cape Zanpa.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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