Manzamo is a cape in Onna Village, in the north of Okinawa’s main island.
It draws large numbers of visitors and locals every year.
At Manzamo a wide expanse of sea opens out beyond a Ryukyuan limestone cliff, and the rock shaped like an elephant’s trunk is what it is best known for.
The name Manzamo comes from a field large enough for ten thousand people to sit on; mo means a grassy plain.
*Source: Onna Village official site
The site is well set up for visitors, and about 30 minutes is enough to see it properly.
Ratings for Manzamo
*Ratings are the personal impressions of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other capes in Okinawa Prefecture
Manzamo at a glance
| Opening hours | No set hours |
| Admission | 100 yen (same for adults and children) *Free for children under elementary school age |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Official site | Onna Village official site |
Highlights
The natural rock shaped like an elephant’s trunk
Photos of the Elephant’s Trunk rock are what Manzamo is known for on Instagram.
There is a fence at the photo spot, but take care not to lean out over it.
The sunset is lovely too
The sunset at Manzamo is beautiful.
The Elephant’s Trunk rock and the sunset together make a fine combination.
Sheer cliffs
Manzamo is a sheer cliff, with clear blue water spread out below it.
The cliff stands about 20 meters high, which is a real drop.
The view from the cliff edge
The view from the cliff edge is beautiful.
The East China Sea opens out in front of you, and on a clear day you can see as far as Iejima in the north.
You can also see nearby Manza Beach and the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort.
Also known for snorkeling and diving
The waters around Manzamo are well known for snorkeling and diving.
Take a look at what is on offer through Viator or GetYourGuide.
The plateau at Manzamo
The plateau at Manzamo is covered in natural grass, with plant communities around it.
The limestone plant community at Manzamo is designated a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture.
*Source: Onna Village official site
The Manzamo visitor facility
A new visitor facility has opened at Manzamo.
It has souvenir shops, restaurants and a free observation deck, making the site easier to visit.
A mo (field) large enough for ten thousand (man) people to sit (za) = Manzamo
The name is said to come from King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom, who visited Manzamo in the first half of the 18th century and praised it as a field large enough for ten thousand people to sit on.
That is the story behind the name.
Getting there and parking
| Access | About 80 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | 2726 Onna, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Manzamo has parking, and it is free.
There are several lots with room for about 200 cars in total, so finding a space is rarely a problem.
See the image and map below for parking details.
Around Manzamo
Activities in Onna Village
Onna Village offers a range of marine activities.
You can book diving, snorkelling, SUP and more.
If you want to dive or snorkel, take a look at what is available in Onna Village.
Manza Beach
Manza Beach is known for its emerald green water and clean white sand.
There are plenty of activities, and everyone from adults to children can enjoy it safely.
Manzamo and resort hotels sit nearby, so it has the feel of an Okinawan resort.
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort
The ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort is a resort hotel.
Beyond the ocean views from the rooms, it has pools, a sauna, a large public bath, a fitness room and more.
It is a particularly good pick if you want to feel like you are at an Okinawan resort.
A rental car is the way to go in Okinawa
For sightseeing on Okinawa’s main island, a rental car is by far the best option.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches up north, American Village in Chatan – the places worth seeing are scattered across the island, and having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are infrequent and rarely run on time, so having a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars book up quickly in peak season, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Summary
This article introduced Manzamo.
Manzamo is a well-known spot that draws large numbers of visitors every year.
When you visit Onna Village, make time for Manzamo.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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