Okinawa Manzamo: A Stunning Encounter with Elephant Rock and the Blue Sea!

When visiting Okinawa, you simply can't miss this natural wonder known as the "grassland where ten thousand people can sit." 🌾 Located in Onna Village, Manzamo boasts Okinawa's iconic Elephant Rock and breathtaking ocean views! During a casual summer weekday road trip, a mere 30-minute stop left me completely captivated by the unreal blue sea and majestic cliffs. 💙 From snapping photos to savoring Okinawa donuts, this Manzamo adventure stole my heart. Come along and explore this classic Okinawa landmark with me!

📍 Location: Manzamo (Manza Beach)
📍 Address: Japan 〒904-0411 Okinawa Prefecture, Kunigami District, Onna Village, Onna 2767
🚗 Transportation: Driving is recommended. Free parking is super convenient, about an hour's drive from Naha!
🎫 Admission: 100 yen per person. The on-site ticket machine supports Chinese, making it simple and convenient!
🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning or evening for fewer crowds and better lighting—perfect for capturing Elephant Rock!

🌊 Highlights: A Visual Feast of Elephant Rock and Ocean Views
Manzamo's beauty is a must-see on any Okinawa trip! Visiting on a weekday afternoon, the sunlight shimmering on the azure sea paired with the natural shape of Elephant Rock felt like stepping into a postcard. 📸 Here are the top three highlights:

1. Elephant Rock:
This coral reef rock shaped like an elephant's trunk is the soul of Manzamo! 🐘 Standing on the observation platform, you can gaze down at the 20-meter-high cliffs while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks. For the best photos, walk to the left side of the trail to avoid backlighting and capture the perfect composition of Elephant Rock against the vibrant blue sea.

2. Scenic Walking Trail:
Manzamo's circular trail is flat and easy to navigate, taking just 5-10 minutes to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of cliffs, grasslands, and the East China Sea. 🌴 Informative signs along the trail introduce the area's geology and Ryukyu history, making it an engaging experience for all ages. The trail is also designed with accessibility in mind, making it ideal for families or elderly visitors.

3. Manzamo Area Revitalization Facilities:
The newly renovated visitor center is a delightful surprise! ✨ The first floor features a souvenir shop selling Okinawa specialties like Sata Andagi (Okinawa donuts). The freshly fried black sugar flavor is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—pure bliss with every bite! 😋 The third-floor outdoor observation deck offers an unobstructed 180-degree view of the cliffs and blue sea surrounding Manzamo. 🌊 You can even spot the greenery of Mount Onna and the white architecture of ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort in the distance! 📸

💡 Travel Tips:
1. Best Time to Visit: Morning (8:00-10:00 AM) or evening (after 5:00 PM) to avoid crowds and enjoy soft lighting for photos.
2. Budget Reference: Admission is 100 yen per person.
3. Outfit Suggestion: Lightweight T-shirt paired with a sun hat. The trail is exposed, so remember to wear sunscreen during summer!

🌟 Overall Rating: 8/10

Though Manzamo is a small attraction, the awe-inspiring Elephant Rock and the charm of Okinawa's blue sea make the short visit well worth the ticket price!

💖 The trail is easy to walk, the visitor center is modern, and the freshly fried donuts and sea grapes are a bonus! Standing on the cliffs, feeling the sea breeze, it feels like you're conversing with the ocean. This sense of natural tranquility and wonder is a memory you'll cherish from your Okinawa trip. Next time, I hope to return for the sunset and capture even more stunning photos!