Okinawa's Cape Zanpa: A Stunning Encounter with Cliffs and Lighthouse!

Okinawa's breathtaking scenery never fails to captivate, and Cape Zanpa is undoubtedly a hidden gem of natural beauty! 🌅 Located in Yomitan Village, this cliffside spot boasts the unbeatable Okinawan blue sea and a classic white lighthouse. During a casual weekday road trip, it took just half an hour to be completely mesmerized by the unreal blue ocean and the majestic cliffs—I'm officially a fan! 💙 Follow me to explore this secret landmark of Okinawa! 📸

📍 Location: Cape Zanpa
📍 Address: Japan, 〒904-0328 Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Zanpa 1861
🚗 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, with free parking available and plenty of spaces. It's about a 1-hour drive from Naha!
🎫 Cost: Free admission; lighthouse interior visit costs 300 yen per person
🕒 Hours: Open all day; lighthouse visits from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (check the official website for updates)
💡 Tip: After 4:00 PM, the area is less crowded, and the cliffs and lighthouse under the sunset are stunning—perfect for photography!

🌟 Highlights: The perfect combination of cliffs and lighthouse
1. Cape Zanpa Cliffs:
This 20-meter-high cliff is the soul of Cape Zanpa! 🌊 The sound of waves crashing against the coral reef is incredibly soothing. Standing on the observation deck, you can overlook the Okinawan blue sea, with sunlight shimmering on the water—it feels like stepping into a movie scene! 📸 The trail along the cliff is flat and easy to walk, making it ideal for family outings. On windy days, be sure to hold onto your hat!
📷 Photography Tip: Capture the cliffs and sunset in the evening. The silhouette of the rocks against the backlight creates an atmospheric vibe, and a wide-angle lens can help you capture the full view!

2. Cape Zanpa Lighthouse:
This white lighthouse, the tallest on Okinawa's west coast, was built in 1974 and stands about 31 meters high. It's an iconic landmark of Cape Zanpa! 🏮 For 300 yen, you can climb the lighthouse and enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean and the greenery of Yomitan Village—absolutely stunning!
💡 Tips: The stairs inside the lighthouse are a bit steep, with 99 steps to climb 😤, and it's very windy at the top.

💡 Travel Tips:
1. Best Time to Visit: Between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, when the sunset paints the sea red. It's perfect for photographing the cliffs and lighthouse, and the crowds are minimal.
2. Budget Reference: Lighthouse admission is 300 yen per person.
3. Outfit Suggestion: Lightweight T-shirt and sun hat; the cliffs are windy, so consider bringing a light jacket.

🌟 Overall Rating: 7/10
The cliffs and lighthouse at Cape Zanpa, paired with the unbeatable Okinawan blue sea, make this half-hour stop well worth it! 💎 The free cliffside trail and the breathtaking views from the observation deck perfectly showcase Okinawa's natural beauty. Standing on the cliff, feeling the sea breeze, and gazing at the lighthouse and sunset—it feels like becoming one with the ocean. This unforgettable experience is a must-have memory for any Okinawa trip! 😍 Next time, I want to bring friends along and climb the lighthouse for some stunning ocean views!