Kunigami Village is located in the northern part of Okinawa Island (a.k.a. Yanbaru) and has abundant nature! With its characteristically Okinawan sea and lush trees you are  sure to forget about your daily life.

In this article we will introduce must-visit places in Kunigami Village – such as sightseeing spots, gourmet spots, and hotels.

Sightseeing Spots in Kunigami Village

Daisekirinzan

Daisekirinzan is a rocky mountain in the northernmost part of Okinawa Island. It was formerly a quasi-national park but has been incorporated into the Yambaru National Park. It is surrounded by nature and has many strangely shaped rocks, huge boulders, and forests.

There are hiking courses that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, making it a great place to explore nature. It is also known as a place where god(s) live and is a great place to come if  you need a power boost.

Basic Information: Daisekirinzan
Address：1241 Aza-Ginama, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-8117

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Yui Yui Kunigami Roadside Station

As you head north along Route 58 you will eventually come to Yui Yui Kunigami Roadside Station. After entering the gift shop you will be greeted by the many Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawan Rail) characters and the local specialty products such as karagi (cinammon) tea and wood crafts made by Yanbaru Craft.

There are also places to dine, a famer’s market, and a park. It is a great rest stop for when you go on drives in Okinawa.

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Basic Information: Yui Yui Kunigami Roadside Station
Address：1605 Okuma, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-5555

Hiji Falls

Hiji Falls in Kunigami Village is the largest waterfall on Okinawa Island. If you walk along the walking path from the lush Hiji Falls Camp Site for about 1 hour, you will see the beautiful Hiji Falls as it flows upon the boulders and water. With the wildlife along the path to the falls and the magnificent waterfall itself, it is the perfect spot for those who want to get in touch with the nature of Okinawa.

Although there is a walking path, it is a long walk to the falls and the temperature and humidity tends to be high, so please proceed carefully and stay hydrated.

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Basic Information: Hiji Falls
Address：781-1 Hiji, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-3636

Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center – Ufugi Nature Museum

 

Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center – Ufugi Nature Museum was established as a center for wildlife conservation efforts in Okinawa. The center is engaged in efforts to spread public awareness, protect and propagate endangered wildlife and conduct research.

In the facility there are exhibits on the nature and creatures that inhabit the Yanbaru area, a video/lecture room and a Yuntaku Zone where you can look through documents/materials. We recommend stopping by if you’re interested in Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail) or Okinawa’s nature and wildlife.

Basic Information: Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center – Ufugi Nature Museum
Address263-1 Hiji, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-50-1025

Hentona Shopping Street

 

Hentona Shopping Street is located in the heart of Kunigami Village and is complete with places where you can drink, eat, shop, and stay! Lined with shops and inns, it has a uniquely Okinawan atmosphere. Have lunch and go shopping during the day, then stay at a hotel and go bar-hopping and enjoy everything Hentona Shopping Street has to offer.

Bonus: Yona, Kunigami Village

Yona in Kunigami Village is a small community of just 200 residents where the original scenery of Okinawa remains. Experience the history and culture of Yona as you explore the community, the lifestyle of its people and the natural environment of the area. 

Yona is about a 20-minute drive from Cape Hedo, so if you plan to visit Cape Hedo, stop by Yona, as well.

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Spots to Enjoy the Breathtaking Scenery!

Cape Hedo

Cape Hedo is located in the northernmost point of Okinawa Island. If you stand on the cape, the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea will spread out before you and you can enjoy the magnificence of the vast ocean. On sunny days you can even see Yoron Island and Okinoerabu Island.

It can be reached in about 2.5 hours by car from Naha Airport, and is a great place to head if you want to go on a drive.

Basic Information: Cape Hedo
Address： Aza-Hedo, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-2101（Kunigami Village Office）

Kayauchi Banta

Kayauchi Banta is an 80-meter tall precipitous cliff located near Cape Hedo. Kaya is a type of grass and when a bundle of grass is thrown over the cliff it disperses, which is how the cliff got its name. There are no shops, only observation points and gazebos, but the view of the ocean is spectacular. We recommend visiting Kayauchi Banta if you visit Cape Hedo.。

Basic Information: Kayauchi Banta
Address：Ginama, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-2622（Kunigami Village Office – Planning, Commerce & Tourism Section）

Yanbaru Kuina Observation Tower

As its name indicates, this observation tower is designed to look like a Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail). To reach the observation tower from the Cape Hedo entrance, drive along the coast and take the road on the mountain side.

As the spot is not traversed by many tourists nor locals, it is a great place to enjoy the view of the ocean without being disturbed. We recommend visiting this spot if you want to relax and leisurely take in the view.

Basic Information: Yanbaru Kuina Observation Tower
Address：Aza-Hedo, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa

Beaches in Kunigami Village

Okuma Beach

Okuma Beach is managed by Okuma Private Beach & Resort and is a 1-kilometer long private beach in Kunigami Village. The white sand and emerald green sea are beautiful and the water quality has been ranked the highest level in surveys taken by the Ministry of the Environment. 

It is a great beach to visit if you want to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other marine activities. If you want to enjoy the ocean in Kunigami Village, then we recommend paying this beach a  visit.

Basic Information: Okuma Beach
Address：913 Okuma, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Facilities： Toilet, showers, changing rooms, lockers, jellyfish prevention net, lifeguard, shop, parking lot

Hentona Beach

Hentona Beach is a lesser-known beach in Kunigami Village. Its emerald green water is equal in beauty to Okuma Beach. 

The beach is equipped with toilets and showers and is not crowded, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the ocean.

Basic Information: Hentona Beach
Address：Tobaru, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Facilities： Toilet, showers, parking lot

Recommended Gourmet Spots in Kunigami Village

Tobaru Co-op Store

Tobaru Co-op Store is just a 10-minute walk from Okuma Private Beach & Resort. Co-op stores are financed by investments made by residents. 

Here, you can find original bento lunch boxes, sashimi made with Pacific bluefin tuna caught in Okinawa, freshly made Tobaru tofu, and other local specialties. We recommend stopping by for lunch or a light meal.

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Basic Information: Tobaru Co-op Store
Address：391 Tobaru, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-2303

Kare to Oyatsu Sousui (curry & snacks)

Kare to Oyatsu Sousui is a cafe that pre-opened at Yui Yui Kunigami Roadside Station. They offer curry and snacks made using only 100% plant-based ingredients, that vegans can enjoy.

Aside from those who are health-conscious, this is a great cafe to have lunch or tea time.

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Kunigami Village Oku Co-op Store

Kunigami Village Oku Co-op Store is the northernmost co-op store on Okinawa Island. There are charming local products sold here, such as Kunjan Nantu – a traditional sweet made with rice – and Oku Midori tea. We recommend coming here if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts that can only be found in Kunigami Village. 

Basic Information: Kunigami Village Oku Co-op Store
Address：113 Aza-Oku, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-8101

OKINAWA CACAO Factory & Stand

 

The process of growing cacao beans to making chocolate bars is done at OKINAWA CACAO Factory&Stand, which offers chocolate, gelato and drinks.

They also hold cacao field experience events and Cacao Night where you can enjoy awamori and chocolate. Sit back and relax in the cafe space or take a stroll along the beach with a chocolate drink in hand.

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Basic Information: OKINAWA CACAO Factory & Stand
Address：521 Aza-Hama, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：050-5241-8152

Hotel in Kunigami Village – Okuma Private Beach & Resort

 

Okuma Private Beach & Resort is a popular hotel with garden villas and grand cottages, perfect for a private stay. The resort is abundant with greenery and you can relax in its laidback atmosphere.

At Okuma Beach, which is managed by the hotel, you can try marine sports and even forest activities in the surrounding Yambaru National Park.

The resort has lots of food options with 6 restaurants, including a buffet, teppanyaki and Okinawan homestyle cooking. This is the perfect place to stay for those who want to enjoy dining, activities and privacy in a tranquil place.

Basic Information: Okuma Private Beach & Resort
Address：913 Okuma, Kunigami-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Phone：0980-41-2222

Seaside Office – A Co-working Space You can Stay At (Just a 30-Second Walk from the Beach)

Seaside Office is a co-working space in Kunigami Village, which is based on the concept “Work, Play, Stay”. As it is located just 30-seconds away from the beach, when you need a break you can take a short walk to the beach.

The facility is equipped with a break area and drinks and light meals are offered. There are also cafes and restaurants located nearby. If you’re thinking of taking a workation, definitely consider Seaside Office in Kunigami Village. 

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Events Held in Kunigami Village

Oku Yanbaru Koinobori Festival

 

Oku Yanbaru Koinobori Festival is a festival held in Oku Yambaru no Sato in Kunigami Village. See over 700 carp streamers as they “swim” over the Oku River.

During the festival there are stalls and eisa performances, so you can enjoy both food and various events. If you get a chance, come visit Okinawa during May, when the annual festival is held.

Basic Information: Oku Yanbaru Koinobori Festival
Date：beginning of May (held annually)
Address：Oku Yambaru no Sato
Reference Page：http://okuyanbarunosato.net/