Cape Zanpa - Okinawa, Japan
Cape Zanpa had been on my Okinawa list from the very beginning — not so much for the lighthouse itself, but for the sweeping coastal views. I arrived around noon and found plenty of parking available. The moment I stepped out of the car, the Okinawan humidity hit me. Even with a light breeze coming off the ocean, the heat was intense, and I immediately felt myself slowing down.
Following the paved walking paths through Cape Zanpa Park, I made my way toward the lighthouse. What truly draws visitors here isn’t the structure alone, but the dramatic 30-metre-high limestone cliffs stretching roughly two kilometres along the coast. The jagged, porous rock formations — sculpted by wind and waves over centuries — contrast beautifully against the deep blue of the East China Sea. With the white lighthouse standing tall against the green vegetation and the endless ocean backdrop, the landscape feels raw and powerful.
Although the scenery remains fairly consistent along the trail, the slight shifts in elevation and angle offer different perspectives of the cliffs and coastline. Some sections allow you to peer directly over the edge to watch waves crash below, while others provide wider panoramic views of the horizon. I took my time looping around the park paths before returning toward the lighthouse area.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse for an additional fee — there are about 99 steps to the top — but I decided to enjoy the views from below. Even at ground level, the combination of cliff, sea, and sky was more than enough.
On my way back to the parking area, I stopped at the Zanpa Giant Lion Statue. Lion statues, known locally as shisa, are found all across Okinawa and serve as protective talismans meant to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. This one at Cape Zanpa is the largest I had seen during my time on the island, and it felt like a fitting guardian overlooking the rugged coastline.
Before continuing on with my day, I made a quick stop at a nearby café for a cold drink — a small but necessary break from the midday heat.
History & Background
Cape Zanpa (残波岬) is located in Yomitan Village on Okinawa’s western coast and is known for its rugged limestone cliffs formed from Ryukyu limestone, a coral-based rock unique to the region. Over time, erosion from strong ocean currents and seasonal typhoons carved the dramatic, jagged coastline seen today.
The Zanpa Lighthouse was constructed in 1974 and stands approximately 31 metres tall. It is one of the few lighthouses in Japan that allows visitors to climb to the top. From its observation deck, you can see sweeping views of the East China Sea and, on clear days, even distant islands.
According to local legend, Cape Zanpa was once a landing point for foreign invaders during the Ryukyu Kingdom period. The cliffs were said to serve as both a lookout point and a natural defensive barrier.
The shisa statues found throughout Okinawa trace back to Ryukyuan folklore, influenced by Chinese guardian lion traditions. Traditionally, a pair is placed at entrances — one with an open mouth to ward off evil and one with a closed mouth to keep good spirits in. The giant shisa at Cape Zanpa symbolizes protection over the coastline and surrounding community.
Getting There
Cape Zanpa is best accessed by car, especially if you are staying in central or northern Okinawa. From Naha, the drive takes approximately one hour depending on traffic. Public transportation is possible but less convenient, typically requiring a bus to Yomitan followed by a taxi or a lengthy walk. Free parking is available at Cape Zanpa Park, and the walking trails around the cape are clearly marked and easy to navigate.
Route Overview
Distance: 2.5 km out & back (Cape Zanpa Parking Lot)
Total elevation gain: 24 m
Duration: 35 min (with breaks 40 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥270
