Far northern vistas

Story and photos by Keith T. Graff

Almost everyone stationed on Okinawa eventually makes the weekend drive to the northern reaches of the Yanbaru region. For avid photographers and others keen on ogling gorgeous landscapes, however, this popular tourist destination offers even more than meets the eye.

For vista hounds who have yet to visit Cape Hedo, or Hedo Misaki as its sometimes called, it’s a must. On clear days you’ll appreciate the fantastic views of the islands beyond the rock formations and the cobalt blue ocean below. What many people don’t realize is that there are two other nearby spots which offer equally spectacular vistas.

One of these areas is the giant “Yanbaru Kuina" that can be seen from Cape Hedo. This is a three-story replica of the Okinawa rail, a bird native to Okinawa but currently in danger of becoming extinct. It is worth the short drive to see the replica and to enjoy the view, which offers a great backdrop of the cape and the surrounding islands for taking photographs of family and friends.

Be warned, however, getting there can be tricky. As you make your way back from Cape Hedo to the main highway along the access road, you’ll notice an odd angled intersection on your left. Turn left here but go slow because you’ll need to make another immediate left turn. This narrow road will take you down to the beach. Go past the parking area and make a right turn up another hill. Shortly after ascending, get ready for a sharp left turn up another short steep hill into a small parking area.

Most people, when leaving the Yanbaru Kuina area just get back on the main highway and drive down the west coast to save time or take the longer scenic drive down the east coast. However, if you go straight ahead and stay on the road for less than a kilometer, you will find one of the most scenic points on Okinawa. (You will know you have gone too far if you lose the center line on the pavement and start going down the hill.)

The name of the place is called Kayauchibanta, which when translated from the original Hogen means, “If you scatter straw to the winds it will scatter everywhere.” This is another outstanding scenic point that sits high on the cliffs above the East China Sea side. It overlooks the sleepy little village of Ginama.

If possible, I recommend visiting this spot early in the morning to avoid the sun in your face and to get the best photos. On a clear day, you can see all the way down the coast past Okuma recreation center and down to the Motobu Peninsula.

When you leave, I suggest adding one last adventure and continue on down this scenic and narrow mountain road to Ginama, the village below. Once, this road was old Highway 58 and the only road to Hedo Misaki and the village beyond that bears its name.