ape Manzamo is an iconic viewpoint on the western side of Okinawa. The limestone cliffs which part of resembling an elephant’s trunk are only 20m high but are both vertigo and awe-inducing as they face out across the East China Sea. In good weather you can see the rocks beneath the clear azure water and even snorkel or dive. In rough weather (when I went) you can watch the powerful waves break against the cliffs and watch the long grass blow in the wind in intoxicating wave after wave.

Named after the King of the Ryukyu islands referred to the grass plain on top of the cliffs as being big enough for 10,000 people to sit. It’s also home to some rare plants that can be seen on the main island of Okinawa, so if chances are if you see something unusual… it probably is.

Green grass, turquoise water and a moody sky…

It’s easy to get to by car, a large parking lot and a 15 min walk up a slight grade to the cliffs. It’s also free!

Visiting the cape is a fun break from Naha and great place to take some photos in a beautiful setting regardless of the weather

Some pictures below to show you what to expect, or just skip them and be surprised for yourself!

The cliffs with the elephant trunk formation

Posing by the plants unique to Okinawa

Beautiful long grasses waving in the winds

The cliffs on the right

A long way down

A few more portraits before escaping the wind

The elephant in Okinawa!