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Glorious Sunsets, Surreal Rock Formations: 5 Stunning Ocean Views in Kyushu and Okinawa

Do include Cape Manzamo (and its elephant trunk-shaped rock formation) on your bucket list. | Photo credit: OCVB

On the island country of Japan, there are lots of spots that boast beautiful ocean views. While it is a southern island, the Kyushu region of Japan is famous for its hot springs and local cuisine, and there are numerous places where you can take in superb views of the sea and unique scenery. Here are some recommended spots that are great for sightseeing in Kyushu and Okinawa for both first-timers and frequent visitors to Japan. Okinawa, in particular, is one of the best resort spots in Japan. Visit these places and be one with nature! We include information on easy access that you can use for reference.

1. Sun Messe Nichinan, Aoshima, Miyazaki

Sun Messe Nichinan’s moai statues are replicas of the original statues found on Easter Island, Chile.

Located on a small hill on Nichinan Coast, Sun Messe Nichinan is a sightseeing spot lined with seven replicas of moai statues like those originally found on Easter Island, Chile. Japan supported the repair of Easter Island’s moai statues when they collapsed due to tribal conflicts and the Great Chilean Earthquake. Because of its assistance, Japan became the only country in the world to be granted permission to reproduce moai statues. Sun Messe Nichinan’s statues are bigger than we thought, and their sizes and face shapes are slightly different from each other, so you can choose your favorite one! It was a sunny day, and the blue sky and sea spread out around the moai statues. I was able to take a photo that made people think, "Oh? Did you actually go on a trip to Hawaii or Easter Island?!" If you are particular about having great snaps for social media, it is best to go in the evening. The combination of the sun settling on the horizon, the orange-colored sea, and the moai statues towering along the coast looks magical.

Aoshima is a tiny island (left) with a distinct wave-shaped rock formation called Devil’s Washboard (right).

Another recommended spot on the Nichinan Coast is Aoshima. A small island with a circumference of about 1.5 kilometers, it’s surrounded by a wave-shaped rock formation known as Devil’s Washboard and covered with subtropical plants along the back area. This sight, along with the blue sky and sea, makes it look like a tropical country.

To reach Nichinan, take the bus bound for Nichinan from the Miyazaki Station Bus Center (travel time is about an hour and 20 minutes) and get off at Sun Messe Nichinan Bus Stop. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from JR Aoshima Station to Aoshima. Go sightseeing at both Sun Messe Nichinan and Udo Shrine so you don’t have to change buses!

When at the Nichinan Coast, do visit Udo Shrine.

Recommended photo spots near Nichinan Coast

Walk the Devil’s Washboard during low tide.

Taking photos from the park along the Nichinan Coast is recommended–so is taking photos of the moai statues and the clear blue sea from a swing! If you would like to take a photo of the Devil’s Washboard, cross over the Yayoi Bridge and head for Aoshima Shrine. You can even walk on the Devil’s Washboard during low tide!

2. Meoto Iwa of Sakurai Futamigaura, Itoshima, Fukuoka

Sakurai Futamigaura is frequented for its white torii gate and Meoto Iwa rocks (left), landmarks best viewed at sunset (right).

Itoshima is a hot sightseeing spot that you can stop by via train from Fukuoka Airport Station in about 50 minutes. Sakurai Futamigaura in particular offers superb views–just one of the many reasons why it’s included in the list of 100 Best Beaches in Japan. The landmarks of the location are a white torii gate on the sandy beach and two giant rocks (Meoto Iwa, or married couple rocks) bound together by a large rope. During sunset, we were impressed by the colors of the sky shining through Meoto Iwa. At high tide, the torii gate disappears into the cobalt blue sea, so when the water level drops during low tide and the torii gate appears, it creates a mysterious sight like you’ve never seen before!

To reach Itoshima, take the Fukuoka City Subway from Tenjin Station in the city for around 35 minutes and get off at Chikuzen-Maebaru Station on the JR Chikuhi Line.

Recommended photo spots near Sakurai Futamigaura
Take a photo of Sakurai Futamigaura from Futamigaura Park Holy Land. You can appreciate Meoto Iwa and the Genkai Sea at one glance!

3. Matama coast, Oita

Catch this beautiful sunset reflecting over the striped tidal flats.

Matama Coast faces Suonada in Usuno, Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Well known as a sunset viewing spot (thus making the list of the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan), it offers a striking contrast between the striped pattern of the tidal flats and the light, colors, and shadows of the setting sun. During low tide, the Matama Coast forms tidal flats, which, with the setting sun as seen through the photo, creates a precious landscape that can only be witnessed on days when low tide and sunset overlap. The surface of the water shining gold in the setting sun is like no other.

It takes 30 minutes by car from JR Usa Station.

Recommended photo spots near Matama Coast
It is recommended to take pictures from SOBA CAFE Yuhi near the coast. The tidal flats appear for several hours before and after low tide, so be sure to check in advance. Go when the clouds are high and the weather is fair.

Don’t miss the tidal flats during sunset at Matama Coast.

4. Cape Manzamo, Okinawa

Note the trunk-like shape of Cape Manzamo’s rock formation. | Photo credit: OCVB

Cape Manzamo is a cliff with an altitude of around 20 meters located in Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture. This steep coral reef lawn plateau is known for its strange rock formation that resembles an elephant’s trunk. Under the cliff is the beautiful, clear cobalt blue sea, and the sight and sound of waves crashing against the rocks takes your breath away. From the north side of Manzamo, you can see Motobu Peninsula, home of Churaumi Aquarium.

Get there in around 15 minutes on foot from the Onna Village Office Bus Stop.

Recommended photo spot near Cape Manzamo
As soon as you walk along the promenade from the entrance to Manzamo, you’ll see the large elephant-like rock to your left (west side). It's a popular photo spot, so you’ll have to wait your turn if there are many people before you. There is a fence, but it is dangerous to lean over it.

5. Kouri Ohashi Bridge, Okinawa

The bridge connects Nakijin Village in Kouri Island and Nago City on Yagaji Island.

The 1,960-meter-long Kouri Ohashi Bridge connects Nakijin Village on Kouri Island, Okinawa Prefecture, and Nago City on Yagaji Island. The beautiful sea sprawls on either side of the bridge, and when you drive across it, you will feel as if you are cruising on water! Right after crossing Kouri Ohashi Bridge, you’ll find Kouri Fureai Hiroba, where you can feast on local cuisine and purchase special products, so be sure to stop by!

To get to Kouri Ohashi Bridge, get off at the bus stop Nakijin Village Office, then change to the Nakijin Village Community Bus and get off at Kouri (Fureai Hiroba) Bus Stop.

Recommended photo spot near Kouri Bridge
It is recommended to take a photo right after crossing the bridge and reaching Kouri Island. The entire length of Kouri Ohashi Bridge can be seen over Yagaji Island.