Cape Manzamo

Cape Manzamo is one of the best-known viewpoints on the west coast, and it is easy to see why. A grassy plateau about twenty metres above the sea ends in sheer limestone cliffs, and one of the rock formations curves out over the water in a shape that looks like an elephant's trunk. The sea below is a vivid emerald colour on a clear day, and waves breaking against the base of the cliffs give the scene constant movement. A short, safe path runs along the plateau, with railings at the edge and viewing points that look back at the rock formation and out toward the horizon. The cape is part of the Onna coast, the stretch of resorts and beaches between Yomitan and Nago, and it is among the most photographed places on the main island.

The name is often explained by a legend that a Ryukyu king admired the broad grassy plateau and said it could seat ten thousand people, which is roughly what the name means. Whether or not the story is accurate, the open lawn on the clifftop gives a sense of space that you rarely find on the crowded coast road.

Walking the whole path takes only about twenty minutes, so the cape is a short stop rather than a destination, and many visitors combine it with a nearby beach, a coffee at the tourist centre or lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. A tourist centre by the entrance offers shopping and dining.

Sunset is the favourite time, when the cliffs glow gold and the sea turns pink, but this is also when the car park fills with coaches and photographers. For a quieter experience, go in the morning, when the light is clear and the paths are almost empty. The plateau is exposed, so take a hat and sunscreen on sunny days and a light jacket in winter, when the wind off the sea can be strong.

Stay behind the railings, which are there for a reason, and take particular care with children near the edges, because the cliffs drop sharply and the surface can be slippery after rain.

Cape Manzamo sits within easy reach of several of the west coast resorts, so it is a natural outing for guests staying at Onna, and it is roughly an hour by car from Naha Airport. It combines well with the Blue Cave snorkeling area, the Churaumi Aquarium to the north and Zakimi Castle to the south.

Parking and facilities can carry small charges, so check on arrival. If you like the clifftop scenery, look out for other coastal viewpoints along the route, including Cape Zanpa to the south, which has its own lighthouse and sweeping views.

If you plan to spend a longer time on the coast, think of Cape Manzamo as part of a day of simple pleasures rather than a single sight. Start with a swim or snorkel from a nearby beach in the warmer months, stop at the cape in the afternoon and finish with dinner at a restaurant with a sunset view.

In winter, strong northerly winds can make the clifftop feel cold, and the sea can be rough, so dress in layers and enjoy the waves from a safe distance. Check weather and wave conditions before you go, because typhoon swells can close the paths.