Nestled along the western coast of Okinawa’s Onna Village, Cape Manzamou is one of Japan’s most scenic and iconic natural landmarks — a must-visit destination for Japanese and international travelers. As visitors stroll along the well-paved promenade that encircles the expansive grassy plateau, they are rewarded with sweeping views of the deep blue ocean, an endless horizon, and dramatic limestone rock formations.
The beauty of Cape Manzamou
Located within a national natural park, Cape Manzamou captivates visitors with its striking limestone cliffs, which jut out into the ocean, resembling an elephant dipping its trunk into the water. Above the cliffs, an expansive grassy plain stretches, offering panoramic views of the vivid blue sea and sky. On clear days, the ocean shines as it stretches toward the distant horizon, and the view at sunset is nothing short of breathtaking.
Watch the following video on “Manzamou Cape Okinawa’s Iconic Elephant Rock and Ocean Views” for more interesting images.
This dramatic seascape is formed from ancient coral reefs and limestone, shaped over 300,000 years by ocean waves and sea winds. Facing the East China Sea, the area features fascinating geological formations such as fissures and caves. Coupled with lush green vegetation and rugged volcanic rocks, Cape Manzamou provides a stunning visual contrast that draws nature lovers and photographers alike.
The origin of the name Cape Manzamou
The name Manzamou (Japanese: 万座毛 / まんざもう) means “a field where ten thousand people can sit.” Legend has it that King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom visited the cape in the 18th century and was deeply impressed by the vast grassy plateau at the top of the cliffs. Struck by its expansive beauty, he claimed that the land was large enough to accommodate 10,000 people — a sentiment that inspired the poetic name still used today.
A glimpse into the royal past of Cape Manzamo
During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, Cape Manzamou was a favorite retreat of the royal family and local nobility. It wasn’t just a place of natural splendor; it was a cultural landmark deeply rooted in Okinawa’s historical heritage.
Today, visitors to Cape Manzamou can still connect with its royal heritage. At the visitor center, tourists can rent traditional Ryukyuan attire, known as Ryusou — once worn by the royalty and nobility of the Ryukyu Kingdom — and pose for photos against the dramatic coastal backdrop. This immersive experience invites travelers to imagine when nobles galloped across the grassy plain on horseback or hosted lavish banquets overlooking the sea, adding layers of history and cultural richness to this scenic destination.
The Elephant Rock and a haunting legend of Cape Manzamou
The cape’s most iconic feature is undoubtedly its elephant trunk-shaped cliff, formed by the uplift of coral reefs and millennia of erosion. It has been featured in a popular Korean drama titled It’s Okay, That’s Love (Korean: 괜찮아, 사랑이야), which further elevated its international fame.
Yet behind its beauty lies a somber history. During World War II, it is said that the Japanese army compelled many Okinawan civilians to jump to their deaths from this very cliff rather than surrender. Since then, local tales speak of lingering spirits and supernatural encounters. Though the site is now filled with the laughter of tourists, this tragic chapter remains part of its complex legacy.
The legend of the Married Couple Rocks at Cape Manzamou
In addition to the famed Elephant Rock at Cape Manzamou, visitors can spot a pair of rock formations known as Tobera Rock (also called the Married Couple Rocks, トベラ岩), located out in Okinawa Brute Cove near the end of the walking path. Bound with a sacred rope called shimenawa, they represent harmony and fidelity in local Okinawan belief. These rocks are considered a spiritual site, where people come to pray for good relationships, marital happiness, and family well-being.
A short walking path leads visitors around the cape, offering changing landscape perspectives and guiding them back to the starting point — a perfect loop for leisurely exploration.
The spirit of Cape Manzamou
Cape Manzamou is more than just a postcard-perfect viewpoint. It is a place where nature, legend, and history converge. From the majestic Elephant Rock and sweeping grassy plateau to the cultural echoes of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the spiritual tranquility of the Married Couple Rocks, every aspect of Cape Manzamou tells a story.
Whether you come to admire its raw beauty, delve into its past, or soak in the ocean breeze, Cape Manzamou is a must-visit destination that embodies the soul of Okinawa.
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