Cape Kayauchibanta

Located in Kunigami Village in northern Okinawa Island, Kayauchibanta is a popular sightseeing and scenic spot. This dramatic cliff, which towers about 80 meters above the East China Sea, is reached via a mountain road from the nearby Ginama village. The name “Kayauchibanta” comes from a local tale: when bundles of thatch harvested for roofing were thrown off the cliff, the fierce winds scattered them—hence the name, as “banta” means “cliff” in the Okinawan dialect.

Atop the cliff is a viewing platform where you can take in breathtaking views of the deep blue sea, the distant Iheya and Izena Islands, and on clear days, even a sunset melting into the horizon. The platform also features a shaded rest area, making it a pleasant place to relax even during the hotter seasons.

Historically, the cliff was known as a treacherous path where travelers had to rely on handholds like roots and stakes to cross. The narrow, rugged trail was so difficult that when two people met, one often had to turn back to give way. While the area is now more accessible thanks to improved roads, visitors are still encouraged to explore with care.