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We are the Izena Island Tourism Association.

Izenami Island lies north of Okinawa’s main island. The island’s coastline measures 17 kilometers, and you can drive around it in about 20 minutes.
The village of Izena in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, consists of the main island Izena and three uninhabited islets: Yagaji Island, Gushikawa Island, and Furuji (Orikami) Island.
The population of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture, was 1,322 at the time of the 2020 survey. The island is also known as the birthplace of King Sho En, the first king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

In this first post, we introduce Izena Island and highlight its attractions, sightseeing spots, and activities.

■■Sightseeing spots on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

◆Futamigaura Coast (a dramatic view of two neighboring Gitara rocks)
“Gitara” means a sheer rock or cliff. The prominent rocks on the sea and on land are called “umi Gitara” and “agi Gitara.”
The approximately 1-kilometer-long Gitara Coast hosts many of these sea and land Gitara formations. With the pairing of sea Gitara and land Gitara and the pleasing arrangement of broadleaf trees, this coast has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches.

Also in the Gitara Coast area, Mattera Beach is a hidden gem with white sand and crystal-clear blue water.
A campsite is available there as well.

◆Gitara Observatory
Located in the Gitara Coast area, the Gitara Observatory is a popular lookout point.
It offers a rare panoramic view of the two opposing sea and land Gitara formations. At night, the starry sky and town lights are a must-see.

◆Izena Castle Ruins
The Izena Castle Ruins sit 70 meters above sea level in the southeast of Izena Island.
They are said to have been built in the Gusuku period (11th–14th centuries) by Samekawa, the ancestor of King Sho En.
The site rises in a pyramid shape with cliffs on three sides, and it was once called an impregnable fortress.

From the summit of the Izena Castle Ruins you can enjoy spectacular ocean views.
At the foot of the ruins stands Izena Tamaudun, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

◆Izena Beach (Izena no Hama)
On the island’s south side, this beach opens onto cobalt-blue waters.
It’s a popular spot for swimming and camping, with toilets and showers available.
※From July 2023, some areas are closed due to coastal reinforcement work.

◆Shoen-ō Oniwa Park (Park commemorating King Sho En)
This park opened in 1996 to commemorate the 580th anniversary of King Sho En’s birth.

Visitors still come to Shoen-ō Oniwa Park frequently. The park includes Sunjaagar, the tidal spring said to have been used as King Sho En’s baby bath.
It’s a sightseeing spot where you can feel the history of the Ryukyu kings.

◆Mekaru Family Residence
The Mekaru family residence, designated as a nationally important cultural property, was the home of the direct line of the Mekaru family.

Because it escaped war damage and was well preserved, it was rebuilt in 1906 (Meiji 39).

◆Samuree Path
The Samuree Path is a 2-kilometer ancient road used from the 12th to 13th centuries as the only living route connecting the Izena settlement with the island’s southwest.

In the Ryukyuan dialect, “Samuree” refers to warriors associated with the royal family.
The path’s siliceous rock paving resembled the footprints of warriors, which is how the Samuree Path got its name.

The Samuree Path also served as a pilgrimage route for the Mekaru family, relatives of the Sho clan, when performing the ancestral grave-visiting ceremony called the Kōji Shimeisai (shīmī). It links to Izena Tamaudun, the royal tomb.

◆Shirasagi Observatory
Facing the sea, Shirasagi Observatory offers wide views of Gitara Coast (Futamigaura) and the ocean. It’s a popular viewpoint where you can also see the Izena Castle Ruins and Yagaji Island.

■■Activities on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

◆Bicycle rentals
Because Izena Island is mostly flat, renting a bicycle is a great way to tour the sights.
Enjoy the island as you ride through its tranquil scenery.

◆Diving and snorkeling
With its clear waters, Izena Island is perfect for marine activities.
You’ll find coral reefs, luminous caves, and plenty of underwater attractions.
Beginners to advanced divers can all have a great time.

◆Sea fishing
Izena Island has many good spots for catching black sea bream (kurodai).
The Izena Island Tourism Association’s official website publishes an Izena Island fishing map, so please make use of it.

■■Gourmet information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

◆Awamori
Awamori, produced throughout the Ryukyu Islands, is also brewed on Izena Island.
Please enjoy the mellow flavor of locally produced awamori.

◆Izena-style Okinawa soba
You can enjoy Okinawa soba made with plenty of mozuku seaweed, or noodles made using rice grown on Izena Island—unique local takes on Okinawa soba.

■■Festivals and events on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

◆Izena 88 Triathlon
This is Izena Island’s largest event, drawing about 600 athletes each year.
Anyone aged 18 or older and in good health may participate regardless of nationality.
The intense 7-hour competition is a sight to behold.

◆Unna Festival
Unna is Izena Island’s traditional festival praying for a bountiful rice harvest.
The event features dramatic displays such as tug-of-war with a giant rope, the snai match fought on carried boards, and Okinawan-style sumo tournaments.

■■Accommodation information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

Izena Island offers a variety of lodging, including hotels, minpaku guesthouses, and guesthouses.
You can choose places that overlook the beach or stay in cozy, homey accommodations to suit your preference.

■■Traditions of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

One of Izena Island’s charms is a tradition called Ihyajutee.
Ihyajutee means “the people of Izena are compassionate.”
Historically, islanders welcomed visitors from elsewhere without distinction and shared the bounty of their catches, a longstanding hospitality tradition.

You can still experience Ihyajutee on the island today.
Hosts may invite you into a garden where tea waits on the engawa veranda; you can sit, sip tea, listen to island stories, and enjoy slow, relaxed time—the unique hospitality of Izena Island.

■■Access information to Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■

◆By private car
From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours, then take a car ferry from Unten Port (Nakijin Village) for about one hour.

◆By taxi
From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours (fare: about 16,000 yen).
From Nago city to Unten Port about 25 minutes (fare: about 2,400 yen and up).

You can also use buses and express buses from Naha Airport.
For details, please check the Izena Island Tourism Association official website.

On Izena Island you’ll find rental shops for cars, bicycles, and mopeds. They are useful for sightseeing.

We will continue sharing information about Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so thank you for your continued support!