Travelers dashing across the bridges to five scenic islands off of Katsuren Peninsula are bypassing an obscure scenic overlook with views rivaling Cape Manza and the Kerama Islands. New road signs now guide visitors to the Yakena Straits Observatory just south of the bridge to Henza Island on Route 37 in Okinawa. The observatory itself is but a humble collection of viewing areas from the shoreline to a hilltop, but the view of the surrounding maritime beauty is priceless. Park carefully along the street next to the observatory. The site is free of charge and is open year round and around the clock.
- 1 min read
Yakena Straits Observatory
Water watching near the end of Katsuren Peninsula
![Michael Flemming Michael Flemming](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1014/240x240!/565e87cb67ba810c868b6487.jpg)
Community writer
![The observatory is on Katsuren Peninsula of Okinawa Island facing nearby Yakena Island](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28360/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28360.jpg)
The observatory is on Katsuren Peninsula of Okinawa Island facing nearby Yakena Island
![The Yakena Staits narrow passage only accomodates small recreational vessels; the bridge that connects Okinawa to neighboring Henza, Hamahiga, Miyagi and Ikei Islands is seen in the distance](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28357/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28357.jpg)
The Yakena Staits narrow passage only accomodates small recreational vessels; the bridge that connects Okinawa to neighboring Henza, Hamahiga, Miyagi and Ikei Islands is seen in the distance
![The Yakena Straits lead out to the open Pacific Ocean east of the observatory](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28356/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28356.jpg)
The Yakena Straits lead out to the open Pacific Ocean east of the observatory
![The lush blue water between Yakena Island and Okinawa Island is beautiful and representative of scenic shorelines throughout the prefecture](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28359/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28359.jpg)
The lush blue water between Yakena Island and Okinawa Island is beautiful and representative of scenic shorelines throughout the prefecture
![The Yakena Straits Observatory includes scenic viewpoints along the shoreline and another above on a hilltop](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28361/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28361.jpg)
The Yakena Straits Observatory includes scenic viewpoints along the shoreline and another above on a hilltop
![The observatory as seen from the bridge to nearyby Yakena Island; the main viewing area is on the upper left above the shoreline viewing area on the lower right](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4432-28362/1000/okinawa-yakena-straits-observatory-28362.jpg)
The observatory as seen from the bridge to nearyby Yakena Island; the main viewing area is on the upper left above the shoreline viewing area on the lower right
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Preethu
9 years ago
I like your pic
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Isn't the clear blue water just amazing? Nice photos.
Mike, I wouldn't have found this place without the signs. I first pulled into the mysterious Yakena Island but didn't get very far past the bridge as the road became impassible to my van. I think there is a para-sailing business on the otherside of the undeveloped island, and a bunch of little farms. I'm thinking it would make a great day backpacking trip.
Michael R Lynch
11 years ago
Thanks for pointing this out. It used to be hard to find, before signs were posted.
4 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Direct Bus Operating From Kyoto Station to Expo 2025
Transportation -
2
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
3
Pokémon GO at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai
Activities -
4
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
5
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6
A Day Out in Ota Ward
Tokyo -
7
Myaku-Myaku Meets Japanese Kogei
Shopping -
8
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
9
Japan's Top Sakura Spot According to Lonely Planet
Activities -
10
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
8
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido