OKINAWA
Shoji is on the boat.

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Shioya Bay in Ogimi Village is known for its scenic beauty. You can sail on the peaceful water, just like Okinawans did back in the past aboard a sabani, a traditional Okinawan boat.

Originally utilized for transportation and fishing, the sabani is also used in some dragon boat races.

At Hentona Sabani in Ogimi Village, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride. For a 70-minute ride, there are two possible routes, one to sail within Shioya Bay, and the other to go out of the bay and cruise to the west side of Miyagi Island. The route is decided based on the day’s weather and sea conditions, as well as participants’ skill level and experience. On this day, we cruised inside Shioya Bay.

Hentona Sabani

  • GPS Coordinates: 26.667697, 128.103831

  • Sailboat tour: 7,700 yen (approx. $50, tax included,13 years old and above), 5,500 yen (tax included, 12 years old and undera)

  • Cash only

  • *The tour fees include lifejacket rental fee and insurance

  • Phone: 090-9787-7926

  • Website: https://www.hentonasabani.jp/

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hentonasabani/

*Each tour accepts two to six participants. Solo participation is accepted if the fee for two people (15,400 yen) is paid.

*Briefing available in English.

*Participants should expect to get wet, so they need to put on water shoes or some other suitable footwear, as well as bring along a towel and a change of clothes.

Boat on the water.

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Taking a picture of the ocean from the boat.

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Shoji Kudaka is a writer based in Okinawa. Kudaka covers travel, food and culture for Stars and Stripes Okinawa. When he is not exploring the stunning local beaches or going on treks through jungles and caves, you can find him trying out new recipes he shares online and in the paper.

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