Senaga Island (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Just off the coast of Okinawa’s main island sits Senaga Island.
With a circumference of about 1.5 kilometers, Senaga Island is tiny, but it’s still a popular destination for tourists. According to Umikaji Terrace, a shopping complex on the island, it draws about 3.3 million visitors a year.
From the island, visitors can see planes taking off and landing from Naha Airport nearby.
It is a great place for a laid-back vibe with some beautiful scenery. Here are a few places to check out while you’re relaxing on Senaga Island.
Kodakara Iwa (Child Blessing Rock)
Kodakara Iwa (Child Blessing Rock) (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
This landmark standing at the southern shore of the island is a replication of a rock that used to be worshipped by locals during the pre-war days.
According to a description posted on the site, a local legend has it that throwing a stone into either of the holes lined up vertically on the rock would reward one with having a baby: the top for a boy, the bottom for a girl.
Kodakara Iwa
GPS Coordinates: N 26.173740, E 127.64190 2
To visit Kodakara Iwa and the locations described below, I parked my car at a free parking space nearby (N 26.174904, E 127.645662), and took a walk. There are free parking slots by Umikaji Terrace as well, but they are often taken.
Umikaji Terrace
Umikaji Terrace, a dining and shopping complex sitting on the side of a hill overlooking the west coast of the island. Surrounded by white walls and corridors, this location has a Mediterranean vibe.
Pirates Okinawa is one of the many restaurants at the complex. Here I enjoyed a tasty Cuban sandwich set.
Pirates Okinawa
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
GPS Coordinates: N 26.17602, E 127.64060 (shop No. 5 of Umikaji Terrace)
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Senagajima Sunset Park (Observatory)
The park sits at the top of the island offering a view of the beach and the island’s western coast. This is an idyllic spot for a beautiful sunset.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Sunset Park
GPS Coordinates: N 26.174607, E 127.642660
* Free parking spaces available.
