(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
You’ll find plenty of spots to try ziplining in Japan. But, if you want to zip over a beautiful, crystal blue ocean, you must zipline on Okinawa.
Mega ZIP, on the western coast in Onna Village, is a popular place to enjoy ziplining with a view. The launch pad is on the grounds of the Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort but is accessible to guests not staying at the hotel.
Due to its beautiful location, this is a very popular zipline attraction and tickets sell out quickly. Make plans to arrive before the counter opens at 9 a.m. and wait in line. Though it sounds inconvenient, the views and the fun you’ll have at Mega ZIP are worth waking up early.
During my visit in late March, it was beach opening season, and I could’ve easily just gone directly to the sandy shore and jumped in for a swim. However, for an Okinawan like me who feels the cold easily, the weather was still not warm enough, and enjoying the view of the ocean from the wire above seemed like a better option.
Shortly past 9 a.m., there were already many waiting for their turn to go up to the launch pad. Luckily, I had a spot secured and was guided to an area where staff helped me put on a harness. There was a locker that I could use to temporarily leave my valuables in, and I was instructed to empty my pockets.
Once I was ready, I joined other tourists for a safety brief. A staff member instructed us to hold the handle with both hands.
I went upstairs to a waiting area where another set of stairs led to the launch point. Here’s where the height started to make me a little nervous. There were others waiting with me and as a staff member started to help them onto the zipline and give more instructions, I felt like I could relax a little because I knew I was in good hands with the pros, even if it was only temporary.
My nerves returned as I stepped onto the launchpad. As my harness was connected to the wire, I looked around. The sea was calm with a few swimmers here or there. Soon, a drone approached me from the small islet where the zipline ride ended. The drone is an added service to film your zipline adventure and costs an extra 4,400 yen per flight for visitors from outside and 3,300 yen for hotel guests.
Prior to taking off, I was instructed to look at the drone as much as possible so they could get good shots of the scenery and my reaction to the ride. Then, it was time to let go…
“Three, two one,…Go!”
As the staff cued me, I threw my legs forward. It didn’t take long to pick up speed. The next thing I knew, I was gliding over the waters like a human cannonball.
Some zip lines may let you turn around, while you are gliding, but this one didn’t. It let me keep my posture straight even at the top of the speed. Without knowing it, I had a big smile on my face. Now I could even enjoy the view of the waters. It felt surreal to go over the vast color of emerald green like a seabird. It was thrilling for sure, but peaceful at the same time.
Still, my moment of zen didn’t last long before the jitters came back. As the end got closer, the idea of putting a sudden brake on this tremendous speed dawned on me. A big shock would be inevitable. However, the climax came so fast that my body was thrown forward before I prepared myself for the impact.
Of course, I did not get hurt by bumping my body against the wall or rubbing my feet against the ground. The landing point was well thought out and designed to let me land safely.
As I was heading back to the shore from the islet, the drone followed me as if to check on me. The drone captured my reaction of joy from the beautiful views and thrilling ride I had at Mega ZIP. This is a relatively short attraction, which took me about 30 seconds from start to finish. It is not the kind of attraction where you can keep going again till the session ends. Nonetheless, I will say this would earn a spot on the bucket list in Okinawa. Definitely worth the wait and the excitement!
Mega ZIP by Panza Okinawa GPS Coordinates: N 26.462337, E 127.812750 (inside Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort) Hours: 9 a.m. – noon (morning session) and 2 – 5 p.m. (afternoon session) *Ticket sales and registration take place in the same hours as indicated above. This attraction is very popular, and tickets are often sold out very quickly as soon as the ticket counter opens. So, it is recommended to go there early, even before the hours of operation.
Fee: 2,750 yen for visitors from outside, 1,650 yen for hotel guests *The fees are for one ride only.
*Parking fee costs 600 yen per hour (2,500 yen at maximum) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
* A drone video shoot costs an extra 4,400 yen per flight for visitors from outside and 3,300 yen for hotel guests.
*It is recommended to fill out the consent form in advance through the website.
