tourism・eat・shopping 2023.12.03

Blue and white contrast forms a spectacular view for lover’s island “Umikaji Terrace”

#partner#family#sea#Southern area#spectacular-view

Writer

木内清佳

Born in Tokyo. Fascinated by Okinawan music and the ocean, he found himself living in Okinawa for more than 20 years. After working as a diving instructor, he now manages several childcare facilities. She aims to nurture "wild" children who are strong in mind and body, and is engaged in conveying the joy of the Okinawan sea to children.

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Splendid Location

Umikaji Terrace located on Senaga Island which is the third most popular sightseeing and shopping spot in Okinawa with over 3.3 million visitors annually. Just like its name, the buildings are characterised by a row of terraces which face the sea allowing you to feel the sea breezes.

The reason why Umikaji Terrace is so popular is that clusters of white buildings arranged and lined up on the sloping terrace stretches against the blue sea, with 47 shops together provide a beautiful contrast for photo taking.

Furthermore, it takes 15 minutes’ drive from Naha Airport to Umikaji Terrace making it conveniently accessible on either the day of arrival or departure. Also, you can see the runway of Naha Airport on the opposite side, sometimes the noise will make you spot airplanes taking off and landing at Naha Airport.

There are lots of creative Okinawan dishes!

There are different cuisines,such as tacos, taco rice, Okinawa noodles, Okinawa cakes found in Umikaji Terrace. Rather than sticking on the traditional taste, the restaurants also innovate and feature the original menu into new flavours. For example, Okinawa noodles combine with lemon to be lemon noodles, Island tofu is used to decorate the Okinawa cakes, and olives made of Okinawa green lemon are added into burgers. Even locals have never seen some of the dishes before. They are attracted by the fusion food because it is fun for them to guess what to eat.

Each of the stores faces the sea, so customers could feel relaxed to enjoy the meal while looking at the ocean views. Besides, most of the shops there offer take out food. Therefore, it is easy to have a wide variety of sweets and drinks to enjoy while walking.

The enjoyment is not just from food

Other than restaurants, Umikaji Terrace ranges from general stores、 clothing stores, foot reflexology shops to workshop. You can also buy cosmetics, accessories, and souvenirs there. In summer, you can also have an extraordinary experience at -10°C at the Ice Bar where will take the heat away from you.

Please note that the shops may change, so it is best to check the latest information on the official website before visiting.

“Terrace of Love” where love comes true

This Senaga Island is also known as ”Koijima” an island where the legends of love remain. In honor of ”Koijima”, Umikaji Terrace is also called “Terrace of love”. If you put your wish on the ema tablet and display it on this terrace, your love may come true while you see the “Shadow Hearts” made by the sun and its shadow.

Relax and unwind from the day’s fatigue…

When you go to the top of Umikaji Terrace, you will find Senagajima Hotel in the back, and the Ryukyu hot spring “Ryujin no Yu” next to it. There is also a hot spring sommelier on site who can give advice on bathing methods that suit guests. Even if you are not a hotel guest, you can bathe on a day trip by paying the usage fee.

You can enjoy Okinawa to the fullest on your last day by taking a hot spring bath before your flight.

You can check the crowd status of the hot springs at any time on the hotel’s official website.

Take the opportunity to visit the sea right in front of you♪

The charm of Umikaji Terrace is its location, where you can see the cobalt blue ocean right in front of you. The rocky shore comes out during low tide, so you can enjoy observing small fish and crabs left behind on the rocky shore. There is a natural beach just a short walk from Umikaji Terrace, so we recommend taking out your meal and having it on the beach.