Wonderful Spots to Visit When Spending Your New Year’s on Okinawa!

Perhaps some readers will be spending their holiday season at the end of the year and into the New Year in Okinawa. For many Japanese people, and for people from other areas too, this time of year is the most important during the year, and so you’re probably looking for ways to make it a memorable one. In this article, we’ll be introducing places that are perfect to visit for New Year’s. We hope you’ll note these spots to bring in a bright and happy New Year.


 

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For the Most Popular Spot to View the First Sunrise on Okinawa Island, This is It!

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One of the most recommended places on Okinawa Island is Cape Chinen Park (Chinen Misaki Koen). It’s also a popular place to view the first sunrise of the year, and every year, many locals and visitors flock to the park early in the morning to view the sunrise.


 

Information on Chinen Misaki Koen (Cape Chinen Park)
Address: 523 Kudeken, Chinen Village, Nanjo City, Okinawa


 

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A Great Driving Course for New Year’s

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We also can’t leave out Nirai Kanai Bridge near Cape Chinen Park. In ancient Okinawan beliefs, Nirai Kanai is a paradise where gods reside. This bridge is a highly popular spot for people on leisurely drives in the southern region of Okinawa island and offers a spectacular view of the area. In the distance, you’ll see Kudaka Island, which is also referred as “the island of gods”.


 

Information on the Nirai Kanai Bridge
Location: Chinen, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa


 

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Spending New Year’s Day on Kudaka Island, Japan’s Top Power Spot

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Known as the island of gods, and cherished as a very special location, Kudaka Island is easily accessible from Okinawa Island by a 15-minute ferry ride. Kudaka Island is also said to be the most powerful energy spot in all of Japan, so it’s a perfect place to visit in the New Year, wouldn’t you say?


 

Some companies offer “sunrise tours” that depart early in the morning of New Year’s Day, so if you’re interested, you might want to check that out.
(Note from the Editorial Department: please check with travel agencies for updated information.)


 

Information on Kudaka Island
Location: Kudaka, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa


 

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Miifuga: Kume Island’s Mystical Spot

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The last on our list of recommendations is the very special spot, Miifuga, situated on Kume Island just 30 minutes away by air from Naha. The area has a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere and is known to bring blessings with children. It’s a perfect spot to refresh your mind and to start off the New Year.



Just standing here and taking in the sights will make you feel like you’re being embraced by the great natural energy surrounding this area. Miifuga is one of those spots on Kume Island that’s off the beaten track, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds and to view the first sunrise peacefully, this is a great place to visit.


 

Information on Miifuga
Location: Nakandakari, Kumejima Town, Shimajiri, Okinawa



That concludes our list of four recommended locations to visit if you’re going to be bringing in the New Year on Okinawa. What are your wishes for the New Year? With your mind refreshed and your New Year’s resolutions decided, why don’t you spend your New Year’s Day at one of these spots that are perfect to start your year?


Okinawa CLIP Editorial Department