Experience the Beauty of Senagajima Umikaji Terrace and Its Surroundings in Okinawa - Japan Travel Sights

Located on Senagajima, a small island connected to Okinawa’s main island by an underwater road, Senagajima Umikaji Terrace is a resort destination filled with charm and excitement.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to stay longer, this spot offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ideal for anyone looking to experience Okinawa’s unique culture and natural beauty.

What is Senagajima?

Senagajima is a small island located just 600 meters off the western coast of Okinawa’s main island, with a circumference of about 2 km. Situated just south of Naha Airport, it offers a unique vantage point for watching airplanes take off and land, making it a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts.

The island’s most famous attraction is Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, where you’ll find a variety of gourmet restaurants, dessert shops, and souvenir stores. The Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel, located on a hill, offers day-use hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Kodakara Iwa (Child-Blessing Rock)

On the western coast of Senagajima stands Kodakara Iwa, a rock formation that has been a part of local folklore for generations. It features two holes—one on top of the other.

Local tradition suggests that throwing a small stone into the upper hole is believed to bless you with a son, while the lower hole is said to bring a daughter.

Though many of Senagajima’s historical sites were destroyed post-war, Kodakara Iwa was reconstructed based on local testimonies. Standing 5.4 meters high and 4.6 meters wide, this imposing rock formation still draws visitors hoping to try their luck.

Senagajima Umikaji Terrace

Senagajima Umikaji Terrace is a cluster of whitewashed buildings cascading down the island’s slope, reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The terrace’s proximity to the sea offers an unparalleled sense of openness and relaxation, perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and dining.

With around 45 shops, including sweet treats, gourmet foods, and unique crafts, visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences. Be sure not to miss the photo spots scattered throughout the terrace, such as the “Dolphins that Bring Happiness” and the “Bougainvillea Staircase of Happiness.” Additionally, there’s a complimentary foot bath using water from Senagajima’s hot springs—ideal for easing travel fatigue.

Getting to Senagajima Umikaji Terrace is easy. It’s about 6 km from Naha Airport, taking approximately 15 minutes by car. Public transportation is also available; the Umikaji Liner bus from Naha Airport takes about 20 minutes.

Address:
174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (hours may vary by store; some open until 2:00 AM)
Website: Senagajima Umikaji Terrace

47STORE

Located at the entrance of Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, 47STORE is committed to offering the best of Okinawa to visitors from all over Japan and abroad.

Highlights:

• Premium Goya Mix Popcorn: A popular snack made with Okinawa’s signature bitter melon.
• Chura Bana Tea: Beautifully packaged tea made with Okinawan herbs like gettou (shell ginger) and cinnamon.

Address:
174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Store No. 1
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Po Egg Okinawa

Specializing in the Okinawan soul food, “Pork Tamago Onigiri” (rice balls with pork and egg), Po Egg Okinawa offers 17 different varieties.

The most popular is the “Agu Pork Ginger,” made with Okinawa’s premium Agu pork marinated in a special ginger sauce.

Address:
174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Store No. 6
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order: 8:00 PM)

iii (Three)

A specialty shaved ice shop that opened in June 2022, iii offers six different flavors of shaved ice, each with a light and fluffy texture. The “Okinawan Shikuwasa” flavor, topped with a espuma of local citrus, is a must-try.

Address:
174-6 Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Store No. 3
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order: 8:30 PM)

Explore Nearby Attractions

Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa

Just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, this outlet mall features over 100 domestic and international brands.

Recently, the mall’s wall art has become popular on social media, offering seven unique murals to discover.

Address:
1-188 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Restaurants until 8:30 PM)
Website: Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa

Roadside Station Toyosaki JA Okinawa Shokusai-kan “Toyosaki Nana-iro Batake”

Located just a few minutes from Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa, this roadside station is the westernmost in Japan. It offers local specialties, including fresh mangoes during the peak season, and homemade dishes prepared by local women.

Address:
3-86 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Dining area: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Website: Toyosaki Nana-iro Batake

iias Okinawa Toyosaki

A large shopping mall located near Okinawa’s largest beach, Orion ECO ChuraSUN Beach. It also features the DMM Kariyushi Aquarium and a rooftop theme park, offering a variety of entertainment options.

Address:
3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Dining areas may vary)
Website: iias Okinawa Toyosaki

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

This innovative aquarium combines cutting-edge video technology with unique displays, such as the “Yanbaru Forest” and the “Yui Yui Zoo.” The “Virtual Ashibinaa” is a standout feature, showcasing large marine creatures like whale sharks and giant squids.

Address:
3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 90 minutes before closing)
Tickets: DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Orion ECO ChuraSUN Beach

Okinawa’s largest beach, with a sandy stretch of 700 meters. Close to Naha Airport, it’s perfect for a quick dip before heading home. The beach also offers marine activities, BBQ areas, and a large netted playground.

Address:
5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Swimming Season: April to October
Hours:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM in July and August)
Website: Orion ECO ChuraSUN Beach

Niinii Hill

A small hill on the southernmost point of Orion ECO ChuraSUN Beach, Niinii Hill offers panoramic views of the beach and Senagajima Island. It was a filming location for the movie Tears for You (2006).

Address:
5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
Hours:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM