Cape Hedo

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Cape Hedo

Island

Cape Hedo is the northernmost point on Okinawa Island, where cliffs look out to both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Travelers come for the dramatic sea vistas, the reversion monument and the rugged coastal scenery.

Cape Hedo NahaGinowan, OkinawaUrumaUrasoe, OkinawaCape Hedo

Cape Hedo essentials

Address: Hedo, Kunigami Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Cape Hedo sits at the northern tip of Okinawa Island within Kunigami Village and forms a rocky promontory that faces the East China Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The headland is part of Okinawa Dai Sekirinzan Quasi-National Park and offers exposed cliffs, rocky shoreline and coastal scrub.

The cape appears on old Edo-period maps and was noted by foreign surveys in the 19th century; an expedition under Commodore Perry recorded it as “Cape Hope.” A modern monument at the site commemorates the end of the US occupation and Okinawa’s return to Japanese sovereignty.

On very clear days you can see Yoron Island on the horizon roughly 23 kilometres to the north. The spot has become a modest tourist hub, so a small cluster of restaurants and souvenir stalls has grown up near the viewpoint, but much of the coastline remains natural and exposed.

  • Reversion monument: A white monument erected to mark the return of Okinawa to Japanese administration, frequently photographed by visitors.
  • Cliff-top viewpoints: Several paved and unpaved viewing spots give wide panoramas of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean from contrasting angles.
  • Yoron horizon view: On clear days the low profile of Yoron Island is visible to the north, a popular photo subject.
  • Rocky coastline and sea stacks: Walks along the headland reveal tidal pools, dramatic rock formations and exposed coastal vegetation.
  • Local shops and eateries: Small restaurants and souvenir shops near the car park serve refreshments and Okinawan snacks for visitors.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cape Hedo#

Cape Hedo can be visited year-round, but weather and visibility vary with the seasons; expect warm, subtropical conditions and a pronounced wet season in summer.

Winter (best)
November - February · 14°C - 23°C (57°F - 73°F)
Drier and usually clearer than summer months, making it a good time for long-distance views and calmer sea conditions.
Spring (shoulder)
March - May · 16°C - 25°C (61°F - 77°F)
Warming weather and flowering coastal plants make for pleasant visits, though rainfall begins to increase toward late spring.
Summer and typhoon season (wettest)
June - October · 23°C - 31°C (73°F - 88°F)
Hotter conditions with heavy rainfall and the highest risk of typhoons; visibility is often reduced and some services may be disrupted.

Weather & Climate near Cape Hedo#

Climate

Cape Hedo's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2055 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 52 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 15° - 18° 16° 122 mm overcast 75% 4.9 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
February Good 15° - 18° 16° 125 mm overcast 77% 5.1 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
March Acceptable 16° - 20° 18° 161 mm overcast 76% 4.8 m/s 1.3 high 11.9h
April Good 19° - 23° 21° 201 mm overcast 79% 4.8 m/s 1.6 very high 12.7h
May Good 22° - 25° 23° 236 mm overcast 83% 4.3 m/s 1.8 very high 13.3h
June Good 24° - 28° 26° 242 mm overcast 89% 4.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.6h
July Very Good 26° - 31° 34° 172 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.5h
August Very Good 26° - 30° 33° 211 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 25° - 29° 30° 171 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.5 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 165 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.8 m/s 1.4 high 11.4h
November Very Good 20° - 23° 22° 141 mm overcast 75% 5.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.7h
December Good 17° - 20° 18° 108 mm overcast 74% 4.7 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cape Hedo#

Cape Hedo lies in the far north of Okinawa Island; the nearest larger urban center is Nago, while the island’s main airport is Naha Airport. The cape itself is in Kunigami Village, accessible by the island’s road network.

Visitors typically travel by car or join a northbound bus or tour from Naha or Nago and cover the final stretch on local roads to the Hedo headland; taxis and rental cars are convenient where bus services are infrequent, so check local timetables for public transport.

Tips for Visiting Cape Hedo#

  • The headland is exposed and can be very windy - bring a windproof layer and secure loose items for photography.
  • Watch your step near cliff edges; some paths are rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.
  • Facilities are limited outside the cluster of shops near the car park, so carry water and sun protection.
  • If you want to see Yoron Island, aim for a very clear day - haze often hides distant islands.
  • Check local information for transport schedules and any seasonal closures, especially during typhoon season.