What Tourist Attractions Are in Yaese Town? 6 Selected Tourist Spots

Yaese Town, located in the southern part of Okinawa’s main island between Nanjo City and Itoman City, is an area full of natural beauty and an attractive townscape with beautiful seas.

However, many people may not have visited it as a tourist destination. Here, we have carefully selected 6 tourist attractions in Yaese Town for you. If you haven’t been to Yaese Town yet, please use this article as a reference and visit!

1. Beautiful Cherry Blossoms! “Yaese Park” – A Must-Visit in Spring

Yaese Park was originally the site of the ancient Yaese Castle ruins from the medieval period, and now it has been transformed into a spacious park. Because it is situated at a high location, the park’s rest areas offer excellent panoramic views of the Yaese townscape. The park also features a dog run, making it a recommended spot for travelers with pets.

Every year around February, the “Yaese Sakura Festival” is held at Yaese Park, where about 500 Hikan-zakura (scarlet cherry blossoms) are planted along the promenade. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing along with Okinawa’s prefectural flower, the deigo, from March to April. Visit Yaese Park early in spring, when the blossoms are in full bloom, to enjoy a head-start into spring.

2. A Beach Where You Can Relax in Peace – “Banajō no Sato Beach”

While many of Okinawa’s beaches are known for their high water clarity and stunning beauty, famous beaches often attract crowds, making a quiet visit challenging. “Banajō no Sato Beach” is different. This beach remains relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience. Banajō no Sato Beach is roughly divided into three areas. Among these, the enclosed area is a calm beach safe for children. On the sides, where the area is open, the clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling. Here you can see colorful Okinawan fish and corals, and if you’re lucky, even sea turtles.

To access Banajō no Sato Beach in Yaese Town, proceed along a narrow road next to the club house of the Southern Links Golf Club. Since the parking lot is small, it’s recommended to arrive early if possible.

3. The Iconic Protector of Yaese Town – “Tomimori’s Stone-Carved Great Lion”

Located in the center of Yaese Town is “Tomimori’s Stone-Carved Great Lion,” a symbol of Yaese Town (formerly known as Higashikaze-daira Town) renowned for stone lion carving. This lion is a symbol because it stands about 1.5 meters tall and has a total length of approximately 1.4 meters – it is said to be the largest and oldest shisa (traditional Okinawan guardian lion-dog) in the prefecture. Moreover, it is cherished as a guardian deity protecting Yaese Town from fires and volcanic eruptions.

Since there is no parking nearby, you must walk up a slope to reach it. However, once you arrive, the size and historical depth of this shisa will leave a deep impression. There are photographs from the war showing American soldiers hiding behind the lion, with gunshot marks still visible—a vivid reminder of the past.

4. Spectacular Views by Day and Night! “West Plaza Park Observation Deck”

The West Plaza Park Observation Deck is an approximately 15-meter-high deck built as a gazebo that resembles a log house. Nearby, there are restrooms, and the gazebo is furnished with chairs and tables, making it an ideal spot for a break during a drive. From the gazebo, you can enjoy a 360° view of the Yaese Townscape. On the west side, you can see the ocean, and on clear days, even the Kerama Islands are visible. At night, the illuminated night view is stunning.

The observation deck is part of what was once a larger park facility, and if you look at the remnants in the surrounding area, you can tell it used to be much more expansive. If you are interested, exploring the area around the observation deck is also recommended, as there are other points where you can enjoy panoramic views along with displays related to the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

5. The Guardian of Youth Prosperity! The Rare Shisa “Kojo’s Niisē Stone”

Near West Plaza Park is an old shisa known as “Kojo’s Niisē Stone.” This is an antique shisa statue, and “Niisē” is Okinawan dialect for “youth.” This Niisē is a very rare shisa created specifically for the youth as a talisman to ward off evil. Although the exact date of its creation is unknown, local legends state that, under the protection of this shisa, the young people living in Kojo prospered and the community flourished.

Today, when youth events are held, officials and young people often gather at this spot to pray for the success of the event. Even if you already enjoy a strong bond with your partner, visiting here can help you maintain that harmony in the future. Each region’s shisa has its own character, so be sure to experience the unique shisa of Yaese Town.

6. For Dynamic Seascapes, Visit “Keiza Cliff”!

Located near Mabuni Park is “Keiza Cliff.” From this cliff, which stands over 40 meters high, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the rugged Pacific Ocean stretching from north to south. Although there is a narrow staircase that leads down to the beach, the area is not fully developed as a tourist facility, so use caution when ascending and descending. From the cliff, you can see small waterfalls cascading dramatically into the sea, which are even more impressive when viewed from below.

This spot offers breathtaking views, but it is also a place with sad historical episodes, such as the residents and Japanese soldiers who, during the southern front of the Battle of Okinawa, were forced into despair and took their own lives. It is a place to appreciate both the beautiful scenery and to reflect on the horrors of war.

◎ Summary

How did you like these tourist spots in Yaese Town? Yaese Town is abundant with natural scenic spots. You can also experience unique shisa, reflect on war history, and encounter tourist attractions that evoke the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. When visiting Yaese Town, please use the attractions introduced in this article as a reference and enjoy your Okinawan trip in a setting where nature abounds!

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What Tourist Attractions Are in Yaese Town? 6 Selected Tourist Spots