Higashi-Hennazaki Cape extends approximately 2 kilometers into the deep blue waters at the southeastern tip of Miyako Island. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, this narrow, windswept cape is one of the island’s most spectacular natural landmarks.
In spring, the landscape becomes especially beautiful as teppoyuri lilies bloom across the cape. The combination of white flowers, rugged coastal cliffs, green vegetation, and brilliant blue ocean creates one of Miyako Island’s most memorable views.
Higashi-Hennazaki is a long, narrow peninsula approximately 2 kilometers long, up to 250 meters wide, and around 20 meters above sea level. Its upper surface is relatively flat, while steep sea cliffs surround much of the coastline.
The cape is approximately 120 to 180 meters wide from its base toward the central section, widening to around 200 to 250 meters from the center toward the tip. This distinctive shape makes the cape appear to stretch dramatically into the ocean.
Extensive coral reefs have developed in the waters surrounding the cape. Approximately 1 kilometer east of Higashi-Hennazaki, an oval-shaped offshore reef rises from the surrounding sea.
Large boulders can also be found along the coast near the cape’s tip, some measuring approximately 6 to 8 meters in diameter. Similar blocks are scattered around the Panari Reef. These enormous rocks are believed to have been transported by powerful tsunamis, including the tsunami generated by the 1771 Yaeyama Earthquake, known as the Great Yaeyama Tsunami, as well as earlier seismic events.
Strong winds sweep continuously across the cape, making it difficult for tall trees to grow. Instead, the exposed landscape supports a distinctive community of plants adapted to harsh, windswept conditions.
In 1980, this vegetation was designated an Okinawa Prefectural Natural Monument under the name “Wind-Swept Plant Community on the Uplifted Coral Reef Coast of Higashi-Hennazaki.” Surveys confirmed the presence of 222 species of higher plants belonging to 65 families.
From approximately April through May, teppoyuri lilies bloom across the cape. Their delicate white flowers stand out against the green vegetation and blue ocean, making spring one of the most beautiful times to visit Higashi-Hennazaki.
The flowers have become one of the cape’s best-known seasonal attractions, transforming the windswept landscape into a vast natural garden.
At the tip of the cape stands Hennazaki Lighthouse, positioned approximately 43 meters above sea level. The lighthouse was first illuminated in 1967 and has a range of approximately 18 nautical miles.
Unlike many lighthouses that can only be viewed from outside, Hennazaki Lighthouse is open to visitors, allowing travelers to enter the tower and climb to the top. From the observation area, the ocean surrounds the cape in almost every direction.
Because the cape is surrounded by the sea over approximately 320 degrees, the horizon appears beautifully curved from the top of the lighthouse. The location is also well known as a place to watch the first sunrise of the year.
Higashi-Hennazaki was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2007. The surrounding area has been developed as Higashi-Hennazaki Park, and the cape has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Urban Parks.
Boasting dramatic sea cliffs, coral reefs, unusual coastal rocks, seasonal flowers, and sweeping ocean views, Higashi-Hennazaki represents the natural beauty of Miyako Island on a grand scale.
Higashi-Hennazaki and Nishihenna-zaki, located at the northwestern tip of Miyako Island, were once both known by names derived from “Pyawnazaki.” One theory suggests that the name may have originated from the elongated shape of the capes, which was compared to a snake.
Historical maps provide evidence of the changing names of the two capes. The 1644 Shoho National Map records Higashi-Hennazaki as “Hyakuna-zaki,” while Nishihenna-zaki appears as “Hyan-na-zaki.” A 1647 map of the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands also records related names.
Over time, the two capes came to be distinguished by the words east and west. In the 1894 Japan Hydrographic Description, the eastern cape was recorded as “Hennazaki,” with the pronunciation “Hiyanna.” By the early 20th century, the name “Higashi-Hennazaki” was increasingly used, and a 1923 map of Miyako District records the two capes as Higashi-Hennazaki and Nishihenna-zaki.
In the Miyako and Okinawan languages, the word for east can be “agari,” referring to the direction from which the sun rises. For this reason, Higashi-Hennazaki is locally known as “Agari Pyawnazaki”, while in Okinawan dialect it is pronounced “Agari-Hennazaki.”
Higashi-Hennazaki is also associated with one of Miyako Island’s best-known legends: the tragic story of a beautiful woman named Mamuya.
Mamuya is said to have lived in Borā Village, known as Borā Motomajima, near the base of the cape. She was renowned for her beauty and attracted the attention of a man named Yashiro Aji. However, the relationship ultimately ended in betrayal.
According to the legend, Mamuya withdrew into a cave halfway down the cliffs of the cape, where she devoted herself to weaving. Eventually, she is said to have ended her life by throwing herself from the cliffs.
Near the lighthouse is a huge rock traditionally identified as Mamuya’s tomb, an ancient rock shelter burial site. The cave where she is said to have woven cloth and the remains of her former residence are also designated as historic sites by Miyakojima City.
A newspaper article published in the Ryukyu Shimpo on April 10, 1911 described the large rock believed to be Mamuya’s grave and reported that a coffin and human remains were still present there at that time.
Another ancient tradition is associated with the Panari Reef to the east of the cape. According to tradition, a sacred site known as Panari Utaki once stood on the reef.
The 1705 record “Utaki Yuraiki” states that the site was dedicated to a goddess known as “Hanare no Aruzu” and was revered as a protective deity for sailors and boats.
Local tradition says that Panari Reef was once connected to Higashi-Hennazaki and that a village called Panari once stood there. According to the legend, the sun god Tidaganasu descended to the village and became close to a young woman who lived there. They had a child, but one day the sun god became angry after hearing the lullaby sung by the child’s caretaker.
The enraged deity is said to have stamped on Panari Village, causing the land to break away and drift southward, eventually becoming Kurima Island. Although this is a traditional legend rather than a historical account, it reflects the rich mythology and spiritual traditions that have long shaped the culture of Miyako Island.
Higashi-Hennazaki is more than a scenic viewpoint. Its cliffs, coral reefs, windswept vegetation, seasonal lilies, historic lighthouse, and centuries-old legends reveal the many layers of Miyako Island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Standing at the end of the cape with the ocean stretching toward the horizon, visitors can experience the immense scale of the surrounding sea. In spring, the blooming lilies add another dimension to the scenery, while the lighthouse offers an exceptional elevated view.
For travelers seeking spectacular coastal scenery, unusual geological features, island legends, and a deeper connection with Miyako Island’s natural environment, Higashi-Hennazaki is an unforgettable destination.
Free (optional admission cooperation fee of 300 yen or more by local community association)
30 min. by car from Miyako Airport