Maeda Point, Okinawa, Japan
When we lived on Nakadomari Beach in Onna-san, Okinawa, Japan from 2003-2005, we had a clear view of Maeda Point from our balcony of our beachfront home. Maeda Point is known for good surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving conditions, along with plentiful aquatic life. There are numerous underwater caves to explore and colorful tropical fish to photograph. The sunsets are also truly amazing.
When we lived in Okinawa, it was free to park at Maeda Point (if the parking lot was not already full) and a few dive tank refil/snack shops around the parking lot. There was even a lookout platform and pathway nature trails. There were even stairs cut in the rocks down to the water's edge to access the best snorkelling and diving location on the Island of Okinawa.
Unfortunately, the entire area of Maeda Point has been rebuilt but now there is an entrance fee to get to the parking lot. It is not much (maybe 500 Yen/$5 USD) but they close the area at 1830L. The sunset was at 1845L so we did not want to pay 500 Yen and get stuck in the parking lot just to photograph the sunset. Luckily, on the Southwest side of the parking lot was a small farming road. We drove about 100 meters down the road and parked by a path closed off with a chain that had a "No Parking" sign in English. From there, we ventured down to the waters edge via a washout path and discovered a whole new adventure: a tidepool area with a huge sea arch rock formation and several smaller rock formations with errosion evidence.
The views from this location of the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse and adjacent cliffs were amazing. I don't think we discovered this wonderful spot to have a glass of wine at sunset until this most recent visit in 2008. Hope you enjoy our pictures--best sunsets we saw the entire time we were in Okinawa!
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"Auberge" Bonne Chère RAOUT looks like any fine Italian restaurant inside, and includes a well stocked wine bar. You would never believe this place is located on Okinawa in the Pacific Ocean! It is also located 1 block south of the access road to Maeda Point, famous for the best scuba, snorkeling, surfing and sunsets in Okinawa.
We tried the lunch buffet which turned out to be surprisingly delicious because we had only visited for dinner previously. The cream of onion soup was to die for and the variety of small, hot rolls was refreshing since bakery goods are not widely produced in Okinawa. The wine list was fine but we opted for the house French red which was excellent, again, something quite rare to obtain in Okinawa. We had a choice of several Okinawa sweet potato-based and vegetable antipasto dishes to start and two choices for the entree. The chicken Parmesan was delectable and we wished we had more days in Okinawa to come back for dinner.
Prices for lunch range from 1,250-2,000 Yen ($12-$20 USD) and 2,300-3,250 Yen ($23-$32 USD) for dinner menu items. A la cart menu items like pizza run about 650 Yen ($7 USD) and the pizza crust is thicker here than other places in Okinawa. Wines run about 2,800 Yen ($28 USD) per bottle but Orion draft beer and soft drinks/cocktails are also available. This restaurant does not accept credit cards so be prepared with Yen.
The wait staff is friendly and the English is better than most places in Okinawa. "Auberge" Bonne Chère RAOUT also has overnight accommodations in a single room log cabin or a twin bed room in the new facility. We have never stayed overnight and only toured the old log cabin facility, but it looks good from the website pictures.
Room rates:
Log Cabin Cottage 4,500 Yen ($45 USD) per person up to 3 people or 4,200 Yen ($42) per person for 4-6 people in 2 rooms with laundry facilities. May also include meals for an extra fee.
Twin Bed Room 4,800 Yen ($48 USD) per person in modern twin-style room. May also include meals for an extra fee.
With views of the sunset on the East China Sea and to prevent drinking and driving following your delicious Italian meal, this is a good deal!
For romantic Italian dining with a glass of wine and that special someone, please be sure to check out "Auberge" Bonne Chère RAOUT ～オｰベルジュ ボヌシェｰル ラウｰ ～ at least once while in Okinawa!
