Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island presents itself as a charming cluster of whitewashed buildings perched above the sea, clearly attempting to channel the aesthetics of Santorini. In photos, it might just succeed, but in person, well, let’s just say the resemblance is more of a flattering filter than reality.
The terrace is lined with numerous eateries, which is delightful if you’re after a culinary adventure, though those hoping for a bit of retail therapy may find the options rather thin. Dining al fresco is the standard here, which sounds lovely, until you visit in March. The wind off the water is positively biting, and shelter is scarce, so unless you fancy your meal with a side of frostbite, layering up is strongly advised.
What truly sets Umikaji Terrace apart is its proximity to the airport. Few places offer such prime seating for a double feature of commercial airliners and fighter jets making their dramatic approaches. It’s essentially an aviation enthusiast’s dream, or perhaps a creative new take on dinner theatre.
A delightful bonus is the local feline community. Several charming and friendly cat residents have claimed the terrace as their home. Arrive early, before the crowds descend, and you might just earn the favour of one of these furry locals, a far more exclusive form of hospitality than any human concierge could provide.
While the terrace may market itself with Mediterranean aspirations, the vibe is distinctly modern and youthful. It’s ideal for younger visitors seeking a lively, Instagram-friendly outing, but if you’re after a quiet, sophisticated escape, you may find the scene a touch...
Read moreMy wife and I visited the Terrace on the last leg of our tour of Okinawa Honto or main island with the rented car, enroute to returning the car by 6.30pm to Times Car Rental. My wife wanted to taste the popular pancake but there is already a long queue on the wait list and customers were told to expect at least an hour and a half before the food is served. We decided to skip the pancake and instead visited three different shops. We tasted the taco rice with bacon, salty ice cream, and garlic shrimps, respectively. There were many eateries at the Terrace offering a variety of food and beverages, with tables overlooking the landing strip of Hana Airport where we had the opportunity to witness a few aircrafts making their landing on the airstrip while consuming the taco rice rice and ice cream we had ordered. We decided to eat the 10 pieces of garlic shrimps we ordered indoor as it was still drizzling and the weather was cold and windy. All the food we tasted did not disappoint. We also enjoyed the view at the terrace. There is a hotel and onsen at the site, as well. Parking is free and parking lots are available before the Terrace and around the front of the terrace. Surprisingly, our rented car was not able to locate the direction of the Terrace, and so we depended on the mobile's Google Map to provide us the direction (which was displayed only in Japanese). The terrace is not to be missed when visiting Naha City that has nice view, food, vibe, and has activities for the...
Read moreJust 15 minutes from Naha Airport, Senaga Senaga Island is a hidden gem known as Okinawa’s Little Greece. At the heart of the island is Umikaji Terrace, a stunning whitewashed terrace complex cascading down the hillside, facing the endless blue of the East China Sea. The vibe? Think Santorini meets Okinawa—white stairs, cozy cafes, cute boutiques, and dreamy sunset spots all in one place.
✨ What makes it special? Perfect spot for a seaside stroll, sunset watching, or a chill coffee break with ocean views. You can literally watch airplanes take off and land right in front of you while soaking in the Okinawan breeze. The area is compact yet packed with local treats, gelato shops, and handmade crafts.
💦 Free Foot Bath with an Ocean View One of Umikaji Terrace’s best-kept secrets is the free hot spring foot bath area on the upper terrace. Relax your feet in the warm water while gazing at the sea and watching planes fly by—it’s the ultimate Okinawan-style chill. Tip: Don’t forget to bring a towel!
📸 Best photo times Afternoon (3–5 PM): Soft sunlight, vibrant blue skies. Sunset: The white terraces glow under orange-pink skies—absolutely magical.
📍 Access 15-minute drive from Naha Airport. Also accessible by public bus, making it a perfect last stop before heading to...
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