Kumejima Town, Okinawa Prefecture
A Summer Visit to Hiyajō Banta A break beneath the roof, looking out at the sea
Hiyajō Banta, along Kumejima’s loop road, is a scenic spot on a 200m-high cliff. One August afternoon, I parked at the covered lookout and sipped shikuwasa juice in the sea breeze. I found myself wanting to forget about what I had planned next for a little while.
Here’s how I spent an August afternoon looking out at the sea from beneath the roof. After one sip of juice, I found myself wanting to linger a little longer before setting off again.
SummerAn August afternoon
I wanted to linger in the sea breeze after finishing my drink
I parked my red car at Hiyajō Banta one August afternoon. Under the roof at the lookout, the sea stretched out in front of me. I walked past one of the large round pillars and stood inside the railing. I’d meant to take a short break before setting off again, but the moment the breeze touched my face, I wanted to stay a little longer.
I had a cup of Kumejima shikuwasa juice. I lifted it in both hands and took a sip; the tartness made my mouth pucker a little. After that refreshing sip, even the heat I’d felt just moments earlier seemed like a memory as I looked out at the sea. I lowered the cup and held it in front of my chest as I felt the breeze once more.
I’d heard that banta means “cliff” in the local dialect. Hiyajō Banta is a scenic spot on a 200m-high cliff. Even from beneath the roof, the sky and sea opened out before me. I’d known the name before I came, but learning what it meant as I stood there looking out to sea made this rest stop easier to remember.
They say you can see Hatenohama and the islands in the distance from the lookout on a clear day. Today, I decided to take in the sea right in front of me for a while. I held the cup perfectly still, but the light on the water kept changing. I didn’t need to look for anything in particular; just standing there was enough to make me glad I’d come.
Behind me, my red car was still waiting in the car park. I knew I’d be back on the island road soon, and that made it easier not to rush. A sip of juice, a moment to take in the sea. A break isn’t only a pause before moving on; it’s also a chance to fall in love with a place.
Even after I’d finished my drink, I kept the cup in my hands and let the breeze wash over me a little longer. When I get home, I want to tell someone about today’s trip: the road I drove and the time I spent looking out at the sea beneath that roof. When I remember the tartness of the shikuwasa, I can picture the sea and that roofed lookout with its pillars all over again. My steps back to the car felt lighter than when I arrived.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Food to try
Shikuwasa Juice from Kumejima
At the Kumejima Bussan Hanbai shop, you can get shikuwasa juice made from fruit grown entirely on Kumejima. It’s a lovely taste of the island to enjoy during a break by the sea. I still remember that first tart sip and the feel of the sea breeze.
Highlights
Banta means “cliff”
Banta means “cliff” in the local dialect. Hiyajō Banta is a scenic spot on a 200m-high cliff. As I looked out at the sea, learning what the name meant made the place all the more memorable.
A place to rest along the island loop road
Hiyajō Banta sits along the island’s loop road in the northeast, between Hiyajō Village and Aka Village. There’s also a shop and toilets nearby. Once I’d parked, the sea breeze felt so good that I wanted to make my break last.
The route
Kumejima Loop Road
Hiyajō Banta lies along Kumejima’s loop road, between Hiyajō Village and Aka Village. I parked and took in the sea from the lookout.
It’s lovely to get out of the car and take in the sea as you make your way around the island. Even after I’d finished my juice, I stayed in the breeze a little longer.
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