On Ie’s northwest coast, a still-used drinking water spring meets cliffs more than 60 meters high near Wajii. The Lily Festival and village dance traditions also offer two distinct cultural dates to consider when planning your trip.
Coast and Water at Wajii
Water emerges from the ground at Wajii. The site was an important water source for a long time and is still used as a drinking water source. Cliffs more than 60 meters high line the area. Their appearance changes with the ebb and flow of the tide and the color of the sky. The area is considered one of Ie’s most remarkable natural views. Here, the continued use of a spring sits alongside the changing views of the cliffs.
Caves with Different Histories
During the war, Nyatiya Cave served as a civilian air-raid shelter. It is also called “Senin-gama” because it could accommodate many people. Gohesu Cave has a different historical connection: excavations that began in 1975 uncovered deer fossils, forked bone tools, human bones, and shells.
Village Dance Traditions and Folk Arts Performances
Ie’s distinctive village dance tradition was selected by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1976 and registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan on December 16, 1998. It is preserved and passed down. Since 1980, it has been presented each November at a folk arts performance. The performance rotates among the eight districts, with each district hosting it about once every eight years. The repertoire includes numerous Nisai dances and the Kumiodori “Chūshingura.” If you would like to plan your trip around this performance, check that year’s program.
Lily Festival at Lily Field Park
The Lily Festival takes place at Lily Field Park every year from mid-April. The park is in bloom with the community flower, Teppō-yuri, and lilies from around the world. Together with the folk arts performance in November, the festival offers another seasonal highlight: flowers take center stage in spring, and village dance traditions in November. Check the event dates before planning your trip around them.
Museum and Viewpoint
The Folk Museum at Shimamuraya Tourist Park displays tools that the island’s ancestors developed and used to make a living. It offers a glimpse into practical livelihoods and complements the village dance performances with material culture.
The Gusuku Observatory viewing platform is located halfway up Mount Gusuku. From there, you can see Okinawa’s main island. There are also shops selling local specialties and souvenirs. The views and local products offer their own highlights alongside the coast, caves, and cultural events.
Getting to Ie
The car ferry from Motobu Port to Ie takes about 30 minutes. Check the schedule and fares before you travel, as departure times and prices may change. For event planning, the Lily Festival begins in mid-April, while the folk arts performance takes place in November; check the specific dates or program for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Yonaguni, Motobu, Naha, Kunigami District, Yomitan, Miyakojima, Urasoe, Nakasone.
For the main travel overview: Okinawa Prefecture.
