VIDEO: Sail away on relaxing waters of Shioya Bay in Ogimi Village

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Shioya Bay in Ogimi Village is known for its scenic beauty. You can sail on the peaceful water, just like Okinawans did back in the past aboard a sabani, a traditional Okinawan boat.

Originally utilized for transportation and fishing, the sabani is also used in some dragon boat races.

At Hentona Sabani in Ogimi Village, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride. For a 70-minute ride, there are two possible routes, one to sail within Shioya Bay, and the other to go out of the bay and cruise to the west side of Miyagi Island. The route is decided based on the day’s weather and sea conditions, as well as participants’ skill level and experience. On this day, we cruised inside Shioya Bay.

Hentona Sabani

GPS Coordinates: 26.667697, 128.103831

Sailboat tour: 7,700 yen (approx. $50, tax included,13 years old and above), 5,500 yen (tax included, 12 years old and undera)

Cash only

*The tour fees include lifejacket rental fee and insurance

Phone: 090-9787-7926

Website: https://www.hentonasabani.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hentonasabani/

*Each tour accepts two to six participants. Solo participation is accepted if the fee for two people (15,400 yen) is paid.

*Briefing available in English.

*Participants should expect to get wet, so they need to put on water shoes or some other suitable footwear, as well as bring along a towel and a change of clothes.

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)