Matengai Cliff is located approximately 5 kilometers from Chabana Port on the eastern side of Yoron Island. You can reach the cliff by rental car, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, or by taxi. Bicycles are also available for rent on the island, though the ride takes longer. The site has a small parking area near the observation platform.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Matengai Cliff. The site is open to the public year-round and accessible at any time. Visitors can freely explore the observation area and walking paths around the cliff without charge.
According to local legend, Matengai Cliff was a site where women during the Ryukyu Kingdom era would leap to their deaths to avoid dishonor or hardship. The name "Matengai" translates roughly to "cliff of souls" or "spirit cliff," reflecting this tragic history. While the historical accuracy is uncertain, the site has become a place of remembrance and holds spiritual significance for the local community.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean views from the observation platform positioned at the cliff's edge, which rises 60 meters above the East China Sea. The site is particularly popular for sunset photography when the sky and sea display vibrant colors. You can also read informational plaques about the cliff's history and legends, and walk along paths through the surrounding subtropical coastal vegetation.
Yoron Island can be accessed by ferry from Kagoshima or Okinawa, with boats arriving at Chabana Port. Alternatively, you can fly to Yoron Airport from Kagoshima Airport or Naha Airport in Okinawa. Once on the island, rental cars, bicycles, and taxis are available for transportation to Matengai Cliff and other attractions.
