Mount Yae

Overview

Mount Yae, or Yae-dake, rises 453.4 meters on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Island, making it the peninsula's highest peak. It is the second-tallest mountain on the main island after Mount Yonaha, forming a range with Mount Katsuu and Mount Awa to the south, and is renowned as the site of Japan's earliest cherry blossoms.

Highlights

• ●Rows of Kanhizakura, said to be Japan's earliest cherry blossoms
• ●Views from the 453.4-meter summit, highest on the Motobu Peninsula
• ●The range formed together with Mount Katsuu and Mount Awa
• ●The lively Cherry Blossom Festival held each March

History

Nakijin Castle and Nago Castle were built near Mount Yae in the 14th century, marking it as a key location in northern Okinawa. During the Battle of Okinawa in the closing days of World War II, the mountain became a major site of fighting in the north. Today an American-operated communications facility, the Yaedake site, stands at its summit.

Map

26.6355, 127.9284 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head to the foot of Mount Yae from the Motobu or Nago side
2. 2Climb toward the summit past the roadside Kanhizakura blossoms
3. 3Enjoy views over northern Okinawa from the peninsula's highest peak
4. 4After descending, explore the towns and shores of Motobu and Nago

Did you know?

💡 Unlike the mainland's Somei-Yoshino, Mount Yae's Kanhizakura are a vivid pink and bloom facing downward. At 453.4 meters it is second only to Mount Yonaha, the highest peak on Okinawa Island, and cherry trees are planted along the road to the summit.

Nearby spots