Update:2025.10.02
Cruise Okinawa’s Blue Sea on a Traditional Sabani Boat
Don’t just admire Okinawa’s stunning ocean—sail it the old-school way! In the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, Ōgimi Village (famous for longevity) is home to Hentona Sabani, where you can hop aboard a handmade wooden sailboat called a sabani. Built and captained by local craftsman Teppei Hentona and his wife, these boats move without an engine—just wind in the sails and paddles in the water. Out on the bay, time slows down as you drift quietly, wrapped in sea breeze and the sound of waves. It’s a calming, immersive experience you won’t find in crowded tourist spots.
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What Is a Sabani? — Okinawa’s Traditional Wooden Boat
A sabani is a traditional wooden sailing boat unique to Okinawa. Instead of roaring engines, it glides forward on wind power and gentle strokes of the eeku, the long wooden paddle used to steer and row. With only the sound of waves and birds around you, it feels like the ocean itself is carrying you. This quiet style of cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to feel Okinawa’s sea and culture up close.
Sabani Structure and History
For centuries, sabani were used across Okinawa and nearby islands for fishing, transport, and carrying goods. The earliest type was the kuri-bune, a dugout carved from a single log. Later, the hagi-bune style became common, made by joining multiple planks together. From this, the hon-hagi technique was developed, which connected the planks without using metal nails, relying instead on small wooden or bamboo parts. After the 1950s, with the spread of engines and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), wooden sabani were built less and less, and the number of boatbuilders also declined.
Meet Teppei Hentona
Born in Okinawa, Teppei Hentona is both boatbuilder and captain at Hentona Sabani. Driven by the belief that this heritage must be preserved, he builds each boat himself and guides guests with his wife. Together, they share the craft and spirit of the sabani with the next generation of travelers.
Sailing Okinawa: A Breeze-Filled Sabani Cruise
Tours run from March through November. You’ll start at the workshop, where sabani are still being built, and hear stories of the craft before sailing out into the beautiful Shioya Bay. Tours are small-group and include a chance to try paddling yourself. Outriggers keep the boat stable, so everyone—from kids to seniors—can relax and enjoy the calm ride over Okinawa’s crystal waters. Information
| Address | 365-3 Miyagi, Ogimi Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.hentonasabani.jp/ |
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