Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7
YORONJIMA
与論島
Universally called Yoron-tō, this beautiful little island is a beach holiday destination for tens
of thousands of sun-starved Japanese every year. Perhaps because it is the southernmost is-
land of Kagoshima Prefecture, it has the “feel” of Okinawa. The southern end of Yoron-tō is
only a little more than 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the northernmost tip of Okinawa at
Cape Hedo. The islands are visible to one another on a clear day. Thus, it's the first island
where you'll see
shīsā
lion dogs on the roofs of houses and it's the first island where some of
those roofs will be red- or white-tiled in the Okinawan style. It's also the first island where
you'll find a few “turtleback” tombs, although the majority of graves are in the Japanese style,
not the traditional Okinawan style found in the southern Ryukyus.
Like a number of the Amami Islands, Yoronjima (
与論島
; Yoron-jima) is served twice
daily (one going south, one north) by ferries from the “A” and Marix Lines. Northbound from
Naha Port, via Motobu, it's 90 sea miles (141 kilometers) with travel time a little more than
five hours. From Motobu Port, it's 50 miles (80 kilometers) and takes three hours. Going to or
coming from Yoron's next northern neighbor, it's 30 miles (48 kilometers) by ferry to Wado-
mari Port on Okinoerabujima and travel time is a bit less than two hours. To or from Amami-
Ōshima, it's about eight hours. Kagoshima is a long 20 hours away. There's only one main
port on the island, Yoron Port (
与論 港
; Yoron-kō).
The Gajyumaru Banyan Tree
(
榕樹
)
(
Ficus microcarpa
)
Found in tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout the world, banyan trees, a type of fig, can in
ime reach enormous proporions, their aerial prop roots spreading out laterally, covering hundreds
of square meters. Their seeds are spread by fruit-eaing birds and bats. They are also known as
“Chinese banyan” or “Indian laurel” trees for they are common in both of those countries. Okinawan
legends say that
jijimunā
(
キジムナー
; lit. wood spirit) live in the Gajyumaru (
ガジュマル
) and can
only be seen by children because they are sill pure of heart. The banyan pictured above is located in
a schoolyard at Kunigami on Okinoerabujima.
