Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ocean and the sea. It's no place for beginners, it's a place for experienced divers, and even they
have to take care.
This monument at the northernmost point of Okinawa, Hedo Point, commemorates the end of US occu-
pation and the return of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty in 1972.
So where are we in terms of distance at this northernmost point of Okinawa? From the
memorial stone at Hedo Point all the way south to the monument atop the cliffs at Cape Ky-
an, it is 65 miles (104 kilometers) as the crow flies. Via the west coast, tracking along the East
China Sea the whole way on Route 58 (and several other roads below Naha), it's 80 miles
(128 kilometers). It could possibly be driven in about three or four hours if there was not too
much traffic. Driving on the east coast, staying along the Pacific Ocean as much as possible
(a combination of Routes 70-331-329-331-3), it's a long 115 miles (184 kilometers). Driving
that route could easily take five hours.
Taking the toll expressway its entire length, using local roads below Naha and Route 58
above Nago, does not reduce the miles between Capes Hedo and Kyan compared to taking
Route 58 the whole way. In fact, it adds some. But it would shave at least an hour off the driv-
ing time, maybe an hour and a half. Of course, what's the hurry if you're sightseeing?
14
ADA
安田
Having enjoyed the view, now it's time to leave the Cape, and head . . . is there anywhere but
south? Of course not, but now we'll drive along Okinawa's eastern shoreline facing the Pacific
Ocean, along Route 70. It's a quick 6 miles (10 kilometers) to Oku (
奥
), the northernmost vil-
lage of Okinawa. It's a small place but dramatically sited between mountains to its rear and a
fine natural harbor in front. The village is known for its great display of carp wind streamers
