Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
go into shock and drown. Some die of heart failure before making it back to shore. Fortunately, most
vicims survive although none will ever forget their encounter with the sea wasp.
King Shō En (
尚円
)
Izena's most famous son was born to a peasant family in 1415 but was desined to become the
founder of the Second Shō Dynasty and King of the Ryūkyū Kingdom in 1469. He died in 1476 after
only a seven-year reign. He was succeeded by his brother. A sister, who he appointed as a high priest-
ess, established a lineage of high priestesses that coninued unil the 20th century. Shō En's remains
are in the royal mausoleum near Shuri Castle in Naha. There is a prominent tomb for his parents on
Izena.
UMIGITARA
(
海ギタラ
; Umi-gitara). This dramatic rock stands just off the southernmost tip
of Izena's coast. You can walk to it at low tide. It's more or less round, and measures approx-
imately 100-115 feet 30-35 meters) in diameter. Its width is about the same as its height.
