Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Muzou-mizu (“Collection of Water”) Rock, so-named for the unusual freshwater spring at its top.
Coming now to about the center of the island, you'll find the Koshidake Forest Reserve
( 腰岳森林公園 ; Koshi-daké Shinrinkōen). It's a park that includes a good seaside hike and
summer cabins that can be rented. You can hike from the forest to the sea. The hike is not
long but leads from near the Koshidake lighthouse to the Katasumi Shrine in Gakiya, near
Iheya village. Thus, it's a trail across the island. There's a scenic spot where both the sea and
the mountains can be seen from the Koshidake lighthouse.
Yonezaki Beach, which has the finest white sand on Iheya, is particularly popular with campers.
In the springtime the hillsides bloom with multicolored azaleas and sweet-scented wild
gardenia. In every level place you'll find the ubiquitous white Easter lilies and all shades of
pink to red Amaryllis.
Only a few more miles south and west and you'll reach the bottom of the island, called
Shimajiri ( 島尻 ; lit. “butt of the island”). It's a very narrow tip with Iheya's best beaches on
both sides of it. It's called Yonezaki Beach ( 米崎ビーチ ; Yoné-zaki bīchi). Here you'll find the
finest white sand on Iheya and the finest free camping site. There are many designated camp
sites and ample free parking. There are good public showers and toilet facilities. Many Japan-
ese and Okinawans come to Iheya just for this idyllic location.
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