Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Minami Daitō Sugar Train
For the greater part of a century, from 1917 unil 1984, the sugar train ran a grand circuit, with a half a
dozen spur lines, around the island. The railroad's narrow gauge tracks are sill visible in a few places.
Its mission was to transport the vast quaniies of cut sugar cane to the processing factory.
Ō Pond is part of a network of interconnected freshwater ponds just north of Minami Daitō.
One of the more popular attractions on Minami Daitō is the set of ponds located just
to the north of town. The central section of the island was formerly swampy. By dredging
and enlarging a number of small canals and streams, these former marsh areas have been
transformed to a series of interconnected ponds. None are deep, but they are no longer mere
swamps. They all have names, but the largest and the one furthest north, is Ō Pond ( 大池 ; Ō-
iké; lit. “Big Pond”). The pond network provides freshwater shelter for migrating birds and a
natural habitat for frogs and fish. It's possible to rent a canoe and paddle through these ponds
from end to end. Check with your hotel or minshuku .
Perhaps Minami Daitō's best-known attraction is Hoshino Cave ( 星野洞 or 星の洞 ;
Hoshino-dō). It's near the northwest end of the island and has visiting hours in the morning
and afternoon. It's privately owned, so there's an admission charge (800 Yen), but it's worth it.
It's one of the most spectacular caves in the Ryukyus. It's large and fairly deep. It's been com-
pletely upgraded with steel staircases and adequate lighting so you can find your way around.
The cave's collection of stalactites and stalagmites is quite spectacular. Evidently, since the
 
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