Irizaki
西崎24°27′ N 122°56′ ECapeGood with kids
Irizaki is the cape at the western tip of Yonaguni, above Kubura, where the 'westernmost point of Japan' monument and a lighthouse look out towards Taiwan, 111 km away.
Irizaki rises above Kubura port with a lighthouse, a viewing deck and the monument to Japan's westernmost point. The tourism association calls the sunset here the last in Japan, and on the clearest days the island shadow of Taiwan, 111 km off, shows on the horizon. The cape is the western end of Japan in everyday speech; since June 2019 the national map has marked a rock called Tuishi, about 260 m north-north-west of the cape, as the exact westernmost point.
The sea off the cape is where Yonaguni's winter dive boats look for hammerhead sharks, and the view down takes in Kubura harbour and the fishing boats coming home.
Worth knowing
- Bring a windproof layer; the cape stands open to the north-north-east winter wind, which JMA puts at a 7.6 m/s mean for Yonaguni in February.
FAQ
Quick answers about Irizakiよくある質問
Can you see Taiwan from Irizaki?
On a few clear days a year. Taiwan lies about 111 km from Irizaki, and the tourism association says its outline can show on the horizon in good conditions.
Is Irizaki the westernmost point of Japan?
Irizaki is Japan's westernmost cape and carries the monument. The national map has marked a rock called Tuishi, about 260 m north-north-west, as the exact westernmost point since 2019.
How long do you need at Irizaki?
Plan about 30 minutes at Irizaki.
Can you get to Irizaki by bike?
A short climb from Kubura harbour; car park at the top, about 15 minutes by car from the airport.
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