Japan's Southernmost Monument
日本最南端之碑24°03′ N 123°48′ EViewpointGood with kids
Japan's Southernmost Monument on Hateruma's south coast near Takanasaki is a concrete marker that a student who had travelled the length of Japan from Hokkaido built in 1970; it stands beside the 1995 Peace Monument and the 1972 Hateruma stone.
Photo iloverjoa · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0 and others, credited in the gallery
Before Okinawa's reversion to Japan, a student travelling the length of the country from Hokkaido reached this coast in 1970 and paid for the monument with money from part-time work: a concrete pillar with a triangular plate reading 'Japan's southernmost'. Beside it stands the Southernmost Peace Monument, which Taketomi Town raised in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.
The Hateruma stone nearby dates from 1972 and marks the reversion. The path to it is laid with stones gathered from all 47 prefectures in the shape of two crossing serpents, designed by Atelier Zo.
Worth knowing
- Walk the serpent path slowly and look for the stones labelled by prefecture.
FAQ
Quick answers about Japan's Southernmost Monumentよくある質問
Who built Japan's Southernmost Monument?
A student who travelled from Hokkaido to the southern end of Japan built it in 1970 with money from part-time work, before Okinawa's reversion in 1972.
Where is Japan's Southernmost Monument?
On the south coast of Hateruma-jima, about 800 m from the Takanasaki cape and next to the closed star observatory.
How long do you need at Japan's Southernmost Monument?
Plan about 20 minutes at Japan's Southernmost Monument.
Can you get to Japan's Southernmost Monument by bike?
On the south coast road near Takanasaki, about 40 minutes from the port by ordinary bicycle; an e-bike shortens the climb.
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