Cape Irizaki


Cape Irizaki is at the western tip of Yonaguni Island, itself the westernmost island of Japan. Located approximately 120 m northwest of the cape is, a rocky formation that is the westernmost point of Japan. The cape is within the town of Yonaguni, Okinawa.
There is a lighthouse, an observation platform, and a monument titled "Monument of the Westernmost Point of Japan" on the cape. Tourists gather at the cape daily to see the final sunset in Japan.

Geography

Cape Irizaki is wide, long, and juts into the East China Sea northwest from Yonaguni Island. The cape reaches a height of, and is surrounded by sea cliffs. Taiwan, which is to the west at its closest point, is visible on a clear day. Kubara hill and its homonymous fishing port and settlement are visible to the east of the cape. The Black Current flows west of Cape Irizaki to the north, and is a rich fishing ground for marlin and skipjack tuna.
Cape Irizaki, like much of the Yaeyama Islands, is composed of sandstone and mudstone. The cape is devoid of trees due to constant strong winds. Unlike other areas of the Yaeyama Islands, Cape Irizaki is surrounded by very little coral reef.

History

Cape Irizaki is first mentioned in Shōhō Kuniezu, a kuniezu, or series of Japanese provincial land maps created during the Edo period. The Shōhō Kuniezu, which was compiled beginning in 1644, lists the cape as "Ire no Zaki". The cape was considered the westernmost point of Japan in 1879, when Japan annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Transportation

Cape Irizaki is open to the public, and is easily accessible on foot from the settlement of Kuburadake. The cape is approximately one hour by bus from Yonaguni Airport.