The pristine nature of Minami Daito Island

Minamidaito Island is bordered by a rugged, rugged coastline that provides an important habitat for marine life. It was first discovered in 1820 by a Russian Borodino-class naval vessel and named South Borodino Island. The sharp cliffs surrounding it made it inaccessible to humans until 1900, when a team of Japanese pioneers from Hachijō Island became the first inhabitants, using it to grow sugarcane.

Minamidaito continues to produce sugarcane as its main source of income.

Minami-Daito Island was formed by the uplift of coral atolls. It has no beaches and is surrounded 360 degrees by reefs. Indeed, the island is home to many unique animal species. With a pristine natural environment that has retained its original appearance 48 million years ago, and a unique culture created by the intermingling of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Hachijo Island, the island has a charm waiting to be discovered.

Strolling around the island

Hoshino Cave

Limestone rock formations created by coral reefs are found on most of the islands of the Okinawa archipelago, forming countless limestone caves. Minami-Daito Island boasts over 100 limestone caves, including Hoshino Cave. Descending from the entrance located in the middle of a sugarcane field, countless stalactites spread out, creating a unique spectacle.

Hinomaru Mountain Observatory

Entirely surrounded by cliffs, Minami-Daito Island, when seen from above, resembles a floating green tray. Due to the terrain, there are few high-altitude locations, but the Hinomaru Mountain observatory is the only high point, offering a truly unique panoramic view of the island. Surrounding the observatory are fields of sugarcane, the island's main crop, with a backdrop of raised land enclosing the island and the raging sea spreading in the distance. A sight not to be missed! For another fantastic view of the island, you can visit Daito Jinja, a small shrine in a picturesque forest.

The small bodies of water

Another highlight of this island are the over 100 small lakes, the largest a freshwater pond called Oike, with predominantly woody plant formations that grow wild near the seawater. Considered a highly valuable ecosystem within the botanical world, Oike no Ohirugi Gunraku has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan.

How to get to Minami-Daito Island

Minami-Daito Island can be reached by plane and ferry. There is at least one flight per day from Naha, and the journey takes about 60 minutes. Ferries depart from Naha six times a month, and the journey takes about 15 hours.