Tokashiki
Cape of Good Views
A vigorous climb that pays off with a spectacular cliff-top panorama
Route: Aharen Village – Aharenmisaki Enchi Viewpoint – Aharen Village
Distance: 7 km (round trip)
Total time: 100 mins
Level: Moderate (includes a hill climb)
Overview
Some people may find parts of this walk a little punishing, but the marvelous views at the end make it all worthwhile. Be sure to take water with you as the middle section of the walk is quite exposed.
Detail
This walk starts from Aharen Village on the southwest of the island. (If you are not staying in Aharen, you can easily get there by bus from Tokashiki.)
From Aharen, follow the Sondo Maetake Road up out of the village (a bit of a steep climb) until you reach a fork in the road after 20 minutes. Here you want to take the right-hand fork, the Maetake Forest Road, which leads to the island’s southernmost tip.
A further 30 minutes brings you to Aharen Cape. This part of the island is quite exposed to the wind, so you can enjoy the sea breezes while contemplating a variety of ground-hugging trees and shrubs. From the clifftops you can revel in wild and spectacular views of the sea and the nearby island of Unjima with its solitary white lighthouse. If you want to get closer to the sea, there is a (non-swimmable) beach on the west of the island that you can reach via a flight of steps beside the rest hut in the car parking area and another, also non-swimmable, beach on the east that is accessible by a path.
If you want some variety on the return journey, consider taking a detour down to the Uragaoka Viewpoint.
SUGGESTED PHOTO(S)
1. Views from Aharenmisaki Viewpoint (Hero image)
2. Road up from Aharen
3. Turning to Maetake Forest Road
4. View of Aharenmisaki
5. Turn off to Uragaoka Viewpoint