Tokashiki
Long and Winding Road
Walk along a lofty forested path while enjoying views of the sea to the west of the island
Route: Aharen – Teruyama Enchi – Tokashiku
Distance: 4.8 km
Time: 75 mins
Level: Moderate
Overview
Because much of the forest in the Keramas is extremely dense, and because of the risk posed by snakes on some islands, visitors are recommended to enter with care. This walk gives you the opportunity to venture deep into the forest and get up close to the local trees and flowers, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.
Detail
This walk starts from Aharen Village on the southwest of Tokashiki. (If you are not staying in Aharen, you can easily get there by bus from Tokashiki.)
From Aharen, head north up the Sondo Aharen Road (the main road back to Tokashiki Village). After about 20 minutes’ walking, you will come to a junction. Following the signs for Shinrin Koen, turn off the main road onto a smaller road. This will lead to an open area (car park) in 5 minutes or so. From here, you can get onto the Teruyama Enchi Nature Trail, a rolling path which runs through the forest. This area is alive with colorful azaleas from January to March and Japanese bayberries from March to April. You can see and hear the sea off to the west of the island. About halfway along the 1.2-kilometer-long Teruyama Enchi Nature Trail you will come to the Teruyama Viewpoint, from which you can look down on Aharen Beach to the south and Tokashiku Beach to the north.
When the trail rejoins the road, be sure to turn left and go down toward Tokashiku, which should take you all of 30 minutes. The road runs parallel to the beach which can be reached by crossing a pleasant park area. On your right is the Suicide Attack Boat Bunker, a cave dug to protect one of the depth-charge-carrying motorboats which defenders hoped would slow the American advance toward the Japanese main islands. The beach is 800 meters long and nestles in a mountainous cove. Why not reward yourself with a swim after your walk?
SUGGESTED PHOTO(S)
1. View from Teruyama Enchi Nature Trail (Hero image)
2. Sondo Aharen Road
3. Entrance to Nature Trail
4. View of Nature trail
5. Rejoin road to Tokashiku
6. Suicide bunker