[Drone footage included] Nishizaki, the true westernmost point that Japanese people can visit

January 27, 2023March 30, 2024

My name is Kishikoro and I live in Yonaguni.

For those visiting Yonaguni Island for the first time, the one place you definitely want to visit is the monument at the westernmost point of Japan.

Japan is extremely long from east to west, north to south, and many of its actual furthest points, and the furthest points that Japanese people can reach, cannot be visited due to diplomatic and location issues.

For example, the northernmost point that Japanese people can reach is Cape Soya in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, but Etorofu Island, which Japan claims as its territory, is further north.

The easternmost island is Minamitorishima, and the southernmost island is Okinotorishima, and unless you have a special occupation, it is impossible to land on or even get close to either island.

Among them, the westernmost monument in Japanese territory can be visited by simply coming to Yonaguni Island. In Yonaguni, the place is called Irizaki.

TOC

Check the location of the monument at the westernmost point of Japan

The westernmost point of Japan is located here.

You can see that it is quite far from where you live now. The main island of Okinawa is about 500km away, and Yonaguni Island, which you have to get there by plane, is quite far away.

Summer is the best time to visit if you want sunny skies

Yonaguni Island is particularly prone to clear skies in winter, making it difficult to see the monument at its westernmost point on a clear day.

On the other hand, in the summer, it is extremely hot but mostly sunny. Except for typhoons, you can see the westernmost point on a clear day.

There are days when you can see Taiwan

I've only been there for a year and have only been able to see Taiwan three times, but on clear days you can see it.

As expected, it is very difficult to see when taking pictures with an iPhone. If you come to Yonaguni and it is a clear day, please try to see Taiwan.