Daisekirinzan, Kunigami-son

Step on the first land to emerge from the depths of the ocean at Daisekirinzan, the northern tip of Okinawa. Dated at 200 million years old, this ancient piece of land boasts lush tropical fauna, punctuated by striking rock formations reminiscent of Godzilla's spined back. Four well-marked hiking trails around the park take you through various parts of the landscape. The shortest, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, leads you 600 m (1,968.5 ft) through forests of banyan trees. The other trails range in length up to 1.1 km (0.6 mi), and take you across the strange rock formations and to viewing points high above the coast--expect some modest climbing. Wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water. A cafe and facilities at the trailhead let you rest and refresh after exploring this evocative landscape. Put Daisekirinzan on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Kunigami-son route planner.