Miyakozaki Cape

On the western coast of Amami Oshima, Miyakozaki Cape juts into the East China Sea near the village of Kuninao. Strong western winds prevent large trees from growing here, leaving the ground covered in hardy azaleas and broad-leaf bamboo whose leaves were once used for roof thatching. The low vegetation means unobstructed views in every direction, including the rugged coastline and coral reefs below. From January to March, whales can sometimes be seen offshore. The cape is also connected to the samurai Saigo Takamori, who spent two years in hiding on Amami and later became the inspiration for the 2003 film The Last Samurai.