Good luck is awaiting you at Daiseki-rinzan on Okinawa’s northernmost part!

Heading for the northern part of Okinawa?

Okinawa is located in the southern part of Japan. No matter whether you are traveling to the northern, central or southern part of Okinawa there are many attractions scattered throughout the area that are worth seeing.
When Speaking of the main island of Okinawa northernmost part you will probably think of Cape Hedo (辺戸岬)when it comes to tourism. But do you know about Daiseki-rinzan(大石林山) that is located there? It is a large section of ancient stone that is in the immediate front of the cape.

At the information center, there is a bus available to take you to the entrance of the park. It goes up a mountain road so please forgive the swaying of the bus. There is a café and restroom at the entrance of the park. So you can freshen up when you get there.

A strong life force is present in these power spots of stone!

The forest of this area is called Ashimui(安須杜). It has more than 40 goganjo (places ofworship). As far back as the Ryukyu king era, it has been revered as a holy place.
You can walk through part of the Ashimui. There are four different trails you can choose from depending on how much you want to see and how much energy you have.
There is the “beautiful sea view course,” the “subtropical natural forest course,” the “boulders, stone forest course” and the “barrier-free course.”
The barrier-free course is safe for wheelchairs and strollers,
The trails are well cared for so that many people can enjoy them.
This time, I will be hiking the “huge rock-stone forest course (about ½ mile, 35 minutes), combined with the beautiful sea view course (765 yards, approx. 30 minutes).

Since the trails have wood chips covering them, the trails are pretty easy to walk.


There are umbrellas in strategic locations in preparation for the rain.
In the summertime, they also have parasols to protect you from the sun.
So you can walk even in the rain and under the strong sunshine.
When walking you may be surprised by the myriad of rocks with interesting shapes and names. There is the “Owl,” the “Chair of the Giant” and the “Camel.” Some of these stones have been named by the children and other visitors.



The rocks have a lot of bumps, grooves and irregularities due to erosion that occurred over the years from the bacteria in the water.

This natural art that has been made over the long years is amazing!

This rock formation is called Gokuu-Iwa from the story of Saiyuki.(西遊記)
In the story Saiyuki, monkeys were born from rock so in thinking these stones look like the place the monkeys were born they named it Gokuu-iwa.(悟空岩)

Limestone rock uplifted from the earth’s crust 200 million years ago were shaped by erosion due to the runoff of rain water.


This rock power spot is referred to as the “Wall of Rinzan” .(林山の壁)

It is said that this is a place where the gods of heaven and earth come together.

“Pelvis Stone,” (骨盤石)shaped in the form of a human pelvis.
It is often visited by couples wanting to have children!

“The Reincarnation of the Rock.” (生まれ変わりの岩)
It is said that if you pass through these rocks 3 times you will be reborn!

On the beautiful sea view trail, you can see a view of the ocean that seems endless. From this point, you can see that you have come to the northern tip of the main island.

It was a cloudy day when this picture was taken but you can still see Yoron and Okinoerabu Islands visible in the background. In front of you, you can see the island’s northernmost point of Cape Hedo.

Feel the life force of nature as you descend the trail!

We arrived at the resting place which is the starting point for going back down the mountain. Although it is good to get down to the bottom by taking the bus. I decide to walk down using the subtropical forest trail.

The subtropical trail had a different environment than the earlier on the mountain.
Cycad and banyan trees grow all over in this area.

It is reported that a Kijimuna (tree fairy)(キジムナー) lives in this huge banyan tree.

Once the roots extending from an upper branch reach the ground they develop into another trunk and soak up the nutrients from the earth.
The life force of a banyan tree creates a masterpiece of an ever extending myriad of roots and branches. Stay on the foot trail and advance slowly down the mountain. Enjoy yourself coming down and take plenty of slow deep breaths. You will be back down to the original reception area in about thirty minutes.

This natural power spot is charming, but the real charm is the friendly staff.
From the reception facility until the end of the trail, you will be treated with kindness.
This facility’ power comes not only from nature but from the workers as well.
Daisekin Kirinzan has such a special feel which makes tourism in this area so popular.
Its divine forest has been worshiped as a sacred place since ancient times.
Do not forget about this important place.
There are sometimes special tourism events with coupons available online. So please check their website before coming.