Near Cape Hedo, Northern Okinawa Main Island: Kayauchi Banta.

Just a 5-minute drive from Cape Hedo, the northernmost tip of Okinawa Main Island. Past the Ohayashi Stone Mountain, you'll find 'Kayauchi Banta.' In Okinawan dialect, 'Banta' means cliff. It's an 80-meter-high sheer cliff, and you can see the Ginama Fishing Port below 👀 The name comes from the fact that when bundled thatch is thrown off the cliff, it gets battered by the wind and scatters. The road that passes by Kayauchi Banta is called 'Modoru Michi' (Return Road). In the past, only one person could pass through this road, making it difficult to travel from the Ginama settlement to the Hedo settlement. However, the children of the Ginama settlement had to go to school in the Hedo settlement, climbing the 'Return Road.' Many children couldn't attend school because it was difficult to commute to Hokugoku Elementary School (formerly Hedo Elementary School), which has since been closed. About 100 years ago, the principal who was assigned to Hedo Elementary School noticed the low number of students attending and investigated the cause. The principal realized that the 'Return Road' was the reason children couldn't come to school and called on the villagers to widen the road, making it easier for people to travel. When driving, it is recommended to go from near Cape Hedo. There are signs near the Ginama Fishing Port, but be cautious of oncoming traffic as you climb the narrow mountain road. 📍: Kayauchi Banta 🚗: About 3 hours by car from Naha Airport 🚎: Naha Airport ▸︎▹︎ Nago Bus Terminal ▸︎▹︎ Cape Hedo direction ※ It is recommended to go by car ✨