Tachigami Rock rises where rough whitecaps froth, the symbol of Yonaguni.
One of the most spectacular sights on Yonoguni Island is the Standing God Rock, on the northern coast. The ocean here can be extremely rough, with very high waves, and dangerous currents. However, from this GC location, you are far above the water, and in a safe spot to view the rock. Rocks that rear up offshore of an island or at the mouth of a bay are generally called Tachigami (Standing God) Rock. Local people sometimes regard them as sacred objects of worship. Yonaguni Island’s Tachigami Rock stands up vertically in the sea south of the San-ninu Heights scenic spot in the southeastern part of the island. There is a legend that once upon a time, some young people hunting seabird eggs climbed up Tachigami Rock and then couldn’t get down. They prayed to the gods and were delivered safely back to San-ninu. The Tachigami Rock observation platform is a five-minute walk from the San-ninu Heights, and it is only a few meters from a little parking area right beside the highway. This is a quick park n' grab.