Spring at Higashi-Hennazaki Once I leave the car, I’m heading for the lighthouse at the tip of the cape

On a spring morning, I parked at Higashi-Hennazaki. As soon as I opened the car door, a breeze blew in, and the sea felt closer than it had from inside the car. Beyond the low shrubs, I could see the lighthouse. Just picturing myself walking all the way out to it made my heart leap before I’d even set off.

Standing beside the car, I shaded my eyes with one hand and saw the walking trail leading toward the lighthouse. My sunglasses were still perched on my head. I could’ve put them on if the sun was bothering me, but I was so busy looking for the lighthouse that I’d forgotten they were there. I laughed when I realized—and still wanted to stand there a little longer, looking into the distance.

This cape sits at the easternmost point of Miyakojima and reaches about 2 km out into the sea. Remembering its long, narrow shape from the map, I was already excited to walk out where the sea would soon surround me. I left my car in the parking space and headed for the trail entrance.

Seasonal flowers, including tenno-ume and Easter lilies, bloom around the walking trail. At first, my attention was fixed on the lighthouse in the distance. But once I started walking, I began noticing the plants beside the path too. Part of me wanted to hurry to the end, and part of me wanted to take in everything along the way; before I knew it, my pace had slowed.

Every time the wind blew, my hair brushed against my shoulders, and I could hear the sea. From this cape, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea at once. It felt so much more expansive than I’d imagined from the words alone. I was glad to be walking toward the lighthouse I’d spotted earlier from the car park.

After the walk, I’d love to try Miyako soba on the island. Learning that Okinawa soba varies from region to region—in its noodles and toppings—makes me want to remember Miyakojima through its food as well as its scenery. When I get back to the car, I’ll find somewhere to try a bowl. I had something to look forward to from the first glimpse of the lighthouse that morning right through to lunch.