Yaeyama Tomidai Observatory

This watchtower is located due north of the Tarama Village Furusato Minzoku Gakushukan and northwest along the road from the Tsuchihara Ugan prayer site. Part of the Yaeyama Tomidai Observatory Park, the watchtower stands on a 33 meter-high spot, the highest point on Tarama Island. The Ryukyu limestone pedestal of the original watchtower, which is said to have been built in the 17th century for the purpose of monitoring the ships coming and going from the island, still exists. The modern concrete observation tower allows visitors to take in the sights of the island and to see as far as Ishigaki Island on clear days. It is one of the most scenically beautiful places on the island.