【Sights】Pikyazu

The Pikyazu is a sinkhole with a round opening on the reef, and an arched underground tunnel connects the sinkhole with the ocean. It is like a small version of the “Tori-ike of Shimoji Island,” which is a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument. A folklore tells that a wooden pail dropped in an Urigaa (water well) in the city was found at the Pikyazu. It is believed that this may be the origin of its name, Pikyazu (or “connected”) through water vein. Another lore tells that Upudati Upudunu, the head of Miyako Island at that time, saw a young Nakasone Tuyumya (childhood name: Sorabyu) at the shore of this area distributing a haul of fish and was impressed by his intelligence. Upudati Upudunu provided education to Sorabyu, who later became the successor of Upudati Upudunu and governed the island.