【National Designation：Historic Site】Sakishima Islands Hibanmui “Tomibansho (Lookout)” Kurima Tomi

Five (5) locations in Miyakojima City (Ikema, Karimata, Shimajiri, Kurima, Uruka)
These sites are lookouts points that functioned as observation and reporting (using beacon fire) stations, watching over the maritime traffic. They were established by the Ryukyu government controlled under the Satsuma Clan during the Edo period, during the time when the nation was closed to the outside world in 1644. Located at the westernmost point in the Ryukyu Archipelago, the Sakishima Islands directly face the tensions in the East China Seas, and therefore, these lookouts are significant sites as they complete the closure of the nation at the time from the outside world.
This lookout is formed with Ryukyu limestone, piled up about 3m in height, and there is a stone, direction indicator placed here. The lookout was reinforced by the former Japanese Army during the time of the Pacific War, and it has remained the way it is since. In the ages past, there was a guard on duty here, and when they spotted an official waiting at the opposite bank, the Yonaha Maehama, they would immediately report to the Bunmya, or the village guard, where they would send a boat to swiftly pick the official up.
　This lookout is formed with Ryukyu limestone, piled up about 3m in height, and there is a stone, direction indicator placed here. The lookout was reinforced by the former Japanese Army during the time of the Pacific War, and it has remained the way it is since. In the ages past, there was a guard on duty here, and when they spotted an official waiting at the opposite bank, the Yonaha Maehama, they would immediately report to the Bunmya, or the village guard, where they would send a boat to swiftly pick the official up.