Name: Ie Island (いえじま)
Location: Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Area: 22.77 km² / Perimeter: 23.6 km / Elevation: 172.2 m
Population: 4,320
Ai Island is located approximately 9 kilometers off the northwest coast of the main island of Okinawa. Paleolithic deer fossils and artifacts from the Jomon to Yayoi periods have been found here, earning the island recognition as a National Historic Landmark. It is a living witness to Japan's long history of exchange with the mainland.
Agriculture drives the local economy. The island of Aye is known for its chrysanthemums and high-quality tobacco leaves, while animal husbandry – particularly the famous Aye beef – flourishes. Recently, rum production has begun, giving visitors some new tastes to enjoy.
★ Mount Gusuku (172 m)
Local people call it "Ai Mata Hill" or "Ita Hill". Climb to the top and you'll have sweeping views of the Motobu Peninsula and surrounding islands. Formed by tectonic shifts, the younger rock layers lie above layers that are about 7,000 years older than the surrounding land. The Okinawan word "taichu" means "to stand tall", giving the mountain its name.
★ Three runways from above
The eastern strip is home to Ie Island Airport, while the other two are managed by the US military. Before World War II, the Japanese military built Okinawa's largest airfield here, making it a prime target during the Battle of Okinawa. The fighting was brutal, with 2,000 soldiers and 1,500 civilians reported killed. About a kilometer north of the port stands the "Tower of Souls", which honors the 3,500 lives lost. Even after Okinawa returned to Japan in 1972, one-third of the western part of the island remained a US training ground, closed to the public.
★ Waji spring
Fresh water flows from beneath coastal cliffs where waves crash, making it a rare and precious resource. Viewed from the top, the scenery is absolutely stunning.
★ Lilly Field Park
Every late April through May, the trumpet lily blooms in full glory. Crowds gather to celebrate the season at the annual "I Island Lily Festival".
★Nyatya Cave (Gama)
The "Power Stone" sits inside. Legend has it that women suffering from infertility can lift it to have a child, giving the cave sacred status. During the war, it served as an air raid shelter, earning it the nickname "thousand-man cave".
🏝️ Eye Island Country Club offers activities ranging from diving and fishing to golf. Local specialties include chrysanthemums, tobacco and sugarcane, giving visitors a taste of the island's heritage.
Transportation:
🚢 Ferries run from Motobu Port to Aye Island in about 30 minutes, with four daily departures. Additional trips are added during Golden Week, Obon, summer, New Year holidays and festival seasons.
