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Yonaguni Monument: Japan's Underwater Mystery

Explore the enigmatic Yonaguni Monument, an underwater rock formation shrouded in mystery off the coast of Yonaguni Island, Japan.

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The Yonaguni Monument is a submerged rock formation off the coast of Yonaguni Island, Japan, stirring debate about its origins. Discovered in 1986, the site features unusual geometric structures, leading some to believe it's a man-made relic of a lost civilization, while others argue it's a natural formation shaped by the ocean's currents.

A brief summary to Yonaguni Monument

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 6:45 am-10:45 pm
  • Wednesday 6:45 am-10:45 pm
  • Thursday 6:45 am-10:45 pm
  • Friday 6:45 am-10:45 pm
  • Saturday 6:45 am-10:45 pm
  • Sunday 6:45 am-10:45 pm

Local tips

  • The waters around Yonaguni can have strong currents, so diving experience is recommended.
  • Visit during the winter months (November to May) for a chance to see hammerhead sharks.
  • Book diving tours in advance, as they include necessary equipment, boat transport, and experienced guides.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    To reach the Yonaguni Monument, you'll first need to get to Yonaguni Island. A ferry service operates twice a week from Ishigaki Island to Kubura Port on Yonaguni Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Be aware that the journey can be rough. Ferry tickets cost around ¥3,570 each way.

  • Flight

    Alternatively, you can fly to Yonaguni Airport (OGN) from Naha Airport (OKA) or Ishigaki Airport (ISG). Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC), a member of the JAL Group, operates these flights. The flight from Naha is about 75 minutes, while the flight from Ishigaki is around 30 minutes. Once on Yonaguni Island, diving centers are a taxi ride away. From the airport or Kubura Port, the dive sites are accessible by car or taxi. A taxi ride to a dive center will cost approximately ¥1,000-¥2,000.

  • Diving Tour

    The Yonaguni Monument is an underwater site, so the final approach involves a boat trip with a certified diving operator. Several dive operators on Yonaguni Island offer tours to the monument. These tours typically include equipment rental, boat transport to the site, and an experienced guide. Prices for certified divers start around ¥12,000, while introductory dives for beginners start around ¥20,000. Dives specifically to the underwater monument can cost around ¥30,000.

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Discover more about Yonaguni Monument

The Yonaguni Monument, also known as the Yonaguni Submarine Ruins, lies off the coast of Yonaguni Island, the westernmost island of Japan. This underwater rock formation has been a source of fascination and controversy since its discovery by a local diver, Kihachiro Aratake, in 1986. While seeking hammerhead sharks, Aratake noticed peculiar seabed formations that resembled architectural structures. The monument features massive, geometrically intriguing stone formations with sharp edges, straight lines, and terraced surfaces. The main structure measures approximately 150 by 40 meters and stands about 27 meters tall. Its top lies just 5 meters below the surface. Divers can explore features like two closely spaced pillars, a wide ledge surrounding the base, a stone column called the "Totem," and a triangular depression. Geologists and archaeologists continue to debate the origins of the Yonaguni Monument. Some, like marine geologist Masaaki Kimura, believe the formations are man-made monoliths, possibly dating back 10,000 years to a lost civilization. This theory suggests the monument could be a remnant of the mythical lost continent of Mu. Others argue that the monument is a natural rock formation shaped by tectonic forces and erosion over time. Regardless of its origins, the Yonaguni Monument remains a captivating dive site, attracting divers with its clear waters and the chance to explore this underwater mystery.

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