Tourist attraction • Ikenosawa, Minamidaito, Shimajiri District, Okinawa 901-3806, Japan
On Nishi Ojima Island, there used to be a dedicated railway line for transporting sugar cane. The remains of this line, which was laid on this small island, are still preserved, and one can catch a glimpse of the industrial scene of that time.
During the period when sugar cane cultivation was thriving, a dedicated track was laid to efficiently transport sugar cane from the plantations on the island. This train, known as the 'Shugart Train', was said to operate with connected freight and passenger cars. By walking along the tracks, one can feel as if they are glimpsing the industrial scenery of the past transcending time and space.
The track remains are most well-preserved along the roads in the Ike-no-sawa area. When looking around, one can catch a glimpse of the remains of the former staging ground. From the photos of the visitors, one can also feel the vestiges of the time.
The sugar cane train was an integral part of the island's important social infrastructure. By visiting the track remains, one can catch a glimpse of the lives and activities of the islanders. While reminiscing on the historical traces, why not enjoy one of the sceneries of Nishi Ojima Island?