Dana
Dana is the area that the people first began inhabiting. The hamlet is rich with folklore and holds rituals throughout the year. Unjami, the traditional sea rites of Ryukyu is a well-known event.

Golden rice fields –
a scenery beautiful and unique to Dana.

Rice paddies and morning mist of Dana
Iheya island is well-known as a rice-growing area. Dana is especially known for its rustic scenery of rice paddies, which is rare sight in remote islands of Okianwa. Morning mist appears from early May through the rainy season, like the breath of the entire island. A stunning sea of clouds can be seen when viewed from above.


Taking advantage of the mild weather of Iheya, some farmers have adopted the double cropping system. The first crop begins at  late June through early July, and the second crop is from late November through early December. 


The rice field starts to color and the misty mountain creates a fantastic morning view of Dana.  





Kubayama mountain and Sugahama beach
Kuba tree is a kind of Chinese fan palm, considered as sacred tree for the locals. Since there are a lots of Kuba trees are growing in the mountain, Kubayama has been considered as sanctuary for local community. There are beautiful beaches nearby, called Sugahama and Ufudou-no-hama. Shallow shore reef is like a natural, safe paddling pool for children.


Kumaya Bathing Beach
White sandy beach stretching in front of Kumaya Cave


On the way back down Mt. Kubayama, the beautiful blue ocean spreads before your eyes, and beyond that, the hills of Iheya can be seen.




Dana Shrine and Unjami
Heading to the hilly area of Dana, what you will see first at the top is Dana Shrine. Kami Ashiage and Noro Dunchi in an adjacent area are holy sites where the traditional sea rites, such as "Unjami" are held. Unjami is conducted on July 17th of the Chinese calendar.



Tuntuku
In Chinese writing, it reads as"Tudijun"
Tuntuku is a God of the soil, and also considered as a guardian for the agrarian society which the locals pray for good harvest. Located on a hilltop commanding a view of rice field below. People offer a prayer on February 2nd of the Chinese calendar during the rice planting season. Also a rain-seeking ritual is performed when water is scarse.




Water faucet placed at the side of Nakanogawa stream.
Nakanogawa is a small stream flowing through Dana hamlet. A water way is placed near the Nakanogawa that provides drinking water from the Shinjaga (water well) for local people. People of Dana raised funds in the past to install the water way. Now the water from this tap is indispensable for brewing tea and daily cooking.


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