Boy Scouts of America Troop 110, learn history through hiking in Okinawa, Japan

OKINAWA, Japan – The Scouts of Troop 110 hiked through Yahuchi Cave, also known as Janeh Cave, a historical site in Okinawa, June 25, 2022

Archaeologists discovered the cave in 1959 and the artifacts within that dated back to 4500 BC.  The cave is located on Yabucki Jima in the Katsuren Peninsula, and the site is well respected by the local community as it is also a place of worship where Okinawans visit and pray.

“I really enjoyed visiting the cave as it was great to experience a part of real local history,” said Tristan Cornforth, a 1st class scout with Troop 110.  “I also enjoyed being adventurous and crawling through the cold and dark caves.”

The Scouts started their journey camping two nights at Naval Station White Beach and learning the history of the beach there. After the second night they proceeded to the trail head where they paused and discussed the history of the cave before hiking the trail.

“The size and scope of the cave was impressive,” said Cornforth. “We spent most of the day exploring deep in the cave tunnels and were able to view the prayer areas.”

“It was an incredible experience for the troop!”

Over the past year Troop 110 has camped at Okinawa Prefectural People’s Forest and Oppadake Forest and hiked through the Kunigami Forest.  The Troop routinely looks for opportunities to visit areas around Okinawa where the Scouts can integrate with the local community.

Troop 110 is made up of 10 Scouts ranging from ages 12-15 years old and conducts quarterly service projects and monthly outings in Okinawa.