Ikema Island

What it is

• A 2.83 square kilometer island located 1.5 kilometers northwest of Miyako Island.
• A designated national wildlife protection area providing habitat for the Kishinoue's giant skink.
• A fishing community known for its local production of bonito flakes.
• A single landmass originally formed by two separate areas joined by sand.

What to see

• The Ikema Bridge connecting the island to the Miyako mainland.
• A lighthouse on the north coast that has operated since 1940.
• The Ikema Wetland which serves as a protected habitat for local wildlife.
• The Yabiji coral reef group located just north of the island.

When to go

• The Myakuzutsu festival is held annually during the ninth lunar month.

Getting there

• A public bus provides a direct connection from central Miyako Island.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.