Kitakojima

What it is

• An uninhabited island in the Senkaku Islands covering approximately 0.25 square kilometers.
• Incorporated into Japanese territory in 1895 and purchased by the government in 2012.
• A site claimed by Japan, China, and Taiwan, creating a complex political status.
• A protected area where albatross breeding was confirmed in 2001.

What to see

• The highest point of the island reaching an elevation of 125 meters.
• A simple lighthouse built by a political group in 1996.
• Views of the Isona Strait which separates the land from Minamikojima.
• The surrounding waters southeast of Uotsuri Island.

When to go

• Landing on the island requires explicit permission from the Japanese government.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.