Kojima

What it is

• An uninhabited island located twenty-four kilometers off the coast of Matsumae in Hokkaido.
• A designated national natural monument that serves as a protected bird breeding ground.
• The southern tip of the island marks the southernmost point of Hokkaido.
• The land consists mostly of andesite rock with a peak reaching two hundred eighty-two meters.

What to see

• The unmanned Matsumae Kojima Lighthouse operated by the Japan Coast Guard.
• Itsukushima Shrine which remains on the island for local religious ceremonies.
• A fishing port that provides shelter for vessels in the surrounding waters.
• Diverse bird populations nesting across the one point five four square kilometer area.

When to go

• July 20th for the annual opening ceremony held at Itsukushima Shrine.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.