Kunashir Island

What it is

• The second largest island in the Northern Territories, covering 1489 square kilometers.
• A territory claimed by Japan but under effective control by Russia since 1945.
• An area where sixty percent of the land is designated as a Russian nature reserve.
• A region historically named by the Ainu as either black island or grass island.

What to see

• Mount Chacha, the highest peak on the island reaching 1822 meters.
• Multiple active volcanoes and natural hot springs located across the landscape.
• The main administrative center and settlement of Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
• Views across the Nemuro Strait toward the coast of Hokkaido.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.