Maki Island

What it is

• A populated island located in the Yatsushiro Sea within Unzen-Amakusa National Park.
• The island name originates from a historic ranch owned by the Sumoto clan.
• The landscape contains geological strata dating back to the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods.
• Home to endangered species including the milky fiddler crab and diverse marine life.

What to see

• A three-hundred-year-old Ficus superba tree designated as a city natural monument.
• The Nakaseto Bridge which provides a physical connection to neighboring Goshoura Island.
• Fossil discovery sites where ammonites and Coryphodon remains have been unearthed.
• Local agricultural displays of citrus fruits such as the Dekopon variety.

When to go

• Visit during the summer months to attend the local island festival.
• The Shima-aji Marathon is held annually for runners and visitors.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.