Takarajima

What it is

• The southernmost inhabited island in the Tokara archipelago with a population of 131 people.
• A small landmass of seven square kilometers surrounded by coral reefs.
• Site of an 1824 raid by British sailors that triggered a national isolationist edict.
• A location where ancient Jomon and Yayoi period pottery has been excavated.

What to see

• Extensive coral reefs surrounding the entire island coastline.
• A public school and a post office serving the local community.
• Subtropical landscapes that reportedly inspired legends of hidden pirate treasure.

When to go

• Avoid the heavy rain common during the subtropical summer months.

Getting there

• Take a ferry from Kagoshima Port for a thirteen hour journey.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.