Okushiri Island is located in the waters of Honshu, Japan. The island has been designated a national park since 1972 and is known for its diversity of habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical rainforests. The island is also home to a large population of seabirds, including cormorants, gannets, terns, and frigate birds.
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History
The island has been inhabited by humans for over 8,000 years. The first settlers were the Jomon people who used Okushiri as a base for hunting and fishing. In AD 711, the powerful Satsuma clan of Japan established a settlement on the island and ruled it until 1879. After Japanese rule ended, the island was administered by various foreign governments until it became part of Japan in 1972.
Geography
The island is roughly rectangular in shape and has a total area of 117 square kilometers. It is separated from Honshu mainland by the Okushiri Channel, which reaches a depth of 18 meters at its deepest point. The coastline is mostly gentle, with only two noticeable peninsulas: one on the east side and another on the west side.
Ecosystem
Okushiri Island is a small island located about two hours south of Tokyo in the Inland Sea. The island has a total land area of about 4.5 square kilometers, of which about 2.8 square kilometers is permanently inhabited. The island’s population is around 1,300 people, with the majority of the population living in the larger town of Kurotaki.
The main economic activities on the island are agriculture (mainly dairy farming), tourism, and fishing. The main tourist attractions on the island are the Kurotaki Aquarium (which is home to over 2,000 marine animals) and Okushiri Island Botanical Garden (which contains more than 1,000 species of plants).
Population
The island’s population is almost entirely Japanese, with the exception of a small number of foreign residents.
Economy
The main economic activities on the island are agriculture (mainly dairy farming), tourism, and fishing. The main tourist attractions on the island are the Kurotaki Aquarium (which is home to over 2,000 marine animals) and Okushiri Island Botanical Garden (which contains more than 1,000 species of plants).
Climate
The climate of Okushiri Island is warm and humid. The average daytime temperature range is 18-29 degrees Celsius while the average nighttime temperature range is 15-24 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the island is from May to October when the average daily temperature is 25 degrees Celsius or above.
Culture and Religion
The culture of Okushiri Island is based largely on traditional Japanese values. The predominant religion on the island is Shintoism, which is closely related to Buddhist beliefs.
Languages
There are numerous languages spoken in Okushiri Island, but the main two are English and Japanese. English is the dominant language on the island, and it is generally used for communication between people of different ages, backgrounds, and professions. Japanese is also widely spoken and is used for various purposes, such as business transactions and education.
Education
Okushiri Island is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea, about 120 kilometers from Osaka. The island is famous for its hot springs, which are said to be an excellent cure for various ailments. The island also has a number of traditional festivals and events, including the Okushiri Island Lantern Festival, which takes place in October.
Politics
The politics of Okushiri Island are based largely on the Japanese Constitution and the laws of Japan. The island is part of Osaka Prefecture, which is one of the 47 prefectures in Japan.
Government Services
Most government services are provided on the mainland, but a number of specific services, such as health care and education, are only available on the island.
Tourism
Okushiri Island is a beautiful and tranquil place that is perfect for a vacation. With its crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and secluded beaches, it’s no wonder tourists are flocking to this island paradise. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions on Okushiri Island:
- The Miyako Waterfall – This waterfall is located in the Miyako Forest and is a popular spot for photos and hikes.
- The Hanazono Shrine – This shrine is located in the heart of the forest and houses an impressive statue of the Goddess of the Sea.
- The Okushiri Castle Ruins – This old castle was once home to a powerful family, and now it’s a popular spot for photo ops.
Hotels and Resorts List
There are a number of hotels and resorts on Okushiri Island, but the most popular option is likely to be the traditional Japanese inns. Here are a few options for visitors looking for accommodation:
- The Tensei Guest House – This guest house is located in the heart of Historical Miyako City and offers simple dorm rooms as well as private rooms.
- Koyama Koji’s Minami-Asoagiya Resort – This resort is located on the eastern side of the island and offers views of Mt. Haruna.
- The Okayama Inari Taisha – This shrine is located in the heart of Historical Miyako City, and it offers a variety of accommodation options, including rooms and suites.
Hotels and Resorts List
There are a number of attractions on Okushiri Island that can be enjoyed by tourists. These include the Miyako Waterfall, the Hanazono Shrine, and the Okushiri Castle Ruins.
Activities
Okushiri is a small island located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and serenity. The island is known for its many activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and kayaking. Some of the most popular attractions on the island are the Izu-Oshima National Park and Mount Myojin.
Transport
For tourists traveling to Okushiri Island, the most common option is likely to be riding a bus. There are frequent buses that travel between Shimane Prefecture and Miyako City on the island, and these can often be booked online.
Cuisine
There are a few different cuisines that are popular on Okushiri Island. One of the most popular is Okinawan cuisine. This cuisine is made up of a variety of dishes that are all influenced by the island’s diverse climate and soil. Some of the most popular Okinawan dishes include udon, donburi, and sukiyaki.
Another popular cuisine on the island is soba cuisine. Soba is a type of Japanese noodle that is usually served in a soup or salad style. Some of the more popular soba dishes include yakitori soba and miso soba.
There are also a number of restaurants that serve Japanese food, Thai food, Chinese food, and international cuisine. Whatever your mood or craving, you’re sure to find something to suit it at one of the island’s many restaurants!
Conclusion
Okushiri Island is a small, beautiful island located in Shimane Prefecture that is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy some peace and tranquility. With its many activities and restaurants, it’s easy to see why this island has become so popular among visitors from all over Japan and overseas.
FAQs:
1.Where Is Okushiri Island Located?
Ans. Okushiri Island is located in Shimane Prefecture, southeast of the mainland.
2.Is Okushiri Island Accessible By Plane?
Ans. No, currently there are no direct flights to Okushiri from anywhere in Japan. However, it is easily accessible by bus from Shimane Prefecture and Miyako City on the island.
3.What Are The Costs Of Traveling To Okushiri Island?
Ans. There are a lot of options when it comes to transportation to and from Okushiri Island, so it really depends on what you want to do while you’re there. However, some common costs for traveling between Shimane Prefecture and Miyako City on the island can range from around ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 per person.
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