Ecotourism on the island of Mikurashima

Mikurashima

Mikurashima is an island located 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Takeshiba Wharf, and 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Miyakejima. The island is shaped like a bowl, and gives the impression of a forest bobbing up out of the water.

An abundance of cool, fresh water

The island is blessed with an abundance of cool, fresh water, which can be seen from the ocean, spilling down from the cliffs in a number of waterfalls.

Dolphins near Mikurashima

Several dozen dolphins also make their home in the area around the island. Mikurashima is famous for dolphin watching and swimming, but at the same time, bountiful nature is also alive on the island itself.

The forest, where ancient nature lives on

In the island's forest, nature has survived since ancient times. The forest is home to giant trees such as chinquapins, as well as the largest nesting site for streaked seawaters (Calonectris leucomelas) in the world.

A wide variety of plant life

There is a significant difference in altitude between the highest and lowest points on the island. As a result, many varieties of plant life exist on the same island. The environment, which is also home to endangered species of plants endemic to the island, has been protected and has survived to this day.