Tokunoshima

Overview

Tokunoshima is an island lying near the center of the Amami archipelago in the Nansei Islands, with an area of about 247.77 square kilometers. Part of Ōshima District in Kagoshima Prefecture, it comprises the three municipalities of Tokunoshima, Isen, and Amagi. Well-developed limestone karst terrain gives rise to distinctive scenery such as natural sea caves and wave-cut platforms.

Highlights

• ●An island of about 247.77 square kilometers near the center of the Amami Islands
• ●Made up of the three towns of Tokunoshima, Isen, and Amagi
• ●Distinctive scenery of sea caves and wave-cut terraces from limestone karst
• ●A haven of rare endemic species inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site

History

Tokunoshima was historically under the rule of the Satsuma Domain and has belonged to Ōshima District in Kagoshima Prefecture. In recognition of its diversity of rare flora and fauna, it was inscribed on July 26, 2021 as a World Natural Heritage Site together with Amami-Ōshima, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island. Its developed limestone karst terrain has nurtured a distinctive natural environment.

Map

27.8200, 128.9322 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Set out from a gateway settlement toward a base for observing nature
2. 2Observe distinctive coastal landforms such as natural sea caves and wave-cut platforms
3. 3Explore the inland natural environment where limestone karst spreads
4. 4Learn about the World Natural Heritage environment where rare endemic species live

Did you know?

💡 As a haven of rare endemic species, Tokunoshima was inscribed in 2021 as one of the components of a World Natural Heritage Site.

Nearby spots