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Overview
Kanmurijima is an uninhabited island floating in Wakasa Bay off the coast of Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture. A small island of about 0.22 square kilometers, it is renowned as a major breeding ground for streaked shearwaters and was designated a national natural monument in 1924. It has also been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Long an object of worship, the island enshrines Oitojima Shrine, making it a mysterious place where nature and prayer live side by side.
Highlights
- ●A major breeding ground for streaked shearwaters, a national natural monument since 1924
- ●Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International
- ●An island of faith enshrining Oitojima Shrine, with traces of ancient religious rites
- ●A seascape formed with Kutsujima about 2 km away and the Nakatsu-guri reef between
History
Kanmurijima is an island of faith that still bears traces of religious rites performed since ancient times. In the Oomoto religion it is treated as a sacred site together with the neighboring island of Kutsujima, and Kanmurijima has also been called Oshima, or Oitojima. In 1924 it was designated a national natural monument as a breeding ground for streaked shearwaters and has since been protected as a precious seabird sanctuary. About 2 kilometers away lies Kutsujima, and midway between the two islands rests a reef known as Nakatsu-guri.
Access
The island lies offshore of Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, within Wakasa Bay, at roughly 35.68 degrees north and 135.43 degrees east. It is uninhabited and is now designated as the Kanmurijima-Kutsujima wildlife protection area, so landing on the island is in principle prohibited. Visitors typically view it from aboard boats departing from Maizuru and elsewhere, and a recreational diving service is said to be available. Please be sure to confirm sailing conditions and rules through official information.
Best season
Streaked shearwaters breed on the island from spring through autumn, so this is the time to sense the life of the seabirds. For cruising or diving in Wakasa Bay, early summer through autumn, when the sea is calm and the climate mild, is recommended. As the Sea of Japan can grow rough in winter, take great care with the weather and sailing conditions if approaching by boat.
Map
35.6833, 135.4333 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head out into Wakasa Bay from the port of Maizuru to view Kanmurijima from the boat
- 2Reflect on the habitat of seabirds like the streaked shearwater and the island's history of faith
- 3Enjoy the underwater world of Wakasa Bay with a permitted diving service
- 4Return to Maizuru to savor the port town's seafood and nearby scenery
Did you know?
💡 Because landing is prohibited, the island itself is preserved as untouched nature. The streaked shearwater is a nocturnal seabird, and during the breeding season the island becomes a seabird sanctuary where countless birds gather. Its great appeal lies in combining a history as an island of faith with its value as a natural monument.
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