Kitakojima

Overview

Kitakojima is one of the uninhabited islands of the Senkaku Islands. Administratively part of Tonoshiro Senkaku in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, it is under Japan's effective control, while the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) also claim sovereignty over it.

Highlights

• ●Its geographic position as part of the Senkaku Islands
• ●Its identity as a seabird habitat, reflected in the alternate name "Bird Island"
• ●The narrow strait lying between it and Minamikojima
• ●Terrain features on the island such as Lion Peak, Eagle Peak, Lotus Rock, and Kongming Rock

History

Kitakojima is also known as "Otorijima" ("Bird Island") for the many seabirds that live there, and together with the neighboring Minamikojima it is said to have been referred to by other names as well. In 2012, Japan's government organized the naming and status of the island and nearby islets as part of establishing reference points for its exclusive economic zone boundaries.

Map

25.7293, 123.5426 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Consult official materials and maps on the Senkaku Islands to understand their location
2. 2Learn about its administrative status as Tonoshiro Senkaku within Ishigaki City
3. 3Since general landing and visits aren't possible, follow published materials and news for the current situation
4. 4Study it alongside the surrounding islands through geographic and historical references

Did you know?

💡 Between Kitakojima and Minamikojima lies a narrow strait, roughly 150 meters long and 200 meters wide, said to have been used by Taiwanese fishing boats as shelter when the East China Sea turned rough. The island is also said to have rises of around 135 meters known as "Lion Peak" and "Eagle Peak," along with rock formations called "Lotus Rock" and "Kongming Rock."

Nearby spots