Benten-jima (Wakkanai)
Japan · Asia
About
Benten-jima is a small deserted island west by northwest of Cape Sōya, Wakkanai, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is the northernmost piece of land under Japanese control. The island is 1 km (0.54 nmi) north of Sannai settlement. Another island called Hira-shima lies southeast of Benten-jima. Benten-jima is 0.5 hectares (1.2 acres) in area, its perimeter is roughly 500 metres (1, 600 ft), and its highest point is 20 metres (66 ft) above sea level. It is named after Benzaiten, once enshrined on the island. The wildlife includes many seabirds, Steller sea lions, kombu kelp, and sea urchins; it has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a large breeding colony of black-tailed gulls. According to local Ainu folklore, Benten-jima was considered the home of a spirit and connected with nearby Hira-shima in stories about marriage and supernatural treasures.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.