Tokara Islands

#TokaraIslands

Tokara Islands (吐噶喇列島) are a remote cluster of 12 volcanic islands in southern Kagoshima Prefecture, nestled between Yakushima and Amami Ōshima in the Ryukyu chain .

Covering about 101 km², only seven islands are inhabited, with a total population of ~650 (2010) .

Key Islands

• Kuchinoshima: Northernmost and main ferry hub (6-hour ride from Kagoshima). Features Mount Maedake (~628 m), primeval forests, hot springs, and Japanese Black cattle .

• Nakanoshima: Largest (34 km²) and most populous (~167 people). Dominated by Mt. Otake (~979 m), with hot springs, observatory, museum—and home to the rare Tokara horse breed .

• Suwanosejima: Active volcano (~799 m). Frequent eruptions; abandoned in 1813 but resettled during the Meiji era .

• Tairajima: Tiny (2 km², ~90 residents), accessible via twice-weekly ferry. Known for Heike-no-ana cave—linked to Taira clan legends .

• Akusekijima: Sacred site hosting the UNESCO-registered Boze masked god festival, with unique coastal hot springs and sand baths .

• Kodakarajima: Miniature coral island (~1 km²) featuring dramatic limestone pinnacles and a natural hot bath, Yudomari Onsen .

• Takarajima: Heart-shaped “Treasure Island” (~7 km²), subtropical, ~114 people, with coral reefs and pirate lore. The island gave its name to the archipelago .

Culture & History

• Name origins: From Okinawan “tohara” (ocean), Ainu “tokap” (breast, referencing Megamiyama on Takarajima), or “takara” (treasure) .

• Cultural blend: Influences from both Ryūkyū and Yamato, with legends of fleeing Taira clan members in 1185 .

• Historic governance: Controlled by Satsuma (Shimazu), then under US military post–WWII (1946–52), later reinstated under Japanese administration .

• Sacred rituals: Akusekijima’s Boze festival involves masked gods chasing away evil, recognized by UNESCO .

Nature & Wildlife

• Volcanic activity: Continually seismic—especially near Kodakarajima and Suwanosejima—with earthquakes up to M5+ .

• Wildlife & conservation:

• Tokara horse – rare pony breed found originally on Takarajima, with ~100 horses living now on Nakanoshima .

• Important Bird Area – supports rare species like Japanese wood pigeons and Ryukyu robins .

Travel Tips

• Ferry Toshima connects these islands to Kagoshima 1–2 times weekly; travel times vary from 6 to 13 hours .

• Getting around: No roads for motor vehicles—travel is by foot or on footpath-connected local minshuku (guesthouses) .

• On-site experiences: Enjoy outdoor hot springs, coastal baths, Boze festival, snorkeling/diving (though few operators remain) .

• Daily life: Extremely rural. No shops or restaurants. Residents (including JET English teachers) rely on ferry-delivered groceries and endure occasional storm/eruption drills .

Is Tokara For You?

Ideal for travelers and researchers seeking:

• Volcanology & seismic research

• Undisturbed nature & birdwatching

• Cultural immersion (e.g., Boze festival, horse conservation)

• Off-grid adventure with minimal infrastructure

Summary

Tokara is Japan’s last remote paradise—a volcanic, lush, culturally rich archipelago with hot springs, seismic drama, endangered wildlife, and deep folkloric roots.

But it also demands patience, self-sufficiency, and a sense of adventure.

Would you like ferry schedules, travel logistics, or info about staying on a specific island?