Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
said that there is a larger number of cows. The island's overall shape is that of a well-formed
rectangle, not quite 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long and less than a mile (about 1 kilometer)
wide, but with an extension running out of the island's southwest point to Cape Omboza-
ki (
オンボ崎
; Ombo-zaki). Altogether, this gives the island an area of 1.6 square miles (4.20
square kilometers). Its circumference is 8 miles (13 kilometers). Takeshima's relatively long,
narrow neck plus an approximate 1,640 feet (500 meters) triangular protuberance in the
middle of its northern shore, combine to give it a rather unusual shape, somewhat resem-
bling that of a hummingbird or maybe a mosquito.
The approach to the triangular-shaped, cliff-ringed Takeshima or Bamboo Island.
The port is on the north shore, sandwiched into a natural bay partially formed by the
northern triangular cape. It's a small port, more a dock than anything else, with a few build-
ings and a cement factory. The port is used by the thrice weekly
Mishima
ferry out of Ka-
goshima. That schedule is described above. Just up the hill from the port is a very small vil-
lage, the only habitation on the island. There are two
minshuku
in Takeshima village. As is
almost always the case on these small islands, their owners will meet you at the harbor on
arrival and they include all your meals in their nightly rates.
Although there are no great mountains on Takeshima, it's not accurate to say that it is
flat, Rather, is it elevated, with an overall height ranging from 165 to 720 feet (50 to 220
meters) above sea level at its highest point. For the most part, it is ringed by cliffs. There are
no beaches.
There is one main road and it pretty well covers the island, running from end to end, east
to west, with just a couple of short side branches. Takeshima is almost entirely covered in
bamboo and there is no agriculture to speak of, only some cattle grazing in the north and
east. Although there is not too much happening on Takeshima, the island does have its own
natural beauty.
6
IŌJIMA
硫黄島
