Takarajima
Native name: Japanese: 宝島 | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | East China Sea |
| Coordinates | 29°08′N 129°12′E / 29.133°N 129.200°E |
| Archipelago | Tokara Islands |
| Area | 7.14 km2 (2.76 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 13.77 km (8.556 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 291.9 m (957.7 ft) |
| Highest point | Imakiradake |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Kagoshima Prefecture | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 124 (2024) |
| Pop. density | 16.25/km2 (42.09/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Japanese |
Takarajima (宝島), literally "treasure island", is one of the Tokara Islands, belonging to Kagoshima Prefecture. The island, 7.14 km² in area, had a population of 147 persons as of 2020 census data. The island can be reached only by boat as it has no airport, though there is a helipad that may be used in emergencies. There is regular ferry service to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland of Kyushu, and the city of Nase on the island of Amami Ōshima. Travel time to the mainland is about 13 hours while it is only about 3 hours to Amami. The islanders are dependent mainly on fishing and seasonal tourism.